AINP has made few temporary changes in Alberta PNP nomination process due to Coronavirus to ensure the smooth processing in nomination applications from April 29, 2020.
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Changes in submitting the applications for Alberta PNP Nomination
AINP will now accept copies of all required documents along with copies of signatures on forms from new and existing candidates, including:
- Copies of candidate, spouse/common-law partner, dependant and representative signatures on application and request forms
- Copies of educational transcripts for Post-Graduation Work Permit holders
However, Alberta can confirm the authenticity of submitted items including signatures via email or phone call.
New applicants those will apply for nomination after April 29, may submit an incomplete application if they meet the following requirements:
- Meet the complete selection criteria of their AINP stream except some missing documents to demonstrate they meet criteria due to COVID-19;
- A written explanation to demonstrate why the documents and application is incomplete;
- Show the evidence that the applicant has requested the document to issue authority due to unable to get it due to the closure during pandemic;
- For Alberta Opportunity Stream, they submit either valid language results or proof of registration for a test on or before October 29, 2020; and
- For Alberta Express Entry Stream, they include language results and an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA).
Those existing applicants who have applied on or before April 29 and cannot provide documents due to COVID-19, they must submit:
- A written explanation to demonstrate why the documents and application is incomplete;
- Show the evidence that the applicant has requested the document to issue authority due to unable to get it due to the closure during pandemic;
Changes in Assessment of applications for Alberta PNP Nomination
For, Alberta will hold them for 60 calendar days to new incomplete applications from the date of mailing, while for an existing application, they will hold for 60 calendar days from the date of assessment. In this regard, they will advise by email when an application is put on hold.
After 45 days, it will be determined that if an additional 60 calendar days will be applied. The longest hold an application is a maximum of 6 months, thereafter; a decision will be made based on the information available.
Changes in selection criteria for Alberta PNP Nomination
Alberta Express Entry Stream
Selection draws and nominations will continue as usual under the Alberta Express Entry Stream. However, only applicants living and working in Alberta will be considered for a nomination at this moment. Applicants must meet the following criteria to receive a nomination:
- Working in Alberta location that is not zoned for commercial or industrial use, such as working from home, due to government social distancing directives may be eligible for nomination, so long as they meet all other criteria
- Working in a “virtual” location or who serve the employer by telecommuting from a location outside Alberta are not eligible
- Have a valid full-time, paid work and meet the minimum wage and benefit criteria of Alberta
- Working in an eligible occupation.
The nomination applications of existing Alberta Express Entry candidates can put on hold for 60 calendar days to become eligible for a nomination if:
- They were full-time working in Alberta prior to COVID-19 pandemic, but currently working as part-time or unemployed.
- They are working in a regulated occupation in Alberta but can’t meet licensure/registration requirements
Applications will not be processed until further notice, where there is no recent history of employment in Alberta,
Alberta Opportunity Stream
New and existing candidates who are working from home due to government social distancing directives may be eligible for Alberta PNP nomination.
If the applicants are still working for their employer and continue to perform some of the job descriptions, they may also be eligible for nomination if they can demonstrate that they will return to their regular work duties after the pandemic. They also meet all the other criteria.
For new and current candidates who changed employers to maintain employment during the pandemic and who are working from home, their application will be placed on hold for 60 days to allow them to meet criteria.
This includes those who are unemployed, working in an ineligible occupation, working in a different occupation or Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP) holders who are working in a different occupation than their area of study.
The nomination applications of existing Alberta Opportunity Stream candidates can put on hold for 60 calendar days to become eligible for a nomination if candidates:
- have shifted from an eligible work permit type to an ineligible work permit type to maintain employment;
- are working in a regulated occupation in Alberta who cannot meet licensure/registration requirements, and
- have an ineligible language test (test is older than 2 years or for wrong test type).
No other changes have been made to Alberta Opportunity Stream selection criteria.
Alberta will give some current candidates additional time to allow them to change their circumstances and meet the criteria.
Nomination
Nominees must advise to AINP and IRCC via email regarding any changes in employment or contact details even after granting the nomination
Nominees whose employment circumstance changes due to the COVID-19 pandemic will be given 60 calendar days to meet employment criteria in order to maintain their nomination.
Nominees who move to another province or territory will have their nomination withdrawn.
Alberta continues to issue nomination extensions and/or 204(c) Letters of Support to nominees who meet the requirements for these post-nomination supports even changes in Alberta PNP nomination process due to Coronavirus.