The Employer Toolkit contains labour supply and demand forecasts, as well as industry profiles and labour market statistics that you can use to research the Alberta labour market.

Visit or contact your local Alberta Works office and connect with a Business and Industry Liaison or a Career and Employment Consultant for help with workforce issues. View Alberta Employment and Immigration Office Locations for office locations. Staff can arrange a hiring event to meet your needs and provide you with information to help develop your business plan as well as referrals to other resources.

The Employer Toolkit contains a wide variety of publications and resources on attracting and retaining employees.

View Attract for strategies on how to access the labour pool in Alberta, how to recruit the best employees to your business, and how to employ a strong and diverse workforce.

View Retain for strategies to help keep the employees you have and for tips on creating a safe and comfortable work place where employees feel valued.

The Employer Toolkit contains a wide variety of publications and resources on attracting and retaining employees.

View Attract for information on tapping into the underutilized labour market groups.

Visit or contact your local Alberta Works office and connect with a Business and Industry Liaison or a Career and Employment Consultant for help with workforce issues, including finding workers elsewhere in Canada. View Alberta Employment and Immigration Office Locations for office locations.

Be sure to advertise your job opportunities on the Service Canada Job Bank to target workers in other regions of Canada.

View Develop for ways to enhance and upgrade employees' skills, including information on available educational and apprenticeship programs.

The Employer Toolkit also contains a wide variety of publications and resources on attracting and retaining employees.

We provide information, education, and guidance on attracting, recruiting and retaining foreign workers.

View Help for employers for more information.

To keep your worker permanently, the worker must obtain permanent resident status in Canada.

The Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program allows you to nominate eligible workers for permanent residence.

Both the TFW Program and the AINP are designed to help employers meet shortages of workers in skilled and selected semi-skilled jobs. The TFW Program allows a person to work in Canada temporarily with a work permit. The AINP helps candidates gain permanent residence. It is designed to provide support to employers who need to fill permanent positions and to meet Alberta's long-term labour market needs.

Human Resources and Skills Development Canada (HRSDC)/Service Canada has implemented a new Accelerated Labour Market Opinion Initiative (A-LMO). This initiative applies to employers hiring temporary foreign workers in higher skilled positions. Employers who are eligible can apply, and if approved, will receive an LMO from HRSDC within 10 business days.

For more information, visit

www.hrsdc.gc.ca/eng/workplaceskills/foreign_workers/communications/a-lmo.shtml.

The International Qualifications Assessment Service (IQAS) assesses international educational credentials and compares them to educational credentials in Canada. View IQAS For Employers for more information.

IQAS verifies a person's education documents and issues an assessment certificate that indicates how the foreign education compares to a Canadian one.

View IQAS For Employers for more information.

Yes, IQAS's Education Overview Guides explain how international education credentials compare to Alberta educational credentials and standards. Guides are available for Nigeria, Pakistan, China, Colombia, India, South Korea, Philippines, Russia, the former USSR and the United Kingdom.

As an employer, you want to ensure you can recruit the people that fulfill the requirements of the position. IQAS can compare an applicant's educational credentials from an international institution with Canadian education standards.

IQAS assessment certificates simplify the recruitment process for employers by providing clear, accurate and reliable assessment certificates. IQAS can issue assessment certificates directly to employers and their human resource departments.

The time required for an IQAS assessment varies depending on application intake. For current processing times, contact IQAS at 780-427-2655.

Some occupations in Alberta are regulated, meaning there are legal requirements and restrictions that must be met to work in that occupation. View regulated professions to find out which occupations are regulated and for information on the process required for credential recognition and licensing of internationally trained workers.

The employer must ensure that employees meet the requirements of the professional association for all regulated professions.

To work in a Compulsory Trade, a worker must be certified. Compulsory Trades usually involve work where the protection of public and worker safety needs to be monitored.

An individual can work in an Optional Trade if the employer decides they have the skills and knowledge expected of a certified journeyperson. (Certification is not required.)

You must be satisfied that the worker has the skills and knowledge expected of a certified journeyperson. (Certification is not required.)

A person who has no trade certification, but can prove that their skills and work experience meet the industry standards set for certification in Alberta, may apply for certification under the Qualification Certificate Program.

View AIT's application guide at Qualification Assessment Application - TFW for more information on the qualification assessment process.

You must ensure that only certified tradespersons are working in Compulsory Trades. If you hire a TFW who goes through the certification process, you must have the work supervised by a certified journeyperson until the TFW has successfully completed the process.

The Alberta Pilot allows TFWs in the Steamfitter/Pipefitter occupation with a job offer from an Alberta employer to apply under the pilot. The pilot project will only accept applications until May 31, 2012. Once the worker is certified by AIT, TFWs will be eligible to apply for a non-employer specific work permit for up to two years without the need for an LMO.

For more information, view CIC's Operational Bulletin 279-B-June 1, 2011.

No. TFWs are not eligible to participate in the apprenticeship program.

Yes, both Compulsory and Optional Trades can be certified. View AIT's Application guide at Qualification Assessment Application - TFW.

English is the language used in most workplaces and classrooms. To work or take an education program in Alberta, employees need to be able to speak, read and write English well enough to communicate with co-workers and customers who only understand English.

English language ability will help the worker establish themselves successfully in the company and in their community, and improves worker retention.

As an employer, you have a responsibility to ensure that potential workers have the language skills that you require in the work place. If the profession is regulated, the regulatory body will have language requirements that must be met for licensing. Certain categories of immigrants will be required to undergo English testing as part of the immigration process.

The Temporary Foreign Worker Program allows eligible foreign workers to work in Canada for an authorized period of time if employers can demonstrate that they are unable to find suitable Canadians/permanent residents to fill the jobs, and that the entry of these workers will not have a negative impact on the Canadian labour market.

View Working in Alberta for more information.

The TFW Program is a federal program. It is operated by Human Resources and Skills Development Canada (Service Canada), Citizenship and Immigration Canada, and Canada Border Services Agency.

The employer must meet minimum advertising requirements and be willing to pay the prevailing wage rate for the position. In most cases, the employer will apply for a Labour Market Opinion (LMO) and the worker would then apply for a work permit, and a visa if required.

View CIC's How to Hire a Temporary Foreign Worker (TFW) - A Guidebook for Employers for information about the process.

The National Occupational Classification (NOC) categorizes occupations according to the level of skill required to work in them, and classifies them as skilled (NOC 0, A, B) or semi-skilled (NOC C, D). The classification is based on the amount of education and experience required for the position.

To find out how an occupation will be classified in Canada, visit National Occupational Classification 2011.

There are certain measures in place under the Pilot Project for Occupations Requiring Lower Levels of Formal Training (NOC C and D) that help protect the rights of temporary foreign workers, and an employment contract is one of them. View HRSDC's, Protection of Workers' Rights for more information.

As an employer, you must meet the terms and conditions of employment set out in the LMO confirmation letter and annexes.

The TFW is covered under Employment Standards, Workplace Health and Safety, and Worker's Compensation. For more information, view Temporary Foreign Workers - A Guide for Employers for information on rights and responsibilities in Alberta.

It can take several weeks to several months to hire a foreign worker.

The processing time will fluctuate depending on the circumstances such as:

- Is the worker LMO-exempt?

- Is the worker going to work in an occupation that requires immigration medical?

-??Is the worker in Canada?

- Does the worker need a visa to travel to Canada?

A TFW can stay in Canada until his or her work permit expires. The TFW may also be able to extend the work permit.

Effective April 1, 2011, the maximum allowable duration is four years. Time worked before April 1, 2011 is not included in the maximum.

For more information, view CIC's Allowable duration of work in Canada.

An LMO is Service Canada's opinion on how the hiring of a foreign worker for a particular position would affect Canadian jobs. A positive LMO means the federal government will let the employer hire a foreign worker for the position.

Human Resources and Skills Development Canada (HRSDC)/Service Canada has implemented a new Accelerated Labour Market Opinion Initiative (A-LMO). This initiative applies to employers hiring temporary foreign workers in higher skilled positions. Employers who are eligible can apply, and if approved, will receive an LMO from HRSDC within 10 business days.

For more information, visit

www.hrsdc.gc.ca/eng/workplaceskills/foreign_workers/communications/a-lmo.shtml.

The employer applies to Human Resources and Skills Development Canada (Service Canada) for the LMO.

As an employer, you must meet HRSDC's Minimum Advertising Requirements before you apply for a labour market opinion. The requirements vary depending on the occupation's NOC code. HRSDC can request more advertising if it believes that such efforts would yield qualified Canadian citizens or permanent residents.

An employer must agree to pay a TFW the prevailing wage rate when they apply for the Labour Market Opinion (LMO). The prevailing wage rate is the "average" hourly wage for the requested occupation in the specified region.

View HRSDC's Temporary Foreign Worker Program Wage Rate (near the bottom of the page) for more information on prevailing wages.

All the usual benefits provided to Canadian workers or permanent residents must also be extended to TFWs.

View the Working in Alberta Tool to find the "average" wage rate for occupations and regions in Alberta.

Wages and the cost of living can vary from one region to another.

Most LMOs are issued for 12 months.

Human Resources and Skills Development Canada (HRSDC)/Service Canada has implemented a new Accelerated Labour Market Opinion Initiative (A-LMO). This initiative applies to employers hiring temporary foreign workers in higher skilled positions. Employers who are eligible can apply, and if approved, will receive an LMO from HRSDC within 10 business days.

For more information, visit

www.hrsdc.gc.ca/eng/workplaceskills/foreign_workers/communications/a-lmo.shtml.

For regular LMO processing times, contact Service Canada's Foreign Worker Recruitment Branch at 1-800-418-4446.

Processing times fluctuate depending on application intake. Contact HRSDC at 1-800-418-4446 to get an update on an LMO application.

HRSDC will provide reasons for the LMO refusal. If the reasons for the refusal can be rectified, you may apply again for a new LMO.

No. A TFW holding an open work permit can work for any employer in any occupation, and the employer is not required to obtain an LMO to hire this worker. But you may need to apply for a new LMO to extend the work permit, depending on why the worker was provided with an open work permit. Contact CIC at 1-888-242-2100 for more information.

You can apply for multiple workers on the LMO application, but only for one occupation. For example, to hire two cooks and one waiter, you would need two LMO applications -- one for the two cooks and another for the waiter.

The TFW must apply for a work permit and arrive in Canada within the LMO's validity date. The duration is the amount of time the worker can be authorized to work in Canada.

Send a copy of the LMO, a written job offer, and the signed contract (if semi-skilled) to the worker. The worker would then apply for a work permit (and visa if required). The worker cannot start working until he or she has received the work permit.

A work permit authorizes a foreign national to work in Canada. Most work permits impose conditions, such as the type of work an employee can do, which employer he or she can work for, where he or she can work and for how long.

An open work permit is one that does not specify an employer or occupation. It enables the holder to work for any employer.

There could still be some restrictions on the occupation if the TFW has not completed a medical examination. Without the examination, a TFW will not be authorized to work in child care, health care or teaching. The restrictions, if any, would be listed in the remarks section on the bottom of the work permit.

The TFW is responsible for applying for a work permit and paying the application fee.

For an employee to extend a work permit, their employer needs to apply for a new LMO (unless exempt) and provide the LMO, the written job offer and the contract (if semi-skilled). The TFW would then apply for a new work permit.

View CIC's Processing Times for current processing information.

If your TFW's work permit expires, and he or she has not applied for an extension, he or she must leave Canada.

View CIC's Work Permit Self-Assessment Tool or contact CIC's Call Centre at 1-888-242-2100 for more information.

If your employee applies to renew their work permit, and their current work permit expires before they receive a decision, they have implied status. It means they can remain in Canada and continue to work with the expired work permit until they receive a decision on their application.

View CIC's Work Permit Self-Assessment Tool or contact CIC's Call Centre at 1-888-242-2100 for more information.

If your employee's work permit expires, they may apply to restore their status as a worker within 90 days of the work permit's expiry date.

If your employee applies to restore their status, they may remain in Canada until a decision is made, but they are not allowed to work until their status has been restored.

If their work permit expired more than 90 days ago, they do not have legal status in Canada and their status cannot be restored. They must leave the country and apply for a work permit from outside of Canada.

View CIC's Restoration of status, or contact CIC's Call Centre at 1-888-242-2100 for more information.

Review the correspondence from the visa office. The letter should provide reasons for the refusal. If the reason is something that can be rectified, the worker could submit a new application. Contact the CIC Call Centre at 1-888-242-2100 for additional information.

Review the correspondence from Citizenship and Immigration. If the reasons for the refusal are something that can be rectified, the worker could submit a new application. Contact the CIC Call Centre at 1-888-242-2100 for additional information.

Certain work categories are exempt from the LMO requirement pursuant to government policy or international agreements, such as the North American Free Trade Agreement or the General Agreement on Trade in Service.

For more information, view CIC's Jobs that require a work permit but no labour market opinion.

View CIC's Jobs that require a work permit but no labour market opinion.

You can also contact the Temporary Foreign Worker Unit in Calgary (TFWU). The TFWU offers guidance to employers and/or their authorized representatives seeking to employ foreign workers. For more information, view CIC's Information for Canadian employers: Temporary Foreign Worker Units.

