Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP)

Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP): Your Pathway to Alberta 

 Alberta, a province celebrated for its breathtaking landscapes and abundant resources, offers promising opportunities for skilled newcomers. Located in Western Canada, Alberta boasts two of Canada's largest cities, Calgary and Edmonton, and is the most populous of the Prairie provinces. From the majestic Rocky Mountains to the sprawling prairies, Alberta’s natural beauty is unparalleled.The province facilitates immigration through the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP), formerly the Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program. This program enables individuals with the skills and experience Alberta needs to receive a provincial nomination, paving the way for Canadian permanent residence.Want to explore your eligibility for Canadian immigration? Contact Canadian Title Immigration and Visa Consulting (CTIV) for a comprehensive assessment!

Table of Contents

• Alberta Immigration Streams
• Summary of AAIP Options
• Frequently Asked Questions (Consult CTIV for answers!)

Alberta Immigration Streams

If Alberta is your destination, several immigration pathways are available. Canadian Title Immigration and Visa Consulting can help you determine the most suitable stream based on your circumstances.

Streams for Workers:

• Alberta Opportunity Stream: For skilled workers already employed in an eligible occupation within Alberta.
• Alberta Express Entry Stream: Targets candidates in the federal Express Entry pool with a CRS score of 300 or higher, working in an eligible occupation.
• Alberta Accelerated Tech Pathway: Part of the Express Entry stream, designed for tech professionals working in Alberta or with a qualifying job offer.
• Rural Renewal Stream: For individuals with a job offer to work in a rural Alberta community.

Streams for Entrepreneurs:

• Farm Stream: For those looking to establish or purchase a farming business in Alberta.
• Graduate Entrepreneur Stream: For international graduates from Alberta post-secondary institutions who want to start a business in the province.
• Foreign Graduate Entrepreneur Stream: For international graduates from institutions outside Canada seeking to launch a business in Alberta.
• Rural Entrepreneur Stream: For entrepreneurs aiming to establish or acquire a business in a rural Alberta community.

Summary of AAIP Options

Alberta Opportunity Stream 

 Foreign nationals working in Alberta and international graduates from approved Alberta post-secondary institutions are eligible for provincial nomination under this stream. CTIV can guide you through the application process.Application Fee: CAD $500

How it works:Applicants must apply online through the AAIP portal. Supporting documents will be required based on individual circumstances, along with the application fee.

Minimum Requirements:

• Valid work permit.
• Working in an eligible occupation in Alberta that matches your work experience.
• Minimum CLB level of 4 or 5 (depending on occupation).
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Minimum 12 months of Alberta work experience in the last 18 months, OR 24 months of Canadian work experience in the last 30 months.

Learn more and assess your eligibility with CTIV!

Alberta Express Entry Stream

This stream allows Alberta to nominate candidates already in the federal Express Entry system. Individuals with strong ties to Alberta and skills contributing to the province's economic growth may receive an invitation to apply.A provincial nomination from Alberta awards an additional 600 CRS points, virtually guaranteeing an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for Canadian permanent residence in a subsequent Express Entry draw. CTIV specializes in maximizing your CRS score!Application Fee: CAD $500

How it works:The Alberta Express Entry Stream operates by invitation only. Candidates in the Express Entry pool may receive a Notification of Interest (NOI) directly from Alberta. Invited candidates must then indicate their interest in being considered.Selected candidates will receive a request from AAIP to apply for provincial nomination and submit required documents through the AAIP portal.

Minimum Requirements:

• Be in the Express Entry pool.
• Have expressed interest in immigrating to Alberta permanently.
• Working in an occupation supporting Alberta’s economic development and diversification.
• Minimum CRS score of 300.

Alberta Accelerated Tech PathwayThis fast-track program is for tech professionals in the Express Entry system who are eligible for the Alberta Express Entry Stream. Meeting the eligibility criteria leads to an invitation to submit an online form via the AAIP portal. If the AAIP confirms eligibility, a provincial nomination application is issued.Application Fee: CAD $500How it works:Candidates working in or with a job offer from an Alberta technology industry employer in an eligible tech occupation can start the application process. After submitting the online form, eligible candidates receive an invitation to apply from the AAIP and must provide supporting documentation through the AAIP online portal.

Minimum Requirements:

• Profile in the Express Entry pool.
• Expressed interest in immigrating to Alberta permanently.
• Minimum CRS score of 300.
• Currently employed or have a job offer in an eligible tech occupation in Alberta.

Rural Renewal StreamThis stream is designed for candidates with job offers from Alberta employers in rural communities.Application Fee: CAD $500

How it works:This stream is community-driven. Candidates must gain the support of a participating community. Designated communities attract and retain foreign nationals, employers offer jobs, and the community ensures candidates meet stream criteria. A letter of support is provided to the foreign national, who then applies to the AAIP.

