Situated in Western Canada, Alberta is one of the three Prairie provinces and boasts the distinction of being one of the country’s fastest-growing regions. This dynamic province is home to two major urban centers: Calgary and Edmonton.

Alberta’s diverse geography encompasses breathtaking landscapes, ranging from towering mountain ranges and shimmering glacial lakes to expansive boreal forests, fertile prairies, and unique desert badlands. This wealth of natural resources includes natural gas, oil, coal, minerals, and the iconic Alberta oil sands, solidifying the province’s position as Canada’s energy powerhouse.

Alberta Immigration Streams

Streams for Skilled Workers:

●      Alberta Opportunity Stream: Open to skilled workers currently employed in an eligible occupation within Alberta.

●      Alberta General Express Entry Stream: Accessible to candidates with a CRS score of at least 300 in the Express Entry pool, who are currently employed in an eligible occupation in Alberta.

●      Alberta Accelerated Tech Pathway: A sub-stream under Express Entry, targeted at individuals working in Alberta’s technology sector or possessing a job offer in one of 38 designated technology occupations.

●      Rural Renewal Stream: Designed for individuals with a job offer from an Alberta employer in a designated rural community.

Streams for Entrepreneurs:

●      Farm Stream: Intended for individuals who wish to establish and operate a farm business in Alberta.

●      Graduate Entrepreneur Stream: Open to international graduates of designated post-secondary institutions in Alberta seeking to launch a business within the province.

●      Foreign Graduate Entrepreneur Stream: Available to foreign nationals with a graduate degree who plan to start a business in Alberta.

●      Rural Entrepreneur Stream: Geared towards entrepreneurs interested in acquiring or establishing a business in a designated rural community in Alberta.

Program operation: 

The AAIP is a joint initiative between the Alberta government and the federal immigration department, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Interested candidates must complete a two-step process: first applying for a nomination from the provincial government, followed by an application for permanent residence to the federal government.

Limited nomination allocation: 

Each year, IRCC allocates a specific number of nominations to the AAIP.

Here’s the table with unique text variations, ensuring clarity and conciseness:

Immigration Stream Job Required? Aligned with Express Entry? Currently Accepting Applications? Connection to Alberta
Alberta Opportunity Stream Demonstrates ongoing employment in Alberta Operates independently of Express Entry Open to new applications Requires current work experience in Alberta
Alberta Express Entry Stream Not mandatory, but can strengthen eligibility Integrated with the Express Entry system Accepting applications Possesses work experience in Alberta OR has a close family member residing as a permanent resident or citizen of Alberta
Accelerated Tech Pathway Employed full-time in Alberta's tech sector or possesses a job offer Functions within Express Entry Welcoming new applications Currently working full-time in Alberta's tech industry or holds a job offer in the sector
Rural Renewal Stream Secured a job offer from an Alberta employer in a designated rural community Functions independently of Express Entry Open to new applications Committed to residing and working within a designated rural community in Alberta
Farm Stream Not a requirement Operates independently of Express Entry Accepting applications N/A
Graduate Entrepreneur Stream Not a requirement Functions independently of Express Entry Welcoming new applications Completed post-secondary education in Alberta
Foreign Graduate Entrepreneur Stream Not a requirement Operates independently of Express Entry Open to new applications N/A
Rural Entrepreneur Stream Not a requirement Functions independently of Express Entry Accepting applications Possesses a community support letter from a participating rural community in Alberta

Alberta Opportunity Stream

The Alberta Opportunity Stream offers a pathway to Canadian permanent residency for eligible foreign nationals currently working in Alberta and international graduates from approved Alberta post-secondary institutions.

Eligibility:

  • Valid work permit: Applicants must hold a valid temporary resident status in Canada that authorizes them to work.
  • Eligible occupation: Applicants must be employed in an eligible occupation in Alberta that aligns with their work experience.
  • Language proficiency: Applicants must demonstrate English or French language proficiency through a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) test score of 4 or 5, depending on the specific occupation.
  • Education: Applicants must possess a minimum of a high school diploma or equivalent.
  • Work experience: Applicants must have either:
    • Minimum 12 months of full-time work experience in Alberta in the past 18 months, or
    • Minimum 24 months of full-time work experience in Canada in the past 30 months.

Application Process:

Interested individuals can submit their application online through the AAIP online portal. Following the initial submission, applicants will be prompted to provide additional documents specific to their circumstances and pay the online application fee of CAD $500.

