Changes to the Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP)

FYI : AINP is changing in Jan 2018 – see below and attached link for details of new Opportunity stream. Good news is that NOC D jobs are being accepted (as long as they are not listed on ineligible occupation list) and AINP is opening up to Express Entry.  However, all applicants will now need a language test and minimum work experience requirements.
Effective January 2, 2018, the AINP will be making changes to its streams. The AINP will reduce the number of streams available. These changes will simplify application processes, reduce wait times, and make it more fair for applicants across all sectors and industries in Alberta. The AINP will also be more responsive to emerging labour market needs while supporting the goal of building a skilled, permanent workforce and a more diversified economy.

As of January 2, 2018, the AINP will accept applications under two streams: the newAlberta Opportunity Stream and the Self-Employed Farmer Stream. The Alberta Opportunity Stream will replace the Employer-Driven Stream and Strategic Recruitment Stream. Complete applications for the Employer-Driven Stream and Strategic Recruitment Stream postmarked on or before January 1, 2018, will be accepted for processing and those already in queue for processing will be assessed under the eligibility criteria that was in place at the time the application was received.
The AINP will also have an Alberta Express Entry stream operational in January 2018. This will allow Alberta to nominate a limited number of qualified applicants from the Government of Canada’s Express Entry system.