Alberta Graduate Entrepreneur Stream: A path to Canadian Permanent Residence
How to Get Permanent Residency Through Business Investment in Alberta
If you're an international student graduated in Alberta and looking to gain permanent residency in Canada by establishing or operating a business in this province, the Alberta Graduate Entrepreneur Stream may be the perfect opportunity for you. In this blog post, we will outline the eligibility criteria, application process, and key considerations to help you navigate this immigration pathway successfully.
What is the Alberta Graduate Entrepreneur Stream?
The Alberta government aims to retain international students who want to start their own businesses. To facilitate this, they have created a specialized stream within the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) that allows graduates from Alberta institutions to qualify for permanent residency through entrepreneurship.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the Alberta Graduate Entrepreneur Stream, you must meet the following requirements:
Education: You must have graduated from a publicly funded college or university in Alberta. Your program must have been at least two years in length.
Work Permit: You must hold a valid post-graduation work permit.
Language Proficiency: You need to demonstrate a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level of 7 in English or French. This is relatively easy to achieve for graduates of Canadian institutions.
Business Ownership: You must be involved in a company that is incorporated in Alberta. You must hold at least 34% ownership.
Application Process
Unlike other business immigration streams, there is no minimum investment requirement in this program. However, applicants are ranked on a points-based system. Points are awarded based on several factors, including:
Age
Education
Previous business ownership or management experience (either in Canada or abroad)
The quality of your business idea and the industry sector it belongs to
Step 1: Submit Your Expression of Interest (EOI)
Once you meet the criteria, you must create a profile and submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) to the Alberta government. This serves as a statement of your intent to participate in the program and establish a business in the province.
Step 2: Invitation to Apply
The Alberta government reviews all EOIs and invites the highest-ranking candidates to proceed. Selected applicants will receive a Request for Nomination.
Step 3: Develop a Business Plan
If invited, you will need to submit a detailed business plan outlining your investment and operational strategy. Additionally, you must hire an approved third-party (usually an accounting firm) to evaluate and approve your business plan. The Alberta government provides a list of accepted evaluators.
Step 4: Business Implementation and Reporting
Once your business plan is approved, Alberta will issue a Letter of Support, indicating that they may nominate you for permanent residency if you fulfill your business obligations. You must:
Operate your business for at least 12 months
Submit progress reports detailing your revenue, products or services, and business growth
Step 5: Nomination for Permanent Residency
If Alberta is satisfied with your business progress, they will issue a Provincial Nomination. However, this is not yet permanent residency.
Step 6: Apply for Permanent Residency
With your nomination, you can apply to the federal government for permanent residency. This process involves:
Submitting your provincial nomination
Passing a medical examination
Providing police clearance certificates from countries you have previously resided in
Is This Program Right for You?
If you have studied in Alberta and have a strong business idea, this program can be an excellent pathway to permanent residency. If you’re unsure whether you meet the requirements or need assistance with your application, feel free to book a consultation with us. We’ll guide you through the criteria and help you start your journey toward Canadian permanent residency today!