Some of the more common LMO-exemption include: workers covered under international agreements, workers covered under specific pilot agreements, workers nominated by a provincial nominee program, entrepreneurs, intra-company transferees, participants in exchange programs, co-op students, certain dependents of skilled workers, and international students.

For more information, visit CIC's Jobs that require a work permit but no labour market opinion.

Yes, as long as they meet the eligibility requirements for student employment.

The Off-Campus Work Permit Program allows certain foreign students to work off-campus while completing their studies. The student must be a full-time student enrolled at a participating post-secondary institution.

The student would be eligible for an "open" work permit, and will be authorized to work up to 20 hours per week during regular academic sessions, and full-time during scheduled breaks (semester break, summer holidays, etc.).

View CIC's Work permits for students for more information.

The Post-Graduation Work Permit Program allows students who have graduated from a participating Canadian post-secondary institution to gain Canadian work experience.

View CIC's Work permits for students for more information.

A post-graduate work permit can be issued for the length of the study program, up to a maximum of three years.

An international student may be LMO-exempt and in possession of an open work permit at the time they apply for employment.

If you have an applicant who has not yet applied for a work permit, visit CIC's Application processing times for current processing times.

Yes.

For more information, see Citizenship and Immigration Canada's Working after graduation webpage.

Yes, the international student can apply for a work permit under the temporary foreign worker program.

In most cases, the employer will need to apply for an LMO.

Yes. The holder of a study permit can apply for a work permit from within Canada. The student will need to meet the requirements of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program, including a Labour Market Opinion (LMO).

You can reach Canadian and International students by advertising at post-secondary institutions.

No. There are a number of factors that are considered. For more information on this program, view CIC's Temporary Foreign Worker Guidelines, Section 5.31.

This provision is not restricted to specific countries.

Intra-company transferees may apply for work permits if they are seeking entry to work in a parent, subsidiary, branch or affiliate of a multi-national company as an executive, as a senior manager, or in a specialized knowledge capacity.

There are a number of factors that are considered. For more information on this program, view Section 5.31 of CIC's Temporary Foreign Worker Guidelines or contact the Temporary Foreign Worker Unit in Calgary (TFWU). The TFWU offers guidance to employers and/or their authorized representatives seeking to employ foreign workers. For more information, view CIC's Information for Canadian employers: Temporary Foreign Worker Units.

Canada, Mexico and the United States are included in NAFTA. There are other similar international agreements, such as the Canada - Chile free trade agreement.

There are over 60 occupations identified as NAFTA professions. A NAFTA professional requires a work permit, but is LMO-exempt. The worker must meet the minimum education requirements and hold the credentials identified for each occupation.

View NAFTA Appendix 1603.D.1 for a list of the professions covered by NAFTA and the educational or licensing requirements.

Initial work permits can be issued for up to three years. Extensions can be issued in increments of up to three years with no limit on the number of extensions allowed.

The Canada-Chile Free Trade Agreement and The Canada-Peru Free Trade Agreement are similar to NAFTA in their treatment of workers.

International Experience Canada is a program designed to make it easier for a young person to travel and work in Canada for up to one year. It manages bilateral reciprocal youth mobility arrangements with over 30 countries.

Workers will have a one-year "open" work permit or an employer-specific work permit, depending on the program.

Yes.

An IEC worker can stay in Canada and work for one year. There is a pilot project that grants 24-month work permits to Australians.

Yes, they can apply for a work permit under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program. They will need to meet all of the requirements of the TFW program and the employer will need to apply for an LMO (unless exempt).

Contact the Canadian Office of International Experience Canada by email at experience@international.gc.ca.

Yes, the TFW can apply for a work permit extension in this case. The worker would indicate on the application that the LMO application has been submitted, and provide the HRSDC system file number (if available).

If the application is mailed prior to the expiry date of the work permit, the TFW can stay in Canada and continue working on the expired work permit until they receive a decision.

If the LMO has not been approved by the time CIC processes the application, the application will be refused and the worker advised to depart Canada.

The worker would have implied status, and can remain in Canada and continue to work for you until a decision is made.

Yes, you would need to apply for an LMO and the TFW would apply for a work permit. The worker cannot change jobs until they receive the new work permit.

Yes.

If there is a change in job duties or title, the job may have a new NOC code. If the NOC changes, you will need to apply for a new LMO and the worker will need to apply for a new work permit prior to a change in duties.

Yes. The TFW can resign their position. To work for another company, the new employer would need to obtain an LMO and the worker would need to apply for a work permit for the new position.

Yes, but you may not find this easy to do, as the second job can't be part-time. A TFW can hold two work permits. The second job must meet all of the TFW program requirements, including a job offer and LMO. An LMO will only be issued for full-time employment, not less than 30 hours per week.

The TFW can remain in Canada until their work permit expires. If they find a new employer and that employer obtains an LMO, then the TFW can apply to change their work permit.

It is not your responsibility to ensure the worker leaves Canada. But if you have concerns that the worker does not intend to follow the rules and leave Canada at the end of the work permit, you can notify Citizenship & Immigration Canada at the CIC call centre, 1-888-242-2100.

No. It is important that you continue to pay the worker at the rate specified in the LMO.

Your obligations to the TFW are the same as to any other worker: You must meet Alberta Employment Standards. If the worker is semi-skilled, you will be responsible for the cost of return airfare.

Contact HRSDC at 1-800-418-4446 to discuss your circumstances.

Yes. It is a business decision to determine which workers to lay off.

Yes. It is a business decision to determine which workers to lay off.

All returning employers applying for an LMO must demonstrate that they have met the terms and conditions of employment set out in the previous LMO confirmation letters and annexes. If it appears that the employer did not fully respect the terms and conditions of employment set out in the previous LMO, then the employer will be required to provide a rationale, and may be found non-compliant if they refuse to provide one and/or provide only partial compensation to the TFW.

HRSDC may issue a negative LMO and revoke any positive LMOs for which a work permit has not been issued.CIC may also deem the employer ineligible to hire TFWs for two years. CIC may publish the employer's name, address and period of ineligibility on its website at CIC - List of Ineligible Employers.

A candidate has not yet been approved by the AINP. A provincial nominee has been approved by the AINP.

No. The AINP does not give priority processing for applications where work permits are close to expiry.

Yes. The work permit must be valid throughout the AINP process until the Temporary Foreign Worker obtains permanent resident status.

Yes. A LMO is required to apply for a work permit, unless the Temporary Worker is LMO-exempt.

The employer will need to obtain a new LMO and the TFW will need to apply for a new work permit. Any change in employment may impact the AINP application. The employer must notify AINP by fax at 1-780-427-6560.

If an AINP candidate is laid off or their employment is terminated, they may stay in Canada until their work permit expires.

If they are unable to find a job with an eligible employer, they must return to their country of origin when their work permit expires.

The candidate must notify the AINP office about the change in their employment status by fax at 780-427-6560.

If the TFW applied under the AINP Employer-Driven Stream, their application will be withdrawn. If they applied under the Strategic Recruitment Stream, they must notify AINP about the change in their employment status by fax at 780-427-6560.

A candidate has not yet been approved by the AINP. A provincial nominee has been approved by the AINP.

Yes. The Temporary Foreign Worker's work permit must be valid until they obtain permanent resident status.

No. The Temporary foreign worker should submit their work permit application with a copy of the nomination letter and a written job offer.

Yes.

For more information, please visit the After you are nominated page of the the AINP website.

No. An AINP nomination cannot be used to apply for a work permit at a port of entry.

The employer will need to obtain a new LMO and the TFW will need to apply for a new work permit. Any change in employment may impact the AINP nomination. The employer must notify AINP by fax at 1-780-427-6560.

If an AINP nominee is laid off or their employment is terminated, they may stay in Canada until their work permit expires.

If they are unable to find a job with an eligible employer, they must return to their country of origin when their work permit expires.

The candidate must notify the AINP office about the change in their employment status by fax at 780-427-6560.

If the TFW applied under the AINP Employer-Driven Stream, their application will be withdrawn. If they applied under the Strategic Recruitment Stream, they must notify AINP about the change in their employment status by fax at 780-427-6560.

Yes. The TFW must meet entry requirements when they return to Canada, including a valid Temporary Resident Visa if required.

The decision to allow the TFW to re-enter Canada rests with the Canada Border Security / CIC on entry.

Yes. The employer must obtain a new LMO and the TFW would then apply for a work permit. The TFW cannot start working for the new employer or in the new occupation until the new work permit has been issued.

Yes. A TFW can hold two work permits. The second job must meet all of the requirements of the TFW program, including a job offer and LMO (unless exempt). A LMO will only be issued for a full-time job, not less than 30 hours per week.

A TFW can do volunteer work as long as it is work that a person would not normally be paid for. Work experience, whether paid or not, would be considered work and would require a work permit.

Contact CIC's call centre at 1-888-242-2100 for more information.

Yes. If you plan on taking a course or program that is less than six months in total duration, then you do not need a study permit. View CIC's Study permit: Exceptions for more information.

Yes. A TFW can apply for a student permit from within Canada. The TFW must meet all of the requirements of an international student, including a letter of acceptance and proof of sufficient funds to support their stay.

Yes. If the worker wants to travel or stay as a visitor when they have finished work, they can apply for a visitor record. It is important that the TFW understands that a visitor in Canada cannot apply for a work or study permit from within Canada.

Yes.

Yes. The TWF's family can apply to the Canadian Visa office for a visa, or apply for entry at the border if they are visa-exempt. For more information, view CIC's Can my spouse or common-law partner and dependent children come with me to Canada?

Yes. If the TFW is working in a skilled occupation (NOC 0, A, B), their spouse may be eligible for an "open" work permit. In all other cases, their spouse needs to meet the requirements of the TFW program, including a job offer and LMO.

For more information, visit Citizenship and Immigration Canada's Frequently asked questions: Working temporarily in Canada??webpage.

Yes, children under 18 can attend preschool, primary or secondary school without a study permit. Once the child turns 18, they will need to apply for a study permit. For more information, view CIC's Exceptions: Studying without a study permit (scroll to the bottom of the webpage).

Yes. All workers in Alberta are covered by Alberta Employment Standards.

Yes.

No. The employer must pay the recruitment costs.

The TFW may be eligible for EI if they have the required hours and a valid work permit. EI benefits are not paid after the work permit expires.

No. TFWs are not eligible for social assistance. The TFW can remain in Canada until the expiry of their work permit. If they find another job, the new employer can apply for an LMO and the TFW can apply for a work permit.

Employees must have 52 consecutive weeks of employment with you to be eligible for maternity or parental leave under the Employment Standards Code. At the end of the unpaid leave, they must be reinstated to the original or an equivalent job.

View Temporary Foreign Workers - A Guide for Employers for more information.

The TFW may be eligible for EI maternity benefits if they have the required hours and a valid work permit. EI benefits are not paid after the work permit expires.

As an employer, if a temporary foreign worker does not meet your expectations as outlined in the job contract -- or if external circumstances, such as changes to the economy, eliminate the need for the position -- you may terminate their employment, giving them the required notice or pay-in- lieu of notice.

View Temporary Foreign Workers - A Guide for Employers for more information.

A TFW can apply for a social insurance number (SIN) in person at a Service Canada Centre. The worker must bring their work permit and one other identity document with them to Service Canada. They will get a SIN in one visit and receive the SIN card within 10 business days.

A TFW will receive a temporary SIN card that begins with the number 9. The SIN card expires on the date indicated on the front of the card. The expiry date will be the same as that of the work permit.

A TFW moving to Alberta from outside of Canada may be eligible for health care coverage from the date they arrive in Alberta. The worker must register with Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) within three months of arrival. They can find out how to register at Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan.

Yes. You can nominate a skilled worker (or a semi-skilled worker in specific occupations/sectors) under the Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP).

There are other options available for skilled workers, including the Federal Skilled Worker Class or the Canadian Experience Class.

If the TFW is working in Alberta as a skilled worker (NOC 0, A, B), they should consider the Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP), Federal Skilled Worker Class (FSW), or the Canadian Experience Class. The TFW should consider the eligibility criteria for each program

The AINP is designed to support Alberta's economic growth by attracting work-ready immigrants to the province. It allows the Province of Alberta to recommend foreign nationals/workers to Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) for permanent residence, and helps employers cover shortages of workers.

There is no fee. If the nomination is issued, the worker will submit an application to the Canadian visa office and will be required to pay the standard federal processing fees.

The AINP evaluates the employer and the candidate against the established criteria. Applicants must demonstrate they have the education, work experience and qualifications that are recognized (or required) by industry standards and associations in Alberta, as well as the ability to settle in Alberta.

No. A provincial nominee, and dependents, must still meet Citizen and Immigration Canada's (CIC's) requirements, such as medical, security and criminality checks.

Yes. The employer and TFW must meet all eligibility requirements.

To nominate your employee, you must be willing to make a permanent job offer. You have the same obligations to your TFW as to any other permanent employee.

Yes. The AINP does not discourage employers from helping a candidate complete their application forms.

A TFW has the right to leave their job.

