Alberta Increases Application Fees for Worker Immigration Streams
As of April 1, 2025, Alberta has introduced significant changes to its application fees for several streams within the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP), impacting individuals seeking to immigrate to the province as workers or entrepreneurs. These changes reflect a substantial rise in costs for applicants, with some fees increasing by as much as 78%.
Key Fee Changes Effective April 1, 2025
The most notable adjustments affect the AAIP Worker Stream and the Farm Stream, among others. Here’s a breakdown of the changes:
AAIP Worker Stream Application Fee
The application fee for worker immigration streams, including the Alberta Opportunity Stream, Alberta Express Entry Stream, Rural Renewal Stream, and Tourism and Hospitality Stream, has increased from $840 to $1,500. This represents a 78% rise. Only new applications submitted on or after April 1, 2025, are subject to the updated fee. Applications submitted before this date remain unaffected.
Farm Stream Fee Increase
The Farm Stream, designed for experienced farmers aiming to establish or purchase a farm in Alberta, has seen its application fee jump from $500 to $3,500. This substantial increase reflects the unique evaluation and support required for entrepreneurial agricultural candidates.
Nomination Certificate Reissuance Fee
The fee for requesting the reissuance of an expired nomination certificate is now $150, up from the previous $100. This applies when an applicant’s original AAIP nomination certificate has expired and they require a new one.
Summary Table of Updated Fees
The following table provides a quick overview of the most relevant AAIP fees as of April 1, 2025:
| Application or Request | Fee |
|---|---|
| Worker Stream Applications (all types) | $1,500 |
| Farm Stream Application | $3,500 |
| Nomination Certificate Reissuance | $150 |
| Expression of Interest for Entrepreneur Streams | $200 |
| Letter of Support Requests | $150 |
| Reconsideration Request | $250 |
| Business Performance Agreement Changes | $150 |
These changes are intended to support more effective program operation while ensuring sufficient resources for processing and service improvement. All details on updated fees and policies can be found via Alberta’s official program documentation and public announcements.
Other Fees and Policy Changes
Beside the major increases in worker and farm stream fees, several other fees associated with the AAIP have been updated or introduced:
Expression of Interest for Entrepreneur Streams
Submitting an Expression of Interest (EOI) for the Graduate Entrepreneur Stream, Foreign Graduate Entrepreneur Stream, or Rural Entrepreneur Stream now costs $200. This fee is part of the initial application process for these streams.
Letter of Support Requests
Requesting a 204(c) or 205(a) Letter of Support from AAIP, which is used to apply for a work permit, now incurs a fee of $150 per request. This fee applies to those needing additional documentation for their work permit applications.
Reconsideration Request
If applicants wish to request a reconsideration of a program decision, the fee for this service is $250. This allows applicants to seek a review of their application decision.
Business Performance Agreement Changes
Requests for changes to the Business Performance Agreement also incur a $150 fee. This applies to entrepreneurs who need to modify their agreement terms after submission.
Who Is Affected by the Changes
The new fees apply only to applications and requests submitted on or after April 1, 2025. Applications submitted before this date are processed under the previous fee structure. Importantly, the increases do not affect all entrepreneur streams—specifically, the Graduate Entrepreneur, Foreign Graduate Entrepreneur, or Rural Entrepreneur Streams, which already had a $3,500 application fee.
Rationale Behind the Fee Increase
The increase in fees addresses higher administrative costs and aims to maintain and enhance program service delivery. For applicants, this means budgeting for higher upfront expenses when planning their immigration to Alberta.
Recent Related Policy Change
As of March 17, 2025, Alberta has opted out of the federal government’s temporary public policy allowing open work permits for Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) candidates. As a result, AAIP applicants must now wait for nomination approval before obtaining work authorization, potentially extending their immigration timeline.
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Conclusion
The recent increases in application fees for Alberta’s Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) mark a significant shift in the cost structure for individuals seeking to immigrate to Alberta through various worker and entrepreneurial streams. As of April 1, 2025, applicants should be prepared for higher upfront costs, particularly for the Worker Stream and Farm Stream, which have seen substantial fee increases. These changes reflect Alberta’s efforts to enhance program operations and address rising administrative costs. Prospective applicants are advised to carefully review the updated fee schedule and plan their immigration strategy accordingly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why have the application fees for Alberta’s immigration streams increased?
The fee increases are intended to support more effective program operation and address higher administrative costs. The changes ensure sufficient resources for processing and service improvement.
Which immigration streams are most affected by the fee changes?
The Worker Stream (including Alberta Opportunity Stream, Alberta Express Entry Stream, Rural Renewal Stream, and Tourism and Hospitality Stream) and the Farm Stream have seen the most significant fee increases. The Worker Stream fee rose from $840 to $1,500, while the Farm Stream fee increased from $500 to $3,500.
Are there any exceptions to the new fee structure?
Yes, applications submitted before April 1, 2025, will be processed under the previous fee structure. Additionally, certain entrepreneur streams, such as the Graduate Entrepreneur Stream and Rural Entrepreneur Stream, were not affected by the increases.
Why is the Farm Stream application fee so high?
The Farm Stream fee increase reflects the unique evaluation and support required for entrepreneurial agricultural candidates, including the assessment of business plans and farm operations.
Where can I find more information about the updated fees and policies?
Details on the updated fees and policies can be found through Alberta’s official program documentation and public announcements.
How do the recent policy changes affect work permits for AAIP applicants?
As of March 17, 2025, Alberta opted out of the federal government’s temporary public policy allowing open work permits for Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) candidates. AAIP applicants must now wait for nomination approval before obtaining work authorization, which may extend their immigration timeline.
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