Alberta Advantage Immigration Program(AAIP)
Immigration to Alberta
The Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) is an economic immigration program designed in collaboration between the Government of Alberta and the Federal Government of Canada. The goal of this program is to attract skilled workers, entrepreneurs, and eligible individuals who can contribute to the economic development of Alberta. Candidates selected under this program will have the opportunity to obtain permanent residency in Canada along with their family (spouse and dependent children). However, the final decision regarding permanent residency issuance is made by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Immigration Streams under the AAIP
The Alberta Advantage Immigration Program consists of two main categories:
- Worker Immigration Streams
- Entrepreneur Immigration Streams
→ If you are looking to immigrate to Alberta and take advantage of its job and economic opportunities, our team of consultants is ready to guide you through all steps of the application process, from document preparation to effective strategies for obtaining permanent residency. We will assist you in making your immigration process smooth and successful.
For booking a consultation session, you can contact us via WhatsApp by clicking the links below or call us directly
Immigration Programs for Workers
These pathways are designed for individuals who intend to work in occupations in demand in Alberta and include four subcategories:
- Alberta Tourism and Hospitality Stream
This program is specifically for individuals employed in Alberta’s tourism and hospitality sector who have received a full-time job offer from an eligible employer.
- Alberta Opportunity Stream
This pathway is for individuals residing in Alberta who have received a job offer from a recognized employer. The requirements for this stream include:
- Holding a Valid Temporary Work Permit:
Valid work permits include:
- A positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)-based work permit.
- LMIA-exempt permits for workers under one of the exemptions designated by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), including:
- International trade agreements
- Intra-company transferees
- International Experience Canada (IEC) Program
- Mobilité Francophone Program (for French-speaking workers)
- R205(d) permits for religious work
- Open Work Permits issued by (IRCC), including:
- Vulnerable workers who have demonstrated workplace abuse (including those under the VWOWP exemption) and their family members.
- Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) issued by a public post-secondary institution in Alberta. PGWP holders must meet job, education, and work experience requirements.
- Open work permits under temporary public policies by (IRCC) (except those not granting temporary residence, such as refugee-related permits).
- Employment in a National Occupational Classification (NOC) Category: Applicants must be employed in TEER 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 of the National Occupational Classification (NOC), and the job must align with their work experience and job offer.
- Language Proficiency:
Depending on the NOC TEER category, applicants must achieve a minimum score on the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) or Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens (NCLC):
TEER | Minimum CLB (English) | Minimum NCLC (French) |
NOC 0, 1, 2, or 3 | 5 | 5 |
NOC 4 or 5 | 4 | 4 |
NOC Code 33102 (Nurse Aides & Caregivers) | 7 | 7 |
Approved English Language Tests:
- CELPIP – General
- IELTS – General Training
Approved French Language Tests:
- TEF Canada
- TCF Canada
*Test results must be less than 2 years old; proof of test registration is not acceptable.
- Educational Requirements: Applicants (except PGWP holders) must provide proof of education equivalent to a Canadian high school diploma:
- If your education is from outside Canada, you must provide an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA).
You do not need an ECA if:
- Your education was obtained from a recognized Canadian institution.
- You hold an Alberta Qualification Certificate or a valid Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Trade (AIT) certificate.
- Work Experience Requirements
- At least 12 months of full-time work in Alberta within the last 18 months, or
- 24 months of full-time work in Canada or abroad within the last 30 months.
- (PGWP) holders must have at least 6 months of full-time experience in Alberta within the last 18 months.
- Work experience cannot be from an internship or co-op program completed during studies.
- Job Offer Requirements
- The job offer must be full-time and from an employer in Alberta.
- The employer must be legally operating in Alberta.
- Part-time, seasonal, contract-based, temporary agency work, and remote jobs are not eligible.
Steps to Apply for Permanent Residency in Canada
- Reviewing the Nomination Certificate: After receiving the Nomination Certificate via email, applicants must review their NOC code. If a legal representative is involved, they will also receive a copy.
- Preparing and Submitting the Permanent Residency Application: After receiving a nomination from (AAIP), applicants must submit their application to (IRCC) within the given timeframe. If an extension is needed, a request can be made for a fee of $150.
