Alberta Graduate Entrepreneur Stream
Summary:
The Alberta Graduate Entrepreneur Stream, part of the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP), offers international graduates from Alberta post-secondary institutions a pathway to establish or purchase a business in the province, leading to permanent residency. This initiative aims to retain talented graduates by fostering entrepreneurial endeavors within Alberta.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the Graduate Entrepreneur Stream, applicants must meet the following requirements:
Education:
- Complete at least two years of full-time study, resulting in a degree or diploma from an Alberta Advanced Education publicly funded post-secondary institution.
- Complete at least two years of full-time study, resulting in a degree or diploma from an Alberta Advanced Education publicly funded post-secondary institution.
Work Permit:
- Hold a valid Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) at the time of submitting an Expression of Interest (EOI).
- Hold a valid Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) at the time of submitting an Expression of Interest (EOI).
Language Proficiency:
- Achieve a minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level of 7 in all English or French language skills: reading, writing, listening, and speaking.
- Achieve a minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level of 7 in all English or French language skills: reading, writing, listening, and speaking.
Work Experience:
- Possess at least six months of full-time experience in active business ownership or management, or equivalent experience such as participation in a business incubator or completion of entrepreneurship program courses.
- Possess at least six months of full-time experience in active business ownership or management, or equivalent experience such as participation in a business incubator or completion of entrepreneurship program courses.
Business Establishment:
- Intend to establish a new business or purchase an existing business in Alberta with a minimum ownership of 34%. All business partners must be Canadian citizens or permanent residents, and the proposed business must not be on the list of ineligible businesses.
- Intend to establish a new business or purchase an existing business in Alberta with a minimum ownership of 34%. All business partners must be Canadian citizens or permanent residents, and the proposed business must not be on the list of ineligible businesses.
Application Process
The application process involves several key steps:
Expression of Interest (EOI):
- Submit an EOI through the AAIP online portal, providing detailed information about your education, work experience, business proposal, and other relevant factors.
- Submit an EOI through the AAIP online portal, providing detailed information about your education, work experience, business proposal, and other relevant factors.
Invitation to Apply:
- If your EOI is selected, you will receive an invitation to submit a comprehensive Business Application.
- If your EOI is selected, you will receive an invitation to submit a comprehensive Business Application.
Business Application Submission:
- Within 90 days of receiving the invitation, submit a detailed Business Application, including a business plan evaluated by an AAIP-designated Qualified Service Provider. A non-refundable application fee of CAD $3,500 applies.
- Within 90 days of receiving the invitation, submit a detailed Business Application, including a business plan evaluated by an AAIP-designated Qualified Service Provider. A non-refundable application fee of CAD $3,500 applies.
Business Performance Agreement (BPA):
- If your application is approved, sign a BPA outlining the terms and conditions for establishing and operating your business in Alberta.
- If your application is approved, sign a BPA outlining the terms and conditions for establishing and operating your business in Alberta.
Business Establishment and Operation:
- Operate your business in accordance with the BPA for at least 12 months, during which you must reside in Alberta.
- Operate your business in accordance with the BPA for at least 12 months, during which you must reside in Alberta.
Nomination for Permanent Residency:
- After fulfilling the BPA requirements, submit a final report to the AAIP. Upon approval, you will receive a provincial nomination, allowing you to apply for permanent residency through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
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Adaptability Factors:
- Factors such as age (21-49), spousal qualifications (e.g., work experience or education in Alberta), and having immediate family members residing in Alberta can enhance your application.
- Factors such as age (21-49), spousal qualifications (e.g., work experience or education in Alberta), and having immediate family members residing in Alberta can enhance your application.
Economic Benefit:
- Proposals that demonstrate significant economic benefits to Alberta, such as job creation, investment in key sectors, or business succession, may receive higher prioritization.
- Proposals that demonstrate significant economic benefits to Alberta, such as job creation, investment in key sectors, or business succession, may receive higher prioritization.
By meeting these criteria and following the outlined process, international graduates can leverage the Graduate Entrepreneur Stream to establish a successful business in Alberta, contributing to the province’s economic growth and securing a pathway to permanent residency.
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