Are you an international graduate with an innovative business idea? Alberta Startup Visa offers a unique opportunity to get permanent residency (PR) while running a startup business in Alberta.
Canada Startup Visa is an economic immigration program and is designed for talented, foreign-educated innovators. With strong government backing, a dynamic entrepreneurial ecosystem, and a fast-track path to permanent residency, Alberta is the ideal place to start and scale your business.
What Is the Alberta Startup Visa?
While it is referred to as the Alberta Startup Visa, the correct and formal name is the Foreign Graduate Entrepreneur Stream (FGES). This immigration stream is an economic immigration program under the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP). It’s designed for qualified foreign graduates who want to launch a startup or innovative business in Alberta.
It provides a path to permanent residency for eligible applicants. International graduates who currently own and manage a business in Alberta may be eligible for permanent residence through this stream.
To apply, candidates must work with a designated agency. If the agency finds the applicant meets AAIP requirements, it issues a letter of recommendation. This letter must be submitted with the applicant’s Expression of Interest (EOI) through the AAIP Portal.
Canada Designated Organizations evaluate business plans based on market demand, short- to medium-term viability, customer strategy, partnerships, and financial projections. A written assessment report from the agency must also be submitted with the full application.
Key Features of the Alberta Start-Up Visa Program
1. Permanent Residency
International graduates from outside of Canada who decide to own and manage a business in Alberta may be eligible for permanent residence through this stream, as long as they meet the required criteria.
2. Eligibility Requirements
- Business Innovation: launching start-up companies and innovative enterprises in Alberta.
- Organizational Support: A letter of recommendation from an AAIP-approved designated agency is required.
- Work Experience: At least 6 months of full-time experience is required, either managing or owning a business, or through equivalent experience with a business incubator or accelerator.
- Education: A post-secondary degree from outside Canada is required, along with an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA).
- Business Plan and Pitch Deck: A detailed business plan with financial projections is required, along with a 10-minute slide presentation highlighting the proposed venture and key points of interest for investors.
- Language Skills: A Minimum CLB or NCLC level 5 is required in all language skills. Test results must be less than two years old when submitting the EOI.
- Business Establishment: Applicants must own at least 34% of the business in an urban center, or at least 51% in a regional area outside the Calgary and Edmonton Census Metropolitan Areas. Business partners must be Canadian citizens or permanent residents, and the business must not appear on the ineligible businesses list.
- Business Investment: Applicants must invest a minimum of $100,000 for urban centers or $50,000 for regional areas. Funds can come from personal equity or approved Canadian investors. Higher investments earn more points, but only one location type, urban or regional, is considered for scoring.
- Settlement Funds: Candidates must show they have enough funds to start their business and support themselves. Minimum funds are based on Low Income Cut-Offs (LICOs).
Focus on Key Sectors
The business plan or pitch deck must show that the proposed idea is linked to one of these sectors: technology, aerospace, financial services, energy, agriculture, tourism, life sciences, or pharmaceuticals. Also, Alberta supports and encourages businesses focusing on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) goals.
Why Choose Alberta for Your Startup?
Alberta offers a dynamic tech ecosystem and low corporate tax rates. The province supports innovation across AI, energy, agri-tech, and more. Here are some advantages of running a business under the Alberta Startup Visa (the Foreign Graduate Entrepreneur Stream):
1. Business-Friendly Environment:Alberta has the lowest corporate income tax rate in Canada at 8%, with no provincial sales tax, payroll tax, or health-care premiums. This competitive tax structure enables startups to maximize their resources and reinvest in growth.
2. Thriving Tech Ecosystem: With over 3,000 tech companies, Alberta has become a hub for innovation in areas like AI, clean technology, and digital industries. The province’s supportive environment promotes collaboration between startups, academia, and government, driving technological advancements.
3. Access to Skilled Talent: Alberta’s workforce is young, diverse, and highly educated, with 56% holding post-secondary degrees. The presence of top universities and research institutions brings up skilled professionals to contribute to startup success.
4. Strategic Location and Infrastructure: Located in Western Canada, Alberta offers strategic access to North American markets. Its strong infrastructure, including advanced transportation networks and high-speed internet, supports efficient business operations and connectivity.
5. Quality of Life:Alberta’s cities, such as Calgary and Edmonton, are known for their high quality of life, affordable living costs, and vibrant cultural scenes. This attractive lifestyle helps startups recruit and retain top talent.
Updated Statistics about the Alberta Startup Ecosystem
- Startup Growth: Alberta has 2,867 startup companies and 7 Unicorns (with $1 billion valuation) in 2025.
- Contribution to GDP: In 2023, Alberta’s tech sector added $13 billion to the provincial GDP, with labor productivity 25% higher than the provincial average.
- Rapid Job Growth: From 2013 to 2023, tech employment in Alberta grew nearly four times faster than the average across other industries, and this momentum continued into 2024.