However, if the AINP application was submitted under the employer-driven stream, the TFW must continue working for the employer who nominated them.

Please notify AINP of any changes in employment by fax to 780-427-6560.

No. Workers are not eligible to apply for the AINP if they applied for refugee status in Canada. The AINP cannot interfere with the federal refugee claim, appeal or removal process.

There is no requirement to apply for an LMO if the TFW is LMO-exempt.

Provide evidence that the TFW is LMO-exempt and show that you are offering wages and benefits to the candidate that meet industry standards. Visit the ALIS website for wage and benefit standards for Alberta by occupation.

The AINP Employer-Driven Stream is for candidates with a permanent, full-time job offer from an Alberta employer who want to live and work in Alberta permanently.

There are three categories under the Employer-Driven Stream: the Skilled Worker Category, the International Graduate Category, and the Semi-Skilled Category.

Visit Employer-Driven Stream for more information.

Most occupations listed under the National Occupation Classification (NOC) Code in Skill Levels 0, A and B are eligible under the AINP. In addition, selected occupations in Skill Levels C and D may be eligible under the AINP.

Please see Semi-Skilled Worker criteria for eligible NOC C and D occupations.

The AINP Skilled Worker Category is for candidates who have a permanent, full-time job offer from an Alberta employer in a skilled occupation (NOC 0, A or B).

To learn more about National Occupation Classification (NOC) codes, visit National Occupational Classification 2011.

No. For information on occupations that are not eligible for the AINP's Employer-Driven Stream, see Who is not eligible?

Have your worker Take the Skilled Worker Category Self-Assessment.

The AINP International Graduate Category is for Candidates who have recently graduated from a Canadian post-secondary institution and have a permanent, full-time job offer from their Alberta Employer in a skilled occupation (NOC 0, A, B).

For more information, see the AINP's International Graduate criteria.

No. For information on occupations that are not eligible, see Who is not eligible?.

View International Graduate criteria for the Alberta employer and candidate criteria.

An International Graduate must have six months of full-time work experience with the same Alberta employer on a post-graduation work permit before they can apply to the AINP.

The AINP will consider all related work experience when assessing the application.

The International Graduate must obtain a diploma or degree, or have completed a graduate level program from a publicly funded community college, trade/technical school or university in Alberta or Canada, or at a private institution in Alberta authorized by provincial statute to confer degrees.

View Eligible post-secondary institutions for a listing of approved institutions in Alberta.

The Strategic Recruitment Stream (SRS) is for occupations that are in demand in Alberta. An employer nomination is not required under the SRS streams.

There are two categories in this stream under which AINP is currently accepting applications: the Compulsory or Optional Trade Category and the Engineering Occupations Category. Each category has specific criteria that the worker must meet before they apply to the AINP.

For more information, view Strategic Recruitment Stream.

The Strategic Recruitment Stream is for occupations that are in demand in Alberta. This stream may be adjusted from time to time according to changes in Alberta's labour market.

This category is for workers who have an Alberta Qualification Certificate in a Compulsory or Optional Trade. To learn more, visit our Regulated trades page.

The Strategic Recruitment Stream (SRS) of the Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP) has two categories: Compulsory and Optional Trades, and Engineering Occupations.

To be eligible for the Compulsory and Optional Trade category, the worker must be working in Alberta at the time of application and have an Alberta Qualification Certificate in a compulsory or optional trade from Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training (AIT). As of May 1, 2012 AIT stopped sending out invitation letters for this category. Applicants do not need to submit a copy of an invitation letter when they apply to the AINP. View Compulsory and optional trades criteria for more information.

To be eligible for the Engineering Occupations category, the worker must be currently residing in Alberta and their occupation must be on the AINP Strategic Recruitment Stream – Engineering Occupations List. View Engineering occupations criteria for more information.

Yes. As of May 1, 2012 AIT stopped sending out invitation letters for this category. Applicants no longer need to submit a copy of an invitation letter when they apply to the AINP.

This category is for an engineer, designer or drafter with Alberta work experience in an eligible engineering occupation.

Please see the Engineering Occupations List for more details.

The worker must have credentials as an engineer, designer or drafter as well as Alberta work experience in an eligible engineering occupation. The worker must be currently residing in Alberta and show the intent to live permanently in Alberta. View Engineering occupations criteria for more information.

No. The occupation must be on the AINP Strategic Recruitment Stream Occupations list for the TFW to apply under the Strategic Recruitment Stream.

If the worker is working in Alberta and the NOC code is not on the engineering occupations list, the worker can consider applying under the Skilled Worker Category of the Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program.

Other options are the Federal Skilled Worker Program or the Canadian Experience Class. View Immigrating to Canada for information on federal immigration options.

There are no fees to apply to AINP. But if you are issued a nomination, you will be required to submit fees to CIC along with your federal application forms. For more information on CIC fees, see Application fees.

Current processing times for AINP can be found at AINP processing times.

Once the province has issued your nomination, you must submit an application to the visa office. Processing times can vary and will depend on where you submit the application.

Current processing times can be found at Processing Times.

No. Alberta employers do not have to submit financial statements; however, the AINP reserves the right to request financial statements to ensure the company is operational and viable.

Certified copies are notarized copies. In Canada, documents can be certified (notarized) by a lawyer or notary public. This person will copy, stamp and sign a document to indicate that it is a true copy of the original.

No, the AINP does not have a list of notary publics or lawyers.

Yes, AINP will tell your employer whether your application has been approved or declined.

To make a nomination, you must be willing to offer the TFW a permanent job. Your obligations to the TFW would be the same as to any other permanent employee.

Once the nomination has been issued, the provincial nominee must submit an application for permanent residence. For more information, visit the After you are nominated??page of the AINP website.

No. A provincial nomination does not ensure that a Provincial Nominee will receive permanent residence. The nominee and family members will be required to pass medical, security, and criminality checks before the visa will be issued.

The TFW will have 180 days to submit the application for permanent residence.

Please visit the After you are nominated page of the AINP website for instructions on how to apply to Citizenship and Immigration Canada for permanent residence.

Please visit the After you are nominated page of the AINP website for instructions on how to apply to Citizenship and Immigration Canada for permanent residence.

View CIC's Application fees for information on paying application fees.

Complete the Request to Add or Remove Family Member(s) and fax the complete form and supporting documents to AINP at 780-427-6560.

This form is to let AINP know that your family composition has changed since you applied. Examples include the birth of a child, marriage or divorce.

Complete the Change of Address and Contact Information Form and mail or fax it to the Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program. The address and fax number are included on the form.

This form is to let the AINP know that your address, email, or phone number has changed since you submitted the application.

TFWs are strongly encouraged to submit police clearances with their applications. If they choose to submit an application without the police clearance, they should include proof that they have applied for them.

Visit CIC's How to obtain a police certificate for information about police clearances.

The TFW is expected to submit their application to the visa office before the nomination expires. The AINP will consider the reasons why a TFW may need an extension, but there is no guarantee that an extension will be issued.

The TFW should complete the Request for a Nomination Extension and fax it, with any supporting documentation, to AINP at 780-427-6560.

For more information on extending an AINP nomination, visit the After you are nominated page of the AINP website.

Any changes to the candidate's job will affect their AINP application.

If there is a change to the candidate's job, the employer must notify AINP by fax at 780-427-6560.

If a TFW is laid off or fired, they can remain in Canada until their work permit expires. The work permit is generally tied to the employer. The worker can apply for a new work permit, if he/she is able to find a new employer, and if the employer is able to obtain an LMO.

The employer must notify the AINP about any change in employment status by fax at 780-427-6560.

If the TFW applied under the AINP Employer-Driven Stream, the AINP application will be withdrawn.

If the TFW applied under the Strategic Recruitment Stream, the application may go ahead as long as the TFW continues to meet eligibility criteria.

The employer must notify the AINP about any change in employment status by fax at 780-427-6560.

Yes. The TFW's work permit must be valid throughout the AINP process until they obtain permanent resident status. Please see the After you are nominated page of the AINP website for more information.

Yes.

Prior to the nomination, the TFW will require an LMO to extend the work permit.

Once the TFW has been nominated, they can submit an application for a work permit with a copy of the nomination letter (instead of an LMO).

There are no appeal rights. The reason for a negative decision would have been provided by letter.

Yes, if you meet the AINP criteria.

This is a good option for workers who have a permanent job offer as a skilled worker, or if their occupation is listed as one of the 29 eligible occupations at Eligibility criteria for federal skilled worker applications.

Each application is assessed on a point system for language, experience and other factors.

This is a federal program. For more information, visit the CIC website at

Skilled workers and professionals.

Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) has a new tool, Come to Canada, which can help you and your employee determine which immigration option is best.

All applicants must undergo, and pass, medical, security and criminality screening.

No. However, the Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP) has a Semi-skilled Worker Category for candidates in eligible industries and occupations. To qualify, you need a permanent job offer from an Albertan employer. For more information, view Semi-Skilled Worker criteria.

The processing times vary and depend on the type of application and where the application is submitted. Current processing times can be found at Processing Times.

This is a good option if your employee has two years of full-time skilled work experience, or graduated from a Canadian post-secondary institution with at least one year of skilled work experience in Canada.

This is a federal program. For more information, visit the CIC website at Applying for permanent residence - Canadian Experience Class.

Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) has a new tool, Come to Canada, which can help you, and your employee, determine which immigration option is best.

All applicants must undergo, and pass, medical, security and criminality screening.

No. The AINP has a Semi-Skilled Worker Category for candidates in eligible industries and occupations who have a permanent job offer from an Albertan employer. For more information view Semi-Skilled Worker criteria.

The processing times vary depending on where the application is submitted. Current processing times can be found at Processing Times.

No.

If you decide to use an employment agency to assist you in recruitment, you need to be aware of the provincial regulations related to this industry.

Learn more about employment agencies at using employment agencies and by reading Service Alberta's Consumer Tip Sheet.

Temporary Foreign Workers - A Guide for Employers contains information on contracting services of employment agencies.

Yes. Employment agencies must be licensed if they help Alberta employers find workers or help workers find jobs in Alberta. You can view Service Alberta's Search for a Licensed Business to find out if an employment agency is licensed. Be sure to choose "Employment Agencies" as the license type.

Remember to check employment agencies' references before signing a contract.

Employment agencies charge the employer a fee for recruiting each worker. This fee is negotiated between the employer and the employment agency. As an employer, you cannot recover the cost of this service from the employee. Any agency that tells you this is possible is wrong. Fees cannot be charged to potential or recruited workers to find a job.

No. The employer cannot recover recruitment costs from the employee -- even if the worker gives written consent.

When an employment agency is acting on your behalf, it is your responsibility to monitor the work they are doing for you. If an employment agency is not meeting the requirements established by the provincial or federal governments, you may want to contact Service Alberta, Service Canada or Citizenship and Immigration Canada to report these breaches.

You can view Service Alberta's Search for a Licensed Business to find out if an employment agency is licensed. Be sure to choose "Employment Agencies" as the license type.

A business license does not guarantee that an agency will meet its contractual obligations or comply with legislation.

Remember to check employment agencies' references before signing a contract.

No. Federal and provincial applications were designed for applicants to complete on their own. If you do hire an immigration lawyer or consultant to help you with an application, it will not receive special attention or be processed faster than other applications. Visit Using an Immigration Representative for information on immigration consultants and lawyers.

Immigration consultants must be members in good standing with the Immigration Consultants of Canada Regulatory Council (ICCRC). Check the ICCRC Membership List to find out if a consultant is registered.

Immigration lawyers must be members in good standing of a Canadian provincial or territorial law society. Check the Law Society of Alberta Lawyer Directory to find out if a lawyer is a member of the Law Society of Alberta.

The responsibility for fees would be with the person or company that hired the immigration consultant or lawyer.

If the consultant or lawyer is also operating in the role of an employment agency, fees associated with job placement must be paid by the employer.

You are responsible for the content of any application that is submitted on your behalf. Be sure that you verify the content of all the application forms that you have signed.

Alberta has capitalized on strengths in agriculture, energy, forestry and industrial products to develop a diverse economy.

Other key industries include petrochemicals, agriculture and agri-food, forestry and wood products, tourism, information and communication technology, nanotechnology and microsystems, biotechnology and pharmaceuticals, and health technology and services.

For more information about employment in Alberta, visit our Working in Alberta section.

Be sure to check the Working in Alberta Tool to find information on occupations and employment opportunities in Alberta.

In Alberta, your employment options are almost endless. Albertans work in trades, professional fields and everything in between. If you have skills or training in a certain field, along with English language skills, you should be able to find work in an area that suits you well.

For more about employment in Alberta, visit our Working in Alberta section.

Be sure to check the Working in Alberta Tool to find information on occupations and employment opportunities in Alberta.

Finding a job contains information and links to resources that can help you find a job in Alberta. The Working in Alberta Tool can help you make well-informed decisions about where to live and work.

For more information about employment in Alberta, visit our Working in Alberta section. You will find information on working in your occupation, getting your credentials recognized, and searching for a job.

Be sure to check the Working in Alberta Tool for information on occupations and employment opportunities in Alberta.