- Online Submission of the Application: All applications must be submitted online. A confirmation is received immediately after submission, and the status can be tracked online.
After Submitting the Application
- Medical examinations, security, and criminal background checks must be completed.
- Any changes in address, family status, or employment must be reported to both (AAIP) and (IRCC).
Extending a Work Permit
If a work permit expires before permanent residency is finalized, applicants may request an extension from (IRCC) through:
- LMIA
- LMIA exemption, or
- Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP).
If not eligible for these, a $150 request for a 204(c) support letter from (AAIP) may be submitted.
Extending a Nomination Certificate
Applications for nomination extensions must be submitted within six months after expiration. If over six months have passed, the applicant will be ineligible. Requirements include:
- Compliance with all initial nomination conditions.
- Payment of a $150 extension fee.
- Processing within 30 business days.
How to Apply for Nomination Extension
- Online via (AAIP) Portal
- Log in to the (AAIP) online portal.
- Click “Create New Request”.
- If eligible, the “Request Nomination Extension” option will be active.
- Complete the form and pay the $150 fee within 24 hours. If unpaid, the request will be canceled.
- Email (Paper Application)
- Download and complete the Nomination Extension Request Form.
- Attach documents proving refusal of permanent residency.
- Pay $150 via MyAlberta eServices and attach the receipt.
- Email the documents to aaipoffice@gov.ab.ca.
*Processing takes up to 30 business days, and results are sent via email.
- Alberta Express Entry Stream
This pathway is for individuals with an active Express Entry profile who meet Alberta’s economic needs and job priorities.
Requirements:
- Active Express Entry profile in the federal system.
- Eligibility under at least one of the three federal immigration programs:
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
- Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
- Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
- Minimum CRS score of 300.
- Job must be in demand in Alberta and align with economic priorities.
- Applicants must indicate intent to settle in Alberta.
Express Entry Pathways in Alberta
- Family Connection & In-Demand Occupations Pathway
- Applicants must have a qualifying relative (parent, child, or sibling) in Alberta.
- The relative must be at least 18 years old and a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
- In-demand occupations include:
- Jobs with labour shortages in Alberta.
- High-demand jobs based on short-term employment forecasts.
- Priority occupations in agriculture, construction, and healthcare.
- Healthcare Pathway: Applicants must meet specific eligibility criteria before applying.
- Accelerated Tech Pathway: Applicants must work in Alberta or have a valid job offer in a tech industry occupation.
- Law Enforcement Pathway: Only for international police officers verified by (AACP) with a valid job offer.
- Priority Sector Pathway: For individuals with work experience in agriculture or construction.
*Applicants with less than five months before their Express Entry profile expires have a lower chance of receiving an invitation, so keeping the profile updated is crucial.
- Rural Renewal Stream
This program is designed to attract skilled workers to rural communities in Alberta and involves collaboration between local organizations, employers, and non-profit entities. The eligibility criteria for this program include the following:
- Work Experience:
- A minimum of 12 months of full-time paid work experience (at least 30 hours per week) within the past 18 months in an eligible occupation.
- Work experience can be gained in Alberta, other parts of Canada, or outside Canada.
- Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot (EMPP) applicants must have a minimum of 12 months of full-time work experience within the past 10 years.
- Work experience must align with the TEER requirements in the designated occupations table.
- Work experience in Canada must have been obtained under a valid permit from (IRCC) and with legal temporary resident status.
Work experience during studies in Canada is not accepted, except when:
- The applicant holds a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).
- The applicant has completed paid, full-time co-op work placements (minimum 30 hours per week) only in Alberta.
- Licensing, Certifications, and Occupational Registration Requirements:
- Applicants must have the necessary credentials to work in their current job in Alberta or the proposed job.
- If the job is a compulsory trade in Alberta, the applicant must have a valid Alberta Industry Training (AIT) certificate.
- Early childhood educators working in daycare centers and child care facilities must hold a valid Level 2 or 3 certification.
- Residency in a Designated Community:
- The applicant must intend to live and work in the designated community at the time of submitting the application.
