Alberta, situated in Western Canada, is a thriving province characterized by its abundant natural resources and breathtaking landscapes. It boasts two major cities, Calgary and Edmonton, and stands as the most populous among the three ‘Prairie provinces’ in Canada. Renowned as a captivating region of North America, Alberta is famous for its extraordinary national parks, including the world-renowned Banff and Jasper.

To attract skilled individuals who possess the specific qualifications and work experience sought by the province, Alberta operates the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP). Formerly known as the Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program, this initiative enables prospective immigrants to obtain an Alberta Provincial Nomination Certificate, acting as a pathway to settle in the province.

Alberta Immigration Streams

If you are considering immigration to Alberta, you have a range of eight options available to you. This resource will assist you in determining the most suitable immigration stream based on your unique circumstances. It aims to guide you towards the most appropriate pathway for successfully immigrating to the province of Alberta.

Streams for Workers

1. Alberta Opportunity Stream:

This stream is designed for skilled workers who are currently employed in an eligible occupation within Alberta. It offers a pathway for these individuals to obtain permanent residency.

2. Alberta General Express Entry Stream:

Candidates in the Express Entry system with a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of at least 300 and who are working in an eligible occupation in Alberta can apply through this stream. It provides an opportunity to secure permanent residency in the province.

3. Alberta Accelerated Tech Pathway:

Falling under the Express Entry stream, this pathway targets applicants working in Alberta’s technology industry or those who have received a job offer from this sector. It focuses on 38 specific occupations identified by the province, offering a streamlined process for permanent residency.

4. Rural Renewal Stream:

Designed for individuals with a job offer from an Alberta employer to work in a rural community within the province. This stream aims to support the development and revitalization of rural areas by attracting and retaining talented workers.

Streams for Entrepreneurs

1. Farm Stream:

This stream is intended for individuals who have a desire to operate a farming business in Alberta. It provides an opportunity for those with relevant agricultural experience and expertise to establish and manage their own farming enterprise in the province.

2. Graduate Entrepreneur Stream:

International graduates from designated post-secondary institutions in Alberta can take advantage of this stream if they have the ambition to start a business within the province. It offers a pathway for these graduates to establish their entrepreneurial ventures and contribute to the economic growth of Alberta.

3. Foreign Graduate Entrepreneur Stream:

Designed for foreign nationals who have graduated from educational institutions outside of Canada, this stream enables them to pursue their entrepreneurial aspirations in Alberta. It provides an opportunity for these graduates to establish their businesses and make valuable contributions to the province’s economy.

4. Rural Entrepreneur Stream:

This stream caters to entrepreneurs who are interested in acquiring an existing business or starting a new one in a rural community in Alberta. It aims to support the development and growth of businesses in rural areas, contributing to their economic vitality.

Alberta Opportunity Stream

The Alberta Opportunity Stream is available to foreign nationals working in Alberta and international graduates who have successfully completed their studies at an approved post-secondary institution in Alberta. Here are the key details of the stream:

Application Fee:

The application for the Alberta Opportunity Stream requires a fee of CAD $500.

Application Process:

• Online Application: Interested candidates must complete their application online through the AAIP online portal.
• Document Submission: Candidates will be requested to provide specific documents based on their individual circumstances. These documents should support their eligibility for the stream.
• Application Fee: Along with the required documents, candidates are required to pay the application fee online.

Minimum Requirements:

• Valid Work Permit: Applicants must hold a valid work permit for their employment in Alberta.
• Eligible Occupation: The applicant’s current occupation in Alberta must align with their work experience.
• Language Proficiency: A minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level of 4 or 5 is required, depending on the specific occupation.
• Education: Applicants must have at least a high school diploma or an equivalent qualification.
• Work Experience: A minimum of 12 months of work experience in Alberta within the last 18 months, or a minimum of 24 months of work experience in Canada within the last 30 months, is required.

Alberta Express Entry Stream

The Alberta Express Entry Stream is a pathway that enables Alberta to nominate individuals who already have an existing profile in the federal Express Entry system. This stream is specifically targeted at candidates who demonstrate ties to Alberta and possess the necessary skills to contribute to the province’s economic growth.

Additionally, candidates who receive a provincial nomination from Alberta through this stream are awarded an additional 600 Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points. This substantial boost practically guarantees an invitation to apply for permanent residence in the subsequent Express Entry draw.

Application Fee:

The application for the Alberta Express Entry Stream requires a non-refundable fee of CAD $500.

