👑 Alberta Immigration Specialists 👑
At Canada Immigration and Visa Services (CIVS), one of our specialty business immigration pathways to permanent residency is the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program. As one of the leading immigration practices in the country specializing in this pathway; it can be ideal for applicants that wish to own or operate their own business in Canada and who are eligible for the program.
The Alberta Advantage Immigration Program is an economic immigration program that nominates foreign nationals for permanent residence in Alberta. Nominees must have the skills and abilities to fill labour shortages or demonstrate they have the skills to own and operate a business in Alberta.
“Alberta Advantage Immigration Program is a business ownership pathway to permanent residency in Canada.”
The Government of Alberta has confirmed its commitment to welcoming entrepreneurial newcomers, through the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program.
Some great news to share from Sean G McKinsley, Managing Partner, Canada Immigration and Visa Services:
Alberta Immigration Program Updates
Program details were released recently at the inaugural Premier’s Summit “Attracting Newcomers to Boost Economic Recovery” during which the Premier of Alberta, Hon Jason Kenney, was joined by 1/3rd of the Government Caucus and Ministry to proudly announce significant enhancements to Alberta’s economic immigration streams.
Alberta’s Great Premier and his Ministry of Labour and Immigration announced that the Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (formerly known as AINP) has been redesignated as the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (now known as AAIP).
Here are some highlights:
Minimum Financial Investment & Net Worth
The minimum net worth will be $300,000. All assets must be candidate’s own personal holdings or spouse’s or common-law partner’s.
Minimum investment of $200,000 from candidate’s own (and/or spouse/common-law partner) equity. Higher levels of investment will be awarded more points.
Language: Minimum CLB 4
Education: High School Graduate
Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP)
The Alberta Advantage Immigration Program is an economic immigration program that nominates foreign nationals for permanent residence in Alberta. Nominees must have the skills and abilities to fill labour shortages or demonstrate they have the skills to own and operate a business in Alberta
Rural Renewal Stream (RRS)
The Rural Renewal Stream supports the attraction and retention of newcomers to rural Alberta through a community-driven approach that supports local economic development needs and contributes to the growth of the community. The Rural Renewal Stream empowers rural communities to recruit and retain foreign nationals to live, work and settle in their communities. The Rural Renewal Stream supports the attraction and retention of newcomers to rural Alberta through a community-driven approach that supports local economic development needs and contributes to the growth of the community. The Rural Renewal Stream empowers rural communities to recruit and retain foreign nationals to live, work and settle in their communities.
Rural Entrepreneur Stream (RES)
It is an economic immigration pathway that allows the province of Alberta to nominate qualified and capable immigrant entrepreneurs who want to start a new or buy an existing business in a rural Alberta community.
Highlights:
Alberta Advantage Immigration Program Eligibility
To be eligible for this stream, candidates must meet the following criteria:
Requirements for the Rural Entrepreneur Stream
| Area | Requirements |
| Work experience | Have either a minimum 3 years of experience as an active business owner/manager or a minimum of 4 years of experience as a senior manager within the past 10 years. |
| Education | Completed a minimum of high school equivalent to the Canadian standard with an Education Credential Assessment (ECA). The Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website lists the designated organizations for ECAs |
| Language | Have a minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level of 4 for each English language skill or Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens (NCLC) of 4 for each French language skill: reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Official test results must be less than 2 years old at the time your Expression of Interest is submitted. The AAIP only accepts the following language tests:
Check the IRCC website on CLB/NCLC equivalency for each of the tests. |
| Net worth | Minimum net worth of $300,000. All assets must be candidate’s own personal holdings or spouse’s or common-law partner’s. |
| Business investment | Minimum investment of $200,000 from candidate’s own (and/or spouse/common-law partner) equity. Higher levels of investment will be awarded more points. |
| Business establishment | Minimum ownership of 51% for a new business. Business Partners must be Canadian Citizens or Permanent Residents. OR 100% ownership for business succession (the succession buy-out must result in a complete change in ownership where the candidate will assume full control of the business). Business must not be on the list of ineligible businesses. Resources on how to establish a business in Alberta, including supports and services related to business plan development, business start-up, and business loans are available on the Small business resource page. |
| Job creation | New businesses must create at least one full-time job for Canadian Citizens or Permanent Residents (not including relatives). More job creation will be awarded more points. Jobs must be created for Canadian citizens or permanent residents (not including relatives) for a period of at least 6 months. For business succession, job creation is not required. |
| Community support letter | Candidates must have a Community Support Letter from a participating rural Alberta community. |
Why Alberta
Alberta is the most welcoming province for immigrants and business owners. Some of the reasons we believe it’s the best are included below:
Lowest corporate and business taxes:
With the Alberta government lowering business and corporate taxes, not only is Alberta the lowest jurisdiction in Canada but one of the lowest in North America, especially with our current provincial government, the UCP.
