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Streams for Entrepreneurs _ Graduate Entrepreneur Stream

Rural Entrepreneur Stream

The Rural Entrepreneur Stream is an economic immigration program in Alberta, designed for entrepreneurs interested in starting or purchasing a business in rural communities. To apply, candidates can submit an Expression of Interest and may arrange an exploratory visit with a specific rural community they are interested in. The program allows Alberta to nominate qualified entrepreneurs for business ventures in rural areas. An entrepreneur is someone who starts a business to make a profit by introducing new ideas, goods, or services. They play a key role in Alberta’s economy, creating jobs and meeting market needs. The Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) defines rural communities as those with less than 100,000 population, located outside the Calgary and Edmonton Census Metropolitan Area. More info at:
  • Calgary Census Metropolitan Area
  • Edmonton Census Metropolitan Area
  • Rural Alberta Communities

Participating communities:

Candidates interested in working in a rural Alberta community should contact the representative for their community to discuss a business plan and schedule the time for an initial visit. Every community will have its method to schedule visits, and they are free to speak with entrepreneurs they think are appropriate.

Exploratory visit:

Before coming to Alberta for the exploratory visit, candidates must meet visa requirements. The AAIP and the community won’t provide visa support for the visit.

We recommend researching market opportunities, licensing, and registration requirements, as well as the steps to establish a business in Alberta before the visit. The exploratory visit allows you to meet local business contacts, economic development officers, and other prospects to understand the local business environment and requirements for a successful business in the community. The goal is to make an informed decision about operating a business in rural Alberta. For the Exploratory Visit Report, keep track of the trip, including contact details and meetings.

The Exploratory Visit Report must include the following:

  1. Name, address, phone number, and email of the business service providers or settlement organizations visited.
  2. Description of the activities/meetings and their relevance to your business or settlement plans.
  3. Copies of collected business cards from relevant contacts.
  4. Details of visits and meetings with current owners if considering purchasing an existing business.
After the visit, share the Rural Entrepreneur Stream Business Proposal Summary with the community contact person. If the community finds it beneficial, they will issue a Community Support Letter and endorse the Business Proposal Summary, ensuring their support for your business in Alberta. They may also provide information on contacts and support to help you transition into the community. Once you receive the Community Support Letter and endorsed Business Proposal Summary, you can submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) to the AAIP.

Graduate Entrepreneur Stream Points Grid:

Human Capital Factors: 25 Points

Required minimum of CLB 07 or NCLC 07
Table Example
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
Educational Degrees Table
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

Experience in ownership or management of a business or a similar experience (equivalencies include experience working with an incubator for business or accelerator, or completion of entrepreneurial programs) Time Periods
Six Months 05
More than six months to one year 10
More than one year 15
Required minimum of Bachelor’s Degree or a 2-year Diploma   Economic Development Table
Succession 05
Rural (outside Edmonton and Calgary Census Metropolitan Areas) 05
Jobs must be created for Canadian Citizens or Permanent Residents (not including relatives) for a period of at least 6 months. Job Table
1 job 05
2 jobs 10
3 or more jobs 15
Salary Range Table
$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.