- Community Endorsement:
At the time of submitting the application and during the (AAIP) assessment, the applicant must have a valid Endorsement of Candidate letter from an Economic Development Organization (EDO). This endorsement must be based on the criteria set by the (EDO).
Contents of the Endorsement Letter:
- Name and address of the (EDO) supporting the application.
- Applicant’s full name and address.
- Details of the valid job offer, including:
- Business name
- Employer’s name and contact details
- Work location
- Job title and job description
- Employment duration and work conditions
- Explanation of how the job offer contributes to the economic growth of the rural community.
- Employer’s efforts to hire workers within Canada and the results.
- Name, title, and contact details of the person issuing the endorsement letter.
- Job Offer:
- The applicant must have a full-time job offer from a recognized employer.
- Eligible occupations include most jobs classified under TEER 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5.
- The job must be in an active business located in the designated community.
- The job offer and the Alberta employer must meet all conditions outlined on the Job Offer and Employment Requirements page.
Applicants must work with their employer to ensure all conditions are met. Failure to comply will result in rejection of the application, and the processing fee will not be refunded.
Ineligible Applicants Based on Job Offer:: The following individuals are not eligible, even if they have a full-time job offer (at least 30 hours per week for 12 months or more):
- Part-time, seasonal, or temporary workers, regardless of the number of hours worked.
- Independent contractors, business owners, or temporary staffing agency employees, including individuals listed as directors, shareholders, or representatives of an Alberta employer in the Corporate Registry System (CORES).
- Workers employed in a location that is not zoned for commercial or industrial activities in Alberta (e.g., home-based businesses).
- Remote workers who perform their duties online from outside Alberta or work at a location outside Alberta.
- Language Requirements:
- The minimum language test score is determined based on the TEER classification of the job:
TEER | Minimum CLB (English) | Minimum NCLC (French) |
0, 1, 2, or 3 | At least 5 in each skill | At least 5 in each skill |
4 or 5 | At least 4 in each skill | At least 4 in each skill |
Accepted English Language Tests:
- CELPIP – General
- IELTS – General Training
Accepted French Language Tests:
- TEF Canada
- TCF Canada
*Language test results must be less than 2 years old. Registration confirmation for the test is not accepted.
- Education:
- A minimum of a high school diploma equivalent to Canadian standards.
Educational Credential Assessment (ECA):
- (EMPP) applicants are not required to provide an (ECA).
- Other applicants must submit an (ECA) from an organization recognized by (IRCC).
- If an applicant’s credential is not equivalent to a Canadian high school diploma, they will not be eligible.
Applicants Who Do Not Need an (ECA):
- Those with a Canadian degree, diploma, or certificate from a recognized educational institution.
- Those whose credential is recognized by Advanced Education or provincial authorities.
- Those with a valid Alberta Qualification Certificate or an Alberta Industry Training (AIT) certification.
- Proof of Funds:
Applicants outside Canada must provide proof of financial support according to the following table:
*EMPP applicants do not need to provide financial documents. Other applicants must demonstrate sufficient funds to settle in Alberta.
Family Size | Community under 1,000 people | Community 1,000–30,000 people | Community 30,000–99,999 people |
1 | $8,922 | $10,151 | $11,093 |
2 | $11,107 | $12,636 | $13,810 |
3 | $13,655 | $15,534 | $16,977 |
4 | $16,579 | $18,861 | $20,613 |
5 | $18,803 | $21,392 | $23,379 |
6 | $21,208 | $24,127 | $26,367 |
7 | $23,611 | $26,861 | $29,356 |
Each additional member | $2,404 | $2,735 | $2,989 |
Required Documents for Proof of Funds:
- An official letter from a bank or financial institution that:
- Is printed on the bank’s official letterhead.
- Includes the bank’s contact details (address, phone, email).
- Lists the applicant’s name.
- Details all outstanding debts (credit cards, loans, etc.).
- Provides information for each bank account and investment, including:
- Account number
- Date of account opening
- Current account balance
- Additionally, applicants must provide:
- Bank statements for the past 3 months.
- Average balance over the past 6 months.
Note: Ensure all required documents are submitted to avoid an incomplete application.