Minimum Requirements:

• Valid full-time job offer or employment contract in an eligible occupation in a designated community.
• At least 12 months of full-time work experience in an eligible occupation within the 18 months before applying (can be a combination of Alberta, Canadian, or international experience).
• Meet minimum language requirements.
• High school education equivalent to Canadian standards.
• Demonstrate sufficient funds to support themselves and family members moving to the designated community.

Farm StreamThis stream caters to candidates interested in purchasing or starting a farming business in Alberta.Application Fee: CAD $500

How it works:Candidates submit their business plan to the Alberta government for review. The AAIP consults with Alberta Agriculture and Forestry to assess the feasibility of the plan and its alignment with Alberta's agricultural industry needs. Upon approval, candidates submit required documents and forms to both the Alberta government and IRCC.

Minimum Requirements:

• Farm management skills.
• Sufficient financial resources (minimum investment of CAD $500,000).
• Investment plans documented in a comprehensive business plan.

Graduate Entrepreneur Stream

Alberta's International Graduate Entrepreneur Immigration Stream is tailored for international graduates from approved Alberta post-secondary institutions interested in establishing or operating a business in Alberta.Application Fee: CAD $3,500

How it works:Candidates submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through the AAIP online portal. EOI scores are issued within 30 days, and top-ranked candidates are invited to submit a Business Application. A Business Application must be completed within 90 days of receiving the invitation, along with all required documents.

Minimum Requirements:

• At least two years of full-time education in Alberta.
• Valid Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP) at the time of application.
• Minimum CLB level of 7.
• Establish a new business or operate an existing business with at least 34% ownership.

Foreign Graduate Entrepreneur Stream Alberta’s Foreign Graduate Start-Up Visa supports foreign-educated international graduates who wish to launch a start-up business in Alberta and become permanent residents of Canada.Application Fee: CAD $3,500

How it works:Candidates must work with a designated agency, which issues a letter of recommendation if requirements are met. This letter is then submitted with the Expression of Interest (EOI) through the AAIP Portal. The agency also provides a written assessment report of the proposed business plan, which must be submitted with the application.

What are the designated agencies?

1. Empowered Startups
2. Platform Calgary

Minimum Requirements:

• Minimum of six months of full-time work experience managing and/or owning the business.
• Comprehensive business plan with projected financials.
• Post-secondary education from a foreign institution, with an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA). The degree must have been completed within the last ten years.
• 10-minute slides-only presentation explaining the business, detailing what an investor would want to see.
• Minimum CLB level of 5.
• At least 34% ownership if the business is located in an urban centre, or at least 51% ownership if located outside Calgary or Edmonton.
• Minimum investment of $100,000 for an urban centre, or $50,000 for a regional area (can be from own equity or recognized Canadian financial institution, venture capital, or angel investment firm).
• Letter of recommendation from an AAIP-approved agency.
• Sufficient funds to set up the business and support themselves and their family in Canada.

Rural Entrepreneur Stream

This stream supports candidates who wish to start a business in rural communities in Alberta.Application Fee: CAD $3,500How it works:This is a community-driven stream. Entrepreneurs must contact a participating community, plan an exploratory visit, and provide a business proposal outlining the business and its benefits to the community. A supporting letter is then provided. The entrepreneur submits an Expression of Interest (EOI) to the AAIP with this support.

Minimum Requirements:

• Minimum 3 years of experience as an active business owner/manager OR 4 years as a senior manager within the past 10 years.
• High school education (Canadian equivalent) with an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA).
• Minimum CLB level of 4 for each English language skill (or NCLC of 4 for French).
• Minimum net worth of $300,000.
• Minimum investment of $200,000 from candidate's own equity (and/or spouse/common-law partner).
• Community Support Letter from a participating rural Alberta community.

The Alberta Advantage Immigration Program has several streams:

• Alberta Opportunity Stream
• Alberta Express Entry Stream
• Alberta Accelerated Tech Pathway
• Rural Renewal Stream
• Alberta Farm Stream
• Graduate Entrepreneur Immigration Stream
• Foreign Graduate Entrepreneur Stream
• Rural Entrepreneur Stream

Steps to Alberta Immigration:

1. Choose Your Stream: Select the stream aligning with your situation and confirm your eligibility.
2. Apply: Submit your application for your chosen stream.
3. Nomination: Obtain a provincial nomination from Alberta.
4. Permanent Residence: Apply for permanent residence to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

It's essential to understand the difference between base PNP streams and enhanced PNP streams. Enhanced streams are aligned with the federal Express Entry system. In Alberta, only the Alberta Express Entry stream is enhanced. Express Entry candidates interested in immigrating to Alberta may receive a Notification of Interest. If selected, they must apply through the AAIP portal.Need assistance navigating Alberta's complex immigration system? Contact Canadian Title Immigration and Visa Consulting today for expert guidance!