Immigrate to Alberta Province : Alberta Advantage Immigration Program
The AAIP is Alberta’s specialized immigration program designed to bring in individuals who can contribute to the province’s economy and community growth. It allows Alberta to nominate eligible applicants for permanent residency (PR) in collaboration with the federal government. If you have experience in a trade, profession, or service industry, and you’re either already working in Alberta or want to move there, AAIP offers multiple streams tailored to your situation:
Eligibility for Immigrate to Alberta Province
Alberta’s immigration program includes several streams, each with its own requirements. Here’s what you need to qualify, based on your background
1. Alberta Express Entry Stream – For Skilled Workers Inside or Outside Canada
Applicants with an active Express Entry profile who may receive a Notification of Interest (NOI) from Alberta. You’re eligible if :
You have a valid Express Entry profile in the Federal Skilled Worker (FSW), CEC, or FSTP
Your primary occupation is in demand in Alberta (or aligns with key sectors like tech, health, agriculture)
Your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score is competitive
You’re committed to settling in Alberta permanently
You have a strong connection to Alberta, such as: Prior work or study in the province, close family members living in Alberta, a valid Alberta job offer
2. Rural Renewal Stream ( For Workers with Rural Job Offers )
Individuals with a valid job offer from a designated rural Alberta community. You’re eligible if :
You’ve received an endorsement letter from a participating rural town/city
You have a full-time job offer from a local employer in that community
You meet language, education, and work experience standards (similar to AOS)
You show intention to live and work in the rural area long-term
3. Rural Entrepreneur Stream ( For Business Minded Immigrants )
Entrepreneurs ready to launch or buy a business in Alberta’s smaller communities You’re eligible if:
You have a minimum net worth of CAD $300,000
You can invest at least CAD $100,000 into the business
You have at least 3 years of business ownership or 4 years of management experience
You plan to own and operate the business on-site
You’re committed to settling in the area and hiring at least one Canadian citizen or PR
4. Graduate Entrepreneur Stream ( For International Students in Alberta)
Recent international graduates from Alberta post-secondary institutions. You’re eligible if:
You graduated from a designated Alberta school within the last 2 years
Your program was at least 2 years long
You have a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)
You own at least 34% of your Alberta-based business
Your business is active, operational, and based in Alberta
You’ve operated it for at least 6 months before applying
You’ve submitted a business plan and a letter of recommendation
5. Foreign Graduate Entrepreneur Stream – For International Grads (Outside Alberta)
Graduates from outside Canada with strong business ideas and entrepreneurial experience. You’re eligible if:
You have a foreign degree completed within the last 10 years
Your degree is assessed by ECA (Educational Credential Assessment)
You have 6 months or more of full-time business experience (ownership or management)
You can invest at least CAD $100,000
Your net worth is at least CAD $300,000
You score at least CLB 7 in English or French
You submit a detailed business plan with market research
You commit to managing the business full-time in Alberta
Understand that stream availability may change without notice.
Meeting minimum eligibility doesn’t guarantee an invitation.
AAIP decisions depend on your application quality, Alberta’s economic needs, and available nomination quotas.
Stage 2 : Check Your Eligibility
Ensure you meet all basic requirements: net worth, investment, experience, education, and business location.
Eligibility alone doesn’t assure selection and you must still go through the EOI and scoring process.
Stage 3 : Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI)
Use the AAIP portal to apply. AAIP will evaluate and score your EOI within 30 days.
Only high‑scoring EOIs receive an invitation to submit a full Business Application.
You must pay a CAD $200 EOI fee, non-refundable, via credit/debit card within 24 hours.
EOIs remain valid in the pool for 12 months.
Stage 4 : Submit a Business Application
After invitation, log into the portal to complete your application within 90 days.
Pay the CAD $3,500 non‑refundable Business Application fee within 24 hours.
Upload all required documents: business plan, net worth report, exploratory visit report, and more (see checklist).
Incomplete applications may be declined.
Stage 5 : Sign the Business Performance Agreement
If approved, Alberta will send you a Business Performance Agreement, which you must sign and return within 14 days.
This contract outlines performance expectations: ownership share, investment amount, job creation, location, and timelines.
Stage 6 : Apply for a work permit
Upon signing, you’ll receive a 205(a) Letter of Support and Approval Letter.
Submit your work permit application to IRCC within 3 months to be able to enter and start operating the business.
Stage 7 : Establish Your Business & Submit Final Report
After arriving in Alberta, you must: Reside in the designated rural community
Own and manage the business actively
Operate the business for at least 12 months
Meet job creation and performance targets
Submit semi‑annual progress reports and a final report upon completion
Once requirements are met, you apply for nomination for permanent residency.
Steps
Action
Timeline
1
Review terms
Before applying
2
Confirm eligibility
Before EOI
3
Submit EOI + CAD $200 fee
EOI valid 12 months
4
Submit Business App + CAD $3,500 within 90 days
Complete docs required
5
Sign performance agreement within 14 days
Post approval
6
Apply for work permit within 3 months
With support letter
7
Run business for 12 months + reports
Pre nomination
Stage 1 : Understand the Terms & Conditions
AAIP streams can close unexpectedly and meeting requirements doesn’t guarantee an invitation.
