Add Your Heading Text Here

Overview

The Alberta Rural Entrepreneur Stream is an economic immigration pathway under the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP). This stream targets foreign entrepreneurs who plan to establish a new business or purchase an existing business in rural communities of Alberta. Its goal is to attract entrepreneurs with management experience and investment capacity to operate locally, create jobs, and contribute to regional economic development.

Eligible applicants can obtain a Provincial Nomination from Alberta by actively managing a business, which can then be used to apply for Canadian permanent residence.

Highlights

  • Moderate investment threshold: Minimum investment of CAD 100,000 and net assets of CAD 300,000.
  • Flexible entrepreneurship: Applicants can either start a new business or acquire an existing one (Business Succession).
  • Community involvement: Rural communities actively participate by providing local support and endorsements.
  • Clear immigration pathway: After meeting investment and operational requirements, applicants can receive a provincial nomination and apply for permanent residence.

Basic Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must meet the following conditions:

Requirement

Details

Work Experience

At least 3 years as a business owner/operator or 4 years as a senior manager within the past 10 years.

Education

Minimum Canadian high school equivalency; must provide ECA (Educational Credential Assessment).

Language Ability

English or French at CLB/NCLC 4 in all four skills (listening, speaking, reading, writing); results must be valid within 2 years.

Net Assets

Combined personal and spouse net assets of at least CAD 300,000.

Minimum Investment

At least CAD 100,000 of personal funds; higher investments earn higher points.

Ownership

≥51% ownership for a new business; 100% ownership for business acquisition.

Job Creation

New businesses must create at least 1 full-time job for a Canadian citizen or permanent resident (excluding relatives). Business acquisitions are exempt.

Community Support Letter

Must obtain a Community Support Letter from the participating rural community.

Ineligible Situations

  • Already holding another AAIP nomination or restricted from reapplying.
  • Subject to a removal order from Canada.
  • Refugee claim or appeal in progress.
  • No valid temporary status in Canada.
  • Business in an ineligible sector.

Exploratory Visits

Applicants should contact the economic development officer of the target community to discuss their business proposal and arrange an exploratory visit, either in person or via video.

Purpose of the visit:

  • Understand local markets, business environment, regulations, and opportunities.
  • Help the applicant make an informed decision about starting or acquiring a business.

Post-visit requirements:

  • Submit an Exploratory Visit Report, including meetings with professional service providers, economic development officers, or existing business owners.
  • Submit a Business Proposal Summary; the community will review and, if satisfied, issue a Community Support Letter.

Business Requirements

  • Businesses must generate active or operational income, not passive income.
  • Compliance with Canadian, Alberta, and local laws, including labor law and health & safety regulations, is mandatory.
  • Physical business location must be within a rural community.
  • Franchise businesses must meet all conditions and provide head office support documentation.

Ineligible Business Types

  • Passive investments or unmanaged enterprises, such as real estate, leasing, lending, or resale businesses.
  • Seasonal, project-based, or home-based businesses.
  • Adult entertainment or sexual services.
  • Any other businesses that conflict with AAIP or Alberta’s reputation.

Applicants Already Operating in Alberta

Entrepreneurs who already operate a business in a rural community may apply without additional operational requirements. They must submit a Community Support Letter and continue operating the business until permanent residence is obtained.

Application Process

The Rural Entrepreneur Stream application process involves seven main steps:

Step 1: Contact CMI, Learn About the Program & Target Community

  • Review AAIP eligibility requirements.
  • AAIP may assess applicants based on completeness, qualification, labor market information, and other factors.
  • Choose a rural community (population under 100,000, outside Calgary and Edmonton metropolitan areas).

Step 2: Confirm Eligibility

  • Verify all minimum requirements are met.
  • Discuss business ideas with community economic development officers.
  • Conduct an exploratory visit (on-site or virtual).
  • Prepare to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI).
  • Eligibility does not guarantee approval to submit a Business Application.

Step 3: Submit Expression of Interest (EOI)

  • Submit an EOI through the AAIP online portal.
  • The system scores applications within 30 days; top candidates are invited to submit a Business Application.
  • EOI requirements:
    1. Complete online EOI form
    2. Pay CAD 200 EOI fee
  • Documents may include:
    • Business Proposal Summary
    • Net Asset Statement
    • Community Support Letter
  • EOI is valid for 12 months; it does not guarantee invitation.

Step 4: Submit Business Application

  • Submit the Business Application within 90 days of invitation.
  • Pay CAD 3,500 non-refundable fee.
  • Include:
    • Business plan and assessment report
    • Report from a qualified service provider
    • Supporting documentation
  • Information must be consistent with the EOI.

Step 5: Business Application Review

  • AAIP may request additional information.
  • Upon approval, a Business Performance Agreement is signed, detailing industry, investment, employment requirements, etc.
  • Applicants can then apply for a 2-year work permit using a 205(a) support letter.
  • Entrepreneurs already operating in Alberta do not need a performance agreement.

Step 6: Operate the Business in Alberta

  • Establish residence in the rural community.
  • Actively manage the business (new business ≥51% ownership; acquired business 100% ownership).
  • Submit:
    • Arrival Report: within 30 days of work permit issuance
    • Business Progress Report: every 6 months
  • Work permit extension via 205(a) support letter may be requested (CAD 150 service fee).

Step 7: Submit Final Report for Nomination

  • After 12 months of operation and fulfilling the Business Performance Agreement, submit the Final Report to AAIP.
  • If approved, AAIP issues provincial nomination and notifies IRCC.
  • Applicants may apply for Canadian permanent residence.
  • Reconsideration requests are allowed if the final report is refused.

Post-Nomination Guidelines

  • Apply for permanent residence within 6 months of nomination.
  • Submit Business Progress Report 6 months after nomination.
  • Maintain legal status and report changes in personal circumstances.
  • AAIP may revoke nomination for non-compliance or misrepresentation.

PR Application

  • Submit AAIP nomination certificate and supporting documents to IRCC.
  • IRCC performs health, security, and criminal background checks and may request additional documents.
  • AAIP does not make final PR decisions or issue Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR).

Work Permit Extensions

  • Apply for renewal if the work permit expires during PR processing.
  • Options:
    1. Bridging Open Work Permit (recommended)
    2. 205(a) support letter if option 1 is not possible (CAD 150 fee; case-by-case review)

AAIP Nomination Extensions

  • Nomination valid for 6 months by default; extension possible for CAD 150 fee.
  • Must apply before expiration and justify reason if PR application not yet submitted.

 

Participating Communities

  • Over 60 rural communities participate across central, northern, and southern Alberta.
  • Each community has a designated economic development officer or contact.
  • Applicants must use official contact information for communication.

Examples of Participating Communities:

  • Cities: Brooks, Camrose, Cold Lake, Grande Prairie, Lacombe, Lethbridge, Wetaskiwin
  • Counties / Municipal Districts: Camrose County, Wetaskiwin County, Flagstaff County, Peace, Smoky River, Spirit River
  • Towns: Blackfalds, Bonnyville, Bow Island, Coronation, Claresholm, Didsbury, Falher, Fox Creek, Grimshaw, High Level, High Prairie, Innisfail, Mayerthorpe, McLennan, Mundare, Olds, Onoway, Oyen, Peace River, Penhold, Ponoka, Provost, Sedgewick, Slave Lake, Stettler, Sundre, Sylvan Lake, Taber, Trochu, Two Hills, Viking, Wainwright, Westlock, Whitecourt
  • Villages: Acme, Berwyn, Chauvin, Clive, Consort, Donnelly, Forestburg, Girouxville, Vilna
  • Indigenous Communities / First Nations: Montana First Nation