Immigrant entrepreneurs from outside of Canada can apply for permanent residence under the Rural Entrepreneur Stream. This program is for entrepreneurs who want to start or purchase a business in a rural Alberta community.
Requirements:
Work Experience:
- Minimum of 3 years as an active business owner/manager, or
- Minimum of 4 years as a senior manager within the past 10 years.
Education:
- Completed at least high school equivalent to Canadian standards with an Education Credential Assessment (ECA).
Language:
- Minimum CLB 4 in English or NCLC 4 in French for reading, writing, listening, and speaking.
- Acceptable tests: CELPIP (General), IELTS (General Training), TEF Canada, TCF Canada.
- Test results must be less than 2 years old at the time of Expression of Interest (EOI).
Net Worth:
- Minimum of CAD 300,000 (personal or spouse/common-law partner’s holdings).
Business Investment:
- Minimum investment of CAD 100,000 from personal or spouse/common-law partner’s equity.
- Higher investments awarded more points.
Business Establishment:
- Minimum 51% ownership for a new business with Canadian Citizen or Permanent Resident partners, or
- 100% ownership for business succession with the complete change in ownership.
- Businesses must not be on the list of ineligible businesses.
Job Creation:
- New businesses must create at least one full-time job for Canadian Citizens or Permanent Residents (not including relatives) for at least 6 months.
- Business succession does not require job creation.
Community Support Letter:
- Required from a participating rural Alberta community.
Factors Increasing Chances:
- Business succession (purchasing an already established business).
- Age: 21 to 49.
- Spouse/Common-law partner with:
- At least one year of full-time post-secondary education, or
- CLB/NCLC 4 in all four language abilities.
- Alberta relative (defined as close family members of the candidate or spouse/common-law partner).
Process:
- Assess eligibility.
- Research market opportunities, licensing, and registration requirements in the community.
- Connect with the community contact person to discuss your business proposal and schedule an exploratory visit.
- Complete an Exploratory Visit Report with your business application.
- Obtain a Community Support Letter and endorsed Business Proposal Summary from the community.
- Submit your EOI. The AAIP processes EOIs within 30 days. Meeting the minimum criteria does not guarantee a Request to Submit a Business Application. Entrepreneurs with higher-ranking points may receive such a request.
- Submit a Business Application within 90 days if requested.
- The AAIP will assess your Business Application and may request an interview.
- Upon approval, receive a Business Performance Agreement, Business Application Approval Letter, and Letter of Support. Apply for a work permit, typically valid for 2 years.
- Start your business in Canada. Submit reports every 6 months for 12 months. If requirements are met, receive a nomination certificate.
- Submit your Permanent Residence application. Continue operating your business in Alberta during the PR process with IRCC.
From the beginning of your research (step 2) to obtaining a work permit, the entire process usually spans 8 to 12 months.
FAQs:
Which city/town can I start a new business or purchase a business?The AAIP defines rural Alberta communities as those with a population under 100,000, based on the latest Statistics Canada census. These communities must be outside the Calgary and Edmonton Census Metropolitan Areas. Some participating communities include:
- City of Brooks
- City of Camrose
- City of Cold Lake
- City of Grande Prairie
- City of Lacombe
- City of Lethbridge
- City of Wetaskiwin
- County of Camrose
- County of Wetaskiwin
- Flagstaff County
- Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo
- Lac La Biche County
Visit the AAIP website or contact us to verify if your community is on the list.
What are ineligible businesses?Certain businesses are not eligible under the Rural Entrepreneur Stream, including:
- Businesses contravening the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (e.g., immigration-linked investment schemes).
- Businesses without economic value-add, such as payday loans, cheque cashing, and trading in used goods.
- Passive investments or those lacking active management (e.g., property rental, investment, leasing activities, real estate/insurance/business brokerages, coin-operated businesses).
- Project-based or seasonal businesses.
- Home-based businesses not zoned for commercial/industrial operations, bed-and-breakfasts, and lodging houses.
- Succession plan businesses owned/operated by a relative or previously owned by a current/former AAIP candidate within the past 4 years or changed ownership within 3 years prior to the application.
- Businesses involved in producing, distributing, or selling pornography or sexually explicit products/services.
- Any business that could bring AAIP and the Government of Alberta into disrepute.
Is there a minimum score requirement?There is no minimum score requirement. EOIs are scored based on the Rural Entrepreneur Stream Points grid. Candidates with the highest-ranking points may be requested to submit a Business Application. The higher your score, the better your chances of being nominated.
What are the ineligibility criteria for the Rural Entrepreneur Stream?You are not eligible to apply if:
- You have an active nomination or one eligible for extension under another AAIP stream.
- You received a letter stating you are not eligible to re-apply for a specified period.
- You have a removal order from IRCC or CBSA.
- You are a refugee claimant or involved in a federal appeal/removal process.
- You are a foreign national in Canada without valid temporary resident status.
- Your business is on the list of ineligible businesses.
Can I operate the business remotely?You cannot operate the business remotely from another Canadian province, territory, or country. You must demonstrate residence in Alberta while on a work permit. You must own at least 51% of the business if it is new or have 100% ownership if purchasing an established business (business succession). You are required to reside in Alberta and be involved in the day-to-day management of the business.
For detailed guidance and personalized application assistance, feel free to contact us!
