Alberta Opportunity Stream (AOS)

Immigrate to Alberta as a Skilled Worker

Your Path to Permanent Residency in Alberta

The Alberta Opportunity Stream (AOS) provides a straightforward and accessible immigration pathway for foreign workers and Alberta graduates who are already living and working in Alberta. As part of the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP), this stream is designed to help skilled workers transition from temporary to permanent residence while supporting Alberta’s labor market needs.

Whether you’re employed in construction, retail, healthcare, or tech, AOS is your chance to build a stable future in one of Canada’s most opportunity-rich provinces.

🟢 [Apply Now – Start Your Alberta Journey]

Table of Contents


What Is the Alberta Opportunity Stream?

The Alberta Opportunity Stream allows qualified foreign workers and post-graduation work permit holders already working full-time in Alberta to apply for a provincial nomination for permanent residency. If nominated, you can apply for PR through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

This stream is ideal for those who:

  • Are already integrated into Alberta’s workforce

  • Hold a valid job offer in an eligible occupation

  • Wish to live and work in Alberta long term

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Who Can Apply for the Alberta Opportunity Stream?

You must meet several eligibility requirements at two stages:

  1. When you submit your application

  2. When Alberta reviews your application

Below are the categories you must meet:


1. Legal Residency and Work Authorization

To be eligible for the Alberta Opportunity Stream, you must:

  • Live in Alberta at the time of applying.

  • Have a valid temporary resident status in Canada that authorizes you to work (i.e., a valid work permit).
  • Your work permit must not be under implied status (status maintained) or restoration status.
  • Be authorized to work under one of the following:

    • A positive LMIA (Labour Market Impact Assessment)

    • An LMIA-exempt permit (e.g., Intra-Company Transfer, International Agreements)

    • Open Work Permits, such as:
      • For vulnerable workers (e.g., abuse situations)
      • For family members of vulnerable workers
      • Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) – only for graduates of an Alberta public post-secondary institution (must meet specific education and job alignment criteria)
      • Temporary IRCC public policy permits (e.g., Ukraine emergency travel, Hong Kong pathway, wildfire exceptions)

If your work permit is not one of the accepted types, you are not eligible to apply.

🚫 Ineligible Applicants

You cannot apply if:

  • You are a refugee claimant, or in removal/deportation processes.

  • You are a temporary resident working in a province other than Alberta.

  • You do not have valid temporary resident status in Canada.

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2. Job Offer Requirements

You must have a job offer from an Alberta employer that meets all of the following:

  • Full-time (at least 30 hours/week)

  • Continuous and paid

  • For 12 months or longer

  • In your current occupation

  • In an eligible occupation under Alberta’s approved list

Job offers are not eligible if you:

  • Work part-time or on contract

  • Are self-employed or run a home-based business

  • Work remotely or outside of Alberta

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3. Work Experience Requirements

You must be working in the same occupation as your job offer and must show relevant work experience.

General Applicants:

  • 12 months full-time work experience in Alberta (within the last 18 months), OR

  • 24 months full-time work experience in Canada or abroad (within the last 30 months)

PGWP Holders:

  • 6 months full-time work experience in Alberta

  • Experience must be related to your field of study in Alberta

Your work must:

  • Be in the same occupation as listed on your application

  • Be authorized by IRCC (you had legal work status)

  • Be full-time (minimum 30 hrs/week)

  • Not be from unpaid internships or co-op terms (except if you’re a PGWP holder and the co-op was paid, full-time, and in Alberta)

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4. Language Requirements

You must take an approved language test in English or French and meet the following minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) levels:

Job Type (TEER Category)CLB Required
TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3CLB 5
TEER 4 or 5CLB 4
NOC 33102 (e.g., nurse aides)CLB 7

Accepted tests:

  • CELPIP – General

  • IELTS – General Training

  • TEF Canada (French)

  • TCF Canada (French)

Tests must be taken within 2 years of submitting your application.

