Canadian Programs

Business and Investor Provincial Nominee Programs

Provincial Business and Entrepreneurial Streams

Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP)

Alberta’s program supports workers and entrepreneurs who want to build long‑term futures in the province. Through AAIP, eligible applicants may be nominated by Alberta and then apply for permanent residence with the federal government. Criteria change at times, so always confirm current requirements before applying.

Streams

AAIP is organized into two families: Worker and Entrepreneur. Each stream has distinct eligibility and process aligned to Alberta’s labour and business priorities.

Entrepreneur

Rural Entrepreneur Stream

Alberta attracts people who want to build long-term futures in a growing province. The Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) offers clear pathways for qualified workers and entrepreneurs to settle here through a provincial nomination and, subsequently, permanent residence with the federal government. Requirements and selection priorities evolve, so applicants should rely on current criteria when preparing to apply. Our present emphasis is the Rural Entrepreneur Stream, reflecting strong demand from buyers of existing rural businesses and new owners launching community-based ventures.

Who this stream suits
Entrepreneurs prepared to live in Alberta, take day-to-day ownership of a viable rural business, invest appropriately, and create stable local jobs. Ideal candidates show recent ownership or senior management experience, meet the language and education benchmarks, and present a business plan that fits the community.

Eligibility and requirements

  • Community engagement: Exploratory visit and a Community Support Letter with an endorsed Business Proposal Summary
  • Experience: At least 3 years as an active owner-manager, or 4 years as a senior manager within the past 10 years
  • Education: Minimum high-school equivalent supported by an Educational Credential Assessment
  • Language: Minimum CLB/NCLC 4 in each skill (IELTS General, CELPIP General, PTE Core, TEF Canada, or TCF Canada accepted)
  • Net worth: Minimum $300,000 (personal or spouse/common-law)
  • Investment: Minimum $100,000 in eligible business equity; higher investment can improve scoring
  • Ownership: 51% or more for a new business, or 100% for a succession buyout; business must have a physical location in the community
  • Job creation: At least one new full-time position for a Canadian citizen or permanent resident for new businesses (not a relative); succession purchases are generally exempt from new-job creation

Process overview

  1. Complete an exploratory visit, secure a Community Support Letter, and submit an Expression of Interest to AAIP
  2. If invited, submit a Business Application; if approved, sign a Business Performance Agreement and operate the business
  3. After meeting the agreement terms, request an AAIP nomination and then apply to IRCC for permanent residence

Key advantages

  • Clear staged pathway with defined milestones from EOI to nomination
  • Strong fit for buyers of existing rural businesses and for new owners who want to embed in the community
  • Recognizes practical ownership and management experience alongside investment and job impact

EOI points: what is assessed

  • Ownership and management experience
  • Language level
  • Investment amount and eligible expenses
  • Job creation and wage levels
  • Business viability and local economic benefit
  • Alberta ties where applicable

Strengthening an EOI

  • Present a viable business plan with realistic financials and clear community fit
  • Target investment levels that support start-up and early operations
  • Outline specific roles to be hired with market-rate wages
  • Highlight relevant ownership and management track record
  • Demonstrate language proficiency above the minimum to improve scoring

Note for existing owners

If you already own and operate a business in a rural Alberta community and meet the points grid, you may apply without an additional year of post-application operation.

This stream is designed for international graduates from publicly funded Alberta post-secondary institutions who plan to start or buy a business in the province. It rewards applicants who can show recent Alberta education, strong language ability, and meaningful ownership in an eligible, actively managed business. Applicants submit an Expression of Interest and, if invited, a business application. After approval, they operate the business and may be nominated for permanent residence.

Who this stream suits

Graduates who hold a valid Post-Graduation Work Permit, intend to live in Alberta, and will actively own and manage a local business that delivers clear economic benefit.

Eligibility and requirements

  • Alberta education: At least two years of full-time study leading to a degree or diploma from a publicly funded Alberta institution.

  • Work permit: Valid Post-Graduation Work Permit at the time the Expression of Interest is submitted.

  • Language: Minimum CLB/NCLC 7 in each skill using an accepted test.

  • Ownership and business type: Establish a new business or buy an existing one in Alberta with at least 34% ownership and a physical place of business. The business must be eligible and actively managed.

Process overview

  1. Expression of Interest: Submit an EOI with a Business Proposal Summary and Net Worth Worksheet.

  2. Invitation and application: If selected, file a Business Application. If approved, sign a Business Performance Agreement.

  3. Business operation: Reside in Alberta and actively own and operate the business for at least 12 months with the required ownership share.

  4. Nomination and PR: Request nomination after meeting the agreement terms, then apply to IRCC for permanent residence.

Program specifics

  • Investment: No fixed minimum set for eligibility; higher total business investment can improve scoring.

  • Franchises: Permitted if all criteria are met and the franchisor provides required support.

  • Succession purchases: Allowed when program rules are met; close-relative transactions are not eligible.

Worker

A worker pathway for temporary residents who are already working full time in Alberta and have a full-time job offer from an Alberta employer in an eligible occupation. Applicants must hold an LMIA-based or accepted LMIA-exempt work permit and meet language, education, work experience, and licensing criteria.

Who this stream suits

Workers who plan to live in Alberta long term, remain with their Alberta employer in the same occupation, and meet program cutoffs for language, education, and experience.