Application Process:

• Invitation Only: The Alberta Express Entry Stream operates on an invitation-only basis. Candidates with active Express Entry profiles may receive a Notification of Interest (NOI) directly from the Alberta government within the federal Express Entry system.
• Responding to the Invitation: Upon receiving an NOI, candidates must indicate their interest in being considered for selection under this stream within the given timeframe.

Minimum Requirements:

• Active Express Entry Profile: Candidates must have a valid and active profile in the federal Express Entry pool.
• Expression of Interest: It is essential to have expressed an interest in immigrating to Alberta on a permanent basis.
• Occupation Requirement: Candidates must be employed in an occupation that aligns with Alberta’s economic development and diversification goals.
• Minimum CRS Score: A minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 300 is required.

Alberta Accelerated Tech Pathway

The Alberta Accelerated Tech Pathway is a specialized immigration program designed for tech professionals who have an existing profile in the federal government’s Express Entry system and meet the eligibility requirements for the Alberta Express Entry Stream. This pathway offers an expedited process for eligible candidates.

Application Fee:

The application for the Alberta Accelerated Tech Pathway requires a fee of CAD $500.

Application Process:

• Online Form Submission: Candidates who meet the eligibility criteria of the Alberta Accelerated Tech Pathway are invited to submit an online form through the AAIP portal for assessment under this stream.
• Verification of Eligibility: The AAIP verifies whether the candidate meets the minimum eligibility criteria for the stream.
• Invitation to Apply: If the candidate is deemed eligible, the AINP (Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program) extends an invitation to apply for a provincial nomination.
• Document Submission: Candidates who receive the invitation must submit all the required documents through the AAIP online portal.

Minimum Requirements:

• Express Entry Profile: Applicants must have a profile in the federal Express Entry pool.
• Expression of Interest: Candidates must have expressed an interest in immigrating to Alberta permanently.
• Minimum CRS Score: A minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 300 is required.
• Tech Occupation Requirement: Candidates must be currently working or have received a job offer from an eligible tech occupation employer in Alberta.

Rural Renewal Stream

The Rural Renewal Stream is designed for candidates who have received a job offer from an Alberta employer to work in rural communities within the province.

Application Fee:

The application for the Rural Renewal Stream requires a fee of CAD $500.

Application Process:

• Community Support: This stream operates on a community-driven model. Candidates must first obtain the support of a participating community in Alberta.
• Job Offer: Employers in the designated communities make a job offer to the candidate, indicating their intention to employ them.
• Community Endorsement: The participating community is responsible for assessing the candidate’s eligibility for the stream and providing a letter of support to the candidate.
• Application Submission: Once the candidate receives the community endorsement, they can submit their application to the AAIP (Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program).

Minimum Requirements:

• Job Offer: Candidates must have a valid full-time job offer or employment contract from an Alberta employer in an eligible occupation within a designated community.
• Work Experience: Candidates should possess at least 12 months of full-time work experience in an eligible occupation within the 18 months prior to the application. This work experience can be acquired in Alberta, elsewhere in Canada, or abroad.
• Language Proficiency: Applicants must meet the minimum language requirements specified by the stream.
• Education: A minimum of a high school education equivalent to the Canadian education standard is required.
• Sufficient Funds: Candidates must demonstrate that they have sufficient funds to support themselves and any family members accompanying them to the designated community.

Farm Stream

The Farm Stream, also known as the Self-Employed Farmer Stream, is designed for candidates who are interested in immigrating to Alberta to purchase or establish a farming business.

Application Fee:

The application for the Farm Stream requires a fee of CAD $500.

Application Process:

• Business Plan Submission: Interested candidates must first submit their business plan to the Alberta government for review.
• Decision Process: The Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP) consults with Alberta Agriculture and Forestry to assess the feasibility of the business plan and its alignment with the needs of Alberta’s agricultural industry.
• Document Submission: If a positive decision is received, candidates must gather the required documents and fill in the necessary forms for both the Alberta government and Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

Minimum Requirements:

• Farm Management Skills: Candidates must possess farm management skills, demonstrating their ability to effectively operate and manage a farming business.
• Sufficient Financial Resources: Candidates must have sufficient financial resources to invest in the farming business, with a minimum investment of CAD $500,000.
• Proposed Business Plan: Investment plans must be documented in a detailed proposed business plan, outlining the strategies and objectives of the farming business.