Sunny:
The sunniest place in Canada is Medicine Hat, Alberta. Whereas Calgary, Alberta, is the sunniest city in Canada. Although the winters can be cold, as with anywhere in Canada, Alberta is fortunate to be near the Rocky Mountains, which produces Chinook winds, which brings unseasonably warm weather in the winter months.
Liveable:
Alberta is an economical place to live in. The abundance of land and world-class infrastructure make it the ideal province to raise a family, start a business, and immigrate to.
UNESCO sites:
Alberta has the most world heritage sites of any province in the country, 6 UNESCO world heritage sites.
No provincial sales tax:
The only tax on sales in Alberta is the GST from the federal government. It is the only province with no provincial sales tax (PST/HST). Alberta has been able to offset the deficit in taxation by charging royalties on oil and gas extraction in the province, which contain the world’s 4th largest reserves of oil and gas.
Proximity to economic centres in the United States:
Calgary is a short flight to many United States cities, such as Seattle, San Jose and San Francisco (Silicon Valley). It is less than a 3-hour flight to Las Vegas as well as Denver. Calgary functions as an international transportation hub.
Proximity to the West Coast
Calgary is a little over an hour flight from the 3rd largest port in North America and the busiest in Canada, Vancouver, BC. Of course, you can make the majestic drive through the mountains and reach Vancouver in less than 12 hours, the gateway to Asian markets.
Outdoor lover’s paradise
Alberta has both the Rocky Mountains and the Great Plains of North America. Beautiful rivers and streams carve the mountain and prairie landscape. There are many parks and wildlands for all to enjoy.
Freedoms
Alberta is perhaps the province with the least restrictions and regulations with limited government interference, unlike other provinces. Liquor is distributed privately, vehicle registrations are privately controlled, and other parts of the economy, which are government-run in other provinces, are more efficiently privately run in Alberta.
Healthcare
Alberta consistently ranks as the province with the top healthcare in the country. Amid the COVID-19 world pandemic, Alberta has maintained the highest testing per capita COVID-19 testing in the country and some of the highest per capita testing rates in the world.
Schools
Alberta has some of Canada’s best ranking and fastest-growing post-secondary institutions. Alberta has many well-known universities, colleges and technical schools such as the University of Alberta (Edmonton) and the University of Calgary are just a couple of examples.
The Alberta Advantage Immigration Program Step by Step Process
Step 1. Read and understand the AAIP terms and conditions
Step 2. Review the Eligibility Criteria for the program
Step 3. Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI)
Step 4. Submit the Business Application package
Step 5. Business Application assessment
Step 6. Establish your business in Alberta
Step 7. Final Report for Nomination
New Alberta Provincial Nomination Programs – Webinar
Our webinar regarding the four new Alberta Provincial Nominee Programs designed as alternatives to the Federal Owner Operator LMIA category of applicant.
The Four Alberta Programs outlined in our webinar:
Rural Entrepreneur Immigration Stream (REIS)
Rural Renewal Immigration Stream (RRIS)
Foreign Graduate Startup Visa Stream (FGSVS)
International Graduate Entrepreneur Immigration Stream (IGEIS)
Alberta Advantage Immigration Program Guidebook
- Sale!
This publication is intended as a wellspring for entrepreneurs who wish to make Canada their new home through Alberta's new program, the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program.
Why CIVS
Canada Immigration and Visa Services is one of the nations leading immigration practices from coast to coast helping entrepreneurial newcomers live the Canadian dream. CIVS is experienced and in all Alberta program pathways, including the new Alberta Advantage Immigration Program and receives approvals for a significant number of applications every year.
Canada Immigration and Visa Services is also uniquely positioned to not only assist and advise our clients on the appropriate immigration pathway but through our business development arm, CIVS Marketplace, is able to assist new businesses owners to Canada in all their management and business development needs.
Don’t just take our word for it, see our approvals from around the world below.
Testimonials
“Thanks Sean, Connie and the Team, I can’t find a word to express my happiness and thanks god!! Given the HK situation, most of the real HKers are planning to flee and it’s a good time to arrange my new life in a country which upholds and respects the same values.
See you all next year and appreciate for your help.”
“I am here to express my great appreciation to CIVS. CIVS is the best immigration agency to work with. This professional team provides the efficient and suitable way to guide you with the immigration process. They helped me to set up a company which is suit for me and also apply for LMIA, work permit and Express Entry as well. I am thankful to get PR invitation after 9 months process. It was such a great success for CIVS again. I want to say thank you to Sean, Connie and Nick for being such a helpful person throughout the process. Special thanks to Connie again for the contributions, she is a friendly and caring staff who communicates with me all the time. I highly recommend this company for immigration to my friends because of their excellent work and services. They deserve my 5 stars reward. Last but not least, I send my best wish to CIVS and definitely I hope to meet you guys soon.