No. However, some employers may use the services of an employment agency to find workers. Depending on what kind of work you're looking for, it may be helpful to visit employment agencies.

Learn more about employment agencies at Using employment agencies and Service Alberta's Consumer Tipsheet.

Yes. Employment agencies must be licensed if they help Alberta employers find workers or help workers find jobs in Alberta.

View Service Alberta's Search for a Licensed Business to find out if an employment agency is licensed. Be sure to choose "Employment Agencies" as the license type.

An employment agency cannot charge you a fee for seeking employment or asking for information about an employer. But an employment agency may charge for other services. For more information, view Service Alberta's Consumer Tipsheet

You can file a complaint about the agency. To file a complaint about an employment agency operating in Alberta, view Service Alberta's Consumer Tipsheet or call the Consumer Contact Centre at 780-427-4088 (Edmonton and area), or toll-free in Edmonton at 1-877-427-4088.

The TFW Program allows foreign workers to work in Canada on a temporary basis and helps Canadian employers meet short-term labour shortages.

View Working in Alberta for more information.

The federal government runs the TFW Program. It is operated by Human Resources and Skills Development Canada (Service Canada) and Citizenship and Immigration Canada.

You can stay in Canada until your work permit expires. You may be able to extend your work permit with the same or a new employer.

The maximum allowable duration is four years effective April 1, 2011. Time worked before April 1, 2011 is not included in the maximum.

For more information, view CIC's allowable duration of work in Canada.

Canada's National Occupation Classification (NOC) system classifies jobs into different categories depending on the skills needed. Your occupation will be classified as either skilled (NOC 0, A, B) or semi-skilled (NOC C,D). The classification is based on the amount of education and experience required for the position.

To find out how your occupation will be classified in Canada, visit National Occupational Classification 2011.

An LMO is Service Canada's opinion on how the hiring of a foreign worker for a particular position would affect Canadian jobs. A positive LMO means the federal government will let the employer hire a foreign worker for the position.

Human Resources and Skills Development Canada (HRSDC)/Service Canada has implemented a new Accelerated Labour Market Opinion Initiative (A-LMO). This initiative applies to employers hiring temporary foreign workers in higher skilled positions. Employers who are eligible can apply, and if approved, will receive an LMO from HRSDC within 10 business days.

For more information, visit

www.hrsdc.gc.ca/eng/workplaceskills/foreign_workers/communications/a-lmo.shtml.

Most TFWs need a positive LMO to apply for a work permit. There are some cases where you might not.

To learn about LMO exemptions, view CIC's Jobs that require a work permit but no LMO.

The employer applies to Human Resources and Skills Development Canada (Service Canada) for the LMO.

Human Resources and Skills Development Canada (HRSDC)/Service Canada has implemented a new Accelerated Labour Market Opinion Initiative (A-LMO). This initiative applies to employers hiring temporary foreign workers in higher skilled positions. Employers who are eligible can apply, and if approved, will receive an LMO from HRSDC within 10 business days.

For more information, visit

www.hrsdc.gc.ca/eng/workplaceskills/foreign_workers/communications/a-lmo.shtml.

For regular LMO processing times, contact Service Canada's Foreign Worker Recruitment Branch at 1-800-418-4446.

No.

Most TFWs need a work permit to work in Canada. There are some cases where you may not need a work permit.

To learn about work permit exemptions, view CIC's Jobs that do not require a work permit.

You almost always need to apply for your initial work permit from outside of Canada. If you are from a country that is visa-exempt, you may be able to apply as you enter Canada and in some cases, you may apply from within Canada. 

Visit Citizenship and Immigration Canada's Working temporarily in Canada web page to learn more about getting a work permit.

You can submit your application to CIC online or by mail.

To apply online, view CIC's Online services to find application information. Be sure to complete the Work Permit Self-Assessment Tool to make sure that you can apply online.

You can also complete and mail in a paper application. You will find the application form and guide at CIC's Application to change conditions or extend your stay in Canada as a worker .

View CIC's Processing Times for current processing information.

If your work permit expires, and you have not applied for an extension, you must leave Canada.

View CIC's Work Permit Self-Assessment Tool or contact CIC's Call Centre at 1-888-242-2100 for more information.

If you apply to renew your work permit and your current work permit expires before you receive a decision, you have what is called "implied status." With implied status, you can stay in Canada and continue to work with the expired work permit until you receive a decision on your application.

View CIC's Work Permit Self-Assessment Tool or contact CIC's Call Centre at 1-888-242-2100 for more information.

If your work permit expired, you may apply to restore your status as a worker. You must do this within 90 days of the expiry date of your work permit.

If you apply to restore your status, you may remain in Canada until a decision is made on your application. But you are not allowed to work until your status has been restored.

If your work permit expired more than 90 days ago, then you do not have legal status in Canada and your status cannot be restored. You must leave the country and apply for a work permit from outside of Canada.

View CIC' s Restoration of status for more information, or contact CIC's Call Centre at 1-888-242-2100.

No. You must make an application to the Live-in Caregiver Program at a visa office outside of Canada. View CIC's Live-in Caregiver Program for information.

Once you have been accepted as a Live-in Caregiver, you can apply to extend (or change) your work permit from within Canada.

No. You must submit your application to the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade at a Canadian embassy outside of Canada. View DFAIT's International Experience Canada for more information.

You can apply to the International Qualification Assessment Service (IQAS) for an evaluation.

View the IQAS Tutorials for information on the application process.

IQAS assesses international educational credentials and compares them to educational credentials in Canada.

Attaching a copy of your IQAS assessment certificate to your resume and job applications may help potential employers understand your educational credentials.

Many Alberta employers accept IQAS assessments. View Educational institutions using IQAS and Professional Regulatory Organizations using IQAS for information on other organizations that accept IQAS assessments.

Some occupations in Alberta are regulated. That means there are legal requirements and restrictions that you must meet to work in that occupation. View Regulated professions to find out if your occupation is regulated.

View Regulated professions to find links to the professional regulatory organization responsible for each profession.

Trade occupations in Alberta are regulated, meaning there are legal requirements and restrictions you must meet to work in that occupation. View Regulated trades or the AIT website at Tradesecrets for more information.

To work in a Compulsory Trade, you must be certified. Compulsory Trades usually involve work where the protection of public and worker safety must be monitored.

You can work in an Optional Trade if the employer decides you have the skills and knowledge expected of a certified journeyperson. (Certification is not required.)

To learn more, view the list of Compulsory and Optional Trades??in Alberta.

If you have no trade certification, but can prove that your skills and work experience meet the industry standards set for certification in Alberta, you may apply for certification under the Qualification Certificate Program.

Both Compulsory and Optional Trades can be certified. View AIT's application guide at Qualification Assessment Application - TFW.

AIT is responsible for administering the laws and regulations that govern work in the trades.

AIT certification is required to work in a Compulsory Trade.

AIT certification in an Optional Trade will tell potential employers that you meet Alberta standards in the trade. It may also mean you'll get paid more.

Certification is needed by workers in both Compulsory and Optional trades if they apply for permanent residence under the Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP).

All Alberta employers accept AIT certification. If the trade is designated under the Interprovincial Standards Red Seal Program, the certificate may have a Red Seal endorsement and would be recognized in other provinces of Canada. View Tradesecrets for more information on the Red Seal endorsement.

No. TFWs are not eligible to participate in the apprenticeship program.

English is the language used in most workplaces and classrooms. To work or study in Alberta, you will need to be able to speak, read and write English well enough to communicate with people who only understand English.

A Candidate has not yet been approved by the AINP. A Provincial Nominee has been approved by the AINP.

No. The AINP does not give priority to applications where work permits are close to expiry.

Yes. Your work permit must be valid throughout the AINP process until you obtain permanent resident status.

Yes. An LMO is required to apply for a work permit, unless you are LMO-exempt.

If your job changes, you must notify the AINP by fax at 780-427-6560.

If you have been laid off or your employer has terminated your employment, you can stay in Canada until your work permit expires.

If you are unable to find a job with an eligible employer, you must return to your country of origin when your work permit expires.

You must notify the AINP office about the change in your employment status by fax at 780-427-6560.

If you applied under the AINP Employer Driven Stream, your application will be withdrawn. If you applied under the Strategic Recruitment Stream, you must notify AINP about the change in your employment status by fax at 780-427-6560.

Yes. Your work permit must be valid until you obtain permanent resident status.

No. Submit your work permit application with a copy of the nomination letter and a written job offer.

Yes. Please see the After you are nominated page of the AINP website for more information.

No. An AINP nomination cannot be used to apply for a work permit at a port of entry.

In order for your application for permanent residence to be processed, you must continue working for the employer who nominated you. If you change your employer, you must notify the AINP by fax at 780-427-6560.

For more information. please visit the After you are nominated page of the AINP website.

Yes. Your family can apply to the Canadian visa office for a visa, or apply at the port of entry (border) for a work permit if they are visa-exempt. For more information, view CIC's Frequently asked questions: Working temporarily in Canada webpage.

Yes, but only if he or she meets certain criteria. If you are working in a skilled occupation (NOC 0, A, B), your spouse may be eligible for an "open" work permit.

In all other cases, your spouse needs to meet the requirements of TFW program, including a job offer and LMO.

For more information, view CIC's Frequently asked questions: Working temporarily in Canada webpage.

Yes, children under 18 can attend preschool, primary or secondary school without a study permit. Once your child turns 18, they will need to apply for a study permit. For more information, view CIC's Exceptions: Studying without a study permit.

Yes, but only if they meet certain criteria. If you are a skilled worker in Alberta (NOC 0, A or B) your child may be eligible for an open work permit.

In all other cases, your child would need to meet the requirements of the TFW program, including a job offer and LMO.

For more information, view CIC's Frequently asked questions: Working temporarily in Canada webpage.

Your family members can submit a new application for a visa. A new application should highlight any changes in circumstance or provide additional information.

The Government of Alberta is not able to influence a visa officer's decision.

Contact CIC Call Centre at 1-888-242-2100 for more information.

An employer must agree to pay a TFW the prevailing wage rate when they apply for the Labour Market Opinion (LMO). The prevailing wage rate is the "average" hourly wage for the requested occupation in the specified region.

View HRSDC's Temporary Foreign Worker Program Wage Rate (near the bottom of the page) for more information on prevailing wages.

All the usual benefits provided to Canadian workers or permanent residents must also be extended to TFWs.

View the Working in Alberta Tool to find the "average" wage rate for occupations and regions in Alberta.

Your employer is required to meet the terms and conditions of employment established in the Labour Market Opinion (LMO).

Contact Alberta Employment Standards at 1-877-427-3731 or the Alberta Temporary Foreign Worker Helpline at 1-877-944-9955 if your employer is not paying you the wage indicated on the LMO.

Yes. Your employer can pay you more than the prevailing wage rate on the Labour Market Opinion (LMO).

The employer is required to meet Alberta Employment Standards.

Contact Alberta Employment Standards at 1-877-427-3731 or the Alberta Temporary Foreign Worker Helpline at 1-877-944-9955 if your employer is not paying you for overtime.

Yes. Your employer can make payroll deductions from your pay.

Payroll deductions include income tax, Canada Pension Plan payments and employment insurance contributions. Your employer is required by law to deduct these from your pay.

If your employer wants to make other deductions, such as union dues, medical or dental coverage, they must have your written permission.

There are other types of deductions that are not legal. For example, your employer cannot make deductions to cover the cost of an employment agency, or for faulty workmanship, or for loss of cash or property where more than one person has access to the cash or property.

Contact Alberta Employment Standards at 1-877-427-3731 or the Alberta Temporary Foreign Worker Helpline at 1-877-944-9955 if you have concerns about unauthorized or illegal deductions from your pay.

Payroll deductions include income tax, Canada Pension Plan payments and employment insurance contributions. Your employer is required by law to deduct these from your pay.

The Canada Pension Plan (CPP) provides monthly benefits to workers and their families when they lose their income due to retirement, disability or death. TFWs who contribute to the plan may receive the same benefits as Canadian workers if they meet the eligibility requirements. View HRSDC's Eligibility of Temporary Foreign Workers to the Canada Pension Plan for information on benefits.

Employment insurance provides temporary income support during periods of unemployment. To qualify to receive EI payments, TFWs must meet the same eligibility requirements as Canadian citizens and permanent residents. View HRSDC's Eligibility for Canadian Employment Insurance for information on benefits.

If you work temporarily in Canada during the tax year, you may have to file a Canadian income tax return. View Canada Revenue Agency's International and non-resident taxes for information on Canadian tax obligations.

Employment insurance provides temporary income support during periods of unemployment. To qualify to receive EI payments, TFWs must meet the same eligibility requirements as Canadian citizens and permanent residents. View HRSDC's Eligibility for Canadian Employment Insurance for information on benefits.

You may be eligible for EI if you have worked the required number of hours and you have a valid work permit. EI benefits are not paid after the work permit expires.

Employees must have 52 consecutive weeks of employment to be eligible for maternity or parental leave under the Employment Standards Code. At the end of the unpaid leave, they must be reinstated to the original or an equivalent job.

View Temporary Foreign Workers - A Guide for Employers for more information.

