Alberta PNP makes some changes that includes new online portal and fees

Immigrants to Alberta can now apply online for most immigration programs, but the province has also introduced new fees.

As of October 1, applications for the AINP program can be made online, unless they are for the Independent Farmer Stream. Applicants in the Alberta Express Entry stream must receive AINP authorization to access the new portal.

The AINP indicates, in a press release, that the portal was designed to facilitate immigration applications. Applicants applying to one of Alberta’s PNP receive guidance on how to enter data, a personalized list of documents, and they can save a draft to complete their application at another. moment. The system performs an initial eligibility assessment, ensuring that applicants who do not meet the basic criteria do not waste time and money applying.

Here are other changes implemented by the AINP:

New fees for post-decision services

All post-decision service requests must now be sent by email, says AINP.

Alberta now charges fees for post-decision services such as requests for reconsideration, nomination extensions, and requests for letters of support from candidates. Service requests that were sent to the government on or after October 1 are now subject to a service charge of $ 100.

Letters of support will no longer be issued with an appointment and must be requested by the PNP recipient. Applicants from provinces who have a written request from IRCC for a letter of support do not have to pay the fee.

The fee covers the cost of processing applications and is charged even if applicants are not eligible to extend their application or receive a letter of support. Refunds will only be granted for reconsideration requests when the original rejection is canceled. All other service charges are non-refundable.

Fees for the portal

Applications submitted to the province using the online portal are subject to a processing fee of $ 500. These fees are non-refundable once an application has been submitted. The fee covers the cost of processing the application and is required whether or not applicants are nominated for provincial nomination.

Applicants who have applied for the Alberta Opportunity Stream or Alberta Express Entry Stream by mail by October 1 do not have to pay the fee. Applicants for the Self-Employed Farmer Stream who submitted their application by mail after October 1 must pay the fee.

Applications updates by email

Updates to applications should be sent by email, even if applicants apply by mail. Applicants must now send emails to inform AINP about:

• • Corrections or updates to information or documents in an application
  • Updates to employment status, immigration status, contact details, or family composition
  • Updates to the use of a third party representative
  • Withdrawal of the request

COVID-19 measures

Alberta has made some of the following changes to its temporary coronavirus measures:

• The AINP will no longer accept incomplete applications. Incomplete applications mailed on or after October 1 or submitted to the online portal will be refused.
• All applicants who have lost their jobs after applying to AINP, regardless of when they applied and all applicants will have up to six months from the assessment of their application to find a new one. A job that meets the AINP criteria. This job requirement must be met at the time an application is submitted or posted. The AINP will send an email when an application is pending. This change offers more possibilities to meet the employment criteria of the AINP and extends the time to find a job for up to four months for applicants and applicants. Previously, nominees and successful applicants had 60 days to find eligible employment.

Reference is taken from CIC News