The Foreign Graduate Entrepreneur Stream (FGES) is part of the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP). It offers foreign-educated graduates the opportunity to start or buy a business in Alberta, providing a pathway to permanent residency in Canada.
The Alberta Foreign Graduate Entrepreneur Stream is a program designed to support international graduates who wish to immigrate to Alberta as entrepreneurs. This stream provides a pathway for graduates from Alberta's post-secondary institutions to establish and operate a business in the province.
The mandatory minimum investment for an urban centre is $100,000 CAD while the mandatory minimum investment for a regional area is $50,000 CAD. Higher levels of investment prior to coming to Alberta will be awarded more points. Points are awarded for urban centre or regional area, not both.
The minimum investment for Alberta entrepreneur immigration varies based on the specific business type and plan.
Check out eligibility at:
https://www.alberta.ca/aaip-foreign-graduate-entrepreneur-stream-eligibility
To qualify for Alberta business immigration, applicants must meet specific criteria, including having a viable business plan, relevant work experience, and sufficient financial resources to support their venture. The Alberta Advantage Immigration Program outlines detailed eligibility requirements for various streams.
The Alberta Advantage Immigration Program offers Canada business startup visa for international graduates.
The Foreign Graduate Entrepreneur Stream (FGES) is one stream of the Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP), a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) operated by the province of Alberta. The FGES offers a pathway to permanent residence to recent graduates who have completed a foreign post-secondary credential and who have an intention of starting and operating a business in the province of Alberta.
The Alberta Advantage Immigration Program offers numerous benefits, including a streamlined process for skilled workers and entrepreneurs, access to valuable resources for business development, and a welcoming community that supports newcomers in integrating into the province.
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Immigrate to Alberta as an entrepreneur
A foreign graduate can start a business in Canada by applying through the Foreign Graduate Entrepreneur Stream or other relevant immigration programs. It's essential to develop a strong business plan and understand the business immigration process for foreign graduates to navigate the requirements successfully.
Level of Education
To be eligible for the Foreign Graduate Entrepreneur Stream, candidates must have completed a post-secondary degree and obtained an Education Credential Assessment (ECA) report demonstrating its equivalence to a Canadian credential. The foreign credential must have been completed within the last ten years at the time of EOI submission.
Work Experience
Candidates must have at least six months of relevant full-time work experience. This can be demonstrated through experience as an active business owner-manager, manager, or experience with a business incubator or business accelerator.
Business Establishment
Candidates must establish a new business or buy an existing business in Alberta with at least 34% ownership if it is located in an urban area or at least 51% ownership if the business is located outside of Calgary or Edmonton.
Qualifying businesses must be in one of the following key or priority sectors:
Check out eligibility at:
https://www.alberta.ca/aaip-foreign-graduate-entrepreneur-stream-eligibility
To immigrate to Alberta as an entrepreneur, follow these steps:
To apply, submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through the AAIP portal. If selected, complete the full application with a designated agency to verify business viability and receive a recommendation.
A minimum investment of CAD 100,000 is required for urban areas and CAD 50,000 for rural areas. Applicants must also demonstrate a net worth of at least CAD 300,000.
A designated agency helps evaluate the viability of your business idea, refines your business plan, connects you to local networks, and ensures you meet AAIP standards for Alberta’s market.
Designated agencies offer mentorship, business consulting, and assistance with funding, regulatory compliance, and networking—helping entrepreneurs build successful ventures in Alberta.
Yes, if you meet the program’s requirements and successfully establish a business in Alberta, you may be eligible for permanent residency through the AAIP.
The timeline varies, but after submitting an EOI, processing and business evaluation with a designated agency can take several months. Approved candidates proceed to the final stages of the AAIP.
Most businesses are eligible, especially in growth sectors like technology, healthcare, and renewable energy. The business should contribute to Alberta’s economy and meet innovation and job creation standards.
A business plan is a comprehensive document detailing your business strategy, financial projections, and market analysis. It demonstrates your business’s potential and is critical for AAIP approval.
While designated agencies don’t directly provide funding, they offer guidance on securing local investments and connecting with Alberta’s financial institutions.
To strengthen your application, ensure your business plan aligns with Alberta’s economic needs, meets investment requirements, and includes job creation potential. A designated agency can provide valuable insights.
Alberta offers a growing economy, lower business taxes, support for innovation, and strong industry sectors, making it an attractive destination for entrepreneurs worldwide.