Thank you!”
“I would like to express my appreciation to you and your teammates according to the application of Owner Operator LMIA and Express Entry.
On 29 September 2000 afternoon, I was thrilled when I received a call from Connie that my OO LMIA application has been approved. Then the next day, I was successfully invited to apply for PR by the EE draw on 30 September 2020, it’s beyond my expectation. During these 3 months, I was pleased to work with your team especially Connie, she always provided me with prompt advice even after working hours. Sean, I’m envious that you have Connie in CIVS. I need to thank Steven for the bravo business plan with every detailed figure that was written in just a very limited time. Also Anne and Kimberly, you both made the progress smooth well. Finally, I do appreciate for Sean’s professional guidance and I don’t think that it’s easy without your assistance. Sean, you make things happen, always ~and yes, this is how you roll~”
Hi. I am Rajesh from India. Mr Nikola and his team handled my LMIA and work permit application. I was impressed by the way they filed my application and the whole process. My work permit was rejected 6 years back and this is my second time. They make sure that I submitted all my documents and corrected a few things. I followed them and took their advice seriously submitting my documents. Mr Nikola was very patient and constantly was in touch with me regarding my application.i would like to thank Jeethna( admin) as well in this regard.
I strongly recommend Nikola (CIVS) and his team for immigration and work permit process.
Good Luck
Rajesh.G
Sean, Kimberley, Annie and the whole team are very professional and knowledgeable. They have become more like my extended family thats how great they have been.
Lets sail into the future.
CIVS has been extremely helpful in my immigration application to Canada as a business investor. The team helped every step of the way and ensured that I submitted all the right documentation. They make sure that you are always informed about the status of your application. If you are looking to immigrate to Canada as an investor, CIVS is the place to go. I would recommend them 100%
Alberta Advantage Immigration Program FAQs
Sean G McKinsley and the experienced team at Canada Immigration and Visa Services can provide answers to eligibility.
This will depend on the AAIP stream selected.
- Alberta Opportunity Stream
- The Alberta Opportunity Stream is for temporary foreign workers who are already working full-time in Alberta and have a full-time job offer from an Alberta employer in an eligible occupation. Candidates must have a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) or hold one of the accepted LMIA exemption work permits. Candidates must also meet other minimum eligibility criteria for residency and work permit type, occupation, language, education, Alberta job offer and work experience.
- Graduate Entrepreneur Stream
- The Graduate Entrepreneur Stream allows Alberta to nominate qualified international graduates from Alberta post-secondary institutions who want to establish or operate a business in Alberta to apply for permanent residence.
- Rural Entrepreneur Stream
- The Rural Entrepreneur Stream is an economic immigration program. Entrepreneurs who want to start a business or buy an existing business in a rural Alberta community can submit an Expression of Interest.
- Rural Renewal Stream
- The Rural Renewal Stream supports the attraction and retention of newcomers to rural Alberta through a community-driven approach that supports local economic development needs and contributes to the growth of the community. The Rural Renewal Stream empowers rural communities to recruit and retain foreign nationals to live, work and settle in their communities.
- Alberta Express Entry
- The Alberta Express Entry Stream allows Alberta to nominate a limited number of qualified candidates from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada’s Express Entry system.
- Foreign Graduate Entrepreneur Stream
- The Foreign Graduate Entrepreneur Stream is an economic immigration program for qualified foreign educated graduates from outside of Canada who want to launch start-up enterprises and innovative businesses in Alberta.
- Farm Stream
- The Farm Stream is for entrepreneurs who have the financial resources and farm management experience to establish a new or purchase an existing farm in Alberta.
- Alberta Opportunity Stream
Sean G McKinsley and the experienced team at Canada Immigration and Visa Services can guide you on Permanent residence in Canada through the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program.
Sean G McKinsley and the experienced team at Canada Immigration and Visa Services can guide you LMIA-exempt and owner-operator pathways for temporary and permanent residence in Alberta.
Alberta Advantage Immigration Program Support Team
Alberta Immigration Updates
Special Bulletin: Congratulations to our Owner Operator Clients on their PR Approvals and Temporary Resident Approvals – Welcome to Canada! GallerySpecial Bulletin: Congratulations to our Owner Operator Clients on their PR Approvals and Temporary Resident Approvals – Welcome to Canada!
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April 4, 2022 From Coast-to-Coast, CIVS is Canada’s national immigration firm specializing in helping entrepreneurial newcomers live the Canadian dream. We have some great news from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship [...]
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