Alberta introduces new fast-track immigration program for technology workers

Alberta’s immigration minister, Tyler Shandro, announced a new fast-track immigration program called the Accelerated Tech Pathway on January 13.

The new program is for technology workers in the Express Entry system. Alberta had already began accepting applications in December 2021.

The new program offers a fast-track pathway to Canada permanent residence for candidates with job offers in one of thirty-eight (38) technology occupations. See the end of the blog post for a list of the targeted occupations.

Along with priority application processing, candidates may also receive a letter of support from the Government of Alberta, if required for a work permit.

To be eligible, tech workers need to have a profile in the federal Express Entry system and be eligible for the Alberta Express Entry Stream.

The Alberta Express Entry Stream of the Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP) has three steps: Create a profile in the Express Entry system; AINP determines eligibility; and apply.

Targeted National Occupational Classification (NOC) codes under the Accelerated Tech Pathway:

NOC 0013: Senior managers – financial, communications and other business services

NOC 0112: Human resources managers

NOC 0131: Telecommunication carriers manager

NOC 0211: Engineering managers

NOC 0212: Architecture and science managers

NOC 0213: Computer and information systems managers

NOC 0512: Managers – publishing, motion pictures, broadcasting, and performing arts

NOC 0601: Corporate sales managers

NOC 1123: Professional occupations in advertising, marketing, and public relations

NOC 1121: Human resources professionals

NOC 1223: Human resources and recruitment officers

NOC 2131: Civil engineers

NOC 2132: Mechanical engineers

NOC 2133: Electrical and electronics engineers

NOC 2147: Computer engineers (except software engineers and designers)

NOC 2161: Mathematicians, statisticians, and actuaries

NOC 2171: Information systems analysts and consultants

NOC 2172: Database analysts and data administrators

NOC 2173: Software engineers and designers

NOC 2174: Computer programmers and interactive media developers

NOC 2175: Web designers and developers

NOC 2221: Biological technologists and technicians

NOC 2232: Mechanical engineering technologists and technicians

NOC 2233: Industrial engineering and manufacturing technologists and technicians

NOC 2241: Electrical and electronics engineering technologists and technicians

NOC 2253: Drafting technologists and technicians

NOC 2281: Computer network technicians

NOC 2282: User support technicians

NOC 2283: Information systems testing technicians

NOC 3211: Medical laboratory technologists

NOC 3212: Medical laboratory technicians and pathologists’ assistants

NOC 3219: Other medical technologists and technicians (except dental health)

NOC 4163: Business development officers and marketing researchers and consultants

NOC 5131: Producers, directors, choreographers, and related occupations

NOC 5241: Graphic designers and illustrators

NOC 7241: Electricians (except industrial and power system)

NOC 7242: Industrial electricians

NOC 7246: Telecommunications installation and repair workers