Graduate Entrepreneur Stream

The Graduate Entrepreneur Stream is designed for international graduates of approved Alberta post-secondary institutions who are interested in establishing or operating a business in Alberta.

Application Fee:

The application for the Graduate Entrepreneur Stream requires a fee of CAD $3,500.

Application Process:

• Expression of Interest (EOI): Interested candidates must first submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through the AAIP online portal. Within 30 days, candidates will receive an EOI score based on their qualifications and business proposal.
• Business Application: The highest-ranking candidates will be invited to submit a Business Application within 90 days of receiving the invitation. Candidates must complete the application and submit all required documents.

Minimum Requirements:

• Alberta Education: Candidates must have completed at least two years of full-time education at an approved Alberta post-secondary institution.
• Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP): Applicants must hold a valid Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP) at the time of application.
• Language Proficiency: A minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level of 7 is required to demonstrate proficiency in English or French.
• Business Ownership: Candidates must establish a new business or operate an existing business in Alberta with at least 34% ownership.

Foreign Graduate Entrepreneur Stream

The Foreign Graduate Entrepreneur Stream, also known as the Foreign Graduate Start-Up Visa, is designed for foreign-educated international graduates who wish to launch a start-up business in Alberta and become permanent residents of Canada.

Application Fee:

The application for the Foreign Graduate Entrepreneur Stream requires a fee of CAD $3,500.

Application Process:

• Designated Agency: Interested candidates must work with a designated agency, such as Empowered Startups or Platform Calgary. The agency will assess the candidate’s eligibility and issue a letter of recommendation if requirements are met.
• Expression of Interest (EOI): Candidates must submit their letter of recommendation along with their Expression of Interest (EOI) through the AAIP Portal.
• Business Plan Assessment: The designated agency will provide a written report assessing the candidate’s proposed business plan, which must be submitted with the application.

Minimum Requirements:

• Work Experience: Candidates must have a minimum of six months of full-time work experience in managing and/or owning a business.
• Business Plan: A comprehensive business plan with projected financials is required.
• Education: Candidates must hold a post-secondary education from a foreign institution within the last ten years. An Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) is also required.
• Presentation: Candidates must provide a 10-minute slides-only presentation explaining the business and showcasing what an investor would expect to see.
• Language Proficiency: A minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level of 5 is required to demonstrate language proficiency in English or French.
• Business Ownership: Candidates must have at least 34% ownership if the business is located in an urban centre, or at least 51% ownership if located outside Calgary or Edmonton.
• Investment: A minimum investment of $100,000 for an urban centre or $50,000 for a regional area is required. Higher investments earn more points. The investment can come from personal equity or recognized Canadian financial institutions, venture capital, or angel investment firms.
• Letter of Recommendation: Candidates must obtain a letter of recommendation from an AAIP-approved agency.
• Financial Resources: Candidates must demonstrate sufficient funds to set up their business and support themselves and their family in Canada.

Rural Entrepreneur Stream

The Rural Entrepreneur Stream is designed for candidates who aspire to start a business in rural communities within Alberta.

Application Fee:

The application for the Rural Entrepreneur Stream requires a fee of CAD $3,500.

Application Process:

• Community Engagement: Entrepreneurs interested in establishing a business in rural Alberta must first make contact with a participating community and plan an exploratory visit.
• Business Proposal: After the exploratory visit, the entrepreneur is required to provide a detailed business proposal that outlines information about the business and the potential benefits it will bring to the community.
• Supporting Letter: A supporting letter is provided to the entrepreneur by the community, indicating their endorsement and support for the business venture.
• Expression of Interest (EOI): With the support of the participating community, the entrepreneur submits an Expression of Interest (EOI) to the AAIP.

Minimum Requirements:

• Business Experience: Candidates must have a minimum of three years of experience as an active business owner/manager or a minimum of four years of experience as a senior manager within the past ten years.
• Education: A minimum of a high school education equivalent to the Canadian standard is required, supported by an Education Credential Assessment (ECA).
• Language Proficiency: Candidates must demonstrate a minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level of 4 for each English language skill or Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens (NCLC) of 4 for each French language skill.
• Net Worth: Candidates must have a minimum net worth of $300,000.
• Investment: A minimum investment of $200,000 is required from the candidate’s own equity (and/or spouse/common-law partner).
• Community Support: A Community Support Letter from a participating rural Alberta community is necessary to demonstrate the endorsement and support of the community for the business venture.