Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP)

Alberta Foreign Graduate Entrepreneurs Stream

The Alberta Foreign Graduate Entrepreneur Stream (FGES) is designed for foreign graduates from recognized post-secondary institutions outside Canada who wish to launch innovative start-ups or businesses in Alberta. This stream is ideal for innovative, educated entrepreneurs with recent academic backgrounds and a scalable business idea.

 

Eligibility Requirements (Minimum):

  • Work experience: Minimum of 6 months full-time managerial experience or owning the business or equivalent (equivalencies are work experience with a business incubator or business accelerator);
  • Education: Have a degree from a post-secondary institution outside of Canada with an ECA (completed within last 10 years and must be equivalent to a Canadian degree);
  • Business plan: A business plan as per the business plan guideline;
  • Pitch deck: A 10-minute presentation (slides only) that outlines the proposed business venture and focuses on what an investor would want to see;
  • Language proficiency: Score 5.0 in each band of IELTS (CLB 05);
  • Business establishment: Must establish a new business or buy an existing business in Alberta with a minimum 34% ownership, if the business is located in urban centre or a minimum of 51% ownership if the business is located in regional areas (outside of Calgary and Edmonton);
  • Business investment: Minimum CAD $100,000 for an urban centre or CAD$ 50,000 for the regional areas (candidate’s own or spouse’s equity from a recognized Canadian financial institution, venture capital or angel investment firm prior to coming to Alberta;
  • Letter of recommendation: Must have a letter of recommendation from an AAIP approved designated agency;
  • Settlement funds: Minimum settlement funds requirements will be based on the Low Income Cut-Offs (LICOs).
  • Residency: Must reside in Alberta, manage day-to-day business operation at least 12 months.

 

Application Process:

Step 1: Assessment of ILCB;

Step 2: Review the Eligibility Criteria;

Step 3: Foreign Graduate Entrepreneur Stream Business Plan, Pitch Deck, Letter of Recommendation from a Designated Agency, Net Worth Worksheet;

Step 4: Submission of Expression of Interest (EOI);

Step 5: Received a Request/ Letter of Invitation to Submit Business Application;

Step 6: Submit Business Application Package:

  1. Business Plan Evaluation Report,
  2. Qualified Service Provider Report;

Step 7: Business Application Assessment (The officer may call or email if any additional documents required);

Step 8: Business Performance Agreement, Business Application Approval Letter along with 205(a) Letter of Support;

Step 9: Submit Work Permit to IRCC (2 years work permit); You must first register as an employer in IRCC’s Employer Portal as an employer of your business (self-employed person). You will need to pay an employer compliance fee but you will be exempt from the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) fee;

Step 10: After approval, move to Alberta to establish your Business;

Step 11: Business progress report to AAIP in every six (6) months from the date that appears as the “date issued” on your work permit issued by the Government of Canada;

Step 12: Final report for Nomination;

Step 13: Receive Nomination by AAIP;

Step 14: Apply for PR application to IRCC.

Why Choose ILCB for Alberta Foreign Graduate Entrepreneur Stream Applications?

At ILCB, we provide expert guidance to help graduate entrepreneurs successfully meet AAIP eligibility, investment, and business performance requirements.


1. Expert Guidance

Our experienced team provides personalized advice to help you select the right PNP stream depending on your skills, goals, and family needs.

2. End-to-End Support

From eligibility to post-landing services, we are the whole service that covers any dimension of your immigration experience.

3. Document Preparation

Excellent documents, accurate submission, and on-time submission of documents are the hallmarks of our management, which minimize the chances of delay or rejection in the process.

4. Proven Success Rate

Having an extensive number of years and thorough knowledge of immigration laws in Canada, we have been able to serve countless applicants in realizing their dreams in Canada.

5. Transparent Process

ILCB believes in providence by keeping you informed at every step such that there are no more hassles.


Start Your Entrepreneur & PR Journey in Alberta

The Alberta Foreign Graduate Entrepreneur Stream allows eligible graduates to:

  • Launch or acquire an innovative business in Alberta
  • Actively manage the business while living in the province
  • Secure Permanent Residency in Canada after meeting program conditions

With Alberta’s strong economy, innovation ecosystem, and business-friendly environment, this stream offers an excellent opportunity for ambitious graduate entrepreneurs.


Let ILCB guide your application with expertise, strategy, and care.