You may be eligible for EI maternity or parental benefits if you have worked the required number of hours and have a valid work permit. View HRSDC's Eligibility for Canadian Employment Insurance for information on benefits. EI benefits are not paid after the work permit expires.

Your employer can terminate your employment if you do not meet expectations or if changes to the economy eliminate the need for the position. Your employer must provide you with appropriate notice or pay-in-lieu of notice.

The length of notice depends on how long you have worked for the employer, and must be in writing. For employment of more than three months, but less than two years, proper notice is one week.

You can remain in Canada until the expiry date of your work permit.

If you find another employer, the new employer must obtain an LMO and you must apply for a new work permit. Do not start working for the new employer until the new work permit has been issued.

Once you receive your work permit, you must obtain a social insurance number (SIN). All workers (Canadians and TFWs) require a SIN to work in Canada and to receive government benefits.

The best way to apply for a social insurance number (SIN) is to apply in person at a Service Canada Centre with the proper identity documents (birth certificate, work or study permit) and supporting documents (marriage certificate), if you have had a name change.

As a TFW, you will receive a temporary SIN card that begins with the number 9. The SIN card expires on the date indicated on the front of the card. The expiry date will be the same as the work permit.

For more information on how to apply at Service Canada's Social Insurance Number??webpage.

If you are a TFW moving to Alberta from outside of Canada, you may be eligible for coverage from the date you arrive in Alberta. You must register with the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) within three months of arrival. Find out how to register at Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan.

Yes. But you cannot work for a new employer until you obtain a new work permit.

Yes.

Yes, but you may not find this easy to do, as the second job can't be part-time. A TFW can hold two work permits. The second job must meet all of the TFW program requirements, including a job offer and LMO. An LMO will only be issued for full-time employment, not less than 30 hours per week.

You can stay in Canada until your work permit expires. Most work permits are tied to an employer. You cannot work for a new employer until you obtain a new work permit.

Yes. You would indicate on your application that the LMO application has been submitted and provide the HRSDC system file number (if available).

If the application is mailed before the expiry date of your work permit, you can stay in Canada and continue to work with the expired work permit until you receive a decision.

If the LMO application has not been approved at the time CIC processes your application, then the work permit will not be issued and CIC will ask you to leave Canada.

If you mailed your application before the work permit expired, you can remain in Canada and continue working on the expired work permit.

No. You cannot work for a new employer until you obtain a new work permit.

The new employer will need an LMO. Once the LMO has been issued, you can apply for a work permit from within Canada.

The process for obtaining a new work permit can be lengthy. You may wish to continue working for the existing employer, then resign your position after you obtain the new work permit.

No. You cannot work for a new employer until you obtain a new work permit.

Yes. Your employer will need to apply for an LMO. Once the LMO is issued, you can apply for a work permit from within Canada.

Yes. If you plan on taking a course or program that is less than six months in total duration, then you do not need a study permit. View CIC's Study permit: Exceptions for more information.

Yes. You must meet the eligibility criteria for the immigration category. Federal applications can be submitted by mail to the appropriate visa office.

No. If you want help, you can hire a consultant, but federal and provincial applications were designed for applicants to complete on their own. If you do hire someone to complete the application, it will not receive special attention or be processed faster than other applications. Visit Using an immigration representative for information on immigration consultants and lawyers.

Immigration consultants must be members in good standing of the Immigration Consultants of Canada Regulatory Council (ICCRC). Check the ICCRC Membership List to find out if the consultant is registered.

Immigration lawyers and paralegals must be members in good standing of a Canadian provincial or territorial law society.

Check the Law Society of Alberta Lawyer Directory to find out if a lawyer is a member of the Law Society of Alberta.

Yes. For more information, please??visit Using an immigration representative.

The Alberta Government would like to provide you with up-to-date information that is relevant to you. By subscribing at Alberta Newcomer Information Subscription service you will receive information on newcomer programs, online events and workshops, online tools and changes to immigration programs.

The Off-Campus Work Permit Program allows foreign students to work off-campus while completing their studies. You must be a full-time student enrolled at a participating post-secondary institution. View CIC's Working off campus for more information.

For information on other categories of student employment, view CIC's Work permits for students.

As the holder of a study permit, you are eligible to apply for a work permit from within Canada.

View CIC's Work permits for students for information on eligible institutions. The requirements for different categories of student employment are different. Be sure to look at the information for the specific category of employment.

You must apply for a work permit within 90 days of receiving written confirmation that you have met the requirements for completing your academic program. You must have a valid study permit when you apply for the work permit.

View CIC's Post-Graduation Work Permit Program for more information.

The study program must be a minimum of eight months in length to be eligible for post-graduate employment. A post-graduate work permit can be issued for the length of the study program, up to a maximum of three years.

View CIC's Post-Graduation Work Permit Program for more information.

Yes.

For more information, visit Citizenship and Immigration Canada's Working after graduation webpage.

Yes. You can apply for a work permit. You must meet all of the requirements of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program and the employer must apply for a labour market opinion (LMO).

The Post-Graduation Work Permit Program allows international students the opportunity to gain work experience in Canada after they graduate.

Yes. As the holder of a study permit, you can apply for a work permit from within Canada. You must meet all of the requirements of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program, and your employer must apply for a labour market opinion (LMO). HRSDC will only approve the LMO for full-time employment of at least 30 hours per week.

International students may be exempt from the LMO requirements for student work permits.

View CIC's Work permits for students to learn more about student employment.

International students require a work permit for most student employment. But there are some cases, such as on-campus jobs, where you may not need a work permit.

View CIC's Work permits for students to learn more about student employment.

Yes. If you have a study permit, you can apply for a work permit from within Canada.

View CIC's Work permits for students to learn more about student employment, and see the Student guide for application information.

If you have a valid study permit and your work permit has expired, you still have valid status in Canada. If you will be working, submit an application for a work permit to CIC.

View CIC's How to apply for information on applying for a work permit.

If both your work permit and study permit have expired, and you have not applied for an extension, you must leave Canada.

View CIC's Work Permit Self-Assessment Tool or contact CIC's Call Centre at 1-888-242-2100 for more information.

If you apply to renew your work and/or study permit, and your current permits expire before you receive a decision, you have what is known as "implied status." It means you can stay in Canada and continue to work and study with the expired permits until you receive a decision on your application.

View CIC's Work Permit Self-Assessment Tool or, contact CIC's Call Centre at 1-888-242-2100 for more information.

If your study and work permit have expired, you may apply to restore your status as a worker or student within 90 days of your work permit's expiry date.

If you apply to restore your status, you can stay in Canada until a decision is made on your application. But you are not allowed to work or study until your status has been restored.

View CIC's Restoration of status for more information, or contact the CIC Call Centre at 1-888-242-2100.

No. TFWs are not eligible to participate in the apprenticeship program.

Yes. Your family should be able to come visit you in Canada if each family member has a valid passport and a valid entry visa (if they are from a country that requires an entry visa).

View CIC's website for a list of countries that require entry visas, and for more information on applying for an entry visa.

Yes. If you are an international student, your spouse or common-law partner can work in Canada. View CIC's, Work permits for students for more information.

Yes, if they meet certain criteria. If you are a skilled worker in Alberta (NOC 0, A or B), your child may be eligible for an open work permit.

In all other cases, your child would need to meet the requirements of the TFW program, including a job offer and LMO.

For more information, view CIC's Frequently asked questions: Working temporarily in Canada webpage.

You must have six months of full-time work experience with the same Alberta Employer on a post-graduate work permit before you apply to AINP under the International Graduate Stream.

View International Graduate Criteria for more information.

A work permit authorizes a person to work in Canada. Most work permits will impose conditions such as the type of work you can do, the employer you can work for, where you can work, and how long you can work.

You almost always need to apply for the initial work permit from outside of Canada. If you are from a country that is visa-exempt, you may be able to apply as you enter Canada. In some cases, a person can apply from within Canada. View Eligibility to apply to determine where to submit your application.

If you are from a country that is visa-exempt, you may be able to apply at the port of entry. View Eligibility to apply to determine where to submit your application.

If you have legal status in Canada, you can submit your application to a Canadian visa office in the United States (Buffalo, Detroit, Los Angeles, New York, Seattle, or Washington DC).

View CIC's Where to send your application for more information.

The work permit is valid for the same duration as the LMO. The work permit will not be extended beyond the expiry date of your passport.

Yes. You must submit the application before your work permit expires.

No. You have to have a work permit to work in Canada.

Yes. You can do volunteer work , as long as it is work that a person would not normally be paid for. You can also help a friend or family member during a visit (unpaid).

Work experience, whether paid or not, would be considered work and would require a work permit.

Contact CIC's Call Centre at 1-888-242-2100 for more information.

You can apply to extend your stay in Canada. The immigration officer will base the decision on the information you provide. They will use the information to determine if the extension request reasonable; whether or not you have enough money to support your stay; and whether or not you are likely to leave Canada at the end of your authorized stay.

You can submit a new application. A new application should highlight any changes of circumstance or provide additional information.

The Government of Alberta is not able to influence an immigration or visa officer's decision.

Contact CIC Call Centre at 1-888-242-2100 for more information.

Yes.

Trade occupations in Alberta are regulated, meaning there are legal requirements and restrictions you must meet to work in that occupation.

Permanent residents or Canadian Citizens who are trained outside of Canada, who want to work in a Compulsory Trade, must be a registered apprentice, a certified journeyperson, or have an approved application for certification.

Alberta recognizes most credentials issued by a Canadian regulatory authority in a trade that is designated in Alberta.

You can work in an optional certification trade, if the employer is satisfied that you have the skills and knowledge expected of a certified journeyperson (certification is not required).

View Regulated trades or the AIT website at Tradesecrets for more information.

Some professional occupations are regulated in Alberta, meaning there are legal requirements and restrictions you must meet to work in that occupation.

View Regulated professions to find out if your occupation is regulated in Alberta. Contact the regulatory organization for information on the requirement to work in Alberta.

If you are working in Alberta as a skilled worker (NOC 0,A or B) you could consider the Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP), the Federal Skilled Worker Class (FSW), or the Canadian Experience Class (CEC). When making your decision, consider the eligibility criteria and processing times for each program.

If you are working in Alberta as a semi-skilled worker (NOC C or D) there are fewer options for obtaining permanent residence. The AINP has a semi-skilled category for specific industries and occupations.

For more information about the National Occupational Classification (NOC) codes, or to find out how your occupation is classified in Canada, visit National Occupational Classification 2011.

If you are studying in Canada, there are a number of options you could consider. In most cases, you would need to complete your program of studies and obtain work experience in Canada. AINP has a category for international graduates, but you must have six months of full-time experience with the same Alberta employer on a post-graduation work permit before you can apply.

The Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) tool, Come to Canada, can help you determine which immigration options will work best for you.

Your occupation will be classified as skilled (NOC 0, A, B) or semi-skilled (NOC C, D). The classification is based on the amount of education and experience required to do the job.

To find out how your occupation is classified in Canada, visit National Occupational Classification 2011.

No. The AINP is just one of several options. Citizenship & Immigration Canada have other categories for permanent immigration. Visit CIC's Immigrating to Canada for more information on CIC immigration categories.

Yes, if you meet the eligibility criteria of both programs.

Yes, you can apply to the AINP if you meet the eligibility criteria, even if you've already applied to CIC.

No. You do not need an immigration lawyer or consultant to complete your AINP or CIC applications. Forms have been designed so you can complete them on your own.

If you do hire a lawyer or consultant, your application will not receive special attention or be processed faster.

For more information on hiring a lawyer or consultant, see Using an immigration representative.

The Alberta Government would like to provide you with up-to-date information that is relevant to you. By subscribing at Alberta Newcomer Information Subscription service you will receive information on newcomer programs, online events and workshops, online tools and changes to immigration programs.

The time you must have been employed in Alberta varies with the different categories and streams of the AINP. Please refer to the detailed criteria on our website for each category: Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program.

AINP allows the Province of Alberta to recommend foreign nationals/workers to Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) for permanent residence.

AINP evaluates your related education and work experience, any qualifications that are recognized or required by industry standards and associations in Alberta, and your ability to settle in Alberta.

No. As a provincial nominee, you and your dependants must still meet Citizen and Immigration Canada's (CIC's) requirements, such as medical, security and criminality checks.

AINP candidates must demonstrate a clear intent to live and work in Alberta. If you plan to live and work in another province, you should consider other options for obtaining permanent resident status.

Yes. As a candidate for provincial nomination, you must be fully qualified for the job and meet all licensing and regulatory requirements before applying to the AINP. You must provide proof of your qualifications in your application.

Yes. TFWs must still meet all of the eligibility criteria for the AINP.

No. You are not eligible to apply to the AINP if you have applied for refugee status in Canada. The AINP cannot interfere with the federal refugee claim, appeal or removal process.

A candidate has submitted an application to the AINP that hasn't been processed.

A nominee has been approved by the AINP.

Each province establishes its own criteria. See CIC's information: Provincial nominees: Who can apply? for details.

The AINP Employer-Driven Stream is for candidates with a permanent, full-time job offer from an Alberta employer who want to live and work in Alberta permanently.