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5. Education Requirements

At minimum, you must have:

  • A Canadian high school diploma or

  • If educated outside Canada, submit an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) from a recognized organization (e.g., WES)

    • You don’t need an ECA if:

      • You have a Canadian diploma/degree from a recognized school

      • You hold an Alberta trade certificate from Apprenticeship and Industry Training (AIT)

PGWP Holders (Graduates in Alberta)

  • Must have completed a program at an Alberta Advanced Education approved public institution

  • Must have a minister-approved credential, such as:

    • Post-diploma/post-baccalaureate certificate (1 year minimum)

    • 2-year diploma, bachelor’s degree, or graduate credential
  • If your credential started before April 1, 2019, some entry-level certificates (1-year) may also qualify

Institution-approved (non-credit or continuing education) credentials are not accepted.

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6. Occupation Requirements

You must be:

  • Working in an eligible occupation in Alberta.

  • Your current job at the time of application must match:

    • Your job offer, and

    • Your recent work experience

Eligible Occupations

Most occupations under the NOC 2021 TEER categories 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 are eligible.

Ineligible Occupations

Some jobs are not accepted under the Alberta Opportunity Stream. These include:

  • Real estate agents

  • Taxi drivers

  • Fire chiefs

  • Musicians and performers

  • Home childcare providers (unless certified)

  • Seasonal, part-time, or virtual jobs

Full List of Ineligible Occupations:

NOC code (2021)NOC TEER categoryOccupation
000100Legislators
400210School principals and administrators of elementary and secondary education
400300Managers in social, community and correctional services
400410Fire chiefs and senior firefighting officers
60040*0Escort agency managers, massage parlour managers
411001Judges
412201Secondary school teachers
412211Elementary school and kindergarten teachers
511111Authors and writers (except technical)
511221Musicians and singers
42200*2Justices of the peace
42202*2Early childhood educators who do not have certification through Alberta Children's Services – Child Care Staff Certification Office or who have been certified as Level 1 Early Childhood Educator (formerly Child Development Assistant)
431003Elementary and secondary school teacher assistants
431093Other instructors
531213Actors, comedians and circus performers
531223Painters, sculptors and other visual artists
531243Artisans and craftspersons
532003Athletes
631013Real estate agents and salespersons
33100*3Dental laboratory assistants/bench workers
441004Home child care providers
441014Home support workers, caregivers and related occupations
643214Casino occupations
551095Other performers
651095Other sales related occupations
652115Operators and attendants in amusement, recreation and sport
652295Other support occupations in personal services
653295Other service support occupations
752005Taxi and limousine drivers and chauffeurs
851015Harvesting labourers
851025Aquaculture and marine harvest labourers
851045Trappers and hunters
851105Mine labourers
851215Landscaping and grounds maintenance labourers
*This National Occupation Classification (NOC) code consists of both eligible occupations and ineligible occupations. The ‘Occupation’ column specifies which occupations are ineligible for each NOC Code listed.

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How to Apply: Step-by-Step

Step 1: Review Your Eligibility

Make sure you meet the criteria above. Check your NOC code and job classification.

Step 2: Gather Your Documents

Prepare the following:

  • Job offer or employment contract

  • Work permit

  • Proof of work experience (e.g., pay stubs, reference letters)

  • Language test results

  • ECA (if applicable)

  • Proof of settlement funds (if requested)

Step 3: Submit Application Online

Apply through the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program Portal
Application Fee: CAD $500 (non-refundable)

Step 4: Wait for Nomination

If approved, you will receive a nomination certificate from Alberta (valid for 6 months).

Step 5: Apply for Permanent Residency

Use your nomination to apply through IRCC’s Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).
Processing can take 6–12 months depending on IRCC timelines.

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Benefits of the Alberta Opportunity Stream

Path to Permanent Residency
Get nominated by Alberta and apply for Canadian PR with added credibility.

Keep Your Job
Stay with your Alberta employer in a stable, full-time role.

Family Support
Your spouse and children can come with you, work, and study in Canada.

Better Life in Alberta
Enjoy a lower cost of living, beautiful scenery, and growing industries in cities like Edmonton and Calgary.

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Why Choose Alberta?

Alberta is a province with strong job markets, welcoming communities, and natural beauty. From the Rocky Mountains to world-class cities, it offers both career opportunities and a high quality of life.

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Need Help with Your Application?

Our team at Ghasedak Immigration Services is here to support you at every step. We’ll review your eligibility, prepare your documents, and ensure a strong application.