Hi guys,
Myself and my wife are currently living in Edmonton on a 1year Bunac/Usit visa. We are very keen to remain here after our visas expire in June of next year. However we are unsure as to what path to take to achieve this. My wife is employed as an architect and im working in construction. We both have university degrees. We have approached our employers about sponsorship but so far they have declined, therefore should we apply for the provincial nominee program as a skilled worker or just go straight for the permanent visa application....Also if we apply for either and we dont have a reply after our 1year visa is up can we remain here working until we get an answer...
If anyone can point us in the right direction we would greatly appreciate it..thanks

I'd say the PNP Program is your best bet, it's the approach I'm taking too in BC.

BUT, it does require an employer to do/provide some paperwork (although you can pay the fees andd drive the process forward). Doesn't take very long and there are no ongoing obligations on the employer (try to sell this to them, i.e. you'll do all the work, all they need do is fill out a form, write a letter, photocopy this and that)

There are details on the Wiki about the AB PNP I think (at least a link).

Failing the above, you can always ask your employer to apply for an LMO for you (or your wife). Whichever one gets it then enables the other one to get the spousal version.

Otherwise, get a PR application in. Check to see if your qualifications and experience fit anything on the list of 38.

Thanks for that HPKA, ill have to talk to my company, reckon that we should leave the application until next year, as more positions are open at the beginning of the year

Or immediately after they have been in Canada for 12 months as temporary workers (via BUNAC) they can apply as Skilled Workers (Category 3 for people who have been in Canada as students/workers for 12 months). So no need to be on the list of 38 in that case.

The disadvantage would be that by the time of application the BUNAC visas would have expired and they would have to wait in Canada as visitors (not working) while the FSW applications were processed.