Alberta Accelerated Tech Pathway
Alberta Accelerated Tech Pathway is a fast-track immigration program for tech workers. Launched in January 2022, the program allows tech workers from both inside and outside Canada apply for permanent residence and obtain the same within just six months.
To be eligible under the program, the candidates must have job offer in an in-demand tech industry occupation. To those who have been selected under program, the government of Alberta also offers a letter of support, if they require a work permit to work in Alberta until their permanent residence application is processed.
The Accelerated Tech Pathway is aligned to Alberta’s Express Entry stream. So, only those candidates who already have an Express Entry profile will be considered under the program. Before applying under the pathway, candidates must make sure that they have eligible level of work experience in any one of the 38 eligible occupations under Accelerated Tech Pathway.
A positive factor about Alberta Accelerated Tech Pathway is that no language or minimum education requirements are listed for this pathway.
Eligible Occupations under Alberta Accelerated Tech Pathway
00012 | Senior managers – financial, communications and other business services |
10011 | Human resources managers |
10022 | Advertising, marketing and public relations manager |
10030 | Telecommunication carriers manager |
11200 | Human resources professionals |
11202 | Professional occupations in advertising, marketing and public relations |
12101 | Human resources and recruitment officers |
20010 | Engineering managers |
20011 | Architecture and science managers |
20012 | Computer and information systems managers |
21210 | Mathematicians, statisticians and actuaries |
21211 | Data scientists |
21220 | Cyber security specialists |
21221 | Business system specialists |
21222 | Information systems specialists |
21233 | Web designers |
21223 | Database analysts and data administrators |
21231 | Software engineers and designers |
21230 | Computer systems developers and programmers |
21232 | Software developers and programmers |
21234 | Web developers and programmers |
21300 | Civil engineers |
21301 | Mechanical engineers |
21310 | Electrical and electronics engineers |
21311 | Computer engineers (except software engineers and designers) |
22110 | Biological technologists and technicians |
22212 | Drafting technologists and technicians |
22220 | Computer network and web technicians |
22221 | User support technicians |
22222 | Information systems testing technicians |
22301 | Mechanical engineering technologists and technicians |
22302 | Industrial engineering and manufacturing technologists and technicians |
22310 | Electrical and electronics engineering technologists and technicians |
32120 | Medical laboratory technologists |
32129 | Other medical technologists and technicians |
33101 | Medical laboratory assistants and related technical occupations |
41402 | Business development officers and market researchers and analysts |
50011 | Managers – publishing, motion pictures, broadcasting and performing arts |
51120 | Producers, directors, choreographers and related occupations |
52120 | Graphic designers and illustrators |
60010 | Corporate sales managers |
72200 | Electricians (except industrial and power system) |
72201 | Industrial electricians |
72205 | Telecommunications equipment installation and cable television service technicians |
Applying for permanent residence under Alberta Accelerated Pathway
As this is a pathway under Alberta Express Entry stream, the candidate must have met all the eligibility requirements for the stream. One cannot apply directly under Alberta Accelerated Pathway. If they are eligible, Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) will select them from the federal Express Entry pool and send them an invitation to apply for provincial nomination.
Basic eligibility requirements
- An active Express Entry profile
- It is ideal if you have a CRS score above 300
- The candidate must either be working in Alberta at the time of application or must have a full-time job offer from an Alberta employer
- If the candidate is currently working in Alberta, they must have a valid immigration status in Alberta
- Be eligible under one of the federal economic immigration programs managed under Express Entry
- Work experience in an occupation in demand.
- Intent to live and work in Alberta permanently
- Your primary occupation is not on the list of Alberta Opportunity Stream Ineligible Occupations
- You should not have an active nomination under any other AAIP stream
Factors that may give you priority
- You have a better chance of receiving a Notification of Interest if you have:
- Graduated from a Canadian post-secondary institution
- Your close family members residing in Alberta
- French as your first language
- More than five months validity for your Express Entry profile
Ineligible candidates
The following categories of candidates are ineligible to apply for provincial nomination under AAIP:
- Part-time, casual or seasonal employees
- Independent contractors or temporary agency workers
- Employees who are not based in Alberta, like those who work online
The Alberta Advantage Immigration Program will select candidates who were found to be eligible under the Accelerated Tech pathway and issue them a Notification of Interest to apply for a provincial nomination. Those who have received the letter may send a copy of the same along with additional information to the AAIP by email within two weeks of receiving the information. After receiving your response, the AAIP may ask for some additional information. After that, they will send you an email with a link inviting you to apply.
The application will be processed in an accelerated pace and those who receive a provincial nomination will have 600 additional Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score points added to their CRS score. This will guarantee them an invitation to apply for permanent residence in a subsequent federal Express Entry draw.
Technology jobs in Alberta
Alberta is one of the most attractive destinations for immigrants and the technology sector of the province is witnessing an unprecedented growth. As per the 2021 Alberta Technology Deal Flow Study, the tech sector of the province has witnessed a 233% growth since 2012. But the province does not have enough technologically skilled labour force to cater to the growing demand for tech workers. Alberta has more than 3000 technology companies, which means tech workers with work experience and skills have plenty of opportunities in the province.
Are you a tech worker? Do you wish to immigrate to Canada and explore the promising caree opportunities that await you in the country? If yes, the ideal thing for you to do is to create an Express Entry profile. Express Entry is a better and faster immigration pathway for tech workers. Do you need assistance to create an Express Entry profile? The well experienced Canada immigration experts of CanApprove are here to help you. Contact us now!