Alberta
Alberta is the land of vast oil reserves and booming industry. Located on top of these resources is Alberta’s provincial government, which has positioned this area as one that produces agricultural produce for Canada and provides many jobs in not just farming communities across western provinces.
Alberta Streams for Entrepreneurs
1. AINP Self-Employed Farmer Stream
The stream is an excellent opportunity for those who know how, plan and have the resources to start their farm. Candidates must consult with the province in detail about what they’re planning before applying so that no mistakes are made during processing time.
Program Requirements
| Requirement | |
|---|---|
| Express Entry Profile | No |
| Language Proficiency | No minimum |
| Connection to Province | No |
| Job Offer | No |
| Investment Requirement | Investment: CAD 500,000 Personal Net Worth: CAD 500,000 |
| Level of Education | No minimum |
| Work Experience | Farm Management Experience |
Province Connection
Applicants must have valid status as temporary residents, and the candidate must reside and work in Alberta. Please note that refugee claimants are not eligible under this stream. Applicants must have a valid work permit for a suitable occupation.
Work Experience
When the application AINP assesses the application, the applicant must be working in an occupation in Alberta that matches their previous work experience.
Level of Education
All applicants must have completed a minimum of high school education in their country of origin.
Application Procedure – AINP Self-Employed Farmer
The stream is always open to new applications. The applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis. Interested candidates must prepare a complete paper-based application.
- All documents must be prepared in hard copy and submitted in a single envelope, by mail, to the AINP office.
- If the province approves the application, Alberta will notify the applicant they have been selected for provincial nomination.
- Successful applicants will receive an official nomination package in the mail from AINP.
2. Graduate Entrepreneur Stream
The Alberta International Graduate Entrepreneur Program is tailored for international students who’ve graduated from recognized Alberta higher education institutions and wish to start or run a business in the province.
Fee for Applying: CAD $3,500
Procedure:
- Prospective applicants must initially send in an Expression of Interest (EOI) via the AAIP online platform.
- Within a month, you’ll get an EOI evaluation score.
- Candidates with top scores will be invited to forward a Business Application.
- Once you receive an email prompt, you have a 90-day window to fill in and send the Business Application, along with all necessary documentation.
Basic Criteria:
- A minimum of two years of full-time studies in Alberta.
- A valid Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP) when applying.
- Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) score of at least 7.
- The intention to initiate a new venture or manage an ongoing one, holding a minimum of 34% stake.
Find out if you are eligible to get in Canada →
3. Foreign Graduate Entrepreneur Stream
Alberta introduces the International Graduate Start-Up Visa, tailored for graduates with foreign education who aim to initiate a business venture in Alberta and acquire Canadian permanent residency.
Fee for Applying: CAD $3,500
Process Overview:
- Collaborate with a specified agency. Upon meeting their standards, they’ll provide a recommendation letter.
- Upload this recommendation letter along with your Expression of Interest (EOI) on the AAIP Portal.
- The agency will evaluate and draft a report about your business proposal. Ensure this report accompanies your application.
Recognized Agencies:
- Empowered Startups
- Platform Calgary
Key Eligibility Criteria:
- Possess at least six months full-time experience in business management or ownership.
- A comprehensive business plan with financial forecasts is essential.
- Must hold a degree from an overseas institution within the past decade and obtain an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA).
- Create a 10-minute presentation, using slides only, outlining the business and key aspects for potential investors.
- A minimum score of 5 in the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB).
- Ownership criteria: At least 34% for businesses in urban areas; 51% for those outside of Calgary or Edmonton.
- Initial investment: $100,000 for urban businesses and $50,000 for regional setups. Additional investments garner extra points. Funding can stem from personal equity, recognized Canadian banks, venture capitalists, or angel investors.
- A recommendation letter from an AAIP-endorsed agency is mandatory.
- Sufficient funds to establish the business and support personal and family expenses in Canada are crucial.
4. Rural Entrepreneur Stream
The Rural Business Initiative Pathway caters to individuals aiming to launch businesses within Alberta’s rural regions.
Fee for Applying: CAD $3,500
Procedure: Entrepreneurs keen on establishing ventures in rural areas of Alberta should initiate by connecting with a participating rural community and arranging a reconnaissance visit. Following this visit, a detailed business proposition highlighting the venture’s benefits to the locality must be presented. Once endorsed by the community, they issue a supporting letter to the businessperson. With this endorsement, the international candidate can forward an Expression of Interest (EOI) to the AAIP.
Eligibility Criteria:
- At least 3 years’ experience in business ownership/management or a minimum of 4 years in a senior managerial role over the past decade.
- An educational background equivalent to Canadian high school standards, verified with an Education Credential Assessment (ECA).
- Language proficiency: At least a score of 4 in the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) for English skills or Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens (NCLC) for French abilities.
- A net worth of at least $300,000.
- An initial self-financed (or with spouse/common-law partner) investment of $200,000.
- An endorsement letter from a rural community in Alberta participating in this program is essential.