AAIP: Alberta Entrepreneur Immigration Program
Immigrate to Canada as an entrepreneur or a farmer through the AAIP Entrepreneur Immigration Program. A step-by-step guide to the AAIP Entrepreneur Programs.
Alberta is one of Canada’s most resource-rich provinces. Its growing economy attracts immigrants from many countries and offers numerous business opportunities for foreign entrepreneurs. Foreign entrepreneurs who wish to settle in Alberta can immigrate using one of the province’s many Alberta Entrepreneur Immigration Program streams and obtain Canada PR by investment. This guide will discuss the eligibility requirements and the application process for the AAIP Entrepreneur Streams.
AAIP Streams for Entrepreneurs
Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP), formerly the Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program, consists of four distinct streams under the Alberta Entrepreneur Immigration Program for foreign entrepreneurs and business people who wish to set up or purchase businesses in the province. These are:
AAIP Rural Entrepreneur Stream
The Rural Entrepreneur Stream caters to foreign entrepreneurs and business people who wish to start or purchase a business in specific rural Alberta communities. This definition of “rural” refers to communities under 100,000. This entrepreneur program aims to stimulate the economy and create jobs in Alberta’s smaller communities.
Program Basic Requirements
- Minimum Net Worth: $300,000 CAD
- Minimum Investment: $200,000 CAD
- Ownership: 51% or greater
- Experience: Min. 3 years as a business owner, or 4 years in a senior management role.
- Education: Completed high school (ECA required)
- Language Proficiency: CLB4 or Above in English or French.
- Job Creation: Mandatory
- Community Support Letter: Mandatory
AAIP - Graduate Entrepreneur Stream
The Graduate Entrepreneur Stream is for foreign graduates who have studied at Alberta Universities and Colleges and wish to start or purchase a business in the province.
Program Basic Requirements
- Ownership: 34% or greater with Canadian citizens or permanent residents as partners.
- Experience: Min. 3 years as a business owner, or 4 years in a senior management role.
- Education: Completed a program lasting 2 or more years at an Alberta College or University. A degree or diploma is mandatory.
- Language Proficiency: CLB7 or Above in English or French.
- Work Permit: PGWP Mandatory.
AAIP - Foreign Graduate Entrepreneur Stream
The Foreign Graduate Entrepreneur Stream is for foreign graduates who wish to who want to launch start-up enterprises and innovative businesses in Alberta.
Program Basic Requirements
- Minimum Investment: $100,000 CAD (Urban Center), $50,000 CAD (outside Calgary and Edmonton)
- Ownership: 34% or higher (Urban Center), 51% (outside Calgary and Edmonton)
- Experience: Min. 6 months as a business owner or manager.
- Education: Equivalent college or university degree obtained from outside Canada.
- Language Proficiency: CLB Level 5 or Above in English or French.
- Pitch Deck: 10-minute slideshow presentation
- Business Plan: Mandatory
- Letter of Recommendation: Mandatory
- Settlement Funds: Mandatory
AAIP - Farm Stream
The AAIP-Farm Stream is for foreign entrepreneurs with the resources and experience to set up or purchase and operate a farm in Alberta.
Program Basic Requirements
- Minimum Net-Worth: $500,000 CAD
- Minimum Investment: $500,000 CAD
- Farm Management Skills: Financial documents describing current farm business, farm-related experience training, and education.
- Business Plan: Mandatory.
Graduate Entrepreneur v/s Foreign Graduate Entrepreneur
The eligibility requirements for the Graduate Entrepreneur Stream and the Foreign Graduate Entrepreneur Stream are compared side-by-side in the table below.
| Requirements | Graduate Stream | Foreign Graduate Stream |
|---|---|---|
| Work Experience | There is no minimum requirement, but applicants can receive additional points for business ownership or management experience. | Applicants must possess a minimum of 6 months of experience as a business owner or manager. |
| Minimum Education | Applicants must have completed a program lasting two or more years at an Alberta College or University. They must have received their degree or diploma after completing this program. | Applicants must possess a College or University degree obtained from an education institution outside Canada. This degree must be equivalent to a Canadian one and should have been acquired within the last ten years. |
| Business Proposal | Not required | Required |
| Minimum Business Ownership Percentage | 34% or higher | 34% or higher if the business is in an urban center. 51% or higher if the business is not in an urban center. |
| Minimum Investment Amount | None | $100,000 CAD if the business is located in an urban center. $50,000 CAD if the business is not in an urban center. |
| Pitch Deck | Not required | Required |
| Letter of Recommendation from Designated Agency | Not required | Required |
| Settlement Funds | Not required | Applicants must demonstrate they possess enough funds to settle in the province with their families. |
How ELAAR can help you?
Prospective entrepreneurs and business people who wish to apply for the Alberta PNP Entrepreneur Programs should get in touch with us. Our team of Regulated Immigration Consultants is familiar with each of these programs and can help optimize your application and improve your chances of receiving a provincial nomination. Start your entrepreneurial journey in Alberta with Elaar Immigration.
FAQ: AAIP: Alberta Entrepreneur Immigration Program
1. Is it easy to immigrate to Alberta?
Immigrating to Alberta or for that matter to any province in Canada is not easy per se. It is not a one-size-fits-all solution, so it is suggested to choose the stream that best fits your eligibility criteria. If you would like to know what stream or best way to immigrate to Alberta, feel free to contact us.
2. What occupations are in high demand in Alberta?
Certain occupations like translators, optometrists, cabinetmakers, dental healthcare professionals, nutritionists, chiropractors and a few other skilled workers are in high demand.
3. Is healthcare in Alberta free?
Alberta permanent residents can access full coverage of medically necessary physician services, which include specific dental and oral surgical health services. Some medically required diagnostic services such as radiology, pathology, and psychiatric visits are fully covered. All medical services and hospital stays are not fully covered. For a detailed list, you are requested to visit Alberta’s office website. https://www.alberta.ca/ahcip-what-is-covered
4. Can I apply for Alberta PNP without a job offer?
Yes. You do not require a job offer for four Alberta immigration streams. Please go through our pages to learn more about Alberta Immigration Streams.
Apply for Alberta Entrepreneur Immigration Program
Immigrate to Canada as an entrepreneur, investor, or senior executive through Alberta Entrepreneur Immigration Program.
