{"id":96161,"date":"2020-10-27T15:20:47","date_gmt":"2020-10-27T19:20:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/immigration.ca\/alberta-graduate-entrepreneur-stream"},"modified":"2025-02-14T19:58:17","modified_gmt":"2025-02-15T00:58:17","slug":"alberta-graduate-entrepreneur-stream","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/immigration.ca\/fr\/alberta-graduate-entrepreneur-stream\/","title":{"rendered":"Alberta Immigration Graduate Entrepreneur Stream"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>The Alberta Graduate Entrepreneur Stream is aimed at international graduates from Alberta post-secondary institutions who want to establish or operate a business in the province.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Candidates must initially establish or operate their business for at least 12 months while in Alberta on a work permit, before being nominated by the <a href=\"https:\/\/immigration.ca\/fr\/immigration-alberta\/\">Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP)<\/a> for permanent residence once the terms of a Business Performance Agreement are met.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>International graduates who currently own and operate a business in Alberta can qualify for permanent residence through the stream, provided they meet the criteria.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">On This Page You Will Find:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>An overview of the <strong>Alberta Graduate Entrepreneur Stream<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A step-by-step guide to <strong>permanent residence through the program<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Details on <strong>eligibility criteria, investment requirements, and adaptability factors<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A breakdown of the <strong>Expression of Interest (EOI) points system<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A list of <strong>ineligible businesses under the Alberta Graduate Entrepreneur Stream<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Steps to Permanent Residence<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. Submit an Expression of Interest<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Candidates who meet eligibility criteria can submit an Expression of Interest. EOIs will be reviewed and scored within 30 days of submission. The highest-ranking candidates will be requested to submit a Business Application.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. Submit Your Business Application Package<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Candidates selected from the EOI pool must submit a Business Application with 90 days. A non-refundable $3,500 application fee must also be paid.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. Business Application assessment<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Once a candidate\u2019s Business Application and supporting documents are received, the AAIP will assess the Business Application.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If a candidate\u2019s Business Application is approved, they will be sent a signed Business Performance Agreement (BPA). The BPA is a legal agreement between the candidate and the province of Alberta. It must be signed and returned to the AAIP in 14 days. After the AAIP receives the signed BPA, candidates will be issued a Business Application Approval Letter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">4. Establish Your Business in Alberta<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>After receiving the Business Application Approval Letter, candidates can live in Alberta and actively own and operate their business for at least 12 months, with at least 34 percent ownership.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">5. Final Report for AAIP Nomination<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Once the conditions of the Business Performance have been met, a final report for nomination is submitted to the AAIP.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If the final report is approved, the AAIP will send a nomination certificate to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and send the candidate a nomination letter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Candidates can then apply for permanent residence to IRCC.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Requirements<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Area<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Requirement<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Education<\/td><td>Have completed at least two years of full-time education in Alberta, resulting in a degree or diploma from a designated post-secondary institution in Alberta. Completion of program of study must result in qualifying for a Post-Graduation Work Permit.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Work Permit<\/td><td>Have a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) valid at the time of your Expression of Interest (EOI) submission.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Language<\/td><td>Have a minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level of 7 for each in one of the following: Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Business Establishment<\/td><td>Must establish a new business or buy an existing business in Alberta with a minimum 34% ownership. The proposed business type must not be on the list of ineligible businesses.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Factors that Increase Candidate\u2019s Chances<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Criteria<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Adaptability factors<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Work Experience<\/td><td>Have a minimum of 6 months of full-time work experience that can be a combination of actively managing or owning the business or equivalencies. For example, experience with a business incubator or business accelerator, or completion of entrepreneurship program courses. Work experience can be acquired from outside Canada or within Canada, before or after completing Alberta education.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Economic benefit<\/td><td>Can provide economic benefit to Alberta through:\u2013 Job creation.<br>\u2013 Economic sector.<br>\u2013 Business location (for example, rural).<br>\u2013 Business succession.<br>\u2013 Investment.<br>\u2013 Developed intellectual property.<br>\u2013 Partnership or support from business incubator\/accelerator, venture capital or angel investor.