Entrepreneur Immigration Programs
The Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) provides diverse opportunities for entrepreneurs who wish to establish or manage new or existing businesses in the province, in addition to workforce-related pathways. These programs are designed to support the province’s economic development and attract entrepreneurs who can create jobs and drive economic growth. Below are the details of these programs.
- Rural Entrepreneur Stream
The Alberta Rural Entrepreneur Stream offers an opportunity for entrepreneurs who wish to start a new business or purchase an existing one in the province’s rural communities. This program is designed to boost economic growth and create jobs in less developed areas.
Community Involvement
Rural communities in Alberta play a significant role in implementing this program. Entrepreneur applicants must contact the officials of their chosen community before submitting their application and present their business proposal. Additionally, a mandatory exploratory visit, either in person or online, must be conducted to better understand local conditions and available opportunities.
Exploratory Visit
An exploratory visit is required for all applicants under the (AAIP) program. This visit can be conducted in person or online and is a valuable opportunity to learn about the local market, obtain information on business permits and registration processes, and establish connections with key individuals. Applicants must document their findings in an Exploratory Visit Report, including details such as a list of business service providers, meeting reports, and, in the case of an in-person visit, collected business cards.
After completing the visit, applicants must submit a business proposal summary to the community representative. If the community finds the proposal beneficial, they will issue a Community Support Letter, indicating their approval and support for the business idea. Once this letter is obtained, the applicant can submit an (EOI) to the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) and proceed with the steps to obtain permanent residency.
Eligibility Requirements
- Work Experience: At least three years of business ownership and management experience or four years of senior management experience in the last 10 years.
- Education: A high school diploma or its Canadian equivalent, along with an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA).
- Language Proficiency: Minimum CLB 4 in English or French.
Approved English Tests:
-
- CELPIP – General
- IELTS – General Training
Approved French Tests:
-
- TEF Canada
- TCF Canada
*Test results must be valid for less than two years.
- Financial Requirements: A minimum net worth of CAD 300,000 and the ability to make an initial investment of at least CAD 100,000 in the business.
- Business Ownership: For new businesses, a minimum of 51% ownership is required. For existing business purchases, 100% ownership is required.
- Job Creation: The proposed business must create at least one full-time job for Canadian citizens or permanent residents.
- Community Support Letter: Applicants must obtain a letter of support from a rural community in Alberta.
Applicants with Higher Chances of Receiving an Invitation
- Purchasing an existing business in Alberta
- Being between the ages of 21 and 49
- Having a spouse with higher education or CLB 4+ language proficiency
- Having close relatives in Alberta
Alberta Rural Entrepreneur Stream Points Grid
Criteria | Description | Points |
Rural Factor (Max 25 Points) | Community Population | |
Less than 10,000 | 25 | |
10,001 – 50,000 | 17 | |
50,001 – 99,999 | 10 | |
Business Experience (Max 20 Points) | Duration of Experience (Business Owner/Manager or Senior Manager in the last 10 years) | |
3 to less than 4 years (minimum requirement) | 12 | |
4 to less than 5 years | 16 | |
5 years or more | 20 | |
Business Establishment Factors (Max 60 Points) | Investment Amount | |
CAD 100,000 – 399,999 (minimum requirement) | 5 | |
CAD 800,000 or more | 20 | |
Job Creation | ||
1 job (minimum requirement) | 4 | |
5 jobs or more | 20 | |
Purchasing an Existing Business | 10 | |
Human Factors (Max 35 Points) | Language Proficiency (CLB/NCLC) | |
Level 4 (minimum requirement) | 15 | |
Level 6 or higher | 25 | |
Education | ||
High school diploma equivalent to Canadian standards (minimum requirement) | 4 | |
Bachelor’s degree or higher | 10 | |
Age | ||
21 – 49 years | 5 | |
Maximum Possible Score | 175 Points |
For booking a consultation session, you can contact us via WhatsApp by clicking the links below or call us directly
Applicants who meet the following conditions are not eligible:
- Having an active nomination or eligibility for renewal in another stream of the (AAIP)
- Receiving a letter of ineligibility from (AAIP) for a specified period
- Receiving a removal order from (IRCC) or (CBSA)
- Having a pending refugee claim or being involved in a federal appeal
- Not having valid temporary resident status in Canada
- Engaging in unauthorized business activities
Initial conditions for applicants with an active business in Alberta:
- The business must have been active in Alberta for at least one year.
