Effective October 1, 2020, candidates applying to the Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP) can apply online except for applications to the Self-Employed Farmer Stream. Candidates applying in the Alberta Express Entry Stream must receive authorization from AINP to access the portal.

The AINP portal was designed to make immigration applications easier. Candidates receive tips on how to enter data, a customized list of documents and can save a draft application to complete their application at another time. The system does an initial assessment on eligibility to make sure candidates who clearly do not meet basic criteria do not waste time and money submitting an application.

In addition, some of the other changes are:

Application fees

All applications submitted using the AINP online portal on or after October 1, 2020 will have to pay $500 as a processing fee. The application fee is non-refundable once an application has been submitted. The fee covers the cost of processing the application and is required whether a nomination certificate is issued or not.

Candidates who submitted an Alberta Opportunity Stream and Express Entry Stream application by mail on or before October 1, 2020 do not have to pay the processing fee.

Applications mailed after October 1, 2020 to the Self-Employed Farmer Stream must pay the fee.

Post-decision services fees

All requests for post-decision services must now be emailed.

The AINP is now charging a fee for post-decision services, including requests for reconsideration, nomination extensions and nominee requests for 204(c) Letters of Support. All fees are paid online.

204(c) Letters of Support will no longer be issued with a nomination and must be requested by the nominee. Nominees who have a written request from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for a 204(c) Letter of Support do not need to pay the service fee.

The fee covers the cost of processing request and is required even if it is determined you are not eligible to have your decision reconsidered or that you are not eligible to receive a nomination extension or 204(c) Letter of Support. Refunds will only be provided for requests for reconsideration where the original decision to decline an application is overturned. All other service fees are non-refundable.

Changes to COVID-19 measures

AINP has made some changes to some temporary COVID-19 application and processing adjustments.

• Incomplete applications will no longer be accepted. Incomplete applications mailed on or after October 1, 2020 or submitted in the online portal will be declined.

• Alberta Opportunity Stream (AOS) and Alberta Express Entry Stream applications must be completed using the new AINP online portal. Only Self-Employed Farmer Stream applicants will continue to mail their applications. Only additional information or application updates can be submitted by email.

• All candidates who have lost their job after submitting an application to the AINP, regardless of the date they applied, as well as all nominees, will have up to 6 months (180 days) from the time their application is assessed to find employment that meets AINP criteria. Candidates must meet employment requirements at the time an application is submitted or mailed. AINP will advise by email when an application is put on hold. This change provides more opportunity to meet AINP employment criteria and extends the time to find employment by up to 4 months for candidates and nominees. Previously, nominees and select candidates were given up to 60 days to find qualifying employment.

Application updates now submitted by email

All candidates, including those who applied by mail, will send their application updates by email. This includes informing the AINP about:

• corrections or updates to information or documents in an application

• updates to employment status, immigration status, contact information, family composition

• updates to use of a third-party representative

• application withdrawal

AINP stated that the online portal is only accessible to the individual applying, they can, however, share the application with a representative by printing a copy of the preview.