Alberta’s Rural Entrepreneur Stream is aimed at entrepreneurs who want to start a business or buy an existing business in a rural Alberta community and immigrate to Canada.
Successful candidates come to Alberta on a work permit, establish their business as per the terms of a Business Performance Agreement, before being nominated for permanent residence through the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP).
On This Page You Will Find:
- An overview of Alberta’s Rural Entrepreneur Stream and its purpose
- Definition of a rural Alberta community
- Steps to apply for the program, including eligibility criteria
- Key requirements for work experience, investment, and language proficiency
- Points grid for candidate selection
- Factors that can improve an applicant’s chances
- Application fees, deadlines, and key reminders
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) section
What Is A Rural Alberta Community?
The AAIP defines rural Alberta communities as any community with a population of less than 100,000 situated outside the Calgary and Edmonton census metropolitan area.
A list of participating communities is to be made available soon by the AAIP.
Exploratory Visit
Candidates interested in a specific rural Alberta community should connect with the community contact person to discuss their business proposal and schedule an exploratory visit.
Candidate Requirements
|
Area |
Requirements |
|
Work experience |
Have either a minimum 3 years of experience as an active business owner/manager or a minimum of 4 years of experience as a senior manager within the past 10 years. |
|
Education |
Completed a minimum of high school equivalent to the Canadian standard with an Education Credential Assessment (ECA). |
|
Language |
Have a minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level of 4 for each English language skill or Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens (NCLC) of 4 for each French language skill: reading, writing, listening, and speaking. |
|
Net worth |
Minimum net worth of $300,000. All assets must be candidate’s own personal holdings or spouse’s or common-law partner’s. |
|
Business investment |
Minimum investment of $200,000 from candidate’s own (and/or spouse/common-law partner) equity. Higher levels of investment will be awarded more points. |
|
Business establishment |
Minimum ownership of 51% for a new business. Business partners must be Canadian citizens or permanent residents. OR 100% ownership for business succession (the succession buy-out must result in a complete change in ownership where the candidate will assume full control of the business). |
|
Job creation |
New businesses must create at least one full-time job for Canadian citizens or permanent residents. More job creation will be awarded more points. For business succession, job creation is not required. |
|
Community support letter |
Candidates must have a Community Support Letter from a participating rural Alberta community. |
Factors Increasing Candidate’s Chances
|
Economic benefit |
Business succession |
|
Age |
21 to 49 |
|
Spouse |
Your spouse/common-law partner has one of the following: 1) Completed at least one year of full-time post-secondary education (Certificate, Associate Degree, Diploma, Bachelor’s Degree or higher). 2) Minimum level Canadian Language Benchmark 4 in English or Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens 4 in French in all four language abilities (Reading, Writing, Listening, Speaking). |
|
Alberta relative |
Relatives are defined as father, step-father, mother, step-mother, child, step-child, sister, step-sister, brother, step-brother of candidate or spouse or common-law partner |
Alberta Rural Entrepreneur Stream Expression of Interest Pool
Under the Rural Entrepreneur Stream, candidates must submit a profile to an Expression of Interest pool.
Points are awarded based on the Rural Entrepreneur Stream Points Grid.
Alberta selects candidates with the highest-ranking points and request they submit a Business Application.
