In one sentence
Alberta’s Foreign Graduate Entrepreneur Stream lets graduates of universities outside Canada start a business in Alberta and apply for PR, from CAD 50,000 outside the big cities.
Who it suits
- People with a degree from outside Canada in the last 10 years
- Those with 6+ months of business, management or incubator experience
- Founders in eligible sectors such as technology, agriculture, energy or tourism
- Anyone wanting to start a business in Canada with a lower investment
Who it may not suit
- People whose degree is over 10 years old or from Canada
- Those below CLB 5
- Anyone not planning to run the business in Alberta personally
Main requirements
- A degree completed outside Canada within the last 10 years, with an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA)
- At least 6 months of full-time business ownership, management or incubator/accelerator experience
- CLB/NCLC 5 or above in English or French (results less than two years old)
- A business in technology, aerospace, financial services, energy, agriculture, tourism, life sciences or pharmaceuticals
- Calgary or Edmonton: invest CAD 100,000 and own 34%; elsewhere: invest CAD 50,000 and own 51%
- A letter of recommendation from a designated agency, plus a business plan and 10-minute pitch deck
- Sufficient settlement funds, based on family size and community population
Timeline
| Step | Timing | What happens |
|---|---|---|
| Assessment and business plan | 1–2 months | We confirm your education and experience, choose an eligible sector, and prepare the business plan and pitch deck. |
| Designated agency recommendation | Per the agency | Present your plan to a designated agency and obtain its letter of recommendation. |
| EOI and Business Application | By points-based invitation | Submit an Expression of Interest (CAD 200); once invited, file the Business Application within 90 days (CAD 3,500). |
| Work permit and running the business | At least 12 months | Sign the Business Performance Agreement, move to Alberta on a two-year work permit and report progress every six months. |
| Nomination and permanent residence | Once terms are met | Submit the Final Report for Nomination, then apply to the federal government for permanent residence. |
Common myths
| Myth | Reality |
|---|---|
| You must open in Calgary | Outside the big cities it’s CAD 50,000 with 51% ownership. |
| A degree is enough | You need a designated agency’s recommendation. |
| An invitation means PR | You must operate for at least 12 months and meet the performance agreement. |
Checklist before you apply
- Complete an Educational Credential Assessment
- Prepare CLB 5 language results
- Write a business plan and a 10-minute pitch
- Choose an eligible sector and location
- Approach a designated agency
Our advice
Confirm your education, sector and location first, then the business plan. The designated agency’s recommendation is the key to the whole application.
Every family’s background and timeline is different — book a free consultation and a consultant will assess your situation.
Learn more: Alberta AAIP Foreign Graduate Entrepreneur Stream