Alberta Rural Entrepreneur Stream (ARE)
- P.N.P: Provincial Nominee Programs
- S.D: Sponsor-driven
- P.S: Point System
- E.O.I: Expression of Interest
- Permanent Resident
- Open
GSB
ASB
SUMMARY
Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP)
The Alberta Rural Entrepreneur stream is for qualified and capable entrepreneurs who want to live in rural communities in Alberta with population of less than 100,000. They must start a new business or buy an existing business in a rural Alberta community and must actively participate in the day-to-day management of the business.
Approved applicants must establish and operate a business in a rural community in Alberta on a Work Permit (WP) before being nominated for permanent resident status in Canada.
Application to the stream is by invitation only. You should first complete the online Expression of Interest (EOI). Selected applicants will be invited to apply for the program based on the information they enter online. You cannot apply directly to this program unless you are invited to apply.
Ready to take the next step towards your Canadian immigration journey? Fill out the form below and embark on your path to new opportunities.
ASA
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
The following requirements must be met if you are applying to Alberta Rural Entrepreneur Stream:
1- Education
You must have one of the following from a high school or a post-secondary institution:
- Canadian educational credential (certificate, diploma, or degree); or
- equivalent foreign credential
Candidates with a foreign education must provide an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) report (➨Appendix 3) for their foreign education.
The ECA Report must not be more than five (5) years old prior to the date the Express Entry profile is submitted.
2- Language Ability
You must have an approved test results taken within two (2) years prior to EOI being submitted. You must have obtained a minimum score of Canadian Language Benchmark CLB 4 in all for abilities in English or French (➨Appendix 5).
3- Work Experience
At the time of submission of EOI, you must have either a minimum three (3) years of experience as an active business owner/manager or a minimum of four (4) years of experience as a senior manager within the past ten (10) years.
4- Net Worth
You must have net worth of at least $300,000 CAD, which includes your spouse or common-law partner.
5- Support by a Participating Rural Alberta Community
You must have a Community Support Letter from a participating rural Alberta community. If you are interested in a specific rural Alberta community, you should connect with the community contact person to discuss your business proposal and schedule an exploratory visit. Each community will have their own process for scheduling an exploratory visit.
Currently the participating rural communities in Alberta are listed here (➨immilib.com/ARE-Communities).
6- Ineligibility
You are not eligible to apply under the Alberta Foreign Graduate Entrepreneur Stream if:
- You have an active nomination which has not expired and/or is eligible for extension under another AAIP stream. Candidates are only eligible for one AAIP Nomination Certificate.
- You have been issued a letter on a previous AAIP application that stated you are not eligible to re-apply to the Program for a specified period of time. You will be declined under the Rural Entrepreneur Stream if you apply during the specified period.
- You are a refugee claimant in Canada, a failed refugee claimant, had a removal order, are prohibited from entering or being in Canada, do not have status in Canada or are living illegally in your country of residence.
Ready to take the next step towards your Canadian immigration journey? Fill out the form below and embark on your path to new opportunities.
AGMRA
ALBERTA BUSINESS REQUIREMENTS
In order to qualify as an eligible business under the Rural Entrepreneur Stream, you must you must buy or establish a business in Alberta that meets the following criteria:
1- Business Ownership / Management
You must own at least 51% of the business if it is a new business where you partners are Canadian citizens or permanent residents, or have 100% ownership of the business if you are purchasing an already established business (business succession). You are required to reside in Alberta and be involved in the day-to-day management of the business. You may not do this remotely, from another Canadian province or territory, or from another country and you are required to demonstrate residence in Alberta while on a work permit.
2- Minimum Investment
You must make a minimum investment of $100,000 from your (or spouse or common-law partner) own equity.
3- Type of Business
The business purpose must be to make a profit from active income through the sale of goods and/or services.
The following types of businesses are not eligible under Alberta Rural Entrepreneur Stream:
- Any business in contravention of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act and Regulations (for example, immigration-linked investment schemes or passive investment).
- Businesses without a value-add economic component, including pay day loan, cheque cashing and related businesses and businesses trading in used goods
- Businesses that would be considered passive investment and/or lack active management, including insurance brokerage or business brokerage
- Project based or seasonal businesses
- Home-based businesses, including bed-and-breakfasts and lodging houses
- Businesses that are part of a succession plan.
- Businesses involved in producing, distributing or selling pornography or sexually explicit products or services, or providing sexually oriented services.
