Streams for Entrepreneurs _ Graduate Entrepreneur Stream
Graduate Entrepreneur Stream
International graduates from Alberta post-secondary institutions can apply for permanent residence through the Graduate Entrepreneur Stream, allowing them to establish or operate a business in Alberta.
Eligibility Criteria
- Completed at least two years of full-time education in Alberta.
- Hold a valid Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP) at the time of application.
- Demonstrate a minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level of 7.
- Start a new business or acquire an existing one with at least 34% ownership.
The Foreign Graduate Entrepreneurship Stream for Immigration to Alberta is designed specifically for international graduates of reputable Alberta post secondary institutions who wish to begin or operate an enterprise in Alberta. Interested candidates must first submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) via the AAIP online portal. Top candidates will be requested to submit a Business Application within 90 days of receiving an invitation, along with the required documents.
Candidates are not required to set up an organization in Alberta before their Business Applications are accepted from the AAIP. Find the resources for establishing an enterprise in Alberta that include support and assistance with the development of a business plan starting a business, business start-ups, along with business financing. To become business partners, it is required that individuals are either Canadian Citizens or Permanent Residents.
Entrepreneurs are key players in Alberta’s economy, creating jobs and contributing to its growth. Eligible candidates can seize this opportunity to build their future in Alberta.Adaptability Factors
- Minimum six months of full-time employment experience, which can include managing directing a business or equivalents.
- Work experience can be from outside or within Canada, before or after completing Alberta education.
- Alberta education credentials must meet minimum duration requirements for both education and work experience.
- Economic benefits can be provided for Alberta through job creation, investment, intellectual property development, partnerships, and support from incubators or investors.
- Age limit: 21 to 49 years old.
- Common-law partner must meet certain work, education, or language criteria.
- At least 1 year of continuous full-time employment in Alberta.
- Completed 2 years of full-time study at a post-secondary institution in Alberta.
- Minimum CLB 5 in English or NCLC 5 in French in all 4 language abilities.
- Presence of specific relatives in Alberta can also be a factor.
Graduate Entrepreneur Stream Points Grid:
Human Capital Factors: 25 Points
Required minimum of CLB 07 or NCLC 07
| CLB 07 or NCLC 07 | 05 |
| CLB 08 or NCLC 08 | 12 |
| CLB 09 or NCLC 09 or higher | 15 |
Required minimum of Bachelor’s Degree or a 2-year Diploma
| Bachelor’s Degree or a 2-year Diploma | 05 |
| Two or more degrees or diplomas | 07 |
| Master’s degree or higher | 10 |
Business Establishment Factors: 75 Points
| Six Months | 05 |
| More than six months to one year | 10 |
| More than one year | 15 |
| Succession | 05 |
| Rural (outside Edmonton and Calgary Census Metropolitan Areas) | 05 |
| 1 job | 05 |
| 2 jobs | 10 |
| 3 or more jobs | 15 |
| $25,000 or less | 05 |
| $25,001 to $50,000 | 10 |
| $50,001 to $75,000 | 15 |
| $75,001 or more | 20 |
Adaptability Factors: 25 Points
21 to 49 years | 05 |
Your spouse/common-law partner has one or more of the following:
- at least one year of full-time, continuous work in Alberta
- At least two years of full-time studies at a post-secondary school in Alberta
- a minimum of CB5 or NCLC 5 in English or NCLC 5 in French in all four languages capabilities
If one or more above characteristics are met | 10 |
Relatives are defined as father, step-father, mother, step-mother, child, step-child, sister, step-sister, brother, step-brother of candidate or spouse/common-law partner | 10 |
You are not eligible to apply under Graduate Entrepreneur Stream if:
- Suppose you have a nomination in active status that has not expired or is eligible for renewal in an additional AAIP stream. Candidates can only be allowed to apply to receive only one AAIP Certificate of Nomination.
- You received an email regarding a prior AAIP application which stated that you’re not eligible to apply again for this AAIP for a specific time frame. You will be rejected if you submit your application during the specified period.
- You are subject to a removal order made against you through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) or Canada Border Services Agency.
- Suppose you are a refugee or are a participant in the federal appeal or removal procedure. The AAIP doesn’t involve the Federal Refugee Claim, Appeal, or removal process.
- You are a foreign citizen who lives or works in Canada but has no temporary resident status.
- Your business is included in the list of non-eligible companies.