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Age<\/td><td>21 to 49 years<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Spouse<\/td><td>Your spouse or common-law partner has at least one of the following:\u2013 At least 1 year of continuous full-time employment in Alberta.<br>\u2013 At least 2 years of full-time study at a post-secondary institution in Alberta.<br>\u2013 Minimum level CLB 5 in English or NCLC 5 in French in all 4 language abilities (Reading, Writing, Listening, Speaking).<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Alberta relative<\/td><td>You, or your spouse or common-law partner, have one or more of the following relatives living full-time in Alberta: father, step-father, mother, step-mother, child, step-child, sister, step-sister, brother, step-brother<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Expression of Interest Pool<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Candidates who meet the above criteria must submit an Expression of Interest to the AAIP.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The AAIP will review and score your EOI within 30 days of submission. The highest-ranking candidates will be requested to submit a Business Application.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">EOI Points Grid<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>MAXIMUM AVAILABLE POINTS: 125<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Business Establishment Factors (75 points)<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Criteria<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Descriptions<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Points<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td rowspan=\"3\">Business Management or Ownership or equivalent (equivalencies include work experience with a business incubator or business accelerator or completion of entrepreneurship program courses)(Maximum of 15 points)<strong>Not a mandatory requirement<\/strong><\/td><td>6 months<\/td><td>5<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>1 year<\/td><td>10<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>&gt; 1 year<\/td><td>15<\/td><\/tr><tr><td rowspan=\"7\">Economic Benefit(Maximum of 40 points)<strong>Not a mandatory requirement<\/strong><\/td><td>Economic benefitsEconomic development sector (e.g. energy; agriculture; technology\/data\/telecom\/ aviation\/aerospace; financial services\/fintech<\/td><td>15<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Succession<\/td><td>5<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Job Creation (max 15 points):<\/td><td><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>1 job<\/td><td>5<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>2 jobs<\/td><td>10<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>3 or more jobs<\/td><td>15<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Rural (outside Edmonton and Calgary Census Metropolitan Areas)<\/td><td>5<\/td><\/tr><tr><td rowspan=\"4\">Total Business Investment(Maximum of 20 points)<strong>Not a mandatory requirement<\/strong><\/td><td>$25,000 or less<\/td><td>5<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>$25,001 to $50,000<\/td><td>10<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>$50,001 to $75,000<\/td><td>15<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>$75,001 or more<\/td><td>20<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Human Capital Factors (25 points)<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Criteria<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Descriptions<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Points<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td rowspan=\"3\">Language proficiency in English or French(Maximum of 15 points)<strong>Mandatory requirement<\/strong><\/td><td>CLB 7 (7 for each Reading, Writing, Learning and Speaking) (mandatory minimum)<\/td><td>5<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>CLB 8 (8 for each Reading, Writing, Learning and Speaking)<\/td><td>12<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>CLB 9 or higher (9 for each Reading, Writing, Learning and Speaking)<\/td><td>15<\/td><\/tr><tr><td rowspan=\"3\">Alberta Education(Maximum of 10 points)<strong>Mandatory requirement<\/strong><\/td><td>Bachelor\u2019s degree or a 2-year Diploma (mandatory minimum)<\/td><td>5<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>2 or more degrees or diplomas<\/td><td>7<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Master\u2019s degree or higher<\/td><td>10<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Adaptability Factors (25 points)<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Criteria<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Descriptions<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Points<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Age(Maximum of 5 points)<strong>Not a mandatory requirement<\/strong><\/td><td>21 to 49 years<\/td><td>5<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Spouse\/Common-law characteristics(Maximum of 10 points)<strong>Not a mandatory requirement<\/strong><\/td><td>Your spouse\/common-law partner has one or more of the following:\u2013 At least 1 year of continuous full-time employment in Alberta.<br>\u2013 At least 2 years of full-time study at a post-secondary institution in Alberta.<br>\u2013 Minimum level CLB 5 in English or NCLC 5 in French in all 4 language abilities.<\/td><td>10(if one or more characteristics are met)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Alberta relatives(Maximum of 10 points)<strong>Not a mandatory requirement<\/strong><\/td><td>Relatives are defined as father, step-father, mother, step-mother, child, step-child, sister, step-sister, brother, step-brother of applicant or spouse\/common-law partner<\/td><td>10<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Ineligible Businesses<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Any business in contravention of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act and Regulations (for example, immigration-linked investment schemes or passive investment).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Businesses without a value-add economic component, including:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Pay day loan, cheque cashing and related businesses.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Businesses trading in used goods.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Businesses that would be considered passive investment and\/or lack active management, including:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Property rental, investment and leasing activities.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Real estate development\/brokerage, insurance brokerage or business brokerage.