Rural Entrepreneur Stream Points Grid
|
Criteria |
Descriptions |
Points |
|
RURAL FACTOR (25 points) | ||
|
Business Location (Maximum of 25 points) Mandatory requirement |
Rural Community | |
|
Community outside the Edmonton and Calgary Census Metropolitan Areas and under 100,000 population size (mandatory minimum) | ||
|
Tier 1: Less than 10,000 population |
25 | |
|
Tier 2: 10,001 to 50,000 population |
17 | |
|
Tier 3: 50,001 to 99,999 population |
10 | |
|
BUSINESS EXPERIENCE FACTOR (20 points) | ||
|
Business owner-manager or senior management experience within the past 10 years (Maximum of 20 points) Mandatory requirement |
Business owner-manager | |
|
3 to less than 4 years (mandatory minimum) |
12 | |
|
4 to less than 5 years |
16 | |
|
5 or more years |
20 | |
|
or Senior manager | ||
|
4 to less than 5 years (mandatory minimum) |
12 | |
|
5 to less than 6 years |
16 | |
|
6 or more years |
20 | |
|
BUSINESS ESTABLISHMENT FACTORS (60 points) | ||
|
Total Business Investment (Maximum of 20 points) Mandatory requirement |
$200,000 to $399,999 (mandatory minimum) |
5 |
|
$400,000 to $599,999 |
10 | |
|
$600,000 to $799,999 |
15 | |
|
$800,000 or more |
20 | |
|
Net Worth (Maximum of 10 points) Mandatory requirement |
$300,000 to $399,999 (mandatory minimum) |
6 |
|
$400,000 to $499,999 |
8 | |
|
$500,000 or more |
10 | |
|
Job Creation Jobs must be created for Canadian citizens or permanent residents (not including relatives) for a period of at least 6 months. (Maximum of 20 points) Mandatory requirement For business succession, job creation is not mandatory; however, candidates will be awarded points for job creation. |
1 job (mandatory minimum) |
4 |
|
2 jobs |
8 | |
|
3 jobs |
12 | |
|
4 jobs |
16 | |
|
5 jobs or more |
20 | |
|
Business Successions (Maximum of 10 points) Not a Mandatory requirement |
Investment to takeover an existing business |
10 |
|
HUMAN CAPITAL FACTORS (35 points) | ||
|
Language Proficiency (Maximum of 25 points) Mandatory requirement |
Proficiency in English or French: | |
|
CLB/NCLC 4 (4 for each Reading, Writing, Learning and Speaking) (mandatory minimum) |
15 | |
|
CLB/NCLC 5 (5 for each Reading, Writing, Learning and Speaking) |
20 | |
|
CLB/NCLC 6 or higher (6 for each Reading, Writing, Learning and Speaking) |
25 | |
|
Education (Maximum of 10 points) Mandatory requirement |
High-school Diploma equivalent to Canadian standards (mandatory minimum) |
4 |
|
Associate Degree or Diploma (at least one year) |
7 | |
|
Bachelor’s degree or higher |
10 | |
|
ADAPTABILITY FACTORS (35 points) | ||
|
Canada/Alberta experience from work or studies within the past 10 years (Maximum of 15 points) Not a mandatory requirement |
In rural Alberta | |
|
12 to 24 months |
10 | |
|
More than 24 months |
15 | |
|
And / Or | ||
|
In non-rural Alberta (Calgary and Edmonton Census Metropolitan Area) | ||
|
18 to 30 months |
6 | |
|
More than 30 months |
10 | |
|
And / Or | ||
|
In Canada | ||
|
24 to 36 months |
3 | |
|
More than 36 months |
5 | |
|
Relative(s) in the community or Alberta (Maximum of 10 points) Not a mandatory requirement |
Relatives are defined as father, step-father, mother, step-mother, child, step-child, sister, step-sister, brother, step-brother of candidate or spouse/common-law partner | |
|
Relative(s) living in Alberta |
5 | |
|
or | ||
|
Relative(s) living in the community where you intend to reside and operate a business |
10 | |
|
Spouse’s/Common-law partner’s Language Proficiency or Education (Maximum of 5 points) Not a mandatory requirement |
Proficiency in English or French: | |
|
CLB/NCLC 4 (4 for each Reading, Writing, Learning and Speaking) |
3 | |
|
CLB/NCLC 5 (5 for each Reading, Writing, Learning and Speaking) |
4 | |
|
CLB/NCLC 6 or higher (6 or higher for each Reading, Writing, Learning and Speaking) |
5 | |
|
and / or Education: | ||
|
Certificate, Associate Degree or Diploma (at least one year) |
3 | |
|
Bachelor’s degree or higher |
5 | |
|
Age (Maximum of 5 points) Not a mandatory requirement |
21 to 49 |
5 |
|
Maximum Points |
175 | |
How to Apply for Alberta’s Rural Entrepreneur Stream
Alberta’s Rural Entrepreneur Stream allows foreign entrepreneurs to start or buy a business in a rural Alberta community. Follow these steps to apply.
Step 1: Review the Program Terms and Conditions
Before applying, read the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) terms and conditions. The AAIP can close or change the program at any time. Meeting the eligibility criteria does not guarantee your application will be processed or approved.
Step 2: Check Your Eligibility
Review the Rural Entrepreneur Stream eligibility criteria. You must meet the minimum requirements, but meeting them does not guarantee selection.
