AAIP eligibility changes in response to Alberta wildfires. The province has temporarily waived work experience requirements for certain applicants in the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP). 

The temporary waiving of the need for specific work experience in the Alberta Opportunity & Tourism & Hospitality streams of the AAIP aims to allow workers whose present employment is affected by the wildfires to find new work as soon as possible. 

According to the Government of Alberta, the AAIP will accept open work permits issued by IRCC for workers in these streams affected by the wildfires, & seeking employment. 

The changes in eligibility are from July 19, 2024, until November 30, 2024. This is a temporary measure aimed at supporting those at risk of losing employment because of the fires, which took place where many of Alberta’s hotels and resorts are located. 

Work Experience Requirement

AAIP eligibility changes in response to Alberta wildfires. Outside of the measure, applicants in the Tourism & Hospitality stream were required to have six consecutive months of work experience with their current employer. 

Alberta Opportunity Stream candidates require: 

  • A minimum of 12 months of full-time work experience in their present profession in Alberta within the last 18 months. 
  • A minimum of 24 months of full-time work experience in their present profession in Canada or abroad within the last 30 months or both – this work experience gained in Alberta, in Canada, or abroad.
  • Post-Graduation Work Permit holders need a minimum of six months full-time work experience in their present occupation in Alberta within the last 18 months. 

Rural Renewal and Express Entry pathways will not affect candidates because these schemes do not have specific work experience requirements.   

Further Support For Those Affected By Wildfires 

The changes join a series of special measures implemented by IRCC to support those directly affected by the wildfires. On July 26, the Alberta government declared that those affected could: 

  • Apply to replace citizenship, immigration, or travel documents lost, damaged, or destroyed for free. 
  • Extend or restore their temporary resident status; transition from an employer-specific work permit to an open work permit if you are unable to work for your present employer. 

Applicants will have one year to prove they meet the criteria outlined by the AAIP, including seeking a new, eligible position if the fires leave them unemployed.

The Alberta government notes that all other criteria for every stream will still apply, & it will continue monitoring the situation for further updates. 

Impacts Of Wildfires On Alberta’s Economy 

AAIP eligibility changes in response to Alberta wildfires. This summer, over 100 wildfires have been burning across the province in the last month. Currently, the fires have claimed 358 of the 1,113 total structures in Jasper, with the evacuation notice only lifted on August 17, 2024. 

The fires have already disrupted the local economy, specifically the hospitality industry in Jasper, which attracts thousands of tourists as well as temporary workers every year. With plans to more than double the size of the tourism economy by 2025, the Alberta government’s response to the wildfires aims to support both businesses & workers at the heart of the hospitality sector. 

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