- Any other type of business that by association would tend to bring the AAIP and the Government of Alberta into disrepute.
4- Active Management
You must provide active and on-going participation in the day to day management and direction of the business at the business site.
5- Job Creation
New businesses must create at least one (1) full-time job for Canadian Citizens or Permanent Residents (not including relatives). Jobs must be created for Canadian citizens or permanent residents (not including relatives) for a period of at least six (6) months.
For business succession, job creation is not required.
CALCULATE YOUR SCORE
If you meet the minimum requirement, then you must calculate your total score based on the following selection factors (➨immilib.com/ARE-Grid). There is no minimum required score. But you will be ranked based upon your points assessment score and placed in an Expression of Interest (EOI) pool.
Candidates will be ranked against each other and only top ranked candidates will be invited to apply. A draw will occur with only the top ranked candidates being selected and issued an invitation to apply. The selection factors may be summarized as follows:
| Selection Factor | Maximum Points |
| Factor 1: Business Location | 25 |
| Factor 2: Business Experience | 20 |
| Factor 3: Investment | 20 |
| Factor 4: Net Worth | 10 |
| Factor 5: Job Creation | 20 |
| Factor 6: Business Succession | 10 |
| Factor 7: Language Ability | 25 |
| Factor 8: Education | 10 |
| Factor 9: Canada / Alberta Experience | 15 |
| Factor 10: Relative in Alberta | 10 |
| Factor 11: Spouse Language / Education | 5 |
| Factor 12: Age | 5 |
| Maximum | 175 |
Factor 1: Business Location (Rural Factor)
You may be awarded up to a maximum of 25 points based on the location of your proposed business.
| Business Location (Outside Edmonton and Calgary) | Points |
| Community with population less than 10,000 | 25 |
| Community with population between 10,001 and 50,000 | 17 |
| Community with population between 50,001 and 100,000 | 10 |
| Community with population over 100,000 | 0 |
Factor 2: Business Management / Ownership Experience
You may claim up to 20 points based on your business experience. The number of points is based on your past business ownership experience or senior management experience.
| Business Experience | Duration | Points |
| Business owner-manager experience | 5 or more years | 20 |
| 4 to less than 5 years | 16 | |
| 3 to less than 4 years | 12 | |
| Senior manager work experience | 6 or more years | 20 |
| 5 to less than 6 years | 16 | |
| 4 to less than 5 years | 12 | |
| Less than 3 years experience | Not Eligible | |
Factor 3: Investment
You can receive up to 20 points for your level of business investment from your (or spouse or common-law partner) own equity.
| Business Investment | Points |
| Over $800,000 | 20 |
| $600,000 to $799,999 | 15 |
| $400,000 to $599,999 | 10 |
| $100,000 to $399,000 | 5 |
| Less than $100,000 | Not Eligible |
Factor 4: Net Worth
You will receive up to maximum of 10 points based on your total personal net worth including that of your spouse or common-law partner, if applicable.
| Net Worth | Points |
| Over $500,000 | 10 |
| $400,000 to $499,999 | 8 |
| $300,000 to $399,999 | 6 |
| Less than $300,000 | Not Eligible |
Factor 5: Job Creation
You will receive up to 20 points based on your proposed full-time equivalent (FTE) job creation. Jobs must be created for Canadian Citizens or Permanent Residents (not including relatives) for a period of at least six (6) months.
| Number of Full-time Jobs | Points |
| 5 or more | 20 |
| 4 | 16 |
| 3 | 12 |
| 2 | 8 |
| 1 | 4 |
| 0 | Not Eligible except for business succession |
Factor 6: Business Succession
You will get 10 points if your investment is to take over an existing business in rural Alberta.
| Business Plan | Points |
| Business Succession | 10 |
Factor 7: Language Ability
To be awarded point for language, you must have taken an approved test results. Test must be taken no more than two (2) years prior to submission of your EOI.
The lowest score achieved in the four (4) skills (Reading, Writing, Speaking, and Listening) is your score
| First Official Language (English or French) | ||||
| First Official Language (Lowest score in any of 4 skills) | Points | |||
| CLB 6 and higher | 25 | |||
| CLB 5 | 20 | |||
| CLB 4 | 15 | |||
| Below CLB 4 | Not Eligible | |||
To prove your language abilities you must take any of the following approved tests:
- English: IELTS General or CELPIP General or PTE Core
- French: TEF Canada or TCF Canada
To find out the equivalent CLB level for any of the above approved tests (➨Appendix 5).
