Canadian province changes immigration conditions

Great news for doctors, entrepreneurs and those who want to settle in small towns.

Alberta is making changes to its immigration program that will help more candidates move to the province.

In 2022, Alberta became the new home, a place to work, live and invest for 50,000 people. That's a pretty good figure, but the province isn't going to stop.

"Alberta is a land of opportunity. In our province, you can find the career you want, take home a strong and regular paycheque, and still spend time with family and friends," says Premier Danielle Smith.

The first changes to the immigration program will affect three streams:

Rural Renewal Stream;
Rural Entrepreneur Stream;
Alberta Express Entry Stream.

The Rural Entrepreneur Stream has halved the required amount of business investment: from CAD 100,000 instead of CAD 200,000. This allows more people to start or buy a business in small towns in Alberta and later obtain a Canadian permanent residency.

The Rural Renewal Stream, which is for professionals, has had other changes. Now towns that want to accept immigrants through this stream don't have to get approval from the settlement agency. That means it will be easier for communities to apply for the Rural Renewal Stream designation. Accordingly, applicants interested in moving to small and rural towns will have more choices. But to apply, an applicant must find a job in one of the towns.

Alberta is also going to attract more health professionals. In 2023, in the Alberta Express Entry Stream, up to 30% of all invitations will be sent to healthcare workers.

In addition, the province plans to participate in the Economic Mobility Pathways pilot. This project is intended for skilled refugees who want to immigrate to Canada and have found work there.

There are now about 100,000 job openings in Alberta. By 2025, the province is projected to have a shortage of 33,100 workers.