- A community support letter is required.
- The applicant must meet the criteria of the points table.
Conditions and requirements for authorized businesses:
- The business must have economic value for Alberta.
- Profitability through active income.
- Compliance with federal, provincial, and municipal laws.
- Having a permanent physical location in a rural Alberta community.
- If establishing a new business: at least 51% ownership.
- If purchasing an existing business: 100% ownership.
- The applicant must personally manage the daily operations.
Unauthorized businesses:
- Passive investments, real estate, insurance, real estate brokerage.
- Businesses with no economic added value (such as currency exchanges).
- Activities without active management (such as automatic car washes).
- Home-based and seasonal businesses.
- Businesses harmful to Alberta’s reputation.
Application process:
- Submit Expression of Interest (EOI): Review conditions, submit documents (business plan, community support letter), pay a $200 fee.
- Submit business application: Upon receiving an invitation, provide documents and pay a $3,500 fee.
- Review and approval of application: If approved, sign the business performance agreement.
- Management and reporting: At least one year of managing the business + submit periodic reports.
- Receive permanent residency nomination: After meeting the conditions, submit the nomination letter to (IRCC).
- Apply for permanent residency from (IRCC): Review documents, security, and medical records.
- Opportunity to appeal in case of rejection (fee $250).
- Work permit or nomination extension: One-time extension available with a $150 fee.
Important notes:
- An active and profitable business is required.
- Daily management from within Alberta is required.
- Nomination or work permit must be renewed before expiration.
- Submitting an application does not guarantee acceptance.
- The final decision on permanent residency rests with (IRCC).
- Graduate Entrepreneur Stream
This program is for graduates who have studied at one of Alberta’s post-secondary institutions and intend to start a new business or purchase part of an existing business. The goal of this program is to attract talented graduates to help with the economic development of Alberta.
Eligibility requirements for the program:
- Education: Minimum of two years of full-time study at a recognized public post-secondary institution in Alberta and obtaining a diploma or degree.
- Work permit: Must have a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).
- Language skills: Minimum CLB 7 in all language skills.
- Business creation: Must start a new business or purchase at least 34% of an existing business in Alberta.
- Investment: Minimum investment of $100,000 in urban areas or $50,000 in rural areas.
Factors that increase the chance of selection: Applicants who meet the following conditions will have a higher chance of receiving an invitation:
- Work experience: At least six months of business management or ownership experience.
- Economic benefits of the business: Creation of jobs or investment in key economic sectors such as energy, agriculture, technology, and financial services.
- Age: Between 21 and 49 years old.
- Spouse or relatives: Having a spouse or close relatives living or working in Alberta.
Application process:
- Study the conditions: Before submitting an application, carefully review the program’s requirements.
- Submit EOI: Complete your application through the (AAIP) portal and pay the $200 fee.
- Invitation: If you score enough points, you will be invited to submit a business application.
- Submit application: Pay the $3,500 fee and submit all required documents.
- Review and approval: If approved, you will receive a business performance agreement.
Conditions for rejection and ineligibility:
- Individuals with an active nomination in other (AAIP) streams.
- Removal order from Canada or pending refugee claim.
- Illegal residency or work in Canada.
- Engaging in unauthorized businesses (such as payday loans, passive businesses, businesses related to immoral content).
Points system (maximum 125 points):
- Business-related factors: 75 points
- Human capital: 25 points
- Adaptability: 25 points
Additional costs and renewals:
- Change of agreement request: $150
- Work permit extension: $150
- Appeal request: $250
Important notes:
- Submitting an (EOI) does not guarantee receiving an invitation.
- Application acceptance requires meeting all conditions and approval from (AAIP).
- After receiving the nomination, applicants can submit a permanent residency application.
- Farmer Stream
This program is designed for farmers who intend to start or purchase an agricultural business in Alberta.