Eligibility and requirements

  • Status and work permit: Valid temporary resident status and a valid work permit at application. LMIA-based permits and accepted LMIA-exempt or open permits are allowed under listed policies. Maintained or restoration status is not eligible.

  • Occupation: Your job must be in an eligible NOC 2021 occupation and not on the program’s ineligible list. Your job offer and qualifying work experience must match your current occupation.

  • Language:

    • TEER 0–3 jobs: CLB or NCLC 5 in each skill

    • TEER 4–5 jobs: CLB or NCLC 4 in each skill

    • Exception: NOC 33102 requires CLB or NCLC 7 in each skill

  • Education: Minimum Canadian high-school equivalent supported by an Educational Credential Assessment, unless exempt through eligible Canadian credentials. Additional rules apply to PGWP holders and approved Alberta programs.

  • Work experience:

    • 12 months full time in Alberta in your current occupation within the last 18 months, or

    • 24 months full time in your current occupation within the last 30 months in Alberta, elsewhere in Canada, or abroad.

    • PGWP holders: at least 6 months full time in Alberta in the last 18 months in the current occupation. Experience must be authorized and meet any licensing rules.

  • Job offer and employer: Full-time, non-seasonal job offer or contract in Alberta that meets AAIP employer and job-offer rules. Part-time, casual or seasonal roles, independent contractor arrangements, temporary agency placements, home-based roles, and out-of-province or virtual jobs are not eligible.

  • Licensing or certification: If the occupation is regulated or a compulsory trade, you must hold the correct Alberta licence or trade certificate at application and at assessment.

Process overview

  1. Confirm you meet the status, occupation, language, education, work experience, licensing, and job-offer requirements.

  2. Submit your AAIP application with the required forms and documents.

  3. If approved, receive a provincial nomination and then apply to IRCC for permanent residence.

A provincial pathway that lets Alberta invite select candidates from IRCC’s Express Entry pool who align with the province’s priorities. The stream includes targeted options such as the Accelerated Tech Pathway and an Express Entry option under the Dedicated Health Care Pathway. Invitations are issued by Alberta as a Notification of Interest (NOI) in your Express Entry account.

Who this stream suits

Express Entry candidates (FSW, CEC, or FST) who intend to live and work in Alberta and have strong provincial ties or priority-sector experience—for example, a qualifying Alberta job offer in tech or health care, prior Alberta work or study, family connections in the province, or an occupation that supports Alberta’s labour needs.

Eligibility and requirements

  • Active Express Entry profile that meets the federal program rules (FSW, CEC, or FST), including language, education, and funds where applicable.

  • Intention to reside in Alberta and contribute to the provincial labour market.

  • Priority factors that may lead to selection can include:

    • Alberta job offer or current full-time work in the province

    • Occupation in a sector identified by Alberta as a priority

    • Alberta ties such as previous work or study, or close family in the province

  • Accelerated Tech Pathway: full-time work in Alberta or a bona fide Alberta job offer in an eligible tech occupation, with employer and job meeting AAIP rules.

  • Dedicated Health Care Pathway (Express Entry option): job offer in an eligible health occupation and licensing eligibility for the role in Alberta.

Process overview

  1. Receive NOI: Keep your Express Entry profile active and up to date. If selected, Alberta issues a Notification of Interest in your EE account.

  2. Apply to AAIP: Submit the provincial application by the stated deadline with required forms and evidence.

  3. Nomination → PR: If approved, accept the AAIP nomination in Express Entry, receive additional CRS points, then submit your permanent residence application to IRCC when invited.

A community-driven pathway for workers who will live and work in a designated rural Alberta community. Applicants need a qualifying full-time job offer, a community endorsement, and must meet program rules for status, language, education, and any licensing tied to the occupation.

Who this stream suits

Candidates prepared to settle in a smaller community, work in their offered role long term, and contribute to local workforce needs.

Eligibility and requirements

  • Designated community: Intend to live and work in a community that Alberta has officially designated for this stream.

  • Job offer: Full-time, non-seasonal offer from an eligible employer in the designated community that meets program wage and job standards.

  • Community endorsement: Endorsement letter issued by the local community after their screening.

  • Language and education: Meet the minimum language level for the occupation and hold at least the required education. An ECA may be needed if your education is from outside Canada.

  • Licensing or certification: Hold the proper Alberta licence or trade certificate if the occupation is regulated or a compulsory trade.

  • Other factors: You may be asked to show settlement readiness, available funds, and intention to reside in the community.

Process overview

  1. Secure a qualifying job offer in a designated rural community and complete the community’s screening process to obtain an endorsement letter.

  2. Submit your application to the AAIP under the Rural Renewal Stream with required forms and evidence.

  3. If approved, receive a provincial nomination and then apply to IRCC for permanent residence.

 
 

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Pace Immigration Associates & Advisors is a seasoned immigration law firm providing comprehensive advisory and support services to investors interested in Canadian opportunities. Our experienced team excels in diverse areas, helping you develop and execute business plans effectively. We leverage our deep knowledge of Canada’s dynamic economy and evolving commercial landscape to assist with due diligence and thorough assessments. Our objective is to enhance your ability to identify and evaluate opportunities, facilitating the swift and cost-effective execution of your business plans through our network of resources and contacts.

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Toronto, ON M9C 5K8
Phone: 1-877-236-3060
Fax: 416-236-1809