Family stream
About the Family Stream
The Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP) will consider applications under the Family Stream from Albertans who want to sponsor eligible family members to immigrate to the province. The Family Stream will help Alberta meet its workforce needs while creating more diverse and welcoming communities for all our families.
Self-Assessment
There are two parts to the AINP Family Stream Self-Assessment, a candidate assessment and a sponsor assessment. Both the candidate and the sponsor should take the self-assessment to see if they quality to submit an application under the AINP Family Stream. more information can be obtained at /www.albertacanada.com
What is the Family Stream?
Announced on June 19, 2008, the Family Stream provides a way for Alberta residents to sponsor family members, with the skills and abilities needed to succeed in Alberta’s labour market, for immigration to the province.
Process and timelines
What is the step-by-step process for the Family Stream?
| Condition | Action |
| If an eligible sponsor (in Alberta) and an eligible candidate decide to apply to the AINP family stream… | …the sponsor completes the Family – Sponsorship Affidavit of Support. The candidate completes the Family – Application for Nomination (AINP 006). The sponsor and candidate assemble all required supporting documents outlined in the Family – Instructions. A complete package is mailed to the AINP for review. |
| If the application is complete, and meets all minimum criteria… | …the AINP will assess the application. |
| If sponsor and candidate receive a positive assessment from the AINP… | ...candidate becomes a Provincial Nominee. |
| If the Provincial Nominee receives their Confirmation of Acceptance from the AINP and has compiled all necessary documents… | ...the Provincial Nominee then forwards their Application for Permanent Residence forms to a Citizenship and Immigration Canada Visa Office abroad. |
| If the Provincial Nominee and their dependents meet the federal statutory requirements, including health, criminality and security checks... | ...Citizenship and Immigration Canada may issue the permanent resident visa(s) for immigration to Alberta. |
How long will the AINP take to assess my application?
Current AINP Family Stream Processing Times.
Where should I send the application when it is complete? Who should send the application, the Sponsor or the Candidate?
Complete applications can be mailed to:
Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program
Suite 940, Telus Plaza North Tower
10025 Jasper Avenue
Edmonton, Alberta T5J 1S6
Please note that facsimiles are not accepted. If you fax an application, it will be returned.
Either the sponsor or the candidate can mail the application to the address above. The important thing to remember is that all required forms and supporting documents must be submitted in the same application package.
Please note that for Family Stream applications, the Sponsor will act as the primary contact and will be responsible for answering any questions or requests for additional information. Therefore, the Sponsor should be aware of the date the application was submitted.
Is there a fee for submitting my application to the AINP?
No. There is no fee required for submitting an application to the AINP.
Is there a fee for the permanent resident visa?
Yes. You must pay processing fees to Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) when you apply for permanent residence. You must also pay a “Right of Permanent Residence” fee to gain final permanent resident status.
Sponsor Criteria
Family Connection
I would like to sponsor my brother; my wife would like to sponsor her parents. Can we submit two family stream applications to the AINP?
No. There can only be one ongoing sponsorship commitment per household at a time. A second sponsorship could only be considered once the initial sponsorship commitment has been fulfilled.
I have previously entered into another sponsorship agreement. Am I able to sponsor my brother through the AINP?
There can only be one ongoing sponsorship commitment per household at a time.
On the Family - Sponsorship Affidavit of Support, you must affirm that neither you, nor your spouse or common-law partner (if applicable), have defaulted or are otherwise obligated to meet the conditions of any other sponsorship agreement entered into with a Government of a Province or Territory of Canada, including the Government of Alberta, or the Government of Canada for another sponsored family member who has obtained their permanent residence in Canada.
If you have entered into another sponsorship agreement, the obligation commences when the sponsored family member becomes a permanent resident of Canada. The time period that you are obligated to support that family member should be outlined in your sponsorship agreement.
Can I sponsor my cousin as a family member?
No. Eligible family members under the AINP Family stream include a Parent, Child, Brother, Sister, Aunt, Uncle, Niece or Nephew.
Can I sponsor my step-sibling?
Yes. Either step-relatives or half-relatives are eligible to sponsor or be sponsored. However, the blood connection (or adoptive, if applicable) must be clearly demonstrated in the application. It is the responsibility of the Sponsor and Candidate to provide sufficient documentation to adequately demonstrate that the relationship is eligible.
I want to nominate my brother; however, I only became a permanent resident of Canada last year. However, my husband/wife has been a permanent resident for several years. Can he/she sponsor my brother?
No. The relationship between the sponsor and the candidate must be direct. You cannot sponsor in-laws.
What information is required to prove the direct family relationship?
Certified copies of official documents demonstrating the relationship between the Sponsor and Candidate are required with an application under the Family Stream. Common examples of official documents which may help prove the relationship include Birth Certificates, Adoption Documents, Citizenship Documents, Passports, and/or Family Register Documents.
You must consider whether or not there are sufficient official documents to clearly show the connection between the Sponsor and the Candidate. For example, if the Sponsor is the Aunt of the Candidate, the following must be included with the application:
- Official documents showing the Sponsor’s parents
- Official documents showing the Candidate’s parents
- Official documents showing the Candidate’s grandparents
Would an affidavit by a family member declaring the names and relationships of other family members be considered official documentation?
No. Common examples of official documents which may help prove the relationship include Birth Certificates, Adoption Documents, Citizenship Documents, Passports, and/or Family Register Documents. Affidavits are not acceptable for demonstrating proof of relationship. more information can be obtained at albertacanada.com.