Alberta Accelerated Tech Pathway
“Empowering Tech Talent: Alberta’s Fast-Track to Permanent Residence”
The AAIP Accelerated Tech Pathway, part of the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP), was launched in 2022 to strengthen Alberta’s workforce by attracting highly skilled tech workers. This pathway is open to Express Entry candidates who are either working for an Alberta employer or have a job offer in one of 38 in-demand tech occupations. The program offers expedited processing of applications, providing a streamlined route to permanent residence. By addressing labor market needs in the tech sector, the pathway supports economic growth and innovation in Alberta.
Key Points:
- Eligibility: Must be working or have a job offer from an Alberta employer in an eligible tech occupation.
- Benefits: Expedited processing and a clear pathway to permanent residence.
Impact: Enhances Alberta’s tech sector, boosting economic growth and innovation.
Eligibility for the AAIP Accelerated Tech Pathway
Eligibility Requirements:Candidates must meet the criteria outlined for the pathway.
Language and Education Requirements: No specific language proficiency or education requirements are listed for this pathway.Candidates must have active Express Entry profiles, which include their own minimum requirements for language and education.
Job Offer Requirements
- Mutual Agreement: The job offer or contract must be signed by both you and your Alberta employer.
- Detailed Employment Terms: It should clearly outline all details of your employment.
- Full-Time and Continuous: The position must be full-time and continuous, lasting at least 12 months.
- Competitive Compensation: The wage or salary must meet or exceed the provincial minimum wage and comply with any requirements specified in a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), if applicable.
- Industry Standards: If an LMIA is not applicable, the offered wage must meet or surpass the starting wage for your occupation across all industries in Alberta.
Eligible Occupations and Industries
Eligible Occupations:
- A list of eligible tech occupations can be found here.
21221 Business system specialists
22221 User support technicians
22222 Information systems testing technicians
41402 Business development officers and market researchers and analysts
60010 Corporate sales managers
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Alberta Advantage Immigration Program – Accelerated Tech Pathway Eligible National Occupational Classification (NOC) codes (effective as of November 16, 2022)
00012 Senior managers – financial, communications and other business services
10011 Human resources managers
10022 Advertising, marketing and public relations manager
10030 Telecommunication carriers manager
11200 Human resources professionals
11202 Professional occupations in advertising, marketing and public relations
12101 Human resources and recruitment officers
20010 Engineering managers
20011 Architecture and science managers
20012 Computer and information systems managers
21210 Mathematicians, statisticians and actuaries
21211 Data scientists
21220 Cybersecurity specialists
21221 Business system specialists
21222 Information systems specialists
21233 Web designers
21223 Database analysts and data administrators
21231 Software engineers and designers
21230 Computer systems developers and programmers
21232 Software developers and programmers
21234 Web developers and programmers
21300 Civil engineers
21301 Mechanical engineers
21310 Electrical and electronics engineers
21311 Computer engineers (except software engineers and designers)
22110 Biological technologists and technicians
22212 Drafting technologists and technicians
22220 Computer network and web technicians
22221 User support technicians
22222 Information systems testing technicians
22301 Mechanical engineering technologists and technicians
22302 Industrial engineering and manufacturing technologists and technicians
22310 Electrical and electronics engineering technologists and technicians
32120 Medical laboratory technologists
32129 Other medical technologists and technicians
33101 Medical laboratory assistants and related technical occupations
41402 Business development officers and market researchers and analysts
50011 Managers – publishing, motion pictures, broadcasting and performing arts
51120 Producers, directors, choreographers and related occupations
52120 Graphic designers and illustrators
60010 Corporate sales managers
72200 Electricians (except industrial and power system)
72201 Industrial electricians
72205 Telecommunications equipment installation and cable television service technicians
Eligible Industries:
- Employers must be part of eligible tech industries, determined by NAICS codes
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Alberta Advantage Immigration Program – Accelerated Tech Pathway Eligible North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) Codes
2211 Electric Power Generation, Transmission and Distribution
3251 Basic Chemical Manufacturing
3254 Pharmaceutical and Medicine Manufacturing
3333 Commercial and Service Industry Machinery Manufacturing
3341 Computer and Peripheral Equipment Manufacturing
3342 Communications Equipment Manufacturing
3343 Audio and Video Equipment Manufacturing
3344 Semiconductor and Other Electronic Component Manufacturing
3345 Navigational, Medical and Control Instruments Manufacturing
3346 Manufacturing and Reproducing Magnetic and Optical Media
3364 Aerospace Product and Parts Manufacturing
4173 Computer and Communications Equipment and Supplies Merchant Wholesalers
5112 Software Publishers
5121 Motion Picture and Video Industries
5173 Wired and Wireless Telecommunications Carrier (except Satellite)
5174 Satellite Telecommunications
5179 Other Telecommunications
5182 Data Processing, Hosting, and Related Services
5191 Other Information Services
5413 Architectural, Engineering and Related Services
5414 Specialized Design Services
5415 Computer Systems Design and Related Services
5417 Scientific Research and Development Services
5419 Other Professional, Scientific and Technical Services
7115 Independent Artists, Writers and Performers
8112 Electronic and Precision Equipment Repair and Maintenance
Frequently Asked Questions about the Alberta Accelerated Tech Pathway
- What is the Alberta Accelerated Tech Pathway and how does it differ from other immigration streams?
The Alberta Accelerated Tech Pathway is a specialized immigration stream designed to attract highly skilled tech workers to Alberta. Unlike other streams, it prioritizes individuals with job offers or current employment in Alberta’s tech sector.
- What are the eligibility criteria for the Alberta Accelerated Tech Pathway?
To be eligible, candidates must be Express Entry applicants with either current employment or a job offer from an Alberta employer in one of the 38 designated tech occupations.
- How does the expedited processing work for applications under the Accelerated Tech Pathway?
Applicants selected under this pathway benefit from faster processing of their immigration applications, facilitating a quicker transition to permanent residence in Alberta.
- Can individuals outside of Canada apply for the Alberta Accelerated Tech Pathway?
Yes, the pathway is open to both candidates already residing in Canada and those applying from abroad, provided they meet the eligibility criteria.
- Are there any additional requirements for candidates already working in Alberta under the Accelerated Tech Pathway?
Yes, candidates must have valid immigration status (work permit or implied status) if currently employed in Alberta at the time of their application.
- How does the Alberta Accelerated Tech Pathway contribute to Alberta’s tech sector and overall economy?
By attracting top tech talent, the pathway addresses labor market needs, fosters innovation, and supports economic growth in Alberta’s burgeoning tech industry.
- What role does the Alberta Accelerated Tech Pathway play in the broader context of Canada’s immigration system?
The pathway aligns with Canada’s broader immigration goals by targeting skilled workers and professionals who contribute to the country’s economic prosperity and technological advancement.