Temporary Measure Announced for Expiring Work Permits in 2024 | August 26, 2024

New Temporary Policy Supports Alberta Nominees with Expiring Work Permits

The Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) has launched a temporary policy, developed in partnership with the Federal Government, to aid applicants in the Alberta Opportunity Stream and Rural Renewal Stream. Under this policy, eligible nominees can receive a letter of support to apply for an open work permit lasting up to two years from Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

Eligibility Criteria

This policy is available to nominees who meet the following conditions:

• They were still awaiting a decision on their application as of August 26, 2024, and held a valid work permit with an expiration date between May 7 and December 31, 2024.
• Their application was declined between May 7 and August 26, 2024, solely because their work permit had already expired in 2024.

Important Details

• No Action Required by Applicants: Applicants do not need to submit a new application for this initiative. The AAIP will automatically assess eligibility.
• Eligibility Proof: Applicants must demonstrate they meet the minimum criteria for their stream and have a legitimate job offer in Alberta. For those whose work permits have expired, proof of maintaining status during processing or eligibility for restoration of temporary resident status is necessary.

Here’s a rephrased version to ensure originality:

Communication Process: The AAIP will directly reach out to eligible applicants, using the work permit expiry date that was given when they initially applied.

Benefits of the New Policy

• Extended Open Work Permit: Eligible nominees will receive a letter of support, allowing them to apply for an open work permit valid for up to two years. This extension will enable them to continue working and maintain their eligibility for nomination.
• Deferred Nomination Assessment: The final review for nomination eligibility will be postponed until 2025, providing these applicants with additional time.

Prioritizing Other Applications: This policy allows the AAIP to prioritize completing applications from those with work permits that expired between January 1, 2024, and May 6, 2024, as well as from those whose permits will expire in early 2025. This focused effort will continue throughout the remainder of 2024 within the program’s allocation limits.