The Government of Alberta has announced changes to the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program, aiming to increase the number of skilled workers in the province, April 3, 2023. (Photo: Paulbradyphoto | Dreamstime.com)

By David Opinko/LethbridgeNewsNOW

Alberta expanding economic immigration program

Apr 3, 2023 | 12:48 PM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – The Government of Alberta said it is making it easier for in-demand workers and entrepreneurs to become permanent residents.

The province has announced a few changes to the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP).

Premier Danielle Smith said the changes will help Alberta to become more competitive by attracting skilled workers from around the world.

“Alberta is a land of opportunity. In our province, you can find the career you want, take home a strong and regular paycheque, and still spend time with family and friends,” said Smith. “Not only do people around the world want to come here, we want them to come here to be a part of our communities and our prosperity, and help Alberta continue to grow and succeed.”

The province is creating a new stream under the AAIP for front-line healthcare workers. Up to 30 per cent of Alberta’s Express Entry Stream allocation in 2023 will be reserved for healthcare professionals who have a job offer from a health employer in Alberta.

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For the Rural Entrepreneur Stream, the investment threshold is being lowered to $100,000. According to the government, this will open the door to more qualified entrepreneurs who wish to establish or purchase a business in participating communities.

A change to the Rural Renewal Stream means that skilled workers will no longer be required to have a letter from a settlement agency in order to be considered for entry into Alberta.

A new phone line will be created to directly connect AAIP staff with clients, while the province will collaborate more closely with the federal Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot.

Business Council of Alberta president Adam Legge said the changes announced by the province will help businesses across Alberta to thrive.

“These policy changes are aimed squarely at filling needed skills gaps, boosting vibrancy in rural communities, and creating more economic opportunity for refugees,” said Legge. “We applaud these moves to enhance economic immigration in a way that is responsive to specific provincial needs.”

According to a media release from the Alberta government, there are currently about 100,000 job openings across the province. It is expected that there will be a cumulative job shortage of approximately 33,100 workers by 2025.

The province recently announced that it would by increasing the number of economic immigrants it admits over the next three years.

Medicine Hat (including: County of Forty Mile, Cypress County, Town of Bow Island, Town of Redcliff) and Brooks (including: Town of Bassano, Village of Duchess, County of Newell, Village of Rosemary) participate in the program under the Rural Renewal and Entrepreneur Streams.

Other southern Alberta communities in the AAIP include Claresholm, Taber and Coaldale.