Rural Entrepreneur Stream

The Rural Entrepreneur Stream 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.  The Alberta Advantage Immigration Program defines rural Alberta communities as any community with a population of less than 100,000. In addition, the community must be outside of the Calgary and Edmonton Census Metropolitan Areas (CMAs).

To qualify, candidates must meet specific minimum criteria across several categories:

Work Experience: Either 3+ years as an active business owner/manager OR 4+ years as a senior manager within the last 10 years.

Education: Minimum high school equivalent to Canadian standards (with an Educational Credential Assessment).

Language Skills: Minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level 4 in English or French for all four abilities (Reading, Writing, Listening, Speaking).

Net Worth: A minimum of $300,000 in personal net worth (including spouse/common-law partner's assets).

Investment: Minimum investment of $100,000 from the candidate’s (and/or spouse’s) own equity.

Ownership: At least 51% ownership for a new business OR 100% ownership for a business succession (buy-out).

Job Creation: New businesses must create at least one full-time job for a Canadian citizen or permanent resident (not including relatives) for at least 6 months.

Community Support: Must obtain a Community Support Letter from a participating rural Alberta community following an exploratory visit.

Phase 1: Community Engagement & Exploratory Visit

• Initial Inquiry: The entrepreneur contacts a participating rural community (population <100,000) to discuss their business proposal.​

• Business Fit Assessment: The community reviews the entrepreneur's resume, language tests, and business proposal to determine if it meets local labor market needs.​

• Exploratory Visit: If satisfied, the community invites the entrepreneur for a mandatory exploratory visit (in-person or via web-based video conferencing).

• Community Support Letter: Following the visit, the entrepreneur provides a Business Proposal Summary. If endorsed, the community issues an official Community Support Letter​

Phase 2: AAIP Application & Work Permit

• Expression of Interest (EOI): The entrepreneur submits an EOI and the endorsed Business Proposal Summary to the AAIP Portal.

• Business Application: If selected from the EOI pool, the candidate is invited to submit a full Business Application.

• Interview & Agreement: Qualified candidates may be interviewed. If approved, they sign a Business Performance Agreement with the Province of Alberta.

• Work Permit: AAIP issues a 205(a) Letter of Support, allowing the entrepreneur to apply to IRCC for a work permit to move to Alberta and start the business.​

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Phase 3: Business Establishment & Nomination

• Arrival & Operation: The candidate must submit an Arrival Report within 30 days of arriving and then operate the business according to the signed agreement.

• Progress Monitoring: Business Progress Reports must be submitted every 6 months.

• Nomination: After actively owning and operating the business for at least 12 months, the candidate applies for a nomination for permanent residence.

Phase 4: Permanent Residence (PR)

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• PR Application: Once nominated by Alberta, the individual applies to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for permanent residence.

This is just an estimated time line:​​

• EOI Scoring: Within 30 days of submission.

• EOI Pool Validity:  12 months from the date of submission.

• Business Application Submission: Must be submitted within 90 calendar days of the request.

• Business Performance Agreement: Must be signed and returned within 14 days of receipt.

• Arrival Report: Due within 30 days of arriving in Alberta.

• Progress Reports: Every 6 months while operating the business.

• Minimum Business Operation: At least 12 months of active operation before nomination.

• This stream is ideal for individuals who:

• Target Rural Growth: Want to live and operate a business in an Alberta community with a population under 100,000 (excluding the Calgary and Edmonton metropolitan areas).

• Have Proven Management Skills: Can demonstrate the ability to actively manage a business day-to-day.

• Are Innovation-Driven: Seek to introduce new ideas, goods, or services that address specific local labor market gaps.

• Seek a Path to Permanent Residency: Are looking for a provincial nomination that leads directly to a federal PR application after successfully operating their business .

• EOI Fee: $200Non-refundable; paid at the time of submission.

• Business Application Fee: $3,500Non-refundable; paid if invited to apply.

• Minimum Business Investment: $100,000+From your own equity; higher amounts earn more points.

• Service Provider Reports: Variable Costs for designated providers (e.g., KPMG, MNP) to verify net worth and business plans.

• Business Plan: $2500 to $4000

• Work Permit Government Fees: $155 (principal applicant), $255 (spouse), $150 (per child)

• PR- IRCC Govt. fees: Principal Applicant: $1,895 (Processing) + $600 (Right of PR Fee) = $2,495 CAD, Spouse/Partner: $635, Dependent Child: $175, Biometrics: $85 per person (max $170 for families)

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For personalized guidance through this process, feel free to reach out to us at Admire Immigration Services Inc., offering expert support for the Caregiver Pilot, Intra-Company Transfer, Nurses, and Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot programs.