There are three categories under the Employer-Driven Stream: the Skilled Worker Category, the International Graduate Category, and the Semi-Skilled Category.

Visit Employer-Driven Stream for more information.

Most occupations listed under the National Occupation Classification (NOC) Code in Skill Levels 0, A and B are eligible under the AINP. In addition, selected occupations in Skill Levels C and D may be eligible under the AINP.

Please see Semi-Skilled Worker criteria for eligible NOC C and D occupations.

The AINP Skilled Worker Category is for candidates who have a permanent, full-time job offer from an Alberta employer in a skilled occupation (NOC 0, A or B).

To learn more about National Occupation Classification (NOC) codes, visit National Occupational Classification 2011.

No. For information on occupations that are not eligible for the AINP's Employer-Driven Stream, see Who is not eligible?

Take the Skilled Worker Category Self-Assessment.

The AINP International Graduate Category is for Candidates who have recently graduated from a Canadian post-secondary institution and have a permanent, full-time job offer from their Alberta Employer in a skilled occupation (NOC 0, A, B).

For more information, see the AINP's International Graduate criteria.

No. For information on occupations that are not eligible, see Who is not eligible?.

View International Graduate criteria for the Alberta employer and candidate criteria.

You must obtain a diploma or degree, or have completed a graduate-level program from a publicly funded community college, trade/technical school or university in Alberta or Canada, or at a private institution in Alberta authorized by provincial statute to confer degrees. View Eligible post-secondary institutions for a listing of approved institutions in Alberta.

AINP will consider all related work experience when assessing your application. But you must have six months of full-time work experience with the same Alberta employer on a post-graduation work permit before you apply to AINP.

The Strategic Recruitment Stream is for occupations that are in demand in Alberta.

There are two categories in this stream under which AINP is currently accepting applications: Compulsory or Optional Trade Category and the Engineering Occupations Category.

Each category has specific criteria that you must meet before you apply to AINP. See more on the Strategic Recruitment Stream web page.

The Strategic Recruitment Stream is for occupations that are in demand in Alberta. This stream may be adjusted from time to time according to changes in Alberta's labour market.

This category is for workers who have an Alberta Qualification Certificate in a Compulsory or Optional Trade. To learn more, visit our Regulated trades page.

You must have an Alberta Qualification Certificate in a Compulsory or Optional Trade.

You must intend on living in Alberta permanently. View Compulsory and optional trades criteria for more information.

Yes. As of May 1, 2012 AIT stopped sending out invitation letters for this category. Applicants no longer need to submit a copy of an invitation letter when they apply to the AINP.

This category is for an engineer, designer or drafter with Alberta work experience in an eligible engineering occupation.

Please see the Engineering Occupations List for more details.

You must have credentials as an engineer, designer or drafter, as well as Alberta work experience in an eligible engineering occupation.

You must be currently residing in Alberta and show intent to live permanently in Alberta. View Engineering occupations criteria for more information.

No. Your occupation must be on the AINP Strategic Recruitment Stream Occupations list to apply under the Strategic Recruitment Stream.

If you are working in Alberta and your NOC code is not on the list, you may want look at the Skilled Worker Category in the Employer-Driven Stream of the Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program.

Other options are the Federal Skilled Worker Program or the Canadian Experience Class. View Immigrating to Canada for information on federal immigration options.

The U.S. Visa Holder Category allowed eligible international workers in the United States to apply directly to the AINP without a job offer. The category was suspended on August 23, 2010.

Please read the news release for more information: "Alberta puts two immigration programs on hold."

The category was suspended on August 23, 2010. There is no date set as to when the AINP may accept U.S. visa holder applications again.

Any changes will be posted on the AINP news section of the Immigrate to Alberta website.

The Federal Skilled Worker Class is a good option if you have a permanent job offer as a skilled worker, or??if your occupation is one of the 29 eligible occupations listed in the Eligibility criteria for federal skilled worker applications.

You will be assessed on a point system for language, experience and other factors.

Note that this is a federal program. For more information, visit the Citizenship and Immigration Canada web page Skilled workers and professionals.

Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) has a new online tool, Come to Canada, which can help you determine which immigration options will work best for you.

All applicants must undergo and pass a medical, security and criminality screening process.

No. However, the Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP) has a Semi-skilled Worker Category for candidates in eligible industries and occupations. To qualify, you need a permanent job offer from an Albertan employer. For more information, view Semi-Skilled Worker criteria.

Yes, if you meet the eligibility requirements of the Federal Skilled Worker Program. You must have work experience in one of the eligible occupations, or a permanent job offer as a skilled worker.

All of the information you need is in the application guide: Applying as a skilled worker.

If you have any questions, contact Citizenship and Immigration Canada at the CIC Call Centre at 1-888-242-2100.

Be sure that you fill out the forms completely and include all of the required documents.

Don't forget the results from your language testing and the application fees.

The processing times vary and depend on the type of application and where the application is submitted. Current processing times can be found at Processing Times.

This is a good option if you have two years of full-time skilled work experience, or if you graduated from a Canadian post-secondary institution with at least one year of skilled work experience in Canada.

This is a federal program. For more information, visit Citizenship and Immigration Canada's??Applying for permanent residence: Canadian Experience Class??webpage.

Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) has a new tool, Come to Canada, which can help you determine which immigration options will work for you.

All applicants must undergo and pass a medical, security and criminality screening process.

No. The AINP has a Semi-Skilled Worker Category for candidates in eligible industries and occupations who have a permanent job offer from an Albertan employer. For more information view Semi-Skilled Worker criteria.

No. The Canadian Experience Class is based on Canadian skilled??work experience.

The AINP has a Semi-skilled Worker Category for candidates in eligible industries and occupations who have a permanent job offer from an Albertan employer. For more information, view Semi-skilled Worker criteria.

All of the information you need is in the application guide:

Applying for permanent residence - Canadian Experience Class.

If you have any questions, contact Citizenship and Immigration Canada at the CIC Call Centre at 1-888-242-2100.

Be sure that you fill out the forms completely and include all of the required documents.

Don't forget to include the results from your language testing and the application fees.

The processing times vary depending on where the application is submitted. Current processing times can be found at Processing Times.

If you are interested in working in Alberta temporarily, please visit our Coming temporarily webpage to review your options. If you want to know more about becoming a permanent resident of Alberta, visit our Permanent immigration page to find out more.

Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) has a new tool, Come to Canada, which can help you determine which immigration options will work for you.

No. There are immigration programs operated by the Government of Canada which may enable you to immigrate to Alberta. See Citizenship and Immigration Canada's Come to Canada website to find out more about federal immigration options for which you may be eligible.

Please review the Skilled Worker Criteria on the AINP website.

No. But the AINP has a semi-skilled category for certain industries and occupations. Under the semi-skilled category, you must be working in Alberta to be eligible.

If you are a farm owner/operator with proven management skills and the financial resources to develop a sustainable growth-oriented primary production farming business in Alberta, you may want to look at the Self-Employed Farmer Stream.

For other types of investment, visit CIC's Investors, entrepreneurs and self-employed persons for more information on business immigration.

Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) has a new online tool, Come to Canada, which can help you determine which immigration options will work for you.

The Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP) allows the Province of Alberta to recommend foreign nationals/workers to Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) for permanent residence.

The Self-Employed Farmer Stream is for an individual farm owner/operator who wants to immigrate, purchase and manage a farming business in Alberta.

The Self-Employed Farmer Stream requires farm management skills, sufficient financial resources and investment in a primary production farming business in Alberta. View Self-Employed Farmer Stream criteria for complete criteria.

No. AINP does not have other categories for business immigrants. For information on other immigration options, view CIC's Investors, entrepreneurs and self-employed persons .

Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) has a new online tool, Come to Canada, which can help you determine which immigration options will work for you.

The Business Immigration Program aims to attract experienced business people to Canada.

This is a federal program. For more information, see Investors, entrepreneurs and self-employed persons on the CIC website.

The Business Program includes three classes:

- Investors

-??Entrepreneurs

-??Self-employed

The criteria are different for each class. For more information, visit Investors, entrepreneurs and self-employed persons on the CIC website or contact the CIC call centre at 1-888-242-2100.

Thje CIC has temporarily stopped accepting applications for the federal entrepreneur program. Only applications received before July 1, 2011, will be processed. This suspension will continue until further notice.

All the information you need is in the application guide:

Applying as a business immigrant - Entrepreneur or self-employed person.

Be sure that you fill out the forms completely and include all of the required documents.

Don't forget to include the results from your language testing and the application fees.

If you have any questions, contact the Canadian Visa Office that serves your country.

The processing times vary and depend on the type of application and where the application is submitted. Current processing times can be found at Processing Times.

A Canadian citizen or permanent resident may sponsor their spouse or common-law partner for permanent residence.

If both the sponsor and the spouse or common-law partner will be remaining in Canada, they may be eligible under the Spouse or Common-law Partner in Canada Class. View Application for permanent residence in Canada - Spouse or common-law partner??for more information.

This is a federal program. If you have any questions, contact Citizenship and Immigration Canada at the CIC Call Centre at 1-888-242-2100.

Yes. A Canadian citizen or permanent resident may sponsor their spouse or common-law partner for permanent residence.

The sponsor must sign a contract called an undertaking. The undertaking is a promise to provide financial support for your spouse or common-law partner's basic needs and those of any dependent children.

Basic needs include food, clothing, shelter and other needs for everyday living. Also included are dental care, eye care and other health needs not covered by public health services.

View Application for permanent residence in Canada - Spouse or common-law partner??for more information.

This is a federal program. If you have any questions, contact Citizenship and Immigration Canada at the CIC Call Centre at 1-888-242-2100.

Submit your application for sponsorship and application for permanent residence to the Case Processing Centre in Vegreville, Alberta.

The application can include any dependent children (in Canada, or outside of Canada) for permanent residence.

If you submit an application for an "open" work permit with your application for permanent residence, once the application has received first-stage approval, you will be issued an "open" work permit and will be able to work for any employer.

If you are currently working as a temporary foreign worker in Alberta, you can maintain your work permit while the application is being processed. If you apply for a work permit with your application for permanent residence, you will have implied status and will be able to continue working for your existing employer until your application for an open work permit has been processed.

For more information, contact the Citizenship and Immigration Canada call centre at 1-888-242-2100.

No. If you are working in Alberta as a skilled worker, or in an eligible semi-skilled occupation, you can apply under the AINP Employer-Driven Stream or the AINP Strategic Recruitment Stream.

A Canadian citizen or permanent resident may sponsor their spouse, common-law partner, conjugal partner, or dependent children to come to Canada as permanent residents under the Family Class.

View Sponsoring your family: Spouses and dependent children for more information.

This is a federal program. If you have any questions, contact the Canadian visa office that serves your country.

Yes. Your spouse or common-law partner can sponsor you under the Family Class.

All of the information you need is in the application guide:

Application for permanent residence in Canada - Spouse or common-law partner.

Remember, your sponsor must submit a sponsorship application.

Be sure that you fill out the forms completely and include all of the required documents.

Don't forget to include the application fees with your application.

You must meet all of the requirements, including a visa application if required and proof of funds.

To work in Canada, you would need to meet all of the requirements of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program. That means you must have a written job offer and labour market opinion, and you must submit your application at the visa office or port of entry (if visa exempt).

No.

The Family Class allows a Canadian citizen or permanent resident to sponsor eligible family members for permanent residence in Canada.

For information on eligible family members, view CIC's Applying as a member of the family class.

All of the information you need is in the application guide:

Applying as a member of the family class.

Remember, your sponsor must also submit a sponsorship application.

Be sure that you fill out the forms completely and include all of the required documents.

Don't forget to include the application fees.

All applicants must undergo and pass medical, security and criminality checks.

The AINP Family Stream provided a way for Alberta residents to help family members immigrate to Alberta. It was suspended on August 23, 2010 and is not currently accepting applications.

Please read the news release: Alberta puts two immigration programs on hold.

There is no set date as to when AINP may accept Family Stream applications again. Any changes will be posted in the AINP news section of this website.

No. Applications are not currently being accepted.

No. Applications are not currently being accepted.

There are a number of options to consider.

If a potential immigrant has the skills needed by Alberta, the Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP) may be an option. For information on the AINP, see Permanent immigration.

A potential immigrant can also apply directly to Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC). For information on CIC immigration categories, visit Immigrating to Canada.

The best options will depend on your friend or family member's individual circumstances.

Yes. Your family should be able to come visit you in Canada if each family member has a valid passport and a valid entry visa (if they are from a country that requires an entry visa).Visit the CIC website for more information on applying for an entry visa, and for a list of countries that require entry visas.

To work in Canada, they would need to meet all of the requirements of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program. That is, they must have a written job offer and a labour market opinion, and must submit their application at the visa office or at the port of entry (if visa exempt).

The AINP Family Stream provided a way for Alberta residents to help family members immigrate to Alberta. It was suspended on August 23, 2010.

Please read the news release: Alberta puts two immigration programs on hold.

There is no set date as to when AINP may accept Family Stream applications again. Any changes will be posted in the AINP news section of this website.

No. Applications are not currently being accepted.

No. Applications are not currently being accepted.

The requirement varies with the different categories and streams of AINP. Please refer to detailed criteria on our website for each category: Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program.

