Foreign Graduate Entrepreneur Stream
The Foreign Graduate Entrepreneur Stream is an economic immigration program that nominates talented and qualified foreign-educated graduates from outside Canada for permanent residence upon launching start-up enterprises and innovative businesses in Alberta.
Step-by-Step Process
Follow these steps to apply:
Self-Assessment
Use the AAIP self-assessment tool to ensure you meet the eligibility criteria.
Prepare Business Plan and Pitch Deck
Develop a comprehensive business plan and a 10-minute pitch deck presentation.
Obtain Letter of Recommendation
Secure a letter from an AAIP-approved designated agency after presenting your business plan.
Submit Expression of Interest (EOI)
Through the AAIP Portal. EOIs are scored within 30 days, and top candidates are invited to submit a Business Application.
Submit Business Application
Invited candidates must submit a complete application within 90 days, including all required documents.
Business Performance Agreement (BPA)
If the application is approved, sign a BPA outlining the terms and conditions of your business operations in Alberta.
Apply for Work Permit
After signing the BPA, apply for a work permit to establish and operate your business in Alberta.
Establish Business & Submit Final Report
Launch and operate your business in Alberta, adhering to the terms set in the BPA. After 12 months of business operation, submit a final report demonstrating compliance with the BPA.
Nomination for Permanent Residence
Upon successful review of the final report, receive a nomination from AAIP to apply for permanent residence.
Eligibility Requirements
You must meet all of the following criteria:
Educational Credential Assessment
Possess a post-secondary degree completed outside Canada within the last 10 years, accompanied by an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) confirming its equivalence to a Canadian credential.
Language Proficiency
Achieve a minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level 5 in English or French across all four language skills: reading, writing, listening, and speaking.
Work Experience
Have at least six months of full-time experience in business ownership or management, or equivalent experience with a business incubator or accelerator.
Business Ownership
Hold at least 34% ownership if the business is located in an urban center (Calgary or Edmonton). Hold at least 51% ownership if the business is located in a regional area outside Calgary or Edmonton.
Minimum Investment
Invest a minimum of $100,000 for businesses in urban centers. Invest a minimum of $50,000 for businesses in regional areas. Investments can be from personal equity or recognized Canadian financial institutions, venture capital, or angel investment firms.
Business Sectors
The proposed business must be in one of the following sectors: technology, aerospace, financial services, energy, agriculture, tourism, life sciences, or pharmaceuticals.
Settlement Funds
Demonstrate sufficient funds to support yourself and any dependents while establishing your business in Alberta, based on Low Income Cut-Offs (LICOs).
Letter of Recommendation
Obtain a letter of recommendation from an AAIP-approved designated agency, such as Empowered Startups or Platform Calgary.
Required Documents
Prepare the following documents for your application:
Required Application Documents
Applicants must prepare and submit the following documents:
- Expression of Interest (EOI): Submitted through the AAIP Portal.
- Business Plan: Detailed plan with projected financial information, demonstrating the viability and economic benefit of the proposed business.
- Pitch Deck: A 10-minute slide presentation outlining the business venture, focusing on aspects appealing to investors.
- Net Worth Worksheet: Document detailing personal net worth and source of funds.
Supporting Documentation
Prepare additional supporting documents:
- Educational Credential Assessment (ECA)
- Language Test Results (CLB 5+)
- Financial Statements
- Settlement Funds Proof
- Letter of Recommendation: From an AAIP-approved designated agency.
- Authorization Forms: If applicable, authorization to collect and disclose personal information for spouse, common-law partners, and dependents.
Fees, Processing Time & Refund Policy Refund Policy
All application fees are non-refundable. Below are the expected timelines for each stage of the process.
Fees
Expression of Interest (EOI) Fee: CAD $200; Business Application Fee: CAD $3,500.
Refund Policy
Refund Policy: All application fees are non-refundable, regardless of the outcome.
Processing Times
EOI Scoring: Approximately 30 days from submission. Business Application Decision: Approximately 3 months to receive a decision and support letter.
Final Report Review
Final RApproximately 4 months after submission of the final report. Permanent Residence Application: After nomination, applicants have 6 months to apply for permanent residence. Paper-based applications are generally processed within 18 months.
Pathways to Success
Work Permit and PR Applications
Work Permit Pathway
After signing the Business Performance Agreement, applicants receive a letter of support to apply for a temporary work permitAllowing them to establish and operate their business in Alberta.
Permanent Residence Pathway
Upon successful operation of the business for at least 12 months and meeting all conditions outlined in the BPA, applicants receive a nomination from AAIP.They must then apply to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for permanent residence within 6 months of nomination.
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