Factor 8: Education
You can receive up to 10 points based on level of your education.
| Level of Education | Points |
| Bachelor’s degree or higher | 10 |
| Associate degree or diploma (at least 1 year) | 7 |
| High school diploma | 4 |
| None of the above | Not Eligible |
Factor 9: Canada / Alberta Experience
You will get a maximum of 15 points, if you have studies or work experience in Canada within the last 10 years. Your experience in different parts of Canada can add up to maximum of 15.
| Canadian Experience (Work or Study) | Points |
| In rural Alberta for 24 months or more | 15 |
| In rural Alberta for 12 to 24 months | 10 |
| In non-rural Alberta (Calgary/Edmonton) for 30 months or more | 10 |
| In non-rural Alberta (Calgary/Edmonton) for 18 to 30 months | 6 |
| In Canada for 36 months or more | 5 |
| In Canada for 24 to 36 months | 3 |
Factor 10: Relative in Alberta
You can earn points if you have a relative in the community where you intent to reside and do business in Alberta or anywhere else in Alberta.
| Relative in Alberta | Place of Residence | Points |
| Father, step-father, mother, step-mother, child, step-child, sister, step-sister, brother, step-brother of candidate or spouse/common-law partner | Community in Alberta where you intend to reside and operate a business | 10 |
| Anywhere else in Alberta | 5 |
Factor 11: Spouse Language / Education
You can earn up to a maximum of 5 points for the language proficiency of your spouse or common-law partner. Points for language and education can add up to a maximum of 5 points.
| Spouse Language / Education | Place of Residence | Points |
| Spouse’s/Partner’s proficiency in English or French (in all 4 abilities) | CLB 6 | 5 |
| CLB 5 | 4 | |
| CLB 4 | 3 | |
| Spouse ‘s/Partner’s education | Bachelor’s degree or higher | 5 |
| Certificate, Associate Degree or Diploma (at least one year) | 3 |
Factor 12: Age
You get an additional 5 points if you are 21 to 49 years old.
| Age | Points |
| 21-49 years old | 5 |
| Your Total Score |
GCYSA
ACYSA
WHAT STEPS SHOULD YOU TAKE?
Step 1: Exploratory Visit / Endorsement by the Rural Alberta Community
You must have a Community Support Letter from a participating rural Alberta community. If you are interested in a specific rural Alberta community, you should connect with the community contact person to discuss your business proposal and schedule an exploratory visit. Each community will have their own process for scheduling an exploratory visit.
Currently the participating rural communities in Alberta are listed here (➨immilib.com/ARE-Communities).
Step 2: Submit an Online Expression of Interest (EOI)
If you meet all the criteria above, you can submit your Expression of Interest (EOI) by accessing the AAIP Portal (➨ immilib.com/ARE-Apply). The AAIP will review and score your EOI within 30 days of submission (➨immilib.com/ARE-Draws). Highest-ranking candidates will be requested to submit a Business Application.
EOIs are placed in the pool of qualified candidates for a period of twelve (12) months from the date of their original submission.
For EOI submission you would need a Business Proposal form and Endorsement letter from your community in Alberta.
| AAIP Application | |
| Submit Online Application: | |
| immilib.com/ARE-Apply | |
| Official Program Guide: | |
| immilib.com/ARE-Guide | |
| AAIP Application Fee: | |
| $3,500 | |
| AAIP EOI Fee: | |
| $200 | |
| Processing Time: | |
| immilib.com/AB-PT | |
| Document Checklist: | |
| immilib.com/ARE-Doc | |
| Contact: | |
| 780-6382843, 780-6447534 | |
| entrepreneur.supportservice@gov.ab.ca | |
Step 3: Submit Application to AAIP
Your information will be assessed based on a Points Grid. Candidates with the highest-ranking points will be contacted directly by the AAIP and invited to submit a Business Application. If you receive the Invitation Letter, you will be able to access the AAIP Portal and start the application process.
