Government of Alberta launches new immigration pathway for tech professionals

On Jan. 13, 2022, the Government of Alberta announced a new permanent residence pathway – the Accelerated Tech Pathway – with the goal of attracting tech talent from around the world to settle in Alberta.

The Accelerated Tech Pathway is one of the Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program's ("AINP") Express Entry ("EE") based programs, where candidates may be selected for expedited processing if they are currently working for, or have a job offer with, an Alberta-based tech industry employer in one of the 38 eligible tech occupations. The list of eligible occupations is broad and can be found here.

Upon selection by the AINP, candidates will be invited to submit an application for nomination to the AINP to demonstrate meeting minimum eligibility criteria. The following are the minimum eligibility criteria:

• Candidates have an active EE profile in the federal EE pool, and have a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System score of 300;
• Candidates have met the criteria of at least one of the three federal immigration economic programs, including Canadian Experience Class, Federal Skilled Worker Program and Federal Skilled Trades Program;
• The primary occupation in the federal EE profile is the same occupation as the current Alberta employment or job offer and is in an occupation on the list of eligible Accelerated Tech Pathway occupations;
• Candidates have a current Alberta employment contract or job offer on a full-time basis for an employment period of 12 months or more;
• Candidates intend to live and work in Alberta; and
• Candidates have valid immigration status, if candidates are working in Alberta for the Alberta employer at the time of AINP application.

Upon completion of the AINP nomination application, candidates will go into a pool for consideration. Once candidates are nominated by the AINP, an additional 600 points will be awarded to the candidate's current EE profile and candidates will likely be invited to apply under the federal EE as a Provincial Nominee.

Gowling WLG focus

As there continues to be a rising demand for high skilled tech professionals in Alberta and across Canada, there are a variety of programs and opportunities for both temporary (work permit) and permanent based immigration for high skilled tech professionals. We recommend that you reach out to a member of the Gowling WLG Immigration Group to consider the best options for your company or your personal circumstances.