- Venture Capital Growth: Tech investment increased, with venture capital rising from $227 million in 2019 to $698 million in 2023.
- Top Talent Hubs: Calgary ranked 20th and Edmonton 49th in CBRE’s 2024 Tech Talent Scorecard, highlighting Alberta as a leading destination for tech professionals in North America.
- Startup Ecosystem Rankings: Calgary’s startup ecosystem has earned top rankings in North America, including top 10 for affordable talent, top 25 for value for investment, and top 30 for both funding and performance.
Success Stories of Startups in Alberta
1. Ernst & Young (EY): Ernst & Young (EY) maintains a strong presence in Alberta, Canada, with offices in Calgary and Edmonton. These locations offer a comprehensive range of services, including assurance, consulting, tax, strategy, transactions, and law.
This center provides advanced internal finance services and is expected to create 200 new jobs over three years, including 50 immediate positions. It joins EY’s global network of Centres of Excellence, which focuses on areas such as cybersecurity, innovation, analytics, robotic process automation, and manufacturing services.
2. Air Products: Air Products is making significant strides in Alberta, Canada, through major investments in hydrogen energy infrastructure aimed at supporting the province’s transition to a low-carbon economy.
Air Products is constructing a multi-billion-dollar net-zero hydrogen energy complex in Edmonton, Alberta. This facility will produce 1,500 tonnes of hydrogen per day and is designed to capture approximately three million tonnes of CO₂ annually.
3. PIP International Inc.: PIP International Inc., headquartered in Lethbridge, Alberta, is a pioneering agri-tech company specializing in sustainable pea protein production.
Leveraging proprietary extraction technology, PIP produces high-quality, neutral-tasting pea protein isolates without the need for additives or taste-masking agents. This innovation positions PIP as a leader in the plant-based protein industry.
Support Programs for Entrepreneurs in Alberta
Several programs and organizations offer debt financing and support services to help Alberta Startup Visa (named FGE stream) applicants expand their businesses, especially into global markets:
- Alberta Export Expansion Program (AEEP): Helps export-ready businesses and non-profits access international markets and attract global buyers.
- ATB Financial: Provides financial solutions and expert advice to support business growth in Alberta.
- CanExport: Supports companies in exploring international partnerships and investment opportunities abroad.
- EUREKA Network: Connects businesses with R&D expertise, technologies, and markets across 45+ countries, including Europe, Israel, South Korea, and Canada.
- Edmonton Global: Drives international investment and business development in the Edmonton region.
- Calgary Economic Development: Promotes foreign investment and global business opportunities in the Calgary region.
- Export Development Canada (EDC): Provides financing, insurance, and bonding to help companies grow internationally.
- Alberta Women Entrepreneurs (AWE): Supports women-owned businesses with funding, mentorship, and skills development at all stages.
- Trade Accelerator Program (TAP): Helps businesses in Calgary and Edmonton develop strategic plans and become export-ready for international expansion.
Benefits of the Alberta Start-Up Visa Pathway
- Fast-Track to Permanent Residency: Become eligible for Canadian permanent residence after meeting key business milestones.
- Affordable Investment Thresholds: Requires a lower initial investment than many federal immigration programs.
- Strong Support Network: Benefit from Alberta’s extensive business resources, funding programs, and mentorship opportunities.
- Entrepreneur-Friendly Environment: Enjoy low taxes, a strong economy, and policies designed to support start-ups.
How to Get PR under The Alberta Startup Visa
Step 1: Create Your Business Concept & Plan
Conduct market research and design a business model that fits Alberta’s economy. Prepare a detailed business plan along with a 10-minute investor-style pitch deck.
Step 2: Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI):
Your EOI will be scored based on education, experience, investment level, and business potential. Only the highest-ranking candidates receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA).
Step 3: Submit Your Complete Application:
Provide all required documents, including:
- Business plan and financial projections
- Proof of investment and funding sources
- ECA and work experience records
- Valid language test scores (IELTS or equivalent)
Step 4: Sign the Business Performance Agreement (BPA):
If selected, sign a BPA with the Government of Alberta. You must establish and actively run your business in the province.
Step 5: Receive Nomination and Apply for PR:
After meeting business targets, you’ll receive a nomination from Alberta. Use this to apply for permanent residency through IRCC.
Alberta Beckons Global Innovators
The Alberta Startup Visa, named Foreign Graduate Entrepreneur Stream, is more than just a pathway to permanent residency—it’s your gateway to launching a successful business in one of Canada’s most dynamic provinces. With lower investment thresholds, great government and industry support, and a strong business ecosystem, Alberta is one of the best places to turn your ideas into reality.
At CanadaPass Immigration Corp. we’re here to guide you every step of the way—from building a strong application to setting up your business. Ready to take the next step? Contact us today to get started.
