The Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) is implementing special work permit measures to assist those impacted by the recent wildfires in the province.
The Alberta Opportunity and Tourism and Hospitality Streams will now accept open work permits issued by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). This temporary initiative supports individuals who cannot continue working for their current employers due to the wildfires.
Since the beginning of the year, wildfires have ravaged the Fort McMurray Forest Area, with 95 fires burning over 251,702 hectares as of August 13, 2024. The region faces an “Extreme” wildfire danger level, with 21 active wildfires, two of which remain out of control.
The new measures will apply to those affected by the wildfires transitioning from employer-specific work permits to open work permits. AAIP will accept these special permits if they were issued between July 19, 2024, and November 30, 2024.
Although the Rural Renewal and Express Entry streams do not require work permits, the Alberta Opportunity and Tourism and Hospitality Streams will accept these special open work permits at any stage of the AAIP process.
All other criteria for each stream remain in place, along with the temporary measures introduced by the province on July 26, 2024. These measures were specifically designed to support applicants affected by the ongoing wildfires.
This announcement comes shortly after the AAIP introduced a new expression of interest system, further enhancing the province’s immigration strategy. The AAIP is a critical initiative to attract skilled workers and entrepreneurs to Alberta. It plays a vital role in addressing labor market needs, particularly in sectors experiencing shortages, and supports the overall growth of the province’s economy.
The post Special Work Permits Issued to Support Alberta Wildfire Survivors appeared first on CI News | Latest Canada Immigration News.
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