Your application is treated as an EOI in a competitive pool, your chance depends on the strength of your business idea, economic fit with Alberta, and current quotas
Stage 2 : Confirm Your Eligibility
Completed a ≥ 2 year degree or diploma in Alberta
Hold a valid Post Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)
Achieve CLB 7 in all English or French language skills
Plan to establish or purchase a business in Alberta, with at least 34 % ownership
Bonus points for business experience, investment size, job creation, rural location, etc. totaling up to 125 points
Stage 3 : Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI)
Go online to the AAIP portal and submit your EOI.
You’ll pay a $3,500 CAD non-refundable fee and submit all supporting documents online
Documents include your business plan evaluation, net worth proof, business proposal, and PGWP.
Stage 4 : Receive Invitation & Submit Business Application
If selected, you’ll be invited to complete a full application within 90 days.
Pay the CAD $3,500 non‑refundable Business Application fee within 24 hours.
Stage 5 : Sign the Business Performance Agreement (BPA)
Once Alberta approves your application, you’ll receive a BPA detailing your commitments (e.g., business ownership ≥ 34%, active day-to-day management, job creation).
You must sign and submit it within 14 days
Stage 6 : Set Up and Run Your Business in Alberta
Move to Alberta and take an active management role (at least 34% ownership).
Operate the business for at least 12 months, fulfilling BPA targets.
Submit a Start-Up Report within 30 days of BPA approval, followed by semi-annual progress updates .
Stage 7 : Final Report & Provincial Nomination
Once your business is successfully operating and BPA conditions are met, submit a Final Report to AAIP.
If approved, you’ll receive a nomination certificate, which you can use to apply to IRCC for Permanent Residency (must apply within six months)
Action
Timeframe
EOI review & scoring
~30 days
Pool duration
Up to 12 months
Business App submission window
90 days post-invitation
BPA signing
14 days after approval
Business operation
Minimum 12 months
Final Report / Nomination
After BPA conditions met
PR application window
Within 6 months post-nomination
Stage 1 : Review Terms & Conditions
First, understand that the Farm Stream can close or change without notice. Meeting the basic requirements doesn’t guarantee selection. it’s a competitive process aligned with Alberta’s agricultural priorities.
Stage 2 : Check Your Eligibility
Before applying, confirm you meet all eligibility criteria which is farm management experience (e.g. documentation, training, business records, or proposed farm plan)
A minimum net worth of CAD $500,000 (or proof of access to equivalent funds)
Ability to invest at least CAD $500,000 in a primary production farming business in Alberta
Proposed farming business plan assessed by Alberta Agriculture and Irrigation for viability
Stage 3 : Prepare Your Farm Business Plan
The type of farming operation
Financial projections
Alignment with Alberta’s agricultural targets
Proof of financing from or engagement with a Canadian financial institution Submit this plan along with your application
Stage 4 : Complete and Mail Your Application
Gather and mail a full paper application package, including, AAIP Farm Stream application form
IRCC forms (e.g. IMM 0008, Schedule 4A, IMM 5669, etc.), if applying for PR concurrently
Stage 5 : Wait for Confirmation & Assessment
You’ll receive an email confirmation with your AAIP file number.
AAIP checks that your application is complete; incomplete ones may be declined.
Your farm plan is forwarded to Alberta Agriculture and Irrigation for feasibility assessment.
A Program Officer may reach out for additional info or to arrange an interview (e.g. video call)
Stage 6 : Receive Nomination
If your application and plan are approved: You’ll receive a Provincial Nomination Certificate via email
You and eligible family members can then apply for permanent residence with IRCC within 6 months
Stage 7 : Apply for PR & Prepare to Settle
Submit your PR application through the IRCC portal
Track Acknowledgement of Receipt (AOR)
Provide any required medical, security, or background checks
Upon approval, process and confirm permanent residency
Start planning your move and launching your farm business in Alberta!
Steps
Action required
Check Terms & Conditions
Confirm stream is open & read program rules
Confirm Eligibility
Farm experience + CAD $500k net worth & investment ability
Prepare Business Plan
Detailed farm plan with financing proof
Submit Application
Mail complete package with $3,500 fee and forms
Application Review
Wait for confirmation; respond to Officer if contacted
Nomination Decision
If approved, get Provincial Nomination
Apply for PR
Submit to IRCC, complete checks, prepare for settlement
Stage 1 : Confirm Eligibility
Hold a foreign degree (ECA‑assessed, completed in last 10 years)
Minimum language proficiency—CLB 5 across skills (benchmark starts here, higher scores earn more points)
At least 6 months of entrepreneurial or management experience
Business ownership: minimum 34% in cities, and 51% in regional areas
Business must belong to a priority sector (e.g., tech, agri, energy, life sciences)
Set-up investment: at least CAD $100K in cities, or CAD $50K in regional Alberta
Settlement funds sufficient by LICO standards
A Letter of Recommendation from an AAIP-designated agency
Stage 2 : Submit Expression of Interest (EOI)
Use the AAIP portal to submit your EOI along with your business proposal, pitch deck, net worth info, and recommendation letter.