Step 3: Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI)
If you meet the criteria, submit an EOI through the AAIP online portal.
- Create an Account: Register for an Alberta.ca Account.
- Complete the EOI Form: Enter accurate information and upload required documents.
- Pay the $200 EOI Fee: Use a single credit or debit card within 24 hours.
- Wait for Scoring: AAIP will review and score your EOI within 30 days. If selected, you will be invited to submit a Business Application.
Step 4: Submit Your Business Application
If invited, submit your Business Application through the AAIP portal.
- Prepare Documents: Use the Business Application Checklist to ensure all required documents are included.
- Get Reports from Qualified Service Providers: Your business plan and net worth must be assessed by approved providers (e.g., KPMG, MNP LLP, Grant Thornton LLP).
- Pay the $3,500 Business Application Fee: Complete this within 24 hours of submitting your application.
Failure to submit a complete application on time will result in cancellation.
Step 5: Business Application Assessment
AAIP will assess your Business Application. If additional information is needed, an officer will contact you.
- Approval: If approved, you will receive a Business Performance Agreement, a Business Application Approval Letter, and a 205(a) Letter of Support for a work permit.
- Rejection: If declined, you will receive an explanation. You may submit a Request for Reconsideration if an error was made.
Step 6: Establish Your Business in Alberta
Once you receive your work permit, move to Alberta and operate your business.
- Residency Requirement: Live in a rural Alberta community.
- Business Operation: Own and operate the business for at least 12 months.
- Meet Agreement Conditions: Fulfill all terms in your Business Performance Agreement.
- Submit Reports:
- Arrival Report (within 30 days of work permit issue date)
- Business Progress Report (every 6 months)
Step 7: Apply for Nomination for Permanent Residency
Once you meet all conditions, submit a Final Report for Nomination. If approved:
- AAIP will notify Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) of your nomination.
- You will receive a Nomination Letter to apply for permanent residency.
- You must continue meeting the terms of your Business Performance Agreement until IRCC makes a decision.
Important Fees and Deadlines
- EOI Fee: $200 (non-refundable)
- Business Application Fee: $3,500 (non-refundable)
- Business Performance Agreement Change Request Fee: $150
- Work Permit Extension Request Fee: $150
- Nomination Extension Request Fee: $150
- Request for Reconsideration Fee: $250 (refunded only if AAIP overturns the decision)
Key Reminders
- Ensure all information in your application is accurate.
- Respond to any AAIP requests promptly.
- Meeting eligibility criteria does not guarantee selection or approval.
- Stay informed of program updates on the AAIP website.
FAQ
What is the Alberta Rural Entrepreneur Stream?
The Alberta Rural Entrepreneur Stream is a provincial immigration program that allows foreign entrepreneurs to start or purchase a business in a rural Alberta community. Successful applicants receive a work permit and must establish their business according to a Business Performance Agreement before applying for permanent residency. The program aims to boost economic development in smaller communities by attracting business owners who can contribute to local economies.
What qualifies as a rural community under this program?
A rural Alberta community is any location outside the Calgary and Edmonton Census Metropolitan Areas with a population of fewer than 100,000 people. A list of participating communities will be made available by the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP). Before applying, candidates must schedule an exploratory visit and obtain a Community Support Letter from the rural community where they intend to operate their business.
What are the minimum investment and net worth requirements?
To qualify, candidates must have a minimum personal net worth of $300,000. Additionally, they must invest at least $200,000 of their own funds (or their spouse/common-law partner’s funds) into the business. Higher investments may result in a higher score in the points-based selection process. Candidates must also own at least 51% of a new business or 100% of an existing business they take over.
What are the key eligibility criteria for applicants?
Applicants must have at least three years of experience as a business owner/manager or four years as a senior manager within the last ten years. They must also have completed high school (verified by an Education Credential Assessment), meet a minimum language proficiency of Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 4, and submit an Expression of Interest (EOI). Meeting the minimum criteria does not guarantee selection, as applications are scored based on various factors.
How do candidates apply for permanent residency through this stream?
Once candidates establish and operate their business in Alberta for at least 12 months, they must submit a Final Report for Nomination. If approved, the Alberta government will issue a nomination for permanent residence, and candidates can then apply to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). They must continue to meet the terms of their Business Performance Agreement until IRCC makes a final decision on their permanent residency application.