Alberta Accelerated Tech Pathway

The Alberta Accelerated Tech Pathway offers a streamlined immigration process for technology professionals seeking permanent residency in Canada. This fast-track stream is available for individuals with an active profile in the federal government’s Express Entry system and who meet the eligibility requirements of the Alberta Express Entry Stream.

Eligibility:

  • Active Express Entry profile: Applicants must have a valid profile in the Express Entry pool.
  • Interest in Alberta: Applicants must have expressed their desire to immigrate permanently to Alberta.
  • Minimum CRS score: Applicants must achieve a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of at least 300.
  • Tech employment or offer: Applicants must be currently employed in or have secured a job offer for an eligible technology occupation within Alberta’s tech industry.

Application Process:

Candidates who believe they meet the eligibility criteria can initiate the application process through the AAIP online portal. This involves submitting an online form and providing any required documents. Upon successfully meeting the stream criteria, the AAIP will invite eligible candidates to formally apply for a provincial nomination.

Application Fee:

The Alberta Accelerated Tech Pathway application fee is CAD $500.

Rural Renewal Stream

The Rural Renewal Stream provides a pathway to permanent residency for individuals with job offers from Alberta employers in designated rural communities.

Eligibility:

  • Valid job offer: Applicants must possess a valid full-time job offer or employment contract from an Alberta employer for an eligible occupation within a designated community.
  • Work experience: Applicants must have completed at least 12 months of full-time work experience in the relevant eligible occupation within the 18 months prior to application. This experience can be accumulated in Alberta, Canada, or internationally.
  • Language proficiency: Applicants must meet the minimum language requirements set by the stream.
  • Education: Applicants must have completed a high school education equivalent to the Canadian standard.
  • Financial resources: Applicants must demonstrate sufficient financial resources to support themselves and any accompanying family members in the designated community.

Community Support:

The Rural Renewal Stream operates through a community-driven approach. Applicants must first secure the endorsement of a participating rural community in Alberta. These communities actively attract and retain foreign nationals, with employers offering job opportunities and the community itself verifying eligibility criteria. Once endorsed, individuals can submit their application to the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP).

Application fee: The application fee for the Rural Renewal Stream is CAD $500.

Farm Stream

The Farm Stream offers a pathway to permanent residency for individuals seeking to establish or acquire a farming business in Alberta.

Eligibility:

  • Farm management skills: Applicants must possess demonstrated expertise and experience in farm management.
  • Financial resources: Applicants must have sufficient financial resources to support the proposed farming business. This requirement typically involves a minimum investment of CAD $500,000.
  • Business plan: Applicants must submit a comprehensive and feasible business plan outlining their investment strategies and agricultural operations.

Application Process:

  1. Business Plan Submission: Interested individuals must submit their business plan to the Alberta government for initial assessment. This assessment, conducted in collaboration with Alberta Agriculture and Forestry, evaluates the feasibility of the plan and its alignment with Alberta’s agricultural needs.
  2. Decision and Documentation: Upon receiving a positive decision on the business plan, applicants must gather the required documentation and complete application forms for both the Alberta government and Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

Application Fee:

The application fee for the Farm Stream is CAD $500.

Graduate Entrepreneur Stream

The Graduate Entrepreneur Stream offers a pathway to permanent residency for international graduates of approved Alberta post-secondary institutions who intend to establish or operate a business in the province.

Eligibility:

  • Alberta education: Applicants must have completed at least two years of full-time post-secondary education at an approved institution in Alberta.
  • Valid PGWP: Applicants must possess a valid Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP) at the time of application.
  • Language proficiency: Applicants must demonstrate English or French language proficiency through a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) test score of at least 7.
  • Business involvement: Applicants must either establish a new business or acquire and operate an existing business with at least 34% ownership.

Application Process:

  1. Expression of Interest (EOI): Interested individuals begin by submitting an EOI through the AAIP online portal. This initial application form allows the program to assess potential candidates.
  2. EOI ranking and Selection: Within 30 days of submitting an EOI, applicants receive a score based on predetermined criteria. Only the highest-ranking candidates will be invited to submit a full Business Application.
  3. Business Application: Invited candidates have 90 days to complete the comprehensive Business Application, which includes providing all required documentation.

Application Fee:

The application fee for the Graduate Entrepreneur Stream is CAD $3,500.

Foreign Graduate Entrepreneur Stream

The Foreign Graduate Entrepreneur Stream provides an immigration pathway for international graduates with foreign post-secondary degrees who wish to establish and operate a start-up business in Alberta, while concurrently applying for permanent residency in Canada.