Your submission is scored out of 200 points and entered into the applicant pool for up to 12 months
High-ranking candidates receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) within 30 days.
Stage 3 : Prepare and Submit Business Application
Once invited, submit your full Business Application within 90 days via the AAIP portal.
Pay the CAD $3,500 non refundable fee.
Include all required documentation: business plan, net worth worksheet, pitch deck, recommendation, and possibly a Qualified Service Provider (QSP) report on your investment/net worth
Stage 4 : Sign Business Performance Agreement (BPA)
If approved, you’ll be sent a Business Performance Agreement outlining requirements like investment amount, job creation targets, and equity share proportion.
Stage 5 : Apply for Work Permit
Along with BPA approval, you receive a 205(a) Letter of Support and a Business Application Approval Lette
Using these, apply to IRCC for a work permit within 3 months and arrive in Alberta within 12 months of approval
Once there, register as an employer in the IRCC Employer Portal (you’re exempt from LMIA fees)
Stage 6 : Settle in Alberta & Operate Business
Own and run the business actively (34% urban / 51% regional)
Operate for at least 12 months
Create jobs for Canadians or PRs if applicable
Arrival Report within 30 days of work permit start
Bi‑annual progress reports thereafter
Stage 7 : Final Report & Nomination
After meeting BPA obligations, submit a Final Report for Nomination.
If Alberta approves, you’ll receive a Provincial Nomination Certificate.
You’ll have 6 months to use this certificate to apply for Permanent Residence with IRCC
Action
Timeframe
EOI submission & scoring
Within 30 days of application entry
Business Application submission + $3,500
≤90 days after ITA
BPA signing
≤14 days post-approval
Work permit application
≤3 months post-support letter
Relocate & begin business
≤12 months after approval
Submission of reports
Arrival (30 days), biannual, final
Apply for PR
Within 6 months of nomination
After apporval What You’ll Receive
After approval, you will receive a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR), which includes your personal details and photograph. You will also receive a Permanent Resident (PR) visa if you’re from a country that requires a visa to enter Canada.
If you’re inside Canada, IRCC will contact you via email to confirm your presence and provide access to the Permanent Residence Portal. They will create an account for you, so there’s no need to set one up yourself. You will receive your electronic Confirmation of Permanent Residence (e-COPR) through the portal.
If You’re Outside Canada, you have to carry your Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR), PR visa (if applicable), and a valid regular passport. Bring proof of funds unless exempt.
At the port of entry, present your documents to the CBSA officer, who will verify your identity and eligibility. If everything is in order, you’ll be granted entry as a permanent resident.
** After arriving in Canada, you must provide your Canadian mailing address to IRCC to receive your PR card. If your address changes within 180 days, update it using IRCC’s web form. You can use your COPR or e-COPR to apply for essential services such as a Social Insurance Number (SIN), healthcare, and other newcomer support programs. **
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.
Common Ineligibilities Across Streams
You cannot apply to any AAIP stream if:
You’re a refugee claimant or under removal order
You’re working in a job listed as “ineligible” for immigration
You don’t meet minimum education, language, or experience requirements
You’re not actively managing the business (for entrepreneur streams)
Why Choose Alberta?
Low cost of living compared to Ontario or BC
Strong job market with major industries like energy, tech, and agriculture
Welcoming communities and diverse populations
No provincial sales tax (PST), a real money saver
Pathways for families to join and settle together
Immigrating to a new place is a big step and Alberta makes it easier with the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP). Whether you’re an entrepreneur with dreams of starting a business, a skilled worker looking for new career opportunities, or a recent graduate ready to build your future, this program is designed to help you succeed.
Frequently Asking Questions
How do I apply to the AAIP?
You must first check eligibility for your selected stream, submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) if required, and then submit a full application when invited.
Can I apply to multiple AAIP streams?
No. You can only have one active application or EOI at a time across all AAIP streams.
What are the business requirements for entrepreneur streams?
You must create or purchase an eligible business in Alberta, invest a minimum amount, and meet job creation targets based on your stream (Rural, Graduate, Foreign Graduate, etc.).
Do I need community support for the Rural Entrepreneur Stream?
Yes. You must complete an exploratory visit and obtain a Community Support Letter before submitting an EOI.
Does AAIP conduct draws like Express Entry?
Only Express Entry-aligned streams involve Notification of Interest (NOI) selections. Other streams (like AOS or Entrepreneur) don’t use draws but may operate on priority basis.
What’s the minimum CRS score needed for Alberta Express Entry?
There’s no fixed score, but candidates with CRS as low as 300 have received NOIs if they have strong Alberta ties (like job offers or family).
Can recent grads apply as entrepreneurs?
Yes, if you graduated from a recognized Alberta post-secondary institution and meet business and EOI requirements.
Is a job offer required?
Yes, for streams like the Alberta Opportunity Stream (AOS). The job must be full-time, non-seasonal, and from an eligible Alberta employer.
