Search
Close this search box.

Alberta Rural Entrepreneur Stream (ARE)

Selection
  • P.N.P: Provincial Nominee Programs
  • S.D: Sponsor-driven
  • P.S: Point System
  • E.O.I: Expression of Interest
Applicant
Visa
Status

Table of Contents

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

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
[email protected]

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

[email protected]

www.grantthornton.ca

KPMG-LLP

3100, 2005 5 Avenue SW

Calgary, Alberta T2P 4B9

(416) 777-3887

[email protected]

www.kpmg.ca

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

[email protected]

www.grantthornton.ca

KPMG-LLP

3100, 2005 5 Avenue SW

Calgary, Alberta T2P 4B9

(416) 777-3887

[email protected]

www.kpmg.ca

MNP-LLP

Suite 1600, MNP Tower

10235 101 Street NW

Edmonton, Alberta T5J 3G1

(587) 441-6021

[email protected]

www.mnp.ca

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.

Your Business Performance Agreement is your legal agreement with the Province of Alberta. It will state the amount you will invest in your business and the business sector where you will operate your business. The Business Performance Agreement will also list any other information relevant to your application including but not limited to: job creation, business succession, and business location. This is based upon the information you supplied in your Business Plan.

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!

GWA

AWA

Share:

ATOCB

Table of Contents

ATOCA

Scroll to Top

Kelly Crowl Masterclass

Don’t Miss Out!

Save your spot now and get the early bird discount Early Bird $80 | Drop-in $140