Since August 23, 2010, the Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP) is no longer accepting new applications in the Family Stream and the U.S. Visa Holder category. The Government of Alberta has indicated that this change is temporary until further notice.

These programs were introduced in 2008 to help Alberta build a strong workforce of skilled immigrants.

The U.S Visa Holder category was a unique program destined to attract candidates legally working in the United States on a temporary skilled worker visa. Through this process, AINP was tapping into the temporary skilled worker labour force of the Unites States to strengthen Alberta’s permanent labour force.

The Family Stream category allowed family members of Alberta residents to immigrate to Canada through a program which was much broader than the federal Family Class sponsorship.

The Minister of Employment and Immigration, Thomas Lukaszuk said that their “focus needs to be on jobs for Albertans and Canadians first.” The federal government limits the number of people Alberta can nominate for permanent residence. In 2010 Alberta is allowed to nominate 5,000 people. With limited numbers, Alberta’s focus will be on nominating people who currently work in permanent jobs and those who have job offers in occupations that are in demand in Alberta.

However, Alberta will continue accepting immigration applications in the following areas: Skilled Workers, Semi-skilled Workers (in certain occupations), International Students, Compulsory Trades, Engineering Occupations, and Self-employed Farmers.