An employer must offer you a permanent, full-time job under the Employer-Driven Stream. Under the Strategic Recruitment Stream or the Self-Employed Farmer Stream, you do not require an employer to apply.

No. The AINP cannot provide you with a list of potential employers or help you with finding work.

If you wish to search for jobs in Alberta, visit Finding a job.

Your employer must make you a permanent, full-time job offer under the Employer- Driven Stream.

For more information about the AINP, your employer can visit our website.

You may wish to consider other options, such as the Federal Skilled Worker Program or the Canadian Experience Class.

Temporary contract work and seasonal work are not eligible under the Employer-Driven stream. Your employer must make you a permanent, full-time job offer. You may wish to consider other options, such as the Federal Skilled Worker Program or the Canadian Experience Class.

If your Labour Market Opinion (LMO) does not indicate the number of hours, or if your position is LMO-exempt, there must be at least 30 hours of work per week to be considered full time.

Under the Employer-Driven Stream, the job must be full time, or your application will be declined. However, if you are applying under the strategic recruitment stream, your application may still be eligible.

You may also consider other options, such as the Federal Skilled Worker Program or the Canadian Experience Class.

The amount of work experience varies with the AINP's different categories and streams. Please refer to detailed criteria on our website for each category: Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program.

The work experience required varies with the AINP's different categories and streams. There is information on the AINP website that indicates whether your work experience must be prior to arrival, in Alberta, or a combination. Please refer to detailed criteria for each category at: Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program.

There are no fees to apply to AINP. But if you are issued a nomination, you will be required to submit fees to CIC along with your federal application forms. For more information on CIC fees, see Application fees.

Current processing times for AINP can be found at AINP processing times.

Once the province has issued your nomination, you must submit an application to the visa office. Processing times can vary and will depend on where you submit the application.

Current processing times can be found at Processing Times.

Depending on the category you applied for, you may need to provide proof of English-language ability. See more about language requirements at Semi-Skilled Worker criteria.

All of the information you need is in the application guide: Provincial nominees: How to apply - Application kit.

If you have any questions, contact Citizenship and Immigration Canada at the CIC Call Centre at 1-888-242-2100.

Keep the original federal application forms and send a photocopy to the AINP along with your AINP applications.

No supporting documentation is required for the federal application at time you send the copy to AINP.

If the nomination is issued, you will receive instructions on how to submit your application for permanent residence to the visa office.

No. You must wait until the nomination certificate is issued to you to before you apply to CIC as a provincial nominee.

The list of supporting documentation is on the document checklist that goes with the application form for each category under the AINP. See Application forms.

No. Do not send these to the AINP.

No. Alberta employers do not have to submit financial statements; however, the AINP reserves the right to request financial statements to ensure the company is operational and viable.

Certified copies are notarized copies. In Canada, documents can be certified (notarized) by a lawyer or notary public. This person will copy, stamp and sign a document to indicate that it is a true copy of the original.

No, the AINP does not have a list of notary publics or lawyers.

Yes. Your spouse or common-law partner and any dependent children must be included in your AINP and permanent resident application to CIC.

Yes. Unless you are legally separated or divorced from your spouse, you must include him or her on the application.

Your spouse and children could be included as "non-accompanying" family members, in which case they will need to pass medical, criminality and security checks.

Yes. Your family can apply to the Canadian Visa office for a visa, or apply at the port of entry (border) if they are visa-exempt. Your family must meet all the requirements of temporary residents in Canada.

View CIC's Canadian visa office chart for visa office locations.

Status updates are not provided. Visit AINP processing times to get an estimate of how long it will take to process your application.

If your application is beyond current processing time, you can request a status update by email.

Complete the Change of Address and Contact Information Form and mail or fax it to the Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program. The address and fax number are included on the form.

This form is to let the AINP know that your address, email, or phone number has changed since you submitted the application.

Complete the Request to Add or Remove Family Member(s) and fax the complete form and supporting documents to AINP at 780-427-6560.

This form is to let AINP know that your family composition has changed since you applied. Examples include the birth of a child, marriage or divorce.

Yes, AINP will tell your employer whether your application has been approved or declined.

Yes, AINP will tell your authorized representative whether your application has been approved or declined. In the case of the Family Stream, the Alberta family member will be notified.

Yes. You must always ensure that you have the documents that CIC requires for re-entry. This may include your passport, a temporary resident visa, a work permit, proof that you are still employed, or other documents. Please visit Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) for more information.

An AINP nomination letter on its own does not allow you to re-enter Canada.

Visit After you are nominated to guide you through the next steps of submitting your application to CIC as a provincial nominee.

You have 180 days to submit your application to CIC. For more information, please visit the After you are nominated page of the AINP website.

Please refer to the After you are nominated page of the AINP website for information about applying to CIC for permanent residence, extending your nomination and more.

Please see the After you are nominated page of the Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP) website for more information on applying for permanent residence.

Follow the specific instructions sent to you by the Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program with your nomination letter.

You are strongly encouraged to submit police clearances with your application if possible. If you submit your application without police certificates, you should include proof that you have applied for it. It is more important to apply to CIC before your AINP nomination expires than it is to wait to receive all police certificates.

Visit the CIC website for more information on How to obtain a police certificate.

You are expected to submit your application to Citizenship and Immigration Canada before the nomination expires. AINP will consider the reasons why you need an extension. There is no guarantee that you will be issued an extension.

Complete the Request for a Nomination Extension and fax it, with any supporting documentation, to AINP at 780-427-6560.

Please visit the After you are nominated page of the AINP website for more information.

In order for your application for permanent residence to be processed, you must continue working for the employer that nominated you.

If your job changes, you must notify the AINP by fax at 780-427-6560.

If your job changes, you must notify the AINP by fax at 780-427-6560.

Any changes to your job will affect your AINP application.

If your job changes, you must notify the AINP by fax at 780-427-6560.

If you applied under the AINP Employer-Driven Stream, your application will be withdrawn.

You must notify the AINP about the change in your employment status by fax at 780-427-6560.

If you have been laid off or your employer has terminated your employment, you may stay in Canada until your work permit expires.

Your work permit is tied to your employer. You are not entitled to work for another employer until you obtain a new work permit for that new employer.

If you cannot find a job with an eligible employer, you must return to your country of origin when your work permit expires.

If you applied under the AINP Employer-Driven Stream, your application will be withdrawn. If you applied under the Strategic Recruitment Stream, you must notify the AINP about the change in your employment status by fax at 780-427-6560.

Yes. As a TFW, you must maintain a valid status while in Canada until you obtain permanent resident status.

It is both your employer's and your responsibility to ensure that your work permit is valid throughout the AINP process.

All applications for a work permit must be submitted to CIC and should be made well in advance of the work permit expiry date.

If you currently hold a valid work permit and you want to extend or change it:

- Your employer needs to apply for a new Labour Market Opinion (LMO)

- Your employer needs to provide you with a copy of the approved LMO and job offer

- You must then submit a work permit application to Citizenship and Immigration (CIC)

For more information on extending or changing your work permit and the application form, see Application to change conditions or extend your stay in Canada as a worker.

Once the nomination has been issued, you can submit a copy of the nomination letter with the work permit application, instead of an LMO.

For more information, please visit the After you are nominated page on the AINP website.

There are no appeal rights. The reason for a negative decision would have been provided by letter.

Alberta is the fourth largest province in Canada, covering an area of 661,000 square kilometres (255,000 miles). That's about the same size as the U.S. state of Texas and twice the size of Japan. View climate and geography for more information about Alberta.

Alberta has four distinct seasons, from mild summers to snowy winters. Alberta enjoys the highest number of sunny days in Canada??-- more than 2,300 hours of sunshine each year.

View climate and geography for more information on Alberta's weather.

Alberta is known as a prairie province. However, only about one quarter of Alberta's area is actually treeless. Our landscapes vary from glacial mountain lakes and rolling foothills to vast forests, fertile prairies and desert badlands. View climate and geography for more information on Alberta's landscape.

As of September 2009, the official population of Alberta was 3,520,268.

Alberta's biggest cities by population are:

• Calgary: 1,065,455
• Edmonton: 782,439
• Red Deer: 89,891
• Lethbridge: 85,492
• Medicine Hat: 61,097
• St. Albert: 58,501
• Grande Prairie: 50,227

Explore Alberta using the interactive map to learn about Alberta regions and communities.

Canada has two official languages, English and French. In Alberta, English is the language used in most workplaces and classrooms. Many other languages are also spoken (Chinese, German, Spanish, Punjabi, Tagalog, Ukrainian). View languages for more information on languages spoken in Alberta.

Albertans are committed to creating a society where everyone is welcome and can participate in all aspects of life while maintaining their traditions. View multiculturalism for more information about the people of Alberta.

Albertans pay low personal income taxes. They have the lowest marginal income tax rate and the highest basic and spousal exemptions in Canada. We are also the only province with no provincial sales tax. View cost of living for more information.

According to a report by the Royal Bank of Canada, Alberta was the only province to experience an improvement in housing affordability in the first three months of 2010.

Alberta communities offer many types of housing with a wide range of prices. No matter what you choose, you will have the option of renting your home on a monthly basis or purchasing it outright, usually with the help of a mortgage.

Albertans have a publicly funded health care system that guarantees universal access to necessary hospital and medical services. The system provides a wide range of services, from emergency care to free health information. View healthcare for more information on the Alberta health care system.

If you are moving to Alberta from outside Canada, you may be eligible for coverage from the date you arrived. To ensure this, you must register with the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) within three months of your arrival. Find out how to register at Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan .

Find a physician in the online medical directory found on the College of Physicians & Surgeons website.

Alberta has one of the world's best education systems. Investment in schools, universities, colleges and technical institutes are increasing, keeping Alberta education affordable and of the highest quality. To learn more, visit Education.

Contact your local school board to find out which schools are in your area and which ones offer programs or services you may want, such as English as a Second Language classes or instruction in languages other than English.

To enroll your children in school, take them to the school along with an interpreter (if needed), identification documents, school documents from your home country, and their vaccination records.

The child of a temporary foreign worker or international student, who is in Canada and under the age of 18, does not need a study permit to attend pre-school, primary or secondary school.

For more information, contact Citizenship and Immigration Canada at 1-888-242-2100 or view CIC's website Studying in Canada.

Alberta has the lowest personal taxes in Canada. Alberta has a single-rate tax system, including the highest basic and spousal exemptions in the country, the lowest gasoline tax rate among the provinces, and low property taxes. Alberta is the only province with no provincial sales tax.

All residents of Canada, including Albertans, pay the federal Goods and Services Tax (GST) applied to most purchases.

Temporary foreign workers and international students are not eligible for income support.

Contact the Alberta Supports Contact Centre at 1-780-644-9992 in Edmonton or toll-free at 1-877-644-9992 for information on social assistance in Alberta.

Most people can drive in Alberta with their non-Alberta licence for a short time, but will then need to get an Alberta licence. The process for this varies depending on whether you are moving to Alberta from another province in Canada, a country with a reciprocal agreement, or a country without a reciprocal agreement. See Applying for an Alberta Driver's Licence for more details.

Alberta has capitalized on strengths in agriculture, energy, forestry and industrial products to develop a diverse economy.

Other key industries include petrochemicals, agriculture and agri-food, forestry and wood products, tourism, information and communication technology, nanotechnology and microsystems, biotechnology and pharmaceuticals, and health technology and services.

For more information about employment in Alberta, visit our Working in Alberta section.

Be sure to check the Working in Alberta Tool to find information on occupations and employment opportunities in Alberta.

In Alberta, your employment options are almost endless. Albertans work in trades, professional fields and everything in between. If you have skills or training in a certain field, along with English language skills, you should be able to find work in an area that suits you well.

For more about employment in Alberta, visit our Working in Alberta section.

Be sure to check the Working in Alberta Tool to find information on occupations and employment opportunities in Alberta.

Finding a job contains information and links to resources that can help you find a job in Alberta. The Working in Alberta Tool can help you make well-informed decisions about where to live and work.

For more information about employment in Alberta, visit our Working in Alberta section. You will find information on working in your occupation, getting your credentials recognized, and searching for a job.

Be sure to check the Working in Alberta Tool for information on occupations and employment opportunities in Alberta.

An employer must agree to pay a TFW the prevailing wage rate when they apply for the Labour Market Opinion (LMO). The prevailing wage rate is the "average" hourly wage for the requested occupation in the specified region.

View HRSDC's Temporary Foreign Worker Program Wage Rate (near the bottom of the page) for more information on prevailing wages.

All the usual benefits provided to Canadian workers or permanent residents must also be extended to TFWs.

View the Working in Alberta Tool to find the "average" wage rate for occupations and regions in Alberta.

Your employer is required to meet the terms and conditions of employment established in the Labour Market Opinion (LMO).

Contact Alberta Employment Standards at 1-877-427-3731 or the Alberta Temporary Foreign Worker Helpline at 1-877-944-9955 if your employer is not paying you the wage indicated on the LMO.

Yes. Your employer can pay you more than the prevailing wage rate on the Labour Market Opinion (LMO).

The employer is required to meet Alberta Employment Standards.