Eligibility:

  • Business experience: Applicants must possess at least six months of full-time work experience managing or owning a business of the same nature as the proposed start-up.
  • Business plan: Applicants must submit a comprehensive business plan with projected financials outlining the viability of their proposed venture.
  • Education: Applicants must hold a post-secondary degree from a foreign institution completed within the past ten years, accompanied by an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA).
  • Language proficiency: Applicants must demonstrate English or French language proficiency through a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) test score of at least 5.
  • Business ownership: Ownership requirements vary based on location:
    • Urban centre: Minimum 34% ownership
    • Outside Calgary or Edmonton: Minimum 51% ownership
  • Investment: Applicants must make a minimum investment based on location:
    • Urban centre: $100,000 (additional points awarded for higher amounts)
    • Regional area: $50,000
    • Investments can be funded through personal equity, Canadian financial institutions, venture capital, or angel investments.
  • Agency recommendation: Applicants require a letter of recommendation from an AAIP-approved designated agency, such as Empowered Startups or Platform Calgary.
  • Financial resources: Applicants must demonstrate sufficient financial resources to establish their business and support themselves and their family in Canada.

Application Process:

Applicants must work with a designated agency who will evaluate their proposed business plan and issue a letter of recommendation if the eligibility criteria are met. This letter, along with an Expression of Interest (EOI) and the agency’s business plan assessment report, forms the application package submitted through the AAIP portal.

Application Fee:

The application fee for the Foreign Graduate Entrepreneur Stream is CAD $3,500.

Rural Entrepreneur Stream

The Rural Entrepreneur Stream offers a pathway to permanent residency for foreign nationals with business aspirations in designated rural communities across Alberta.

Eligibility:

  • Business experience: Applicants must possess a minimum of three years of experience as an active business owner/manager, or four years of experience as a senior manager, within the past ten years.
  • Education: Applicants must hold a high school diploma equivalent to the Canadian standard, confirmed by an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA).
  • Language proficiency: Applicants must demonstrate competency in either English or French through a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) score of at least 4 in each skill, or a Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens (NCLC) score of 4 in each skill.
  • Financial resources: Applicants must demonstrate a minimum net worth of $300,000 and commit to a minimum investment of $200,000 from their own (and/or spouse/common-law partner) equity.
  • Community support: Applicants must secure a Community Support Letter from a participating rural Alberta community, endorsing their proposed business and confirming its potential benefits for the community.

Application Process:

  1. Community Engagement: Interested individuals first establish contact with a participating rural community and plan an exploratory visit.
  2. Business Proposal: Following the visit, applicants prepare a comprehensive business proposal outlining their venture and its anticipated benefits for the community.
  3. Community Support Letter: Upon receiving community endorsement, applicants obtain a Community Support Letter.
  4. Expression of Interest (EOI): Finally, applicants submit an EOI to the AAIP for assessment.

Application Fee:

The application fee for the Rural Entrepreneur Stream is CAD $3,500.

FAQs about Alberta Immigration

  1. Do I need a visa to immigrate to Alberta?

Yes, most individuals require a visa to immigrate to Canada permanently. Depending on your circumstances, you may need a Temporary Resident Visa or apply directly for permanent residency through an immigration program. The Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) offers various streams targeting specific skills, business aspirations, or educational backgrounds.

  1. Which immigration programs are available through AAIP?

AAIP offers several streams tailored to different situations:

  • Alberta Opportunity Stream: For skilled workers currently employed in Alberta or international graduates from approved Alberta institutions.
  • Alberta Express Entry Stream: Integrates with the federal Express Entry system for skilled workers with high Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores.
  • Rural Renewal Stream: For individuals with job offers in designated rural communities.
  • Farm Stream: For those interested in establishing or purchasing a farm business in Alberta.
  • Graduate Entrepreneur Stream: For international graduates seeking to establish or operate a business in Alberta.
  • Foreign Graduate Entrepreneur Stream: Similar to the Graduate Entrepreneur Stream, but for foreign-educated graduates with start-up business plans.
  1. What are the minimum requirements for applying to AAIP programs?

Each program has specific eligibility criteria, but some common requirements include:

  • Valid language proficiency in English or French (Canadian Language Benchmark scores).
  • Education equivalent to a Canadian high school diploma.
  • Proof of sufficient financial resources to support yourself and any dependents.
  • Some programs require work experience, business plans, or community support letters.
  1. How much does it cost to apply through AAIP?

Application fees vary depending on the program, ranging from CAD $3,500 to $500. Additional fees may apply for documents like Educational Credential Assessments.