Step 4: Business Plan Report / Qualified Service Provider Report
You should contact the following approved Qualified Service Providers to present your business plan with projected financial information if you are interested to apply to the Rural Entrepreneur Stream:
| List of Approved Designated Agencies | |
|
Grant Thornton (Not for Business Plan Report) 1701 Scotia Place 2, 10060 Jasper Avenue NW Edmonton, Alberta T5J 3R8 (780) 426-3208 |
KPMG-LLP 3100, 2005 5 Avenue SW Calgary, Alberta T2P 4B9 (416) 777-3887 |
You are required to have your net worth and business investment assessed by the Qualified Service Provider. When requested by the AAIP you must also get a Qualified Service Provider Report from one of the following agencies.
| List of AAIP Qualified Service Provider | ||
|
Grant Thornton (Not for Business Plan Report) 1701 Scotia Place 2, 10060 Jasper Avenue NW Edmonton, Alberta T5J 3R8 (780) 426-3208 |
KPMG-LLP 3100, 2005 5 Avenue SW Calgary, Alberta T2P 4B9 (416) 777-3887 |
MNP-LLP Suite 1600, MNP Tower 10235 101 Street NW Edmonton, Alberta T5J 3G1 (587) 441-6021 |
Once the Business Application and supporting documents are received, the AAIP will assess your Business Application. If the AAIP approves your application, you will be sent a Business Performance Agreement (BPA) for your review and signature.
Entrepreneurs who currently own and operate a business in a rural Alberta community for at least 1 (one) year, are not required to sign a Business Performance Agreement. These entrepreneurs will be issued a nomination certificate to apply for permanent residence to IRCC.
If your application is declined, you may be eligible to submit a request for reconsideration.
Step 5: Business Performance Agreement (BPA)
Except for Entrepreneurs who currently own and operate a business in a rural Alberta community, if you meet all Rural Entrepreneur Stream criteria and get approved by AAIP, you will be sent a Business Performance Agreement for your review and signature.
You must scan your signed and dated Business Performance Agreement and submit as instructed within fourteen (14) days from the date the agreement was sent to you.
Step 6: Apply for Work permit
Upon receipt of your signed and dated Business Performance Agreement, AAIP will issue you with an Approval Letter and instructions on how to apply for a Work Permit. A work permit allows you to settle in Alberta and operate your business.
You must then provide the work permit Letter of Support, your business plan and your signed Business Performance Agreement to the Government of Canada with an application for a temporary work permit (➨Page).
You are required to submit your application for a work permit to IRCC within 3 months of receiving this letter so to facilitate your arrival in Alberta within 12 months of receiving your Business Application Approval Letter.
Step 7: Business Establishment in Alberta
Upon receiving your Business Application Approval Letter and your work permit, you are required to reside in your rural Alberta community and actively operate your business on a day-to-day basis as per the requirements of your BPA and Business Plan.
To be eligible for nomination you must satisfy the terms of your signed BPA within the validity of your Work Permit and demonstrate operation of your business for no less than twelve (12) months.
Step 8: Request for Nomination
In order to be eligible for nomination you must be living in Alberta and you must have fulfilled the terms outlined in the Business Performance Agreement including operating business for at least twelve (12) months, transferring the required funds to Canada, and maintaining legal status in Canada.
Once you have fulfilled your Business Performance Agreement, you can request nomination. To do so, you should electronically submit an application for nomination.
You must demonstrate that you have actively managed your business for a minimum of twelve (12) months in Alberta and also satisfy the officer that you have been, and remain, a resident in Alberta. If approved for nomination the AAIP will send a nomination certificate so you can apply to IRCC for permanent residence.
Step 9: Apply for Permanent Residence
If you are nominated by the Province of Alberta, then your next step is to submit a complete application for a permanent resident visa within six (6) months (➨Page).
You must submit your application using the IRCC Permanent Residence Portal (PR Portal) (➨ immilib.com/PR-Portal).
If your application is complete, you will receive a letter or an email confirming that your file has been received and accepted for processing. This letter is called the Acknowledge of Receipt (AOR) and will include your IRCC file number.
Once you have received your acknowledgement of receipt, you can create an online account and link your application to it. By creating an account, you will be able to receive email updates and a more detailed case status.
Step 10: Landing in Canada
If your application is approved, you will be asked to pay your right of permanent residence fee if you haven't already done so. You will receive a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (CoPR) and if you are from a country that requires a visa you will also be issued a permanent resident visa.
You will only become a Permanent Resident of Canada when you cross a Canadian port of entry. This is referred to as ‘landing in Canada' (➨Page).
You must land in Canada before the expiry date, which appears on your Canada Immigration Visa. Usually, the expiry date is one (1) year from the time medical examinations were completed. As this is not always the case, be sure to verify the expiry date as soon as the Canada Immigration Visa is received.
Ready to take the next step towards your Canadian immigration journey? Fill out the form below and embark on your path to new opportunities.
AWSYTA
WELCOME TO ALBERTA!
AWA