Eligibility requirements for the program:
- Farm management skills: Applicants must demonstrate their farm management abilities. Required documents to prove these skills include:
- Financial records related to an active agricultural business.
- Educational, professional, and work experience documents.
- A proposed business plan for agricultural activities in Alberta.
- Evidence that a Canadian financial institution is willing to provide financing for your proposed agricultural business.
- Sufficient financial resources:
- Applicants must invest at least $500,000 CAD as personal capital to start an agricultural business in Alberta.
- Applicants must provide evidence of having at least $500,000 CAD in net assets or be able to access this amount of capital from other sources.
- Applicants may be asked to show their ability to invest more than the required amount.
- Investment in primary agricultural production:
- Applicants must submit a proposed business plan and submit it along with their application to (AAIP).
- The Alberta Agriculture and Irrigation Department will review this plan to ensure that the agricultural operation complies with Alberta’s agricultural industry requirements.
- Applications with higher growth potential and aligned with Alberta’s agricultural and food industry objectives will be prioritized.
Ineligibility conditions: You are not eligible to apply under the agricultural stream (AAIP) if:
- You have an active nomination from (AAIP) that has not expired or are eligible for renewal through another stream (applicants can only receive one nomination from AAIP).
- You have previously received a letter from (AAIP) indicating that you are ineligible to reapply for a specified period.
- You have received a removal order from the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) or Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA).
- Your temporary resident status in Canada is not valid.
- You are a live-in caregiver in Canada or a temporary foreign worker in a province other than Alberta.
- You are an international student studying in Canada.
Application Process
- Review of Conditions and Requirements
• Program pathways may close without prior notice.
• Submitting an application does not guarantee review or acceptance.
• Applicants must have the economic ability to settle in Alberta. - Eligibility Criteria Review
• Careful study of the agricultural pathway conditions and general program requirements is essential.
• Provincial nomination (AAIP) does not guarantee permanent residence.
• It is recommended to submit a business plan in accordance with the (AAIP) guidelines. - Complete Forms and Documents
• Download the document checklist and complete the required forms, including those for (AAIP) and (IRCC).
• Forms must be submitted with original signatures. - Pay Application Fee
• As of April 1, 2024, the application fee is CAD 3,500 (non-refundable).
• Payment must be made exclusively through MyAlberta eServices.
• A payment proof must be submitted, otherwise, the application will be rejected. - Submit Application to (AAIP)
• Applications must be sent by post or courier.
• After submission, the applicant will receive a confirmation email. - Update Application Information
• Any changes in contact details, family status, or representatives must be communicated to AAIP. - Application Review and Evaluation
• Only complete applications will be reviewed.
• The Alberta Agriculture Department will evaluate the feasibility of the business.
• An interview may be conducted if necessary. - Decision on Application
• If approved, the applicant will receive a nomination package and must submit a permanent residence application to (IRCC).
• If rejected, there is an option to request a review with an associated fee. - Permanent Residence Application to (IRCC)
• The application must be submitted within 6 months of receiving the nomination.
• Medical, criminal, and security checks are required. - Nomination Extension if Necessary
• As of April 1, 2024, the extension fee is CAD 150.
• Extension is only allowed once and there is no guarantee of approval.
Important Note: (AAIP) only issues provincial nominations, but the final decision on permanent residence is made by (IRCC).
- Foreign Graduate Entrepreneur Stream
The Foreign Graduate Entrepreneur Stream is an economic immigration program designed for international graduates with talent and innovative ideas to start their own businesses in Alberta and achieve permanent residency in Canada. This program is based on cooperation with designated organizations, where graduates can initiate their immigration process through these organizations.
Cooperation with Designated Organizations:To participate in this program, applicants must cooperate with one of the designated organizations. These organizations assess the entrepreneurial potential of applicants and, upon approval, issue a letter of recommendation.
This letter, along with the Expression of Interest (EOI) form, is submitted through the official Alberta Immigration Portal (AAIP). These organizations provide services such as business idea evaluation, advice, coaching, and support for business development. Below is a list of approved organizations:
- Elite Global Group Ltd.
• Empowered Startups
• Platform Calgary
Eligibility Criteria
- Work Experience: At least 6 months of full-time work experience in managing or owning a business.