Contact Alberta Employment Standards at 1-877-427-3731 or the Alberta Temporary Foreign Worker Helpline at 1-877-944-9955 if your employer is not paying you for overtime.

Yes. Your employer can make payroll deductions from your pay.

Payroll deductions include income tax, Canada Pension Plan payments and employment insurance contributions. Your employer is required by law to deduct these from your pay.

If your employer wants to make other deductions, such as union dues, medical or dental coverage, they must have your written permission.

There are other types of deductions that are not legal. For example, your employer cannot make deductions to cover the cost of an employment agency, or for faulty workmanship, or for loss of cash or property where more than one person has access to the cash or property.

Contact Alberta Employment Standards at 1-877-427-3731 or the Alberta Temporary Foreign Worker Helpline at 1-877-944-9955 if you have concerns about unauthorized or illegal deductions from your pay.

Payroll deductions include income tax, Canada Pension Plan payments and employment insurance contributions. Your employer is required by law to deduct these from your pay.

The Canada Pension Plan (CPP) provides monthly benefits to workers and their families when they lose their income due to retirement, disability or death. TFWs who contribute to the plan may receive the same benefits as Canadian workers if they meet the eligibility requirements. View HRSDC's Eligibility of Temporary Foreign Workers to the Canada Pension Plan for information on benefits.

Employment insurance provides temporary income support during periods of unemployment. To qualify to receive EI payments, TFWs must meet the same eligibility requirements as Canadian citizens and permanent residents. View HRSDC's Eligibility for Canadian Employment Insurance for information on benefits.

If you work temporarily in Canada during the tax year, you may have to file a Canadian income tax return. View Canada Revenue Agency's International and non-resident taxes for information on Canadian tax obligations.

Employment insurance provides temporary income support during periods of unemployment. To qualify to receive EI payments, TFWs must meet the same eligibility requirements as Canadian citizens and permanent residents. View HRSDC's Eligibility for Canadian Employment Insurance for information on benefits.

You may be eligible for EI if you have worked the required number of hours and you have a valid work permit. EI benefits are not paid after the work permit expires.

Employees must have 52 consecutive weeks of employment to be eligible for maternity or parental leave under the Employment Standards Code. At the end of the unpaid leave, they must be reinstated to the original or an equivalent job.

View Temporary Foreign Workers - A Guide for Employers for more information.

You may be eligible for EI maternity or parental benefits if you have worked the required number of hours and have a valid work permit. View HRSDC's Eligibility for Canadian Employment Insurance for information on benefits. EI benefits are not paid after the work permit expires.

Your employer can terminate your employment if you do not meet expectations or if changes to the economy eliminate the need for the position. Your employer must provide you with appropriate notice or pay-in-lieu of notice.

The length of notice depends on how long you have worked for the employer, and must be in writing. For employment of more than three months, but less than two years, proper notice is one week.

You can remain in Canada until the expiry date of your work permit.

If you find another employer, the new employer must obtain an LMO and you must apply for a new work permit. Do not start working for the new employer until the new work permit has been issued.

Once you receive your work permit, you must obtain a social insurance number (SIN). All workers (Canadians and TFWs) require a SIN to work in Canada and to receive government benefits.

The best way to apply for a social insurance number (SIN) is to apply in person at a Service Canada Centre with the proper identity documents (birth certificate, work or study permit) and supporting documents (marriage certificate), if you have had a name change.

As a TFW, you will receive a temporary SIN card that begins with the number 9. The SIN card expires on the date indicated on the front of the card. The expiry date will be the same as the work permit.

For more information on how to apply at Service Canada's Social Insurance Number??webpage.

IQAS assesses international educational credentials and compares them to educational credentials in Canada.

Attaching a copy of your IQAS assessment certificate to your resume and job applications may help potential employers understand your educational credentials.

Many Alberta employers accept IQAS assessments. View Educational institutions using IQAS and Professional Regulatory Organizations using IQAS for information on other organizations that accept IQAS assessments.

Some occupations in Alberta are regulated. That means there are legal requirements and restrictions that you must meet to work in that occupation. View Regulated professions to find out if your occupation is regulated.

View Regulated professions to find links to the professional regulatory organization responsible for each profession.

You can apply to the International Qualification Assessment Service (IQAS) for an evaluation.

View the IQAS Tutorials for information on the application process.

To work in a Compulsory Trade, you must be certified. Compulsory Trades usually involve work where the protection of public and worker safety must be monitored.

You can work in an Optional Trade if the employer decides you have the skills and knowledge expected of a certified journeyperson. (Certification is not required.)

To learn more, view the list of Compulsory and Optional Trades??in Alberta.

If you have no trade certification, but can prove that your skills and work experience meet the industry standards set for certification in Alberta, you may apply for certification under the Qualification Certificate Program.

Both Compulsory and Optional Trades can be certified. View AIT's application guide at Qualification Assessment Application - TFW.

AIT is responsible for administering the laws and regulations that govern work in the trades.

AIT certification is required to work in a Compulsory Trade.

AIT certification in an Optional Trade will tell potential employers that you meet Alberta standards in the trade. It may also mean you'll get paid more.

Certification is needed by workers in both Compulsory and Optional trades if they apply for permanent residence under the Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP).

All Alberta employers accept AIT certification. If the trade is designated under the Interprovincial Standards Red Seal Program, the certificate may have a Red Seal endorsement and would be recognized in other provinces of Canada. View Tradesecrets for more information on the Red Seal endorsement.

No. TFWs are not eligible to participate in the apprenticeship program.

English is the language used in most workplaces and classrooms. To work or study in Alberta, you will need to be able to speak, read and write English well enough to communicate with people who only understand English.

Trade occupations in Alberta are regulated, meaning there are legal requirements and restrictions you must meet to work in that occupation. View Regulated trades or the AIT website at Tradesecrets for more information.

There are many systems and programs in place to help new Albertans adjust to life in Alberta. Use the Newcomer Information and Services Search tool to determine what settlement and integration services are available in your community.

Yes, a permanent resident can start a business in Alberta.

The Business Link has recently announced a province-wide mentorship program for immigrant entrepreneurs. View the Business Link's

Immigrant Entrepreneur Mentorship Program for information.

To keep your permanent resident status, you must live in Canada for at least two years within a five-year period.

Citizenship and Immigration Canada is responsible for granting permanent residence. For information about rights and privileges and keeping your permanent resident status, view CIC's About being a permanent resident of Canada.

A permanent resident could lose status if they do not meet their residency obligations or if they are convicted of a serious crime and deported.

Citizenship and Immigration Canada is responsible for granting permanent residence. For information about rights and privileges and keeping your permanent resident status, view CIC's

About being a permanent resident of Canada.

The Permanent Resident Card is the official proof of your status in Canada. Permanent Resident cards are issued by Citizenship and Immigration Canada.

Citizenship and Immigration Canada is responsible for issuing permanent resident cards. For information on how to apply for (or extend) a permanent resident card, view CIC's Permanent Resident Card.

To become a citizen, you must have lived in Canada for at least three years of the past four years before applying. You may be able to include time spent in Canada before you became a permanent resident, if that time frame falls within the four-year period.

Visit CIC's Becoming a citizen.

Once you obtain your Canadian citizenship, you are eligible to apply for a Canadian passport. View Passport Canada for information on how to apply for a Canadian passport.

Some professional occupations are regulated in Alberta, meaning there are legal requirements and restrictions you must meet to work in that occupation.

View Regulated professions to find out if your occupation is regulated in Alberta. Contact the regulatory organization for information on the requirement to work in Alberta.

View Study in Alberta for information about Alberta schools.

Yes. If you plan on taking a course or program that is less than six months in total duration, then you do not need a study permit. View CIC's Study permit: Exceptions for more information.

Yes. If you are the holder of a work permit, you can apply for a study permit from within Canada. You must meet all the requirements of a foreign student, including a letter of acceptance from a recognized school, university or college in Canada and proof of funds to support your studies. View CIC's Studying in Canada: Study permits for more information on the requirements.

The Off-Campus Work Permit Program allows foreign students to work off-campus while completing their studies. You must be a full-time student enrolled at a participating post-secondary institution. View CIC's Working off campus for more information.

For information on other categories of student employment, view CIC's Work permits for students.

As the holder of a study permit, you are eligible to apply for a work permit from within Canada.

Yes. Your family can apply to the Canadian Visa office for a visa, or apply at the port of entry (border) if they are visa-exempt. Your family must meet all the requirements of temporary residents in Canada.

View CIC's Canadian visa office chart for visa office locations.

Yes. If you are an international student, your spouse or common-law partner can work in Canada. View CIC's, Work permits for students for more information.

Yes, children under 18 can attend preschool, primary or secondary school without a study permit. Once your child turns 18, they will need to apply for a study permit. For more information, view CIC's Exceptions: Studying without a study permit.

Yes, if they meet certain criteria. If you are a skilled worker in Alberta (NOC 0, A or B), your child may be eligible for an open work permit.

In all other cases, your child would need to meet the requirements of the TFW program, including a job offer and LMO.

For more information, view CIC's Frequently asked questions: Working temporarily in Canada webpage.

Your family members can submit a new application for a visa. A new application should highlight any changes in circumstance or provide additional information.

The Government of Alberta is not able to influence a visa officer's decision.

Contact CIC Call Centre at 1-888-242-2100 for more information.

You do not need a study permit if you plan to take a course or program in Canada that lasts six months or less. You must complete the course or program within the period authorized for your stay in Canada. View CIC's If you wish to study in a short-term course or program for more information.

Foreign students can work in Canada during their studies and after they graduate. In most cases, you would need to apply for a work permit. View CIC's Work permits for students for information on student employment.

Yes. If you want to extend your status in Canada, you should apply 30 days before your status expires. View CIC's Extending your stay for more information.

Yes. Your family can apply to the Canadian Visa office for a visa, or apply at the port of entry (border) if they are visa-exempt. Your family must meet all the requirements of temporary residents in Canada.

View CIC's Canadian visa office chart for visa office locations.

Yes. If you are an international student, your spouse or common-law partner can work in Canada. View CIC's, Work permits for students for more information.

Yes, children under 18 can attend preschool, primary or secondary school without a study permit. Once your child turns 18, they will need to apply for a study permit. For more information, view CIC's Exceptions: Studying without a study permit.

Yes, if they meet certain criteria. If you are a skilled worker in Alberta (NOC 0, A or B), your child may be eligible for an open work permit.

In all other cases, your child would need to meet the requirements of the TFW program, including a job offer and LMO.

For more information, view CIC's Frequently asked questions: Working temporarily in Canada webpage.

Yes, your spouse or common-law partner and dependent children can apply for a work or study permit from within Canada.

Your family members can submit a new application for a visa. A new application should highlight any changes in circumstance or provide additional information.

The Government of Alberta is not able to influence a visa officer's decision.

Contact CIC Call Centre at 1-888-242-2100 for more information.

Yes. You can apply for a visitor record from within Canada. To get one, you must meet all of the requirements. For example, you must prove you have enough money to support yourself during your visit, and the immigration officer must be satisfied that you will leave Canada at the end of your authorized stay.

NOTE: Once you change to a visitor record, you will not be able to apply for a work or study permit from within Canada.

Most people will need a work permit to work in Alberta.

View CIC's Jobs that do not require a work permit for exceptions to the work permit requirement.

As long as you are not impacting opportunities for Canadians to get a job or experience in the workplace, then it would not be considered work, so a work permit would not be required.

Some types of unpaid work do require a work permit. View CIC's information about volunteer work or contact the CIC call centre at 1-888-242-2100.

Yes. If you plan on taking a course or program that is less than six months in total duration, then you do not need a study permit. View CIC's Study permit: Exceptions for more information.

Yes. If you want to extend your status in Canada, you should apply 30 days before your status expires. View CIC's Extending your stay for more information.

In most cases, you must apply for a work permit before coming to Canada.

For information on where to submit your application for your initial work permit, view CIC's Working temporarily in Canada: Eligibility to apply.

In most cases, an application for an initial study permit must be made to the visa office that serves your country or the region where you live. If you have legal in status in Canada, you may be able to submit your application by mail to a Canadian visa office in the United States. Contact the CIC call centre at 1-888-242-2100 for more information.

View CIC's Where to send your application for a listing of Canadian visa offices.

As long as you are not impacting opportunities for Canadians to get a job or experience in the workplace, then it would not be considered work and a work permit would not be required.

Unpaid help during a visit, such as a mother helping a daughter with childcare, or an uncle helping his nephew build his own cottage, does not require a work permit.

Contact the CIC call centre at 1-888-242-2100 for further clarification.

For information on visa requirements, view CIC's Countries and territories whose citizens require visas.

To find the visa office that serves your country of nationality or the country in which you live, see CIC's List of countries and corresponding visa offices.

Yes, but your family must meet the immigration requirements, including obtaining a visa if required.

The length of time you can remain in Canada will be determined when you arrive in Canada. Your passport will be stamped and the date by which you must leave Canada will be recorded. In most cases, you will be allowed to stay for six months.

For more information on your status in Canada and how to extend your stay as a visitor, view CIC's Visiting Canada: Extending your stay.