Alberta Advantage Immigration Program
The Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) is an economic immigration program that nominates people for permanent residence in Alberta. Nominees must have skills to fill job shortages or be planning to buy or start a business in Alberta. They must also be able to provide for their families. The program is run by the governments of Alberta and Canada.
If you are nominated through the program, you may apply for permanent residence status together with your spouse or common-law partner, and dependent children.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada manages applications for permanent residence. The federal government also makes final decisions on these applications.
Many of the programs at NAIT are eligible for the AAIP. Please review the program streams and the eligibility directly on the government AAIP website.
One Year Entry Level Certificates
Currently one-year entry level certificate programs are not eligible for the AAIP. International graduates from a one year entry level certificate program do qualify for a Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP) equivalent to the length of their program of study.
Trades and Alberta Advantage Immigration Program
International Students that apply to Trades programs at NAIT need to be aware of their ineligibility for the AAIP. Apprentices that have not completed their journeyperson certificate are not currently eligible to apply for AAIP. Based on the length of time it takes to complete your apprenticeship hours and become a journeyperson, you will not be able to achieve this in the three years on your Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).
One Year International Professional Development Certificates
Currently one-year International Professional Development certificate programs are not eligible for the AAIP. International graduates from a one year entry level certificate program do qualify for a Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP) equivalent to the length of their program of study.
Program success
International students can still successfully take Trade Certificate and Diploma programs. Graduates from these programs can qualify for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). Students who complete a Trade Diploma may be able to register as an apprentice in a skilled trade. Additionally, graduates of trade programs may be eligible for the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) through Express Entry.
Questions?
If you have questions about your study options, please contact an International Academic Advisor by submitting an Immigration inquiry on the contact form.