I would rather fail in a cause that will ultimately triumph than to triumph in a cause that will ultimately fail.

- Woodrow Wilson

U.S. Visa Holder - Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program

Strategic Recruitment Stream

for U.S. Visa Holder Category H-1B, H-1B1, H-1C and E-3

 General Information

Along with the Canadian government’s sweeping changes in its immigration policy in 2008, the Province of Alberta introduced a pilot program aimed at attracting foreign nationals (and their families) in the United States who are holding H-1B, H-1B1, H-1C, and E-3 visas. The Strategic Recruitment Stream under the Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP) allows foreigners who qualify under this class to receive the permanent residency even without an approved employment offer. Permanent residence application is often approved within one year.

Applicants under this category are expected to maintain valid visa status up to the time that the AINP makes a final decision on the application (i.e. issuance of a provincial nomination certificate). However, once the provincial nomination certificate has been issued, the applicant's U.S. status may expire and he or she may return home to continue the permanent residence process at the Canadian consulate located in his or her home country.

A.     Application Process

Stage 1:     Pre-qualification

1.     Submit the following documents for review:

        a. Copy of I-797 form

        b. Resume

Stage 2:     Signing of Agreement

1.      Receive pre-application review from Galt Immigration

2.      Sign Engagement Agreement

3.      Gather all required documentation (see below)

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Stage 3:     Complete Application Forms

1.      Complete the following forms:

         a. Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program

         b. Citizenship and Immigration Canada

         c. Use of Representative

2.      Submit copy of completed forms to Galt Immigration for review

3.      Mail original AINP and CIC forms and required documents to Galt for submission to AINP

Stage 4:     AINP Application Approval

1.      If approved, applicant becomes a Provincial Nominee

2.      AINP will advise the nominee how to proceed with their permanent residence application

3.      Galt Immigration to file full application and required documents and fees to CIC

Note: If the Candidate is approved as a Provincial Nominee and they find employment in their field in Alberta, the AINP may be able to issue a letter of support that would help the Candidate start working in Alberta right away, prior to their application for permanent residence with CIC being finalized.

Stage 5:     CIC Application Approval

1.      If application is successful, applicant and qualifying family members will receive permanent resident visas. Applicant will become permanent residents of Canada when he/she move to Canada within the validity of his/her visa (s).

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B.     Processing Fees

a.      AINP

         There is no fee charged by the AINP to apply under the Strategic Recruitment Stream

 

b.      CIC Immigrant Visa

Note: After AINP has issued provincial nomination certificate, original CIC application and required supporting documents must be submitted along with the required CIC application fees

 

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C.     Supporting Documents Required

1.    A copy of the valid passport for you and your accompanying family members. Include the    personal information page(s), any page(s) showing the expiry and renewal date(s) of the passport, and any page(s) containing U.S. visa(s).

 

2.   A certified copy of United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) document(s) demonstrating that you have a valid visa in one of the following categories: H-1B, H1-B1, H-1C, E-3. The document(s) must show the expiry date of your visa.

 

3.    A certified copy of your Degree, Diploma, Certificate or other documents regarding your education and training.

 

4.   A copy of any document(s) from your current U.S. employer demonstrating your current job title, the main duties of your job, and the education and work experience necessary to do the job. The document(s) must be one or more of the following: job offer letter(s), employment contract(s), reference letter(s), and/or requests/petitions to USCIS for your U.S. visa. The document(s) must be on company letterhead.

 

5.   A copy of recent pay stub(s) from your current U.S. employer.

 

6.    A copy of reference letters from any previous U.S. employer(s).

If documents are not in English, provide a certified translation with a copy of the original document(s). If you need to find a certified translator in Alberta, please visit the website of the Association of Translators and Interpreters of Alberta (ATIA) at: http://www.atia.ab.ca.

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D.     AINP Processing Times

The above processing times do not include the time it takes Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) to process a Provincial Nominee’s application for permanent residence, which takes place at a Canadian visa office outside of Canada. CIC application normally takes up to 12 months after submission of application.

E.     Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF)

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