Rural Entrepreneur Stream
The Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) Rural Entrepreneur Stream is for entrepreneurs with business experience who wish to start or purchase a business in rural Alberta communities.
Step-by-Step Process
Follow these steps to apply:
Exploratory Visit
Engage with a participating rural Alberta community to discuss the business proposal and conduct an exploratory visit (in-person or virtual).
Expression of Interest (EOI)
Submit an EOI through the AAIP portal, including the Business Proposal Summary and Community Support Letter.
EOI Assessment
The AAIP reviews and scores the EOI within 30 days. High-ranking candidates are invited to submit a Business Application.
Business Application Submission
Submit a comprehensive Business Application, including all required documents and fees.
Business Performance Agreement (BPA)
If the application is approved, sign a BPA outlining investment commitments, job creation, and other obligations.
Work Permit Application
Apply for a two-year work permit through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) using the Letter of Support provided by the AAIP.
Business Establishment
Establish and operate the business in the rural Alberta community, fulfilling all BPA conditions for at least 12 months.
Nomination Request
After meeting all BPA conditions, submit a request for nomination to the AAIP.
Permanent Residence Application
Upon receiving the nomination, apply to IRCC for permanent residence.
Eligibility Requirements
You must meet all of the following criteria:
Business Experience
Minimum of 3 years as an active business owner/manager or 4 years as a senior manager within the past 10 years.
Education
At least a high school diploma equivalent to Canadian standards, verified through an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA).
Language Proficiency
Minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level 4 in English or French across all language skills.
Net Worth
Minimum of CAD $300,000.
Business Investment
Minimum of CAD $200,000 from the applicant's own equity.
Community Support
A Community Support Letter from a participating rural Alberta community.
Business Ownership
At least 51% ownership for new businesses or 100% ownership for business succession.
Job Creation
Creation of at least one full-time job for Canadian citizens or permanent residents.
Factors That Increase Your Chances
Economic Benefit
Business succession
Age
21 to 49 years
Spouse Qualification
Your spouse/common-law partner has one of the following:Completed at least one year of full-time post-secondary education (Certificate, Associate Degree, Diploma, Bachelor’s Degree or higher)or- Achieved a minimum level of Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 4 in English or Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens (NCLC) 4 in French in all four language abilities (Reading, Writing, Listening, Speaking). Language test results must be less than 2 years old at the time the Expression of Interest is submitted.
Alberta Relative
You or your spouse/common-law partner have a close relative residing in Alberta: father, step-father, mother, step-mother, child, step-child, sister, step-sister, brother, or step-brother.
Required Documents
Prepare the following documents for your application:
Community & Concept Documents
Applicants must prepare and submit the following documents:
- Exploratory Visit Report: Details of the visit to the community, including meetings and contacts.
- Business Proposal Summary: Outline of the proposed business venture.
- Community Support Letter: Endorsement from the rural Alberta community.
Education & Language
Applicants must prepare and submit the following documents:
- Educational Credential Assessment (ECA): Verification of educational qualifications.
- Language Test Results: Proof of language proficiency (e.g., IELTS, CELPIP).
Financial & Business Planning
Applicants must prepare and submit the following documents:
- Financial Documents: Evidence of net worth and investment funds.
- Business Plan: Detailed plan outlining business operations, market analysis, and financial projections.
Third-Party Verification
Applicants must prepare and submit the following documents:
- Qualified Service Provider Report: Assessment of net worth and business investment by an approved service provider, if requested.
Fees, Processing Time & Refund Policy
All fees are non-refundable. Below are the fees and expected timelines.
Processing Fees
Expression of Interest (EOI): CAD $200 (non-refundable). Business Application: CAD $3,500 (non-refundable). Additional Costs: Fees for services such as Educational Credential Assessments, language testing, and reports from Qualified Service Providers may apply.
Processing Time
EOI Review: Approximately 30 days. Business Application Assessment: Up to 4 months. Overall Timeline: The entire process, from EOI submission to permanent residence, can take approximately 18 to 24 months, depending on individual circumstances.
Refund Policy
No refunds are provided for the Expression of Interest or Business Application fees once submitted. This includes cases where the application is rejected, withdrawn, or returned as incomplete.
Pathways to Success
Work Permit and PR Applications
Work Permit Pathway
After signing the BPA, applicants receive a Letter of Support to apply for a two-year work permit, allowing them to establish and operate their business in Alberta.
Permanent Residence Pathway
Upon fulfilling all BPA conditions and successfully operating the business for at least 12 months, applicants can request a nomination from the AAIP. With this nomination, they can apply to IRCC for permanent residence.
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