A Step-By-Step Guide to Alberta Graduate Entrepreneur Stream

Foreign graduates who have studied at Alberta Universities can purchase a business and settle in Alberta through AAIP Graduate Entrepreneur Stream.

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Entrepreneurs are essential contributors to Alberta’s economy because they use their skills and initiative to foresee needs and create jobs for Albertans. Entrepreneurs who take on the risks of a start-up business are rewarded with earnings and chances for continued expansion.

The Alberta 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 and obtain Canada PR by Investment.

Eligibility Requirements: AAIP Graduate Entrepreneur Stream

The Alberta Graduate Entrepreneur Stream eligibility requirements are as follows:

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.

Work Permit

Applicants must possess a valid Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).

Business Ownership Amount

Applicants must maintain an ownership share of 34% or higher in the business they establish or purchase.
Their partners must also be Canadian citizens or Canadian permanent residents.

Language Proficiency

Applicants must demonstrate their language proficiency in English or French by scoring CLB level 7 or higher on a recognized language test.

Alberta Graduate Entrepreneur Stream Application Process

The application process for Alberta Graduate Entrepreneur Stream is as follows:

Stage 1

Research & Preparation
Registration
Application

Stage 2

Establishing and Operating the Business
Nomination
Permanent Residence

Stage One

1. Research & Preparation

Applicants must first assess whether they meet the minimum eligibility requirements mentioned above. They must also ensure their proposed business does not fall under the list of ineligible businesses.

2. Registration

Applicants can then apply for an Expression of Interest (EOI) online using the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program Portal. Note that this EOI is not an application for the Graduate Entrepreneur Stream. It simply indicates the applicant’s interest in applying for the program.

If the candidate meets the eligibility requirements described above, they will be placed in the EOI pool. The AAIP then selects candidates with the highest score and invites them to submit a Business Application.

3. Application

Candidates will then have ninety days to complete this application, pay a $3,500 CAD fee, and provide all supporting documents. They can complete this process online at the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program Portal.
The AAIP will then review the application before making a decision.
They may ask the applicant for additional information.
If the AAIP approves of the application, they will present the applicant with a Business Performance Agreement that details the terms and conditions they must meet after establishing or purchasing their business.
The candidate must sign this agreement and send a scanned copy within 14 days.
The AAIP will then provide them with a Business Application Approval Letter.

Stage Two

4. Establishing and Operating the Business

The entrepreneur must then move to Alberta and reside there while establishing or purchasing and operating the business.
They must operate their business according to the terms and conditions in the Business Performance Agreement for a minimum of one year.
If the entrepreneur’s work permit is going to expire during this period, they can contact AAIP and apply for a Letter of Support.
They can then use this letter to apply for a work permit extension through Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

5. Nomination

Once the candidate has operated their business for one year and has satisfied the terms and conditions in their Business Performance Agreement, they can apply for a permanent resident nomination via the AAIP by submitting a Final Report for Nomination.

If the AAIP approves of the Final Report, they will issue a nomination certificate. Applicants can then use this certificate to apply for permanent resident status with Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

6. Permanent Residency

If candidates are successful, IRCC will issue their new permanent resident status in Canada.

How ELAAR can help you?

Prospective entrepreneurs and business people who wish to apply for the AAIP Graduate Entrepreneur Stream 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.