Alberta introduces a fast-track route for H-1B visa holders and their families

The province of Alberta has recently launched a pilot version of a proposed immigration stream to its Immigrant Nominee Program (INP), which would help H-1B visa holders in the United States to start working in Alberta faster by quickly obtaining the permanent residency of Canada. Holders of H1-B1, H-1C and E-3 visas may also be eligible under this pilot.

Because this pilot project targets professional workers with specialized skills and experience, a pre-application requirement to have a fulltime permanent job offer from an Alberta employer has been removed.

This pilot project may allow individuals holding an H-1B visa to apply directly to the Alberta INP providing they meet the criteria for the program. On average, those nominated for permanent residency by the Alberta INP obtain it in 6-18 months.

To be eligible, an applicant must be currently employed in the U.S. on an H-1B (or H1-B1, H-1C and E-3) visa and have been working there for at least one year in an occupation where there are skill shortages in Alberta.

After its successful end, the pilot project will be added to Alberta’s INP as “Strategic Recruitment” stream, which would facilitate the entry of international workers by not requiring them an arrange employment from an Alberta employer.

This expansion in Alberta’s INP beyond its conventional employer-driven model is part of government’s ongoing efforts to address the critical and growing shortage in the workforce, estimated to be close to 40,000 people and will hit 110,000 people within the next seven years if not tackled. As per this year’s plan, Alberta will accept up to 3,000 individuals under its current employer-driven guidelines while 600 more people will be accommodated under the newly announced Family stream.

A new immigration agreement between Alberta and the federal government has lifted the numerical limit on annual nominations by the Province, so Alberta can now nominate as many people as it could under its INP. The Alberta INP could be an attractive option for those who wish to have their immigration applications fast-tracked.