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Coin-operated businesses, including laundromats and car wash operations.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Project-based or seasonal businesses.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Home-based businesses, including bed-and-breakfasts and lodging houses.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Businesses that are part of a succession plan. This includes businesses that:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Are owned\/operated by a close relative of the applicant.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Were previously owned\/operated by a current or former AAIP entrepreneur stream applicants\/nominees within the past 4 years.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Have changed ownership in the past 3 years prior to IGEIS application.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Businesses involved in producing, distributing or selling pornography or sexually explicit products or services, or providing sexually oriented services.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Any other type of business that by association would tend to bring the AAIP and the Government of Alberta into disrepute.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">FAQ: Alberta Graduate Entrepreneur Stream<\/h3>\n\n\n<div id=\"rank-math-faq\" class=\"rank-math-block\">\n<div class=\"rank-math-list \">\n<div id=\"faq-question-1739581001938\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h4 class=\"rank-math-question \">Who is eligible for the Alberta Graduate Entrepreneur Stream?<\/h4>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>This stream is for international graduates from Alberta post-secondary institutions who want to establish or operate a business in the province. Candidates must have completed at least two years of full-time education in Alberta, hold a valid Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), and actively manage or own a business with at least 34% ownership. Applicants must also meet language proficiency requirements and submit a business proposal for assessment.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1739581009741\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h4 class=\"rank-math-question \">What is the process for obtaining permanent residence through this program?<\/h4>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>The process starts with submitting an Expression of Interest (EOI) through the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) Portal. High-ranking candidates are invited to submit a Business Application, which must include a detailed business plan and an application fee. Once approved, candidates must operate their business for at least 12 months before submitting a final report. If successful, they receive a nomination from Alberta, allowing them to apply for permanent residence through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1739581014663\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h4 class=\"rank-math-question \">What factors increase a candidate\u2019s chances of selection?<\/h4>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>Candidates with business management experience, higher investment amounts, and businesses that create jobs in key economic sectors (such as technology, agriculture, or energy) receive higher EOI scores. Other factors include rural business locations, business succession plans, and partnerships with incubators, venture capital firms, or angel investors. Additional points are awarded if the applicant has a spouse working or studying in Alberta or family members living in the province.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1739581024629\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h4 class=\"rank-math-question \">What are the investment requirements for this program?<\/h4>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>Unlike other entrepreneur streams, there is no mandatory minimum investment. However, candidates are awarded higher points for larger investments. Investments start at $25,000, with maximum points given for investments above $75,000. The funds must come from personal equity, a Canadian financial institution, or recognized investment sources. Candidates planning to invest in businesses located in rural Alberta may also receive additional points.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1739581030785\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h4 class=\"rank-math-question \">What types of businesses are not eligible under this program?<\/h4>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>Certain businesses are excluded from this program, including payday loan services, cheque cashing businesses, real estate development, property rentals, and passive investment businesses. Other ineligible businesses include home-based businesses, seasonal operations, coin-operated services (such as laundromats), and any business that could negatively impact the reputation of the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP). Applicants should ensure their business proposal meets Alberta\u2019s economic priorities to qualify.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The Alberta Graduate Entrepreneur Stream is aimed at international graduates from Alberta post-secondary institutions who want to establish or operate a business in the province. Candidates must initially establish or operate their business for at least 12 months while in Alberta on a work permit, before being nominated by the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP)&hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":16,"featured_media":80913,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-96161","page","type-page","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","description-off"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/immigration.ca\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/96161","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/immigration.ca\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/immigration.ca\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/immigration.ca\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/16"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/immigration.ca\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=96161"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/immigration.ca\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/96161\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/immigration.ca\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/80913"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/immigration.ca\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=96161"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}