Alberta

Self-Employed Farmer Stream

The Self-Employed Farmer Stream is for candidates interested in immigrating to Alberta to purchase or start a farming business. Interested candidates must first submit their business plan to the Alberta government, and wait to receive a decision. The AINP bases its decision through consultation with Alberta Agriculture and Forestry to ensure that the business plan is feasible and that the project meets the needs of Alberta’s agricultural industry. If a positive decision is received, you must then gather the required documents and fill in the required forms for both the Alberta government and Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

Minimum Requirements:

• Farm management skills;
• Sufficient financial resources (minimum investment of CAD $500,000);
• Investment plans documented in a proposed business plan.

International Graduate Entrepreneur Immigration Stream

Alberta’s International Graduate Entrepreneur Immigration Stream is for international graduates of approved Alberta post-secondary institutions who are interested in establishing or operating a business in Alberta. Interested candidates must first submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through the AINP online portal. You will receive an EOI score within 30 days and the highest-ranking candidates will be asked to submit a Business Application. A Business Application must be completed within 90 days of receiving an email asking you to submit one. You must also submit all required documents

Minimum Requirements:

• At least two years full time education in Alberta;
• A Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP) valid for at least two years;
• A minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level of 7;
• Must establish a new business or operate an existing business with at least 34% ownership;
• A minimum of six months of full-time work experience.

Foreign Graduate Start-Up Stream

Alberta’s Foreign Graduate Start-Up Visa is for foreign-educated international graduates who wish to launch a start-up business in Alberta, and become permanent residents of Canada.

Minimum Requirements:

• A minimum of six months of full-time work experience of managing and/or owning the business;
• Must have a business plan with projected financials;
• Must have a post-secondary education from a foreign institution, and have an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA). The degree must have been completed within the last two years;
• A 10-minute slides-only presentation that explains the business and details what an investor what want to see;
• A minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level of 7;
• Must have at least 34% ownership if the business is located in an urban centre, or at least 51% ownership if located in outside Calgary or Edmonton;
• Must make a minimum investment of $100,000 for an urban centre, or $50,000 for a regional area. More points are awarded for higher investments. These can be made from your own equity, or from a recognized Canadian financial institution, venture capital or angel investment firm;
• Must have a letter of recommendation from an AINP-approved agency;
• Must have enough money to set up their business and support yourself and your family in Canada.