Maple News reports that Alberta has rolled out a new online application system for most streams under its Provincial Nominee Program, while also implementing new processing and service fees. These updates officially took effect on October 1, and are aimed at modernizing and streamlining the immigration process.
Applicants to the Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP)—except those applying through the Self-Employed Farmer Stream—must now submit their applications via a digital portal specifically developed by the Alberta government. This new platform offers features such as eligibility screening, document checklists, and the ability to save applications for later, making the overall process more user-friendly.
Those applying through the Alberta Express Entry Stream still require prior authorization from the AINP to access the new portal. The move to online submissions is intended to reduce processing times, eliminate redundant document submissions, and improve communication between the province and applicants.
Alongside the digital shift, Alberta has introduced a mandatory, non-refundable $500 processing fee for submissions made through the portal. This fee applies regardless of whether the application results in a provincial nomination. However, candidates who submitted paper applications for the Alberta Opportunity Stream or Alberta Express Entry Stream before October 1 are exempt from the fee.
For the Self-Employed Farmer Stream, applications submitted by mail after October 1 now require the $500 processing fee as well. This ensures consistent administration across all nomination categories.
In addition, Alberta has implemented service fees for post-decision requests, including requests for reconsideration, nomination extensions, and letters of support. A $100 fee now applies to all such requests submitted on or after October 1. Notably, letters of support will no longer be automatically issued with a nomination—they must be separately requested by nominees.
There is an exception for provincial nominees who receive formal written requests from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for a letter of support—these individuals will not be charged the new $100 fee.
According to Maple News, these changes reflect Alberta’s commitment to a more efficient and transparent immigration system, helping qualified candidates move through the process effectively while allowing the province to better manage administrative resources.