TFW Certified in Alberta Trades can now apply for Permanent Residency

Effective immediately, skilled temporary foreign workers with certification in Alberta’s optional trades can apply directly to Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP) for permanent residency instead of having their employers nominate them. To be able to cope with the coming labor shortages as the economies in different countries dictate higher demands for people with the same skills, Alberta is in need of skilled workers who can live in the province permanently.

This new policy will allow Alberta to nominate qualified tradespeople in in demand occupations. In 2011, Alberta can only nominate 5,000 people since the federal government limits the number of nominations that the province can put forth.

Presently, there are 50 designated trades- 31 of which are in the optional trades and 19 fall under compulsory trades- See List. For details on how to qualify for AINP Optional Trades Category, Click Here.

This change will simplify the process for temporary foreign workers from both trades in applying for permanent residency.