Situated in Western Canada, Alberta boasts two of the nation’s largest cities, Calgary and Edmonton. The Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP) welcomes skilled individuals with the necessary skills and experience to address job vacancies in the province.
Alberta Immigration Streams
There are five streams available for prospective immigrants considering a move to Alberta:
Alberta Opportunity Stream
Suited for skilled workers engaged in eligible employment within the province.
Alberta Express Entry Stream
Targeting Express Entry (EE) candidates holding eligible employment and a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of at least 300.
Alberta Self-Employed Farmer Stream
Geared toward those interested in establishing a farming business.
International Graduate Entrepreneur Immigration Stream
Designed for international graduates of Alberta post-secondary institutions aspiring to initiate a business in the province.
Foreign Graduate Start-Up Visa
Tailored for foreign-educated graduates from U.S. educational institutions looking to initiate a business in Alberta.
Streams under the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) using this system are considered enhanced, while those without it are known as base streams. Candidates are evaluated based on criteria such as age, qualifications, work experience, and language proficiency. The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) assigns scores to candidates, and those with the highest CRS scores can apply for permanent residence through draws.
Candidates indicating interest in immigrating to Alberta and possessing a CRS score of at least 300 are eligible. Those receiving provincial nominations receive an additional 600 points, significantly enhancing their prospects in the Express Entry draw.
Alberta Opportunity Stream
Application Fee: CAD 500
- Foreign nationals employed in the province.
- International graduates with degrees from approved post-secondary institutions.
Candidates submit online applications through the AINP portal, including required documents and application fees.
- Valid work permit.
- Employment in Alberta in a relevant occupation.
- Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 4 or 5.
- High school diploma at a minimum.
- 12 months of work experience in the last 18 months, or 24 months in the past 30 months.
Alberta Express Entry Stream
Application Fee: CAD 500
- Individuals with a profile in the federal Express Entry system.
- Individuals with strong ties to the province and skills contributing to its economic growth.
Interested candidates submit their business plans, and the AINP selects viable plans aligned with Alberta’s agricultural industry. Approved candidates complete forms for the Alberta government and IRCC
- Farm management skills.
- Ability to invest at least CAD 500,000.
- Submission of a comprehensive business plan including investment details.
Self-Employed Farmer Stream
Application Fee: CAD 500
- Individuals with a profile in the federal Express Entry system.
- Individuals with strong ties to the province and skills contributing to its economic growth.
Interested candidates submit their business plans, and the AINP selects viable plans aligned with Alberta’s agricultural industry. Approved candidates complete forms for the Alberta government and IRCC.
- Farm management skills.
- Ability to invest at least CAD 500,000.
- Submission of a comprehensive business plan including investment details..
International Graduate Entrepreneur Immigration Stream
Application Fee: CAD 3,500
- Individuals with a profile in the federal Express Entry system.
- Individuals with strong ties to the province and skills contributing to its economic growth.
Candidates submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through the AINP portal. The highest-ranking candidates then submit a Business Application.
- Completion of at least two years of education in Alberta.
- Possession of a PG Work Permit valid for at least two years.
- Minimum CLB level of 7.
- Start a new business or hold at least a 34% stake in an existing business.
- Six months of work experience.
Foreign Graduate Start-Up Stream
Application Fee: CAD 3,500
Foreign-educated graduates aspiring to initiate start-up businesses in Alberta.
Candidates work with a designated agency for recommendation letters and assessment reports. Submission of the letter of recommendation and Expression of Interest (EOI) through the AINP Portal follows.
- Minimum six months of full-time business management/ownership experience.
- Submission of a detailed business plan, including financials.
- Foreign post-secondary education and an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA).
- 10-minute slides-only business presentation.
- Minimum CLB level of 7.
- At least 34% ownership in an urban business or 51% outside Calgary or Edmonton.
- Ability to invest at least $100,000 (urban) or $50,000 (regional).
