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?
- Who Can Apply for the Alberta Opportunity Stream?
- 1. Legal Residency and Work Authorization
- 2. Job Offer Requirements
- 3. Work Experience Requirements
- 4. Language Requirements
- 5. Education Requirements
- 6. Occupation Requirements
- How to Apply: Step-by-Step
- Benefits of the Alberta Opportunity Stream
- Why Choose Alberta?
- Need Help with Your Application?
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:
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Are already integrated into Alberta’s workforce
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Hold a valid job offer in an eligible occupation
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Wish to live and work in Alberta long term
Who Can Apply for the Alberta Opportunity Stream?
You must meet several eligibility requirements at two stages:
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When you submit your application
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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:
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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.
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Be authorized to work under one of the following:
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A positive LMIA (Labour Market Impact Assessment)
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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)
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If your work permit is not one of the accepted types, you are not eligible to apply.
🚫 Ineligible Applicants
You cannot apply if:
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You are a refugee claimant, or in removal/deportation processes.
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You are a temporary resident working in a province other than Alberta.
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You do not have valid temporary resident status in Canada.
2. Job Offer Requirements
You must have a job offer from an Alberta employer that meets all of the following:
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Full-time (at least 30 hours/week)
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Continuous and paid
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For 12 months or longer
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In your current occupation
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In an eligible occupation under Alberta’s approved list
Job offers are not eligible if you:
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Work part-time or on contract
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Are self-employed or run a home-based business
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Work remotely or outside of Alberta
3. Work Experience Requirements
You must be working in the same occupation as your job offer and must show relevant work experience.
General Applicants:
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12 months full-time work experience in Alberta (within the last 18 months), OR
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24 months full-time work experience in Canada or abroad (within the last 30 months)
PGWP Holders:
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6 months full-time work experience in Alberta
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Experience must be related to your field of study in Alberta
Your work must:
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Be in the same occupation as listed on your application
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Be authorized by IRCC (you had legal work status)
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Be full-time (minimum 30 hrs/week)
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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)
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 3 | CLB 5 |
| TEER 4 or 5 | CLB 4 |
| NOC 33102 (e.g., nurse aides) | CLB 7 |
Accepted tests:
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CELPIP – General
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IELTS – General Training
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TEF Canada (French)
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TCF Canada (French)
Tests must be taken within 2 years of submitting your application.
5. Education Requirements
At minimum, you must have:
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A Canadian high school diploma or
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If educated outside Canada, submit an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) from a recognized organization (e.g., WES)
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You don’t need an ECA if:
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You have a Canadian diploma/degree from a recognized school
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You hold an Alberta trade certificate from Apprenticeship and Industry Training (AIT)
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PGWP Holders (Graduates in Alberta)
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Must have completed a program at an Alberta Advanced Education approved public institution
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Must have a minister-approved credential, such as:
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Post-diploma/post-baccalaureate certificate (1 year minimum)
- 2-year diploma, bachelor’s degree, or graduate credential
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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.
6. Occupation Requirements
You must be:
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Working in an eligible occupation in Alberta.
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Your current job at the time of application must match:
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Your job offer, and
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Your recent work experience
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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:
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Real estate agents
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Taxi drivers
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Fire chiefs
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Musicians and performers
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Home childcare providers (unless certified)
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Seasonal, part-time, or virtual jobs
Full List of Ineligible Occupations:
| NOC code (2021) | NOC TEER category | Occupation |
|---|---|---|
| 00010 | 0 | Legislators |
| 40021 | 0 | School principals and administrators of elementary and secondary education |
| 40030 | 0 | Managers in social, community and correctional services |
| 40041 | 0 | Fire chiefs and senior firefighting officers |
| 60040* | 0 | Escort agency managers, massage parlour managers |
| 41100 | 1 | Judges |
| 41220 | 1 | Secondary school teachers |
| 41221 | 1 | Elementary school and kindergarten teachers |
| 51111 | 1 | Authors and writers (except technical) |
| 51122 | 1 | Musicians and singers |
| 42200* | 2 | Justices of the peace |
| 42202* | 2 | Early 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) |
| 43100 | 3 | Elementary and secondary school teacher assistants |
| 43109 | 3 | Other instructors |
| 53121 | 3 | Actors, comedians and circus performers |
| 53122 | 3 | Painters, sculptors and other visual artists |
| 53124 | 3 | Artisans and craftspersons |
| 53200 | 3 | Athletes |
| 63101 | 3 | Real estate agents and salespersons |
| 33100* | 3 | Dental laboratory assistants/bench workers |
| 44100 | 4 | Home child care providers |
| 44101 | 4 | Home support workers, caregivers and related occupations |
| 64321 | 4 | Casino occupations |
| 55109 | 5 | Other performers |
| 65109 | 5 | Other sales related occupations |
| 65211 | 5 | Operators and attendants in amusement, recreation and sport |
| 65229 | 5 | Other support occupations in personal services |
| 65329 | 5 | Other service support occupations |
| 75200 | 5 | Taxi and limousine drivers and chauffeurs |
| 85101 | 5 | Harvesting labourers |
| 85102 | 5 | Aquaculture and marine harvest labourers |
| 85104 | 5 | Trappers and hunters |
| 85110 | 5 | Mine labourers |
| 85121 | 5 | Landscaping 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. | ||
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:
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Job offer or employment contract
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Work permit
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Proof of work experience (e.g., pay stubs, reference letters)
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Language test results
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ECA (if applicable)
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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.
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.
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.
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.