• Education:
o Hold a degree from a higher education institution outside Canada.
o The degree must have been completed within the last 10 years and be equivalent to a Canadian degree.
o Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) is required.
• Language Proficiency: Applicants must have at least CLB 5 in all language skills.
• Business Plan and Pitch Deck:
o Provide a comprehensive business plan including financial projections.
o Prepare a 10-minute presentation explaining key aspects of the business idea.
• Ownership and Investment in the Business:
o Minimum 34% ownership in urban areas (Calgary or Edmonton) or 51% ownership in rural areas.
o Minimum investment of CAD 100,000 in urban areas or CAD 50,000 in rural areas.
• Financial Capability: The applicant must demonstrate the ability to support their living costs and those of their family. This amount varies based on the number of family members and the size of the community where they plan to live.
• Letter of Confirmation: The applicant must have a confirmation letter from a designated agency by AAIP.
*All applicants must keep their personal and professional information up to date and notify (AAIP) of any changes.
Ineligibility Conditions
- Having an active nomination in another Alberta immigration program that is not expired.
• Receiving a letter indicating that the applicant cannot reapply for a specific time period.
• Having an order for removal from Canada.
• Invalid temporary resident status in Canada.
• Engaging in unauthorized business activities such as payday loans, inactive businesses, or insurance brokering.
Those Eligible for Permanent Residency: Foreign graduates who already have a business in Alberta can apply for permanent residency under this stream. They must meet the specified criteria and have had their business active in Alberta for at least one year before submitting their application.
Application Steps
- General Conditions and Terms of AAIP
• Acceptance of applications depends on the program’s capacity and may be halted without notice.
• Submitting an application does not guarantee review or acceptance.
• Program criteria may change.
• Only those who have the potential for economic success in Alberta will be accepted. - Submit Expression of Interest (EOI)
• (EOI) must be submitted via the (AAIP) portal and will be scored within 30 days.
• Only those with the highest scores will receive an invitation to apply for a business request.
• Required documents for (EOI):
o Business Plan
o Pitch Deck
o Recommendation Letter
o Asset Information Form
• Fee: CAD 200 (non-refundable)
• Deadline: 120 days (otherwise, the application will be removed). - Submit Business Application
• Only those who receive an invitation can submit a business application.
• Main required documents:
o Business plan evaluation report
o Net worth evaluation report (if required)
• Fee: CAD 3,500 (non-refundable)
• Submission deadline: 90 days from receiving the invitation email. - Application Review and Business Performance Agreement
• If approved, the applicant must sign a business performance agreement within 14 days.
• The agreement includes business details, investment amounts, job creation, and business location. - Obtain Work Permit and Start the Business
• After signing the agreement, the applicant will receive a support letter for work permit application (205(a)).
• The work permit application must be submitted to (IRCC) within 3 months.
• The applicant has up to 12 months to move to Alberta and establish their business. - Manage the Business and Reporting
• The applicant must actively manage the business for at least 12 months and submit the following reports:
o Entry report (30 days after receiving the work permit)
o Business progress report (every 6 months)
• If needed, a request for extension of the business performance agreement can be made (CAD 150 fee). - Permanent Residency Application
• After meeting the conditions, the applicant can apply for an (AAIP) nomination for permanent residency.
• Upon approval, the necessary documents will be provided for submission to (IRCC).
• (IRCC) will make the final decision on permanent residency.
Important Notes:
• Submitting an application does not guarantee acceptance.
• Scoring plays a key role in receiving an invitation.
• Documents must be complete and accurate.
• Fees are non-refundable.
• The business must be actively managed for at least 12 months.
• IRCC is the sole decision-maker for permanent residency.
Ineligible Applicants:
• Refugee claimants or individuals in federal appeal or removal processes.
• Individuals living or working in a province other than Alberta.
• Individuals without valid temporary resident status in Canada.
→ AAIP Program provides unique immigration opportunities for applicants in Alberta’s work, study, and entrepreneurship sectors. If you are looking to benefit from this program, our team of experts in Canadian immigration law is ready to guide you through every step. Contact us now for specialized advice!