Destination North Immigration Consulting

If your spouse is already inside Canada, status planning becomes extremely important. One of the biggest mistakes people make is assuming that submitting a spousal sponsorship application automatically protects their spouse’s temporary status. It does not always work that way. Expired status, late extension applications, poor timing around a spousal open work permit, or even leaving Canada at the wrong time can all create unnecessary problems and delays. In some cases, the application may still continue, but the timing, work options, and overall strategy can be affected in a major way. Understanding these rules early can help couples avoid stress, lost time, and costly mistakes.

Those of you considering applying for AAIP, this may be relevant to you.

Alberta has held 36 AAIP draws so far in 2026, but candidates are not invited based only on their points score.

AAIP invitations can depend on a combination of score, Alberta labour market needs, application volumes, available nominations, occupations in demand, sectors in demand, and specific stream priorities.

So before focusing only on your score, look at whether your profile matches what Alberta is currently selecting for.

General information only. Always review the latest AAIP updates before making immigration decisions.

Being married to a Canadian citizen or permanent resident does not automatically give you legal status in Canada. Spousal sponsorship and temporary status are two separate things.

If your spouse is in Canada as a visitor, worker, or student, they may still need to maintain valid status while the PR application is being processed. If they are a visitor and need to stay longer, they may need to apply for a visitor record before their current status expires.

A visitor record is not a visa, and inland sponsorship does not automatically give work authorization. A sponsored spouse may need a valid work permit before they can work in Canada.

Always check your status, expiry date, and eligibility before applying.

My client received an AAIP Alberta Opportunity Stream invitation after submitting her profile on March 16. The invitation came on May 6.

Timelines can vary, but once you receive an invitation, you need to act quickly. You have 15 days to activate and 30 days to submit the full application.

Stay prepared, keep your documents ready, and check your email regularly.

This is general information, not legal advice.