Alberta is about to launch new immigration pathways

Alberta has planned to launch two new Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) for international student graduates who wish to start their own business in the province. This will open doors to Canadian permanent residence for international student graduates.

These new  Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program  (AINP) will motivate international graduates to open businesses in Alberta. Such attraction will add benefits to Alberta’s economy and it will also create new high-paying jobs in support of diversifying the economy.

On October 26, the International Graduate Entrepreneur Immigration Stream is taking the first step. This PNP is for Alberta’s recent post-secondary international student graduates. Expression of Interest system is operating the new immigration stream and it is open now for submission.

AINP will give points by assessing the applications of candidates from the submitted Expression of Interest. The candidate with the highest score will receive an invitation to submit their business application.

Once the candidate receives the invitation, he/she will be allowed & be able to access the AINP portal and start the process. This request receipt does not guarantee that candidate will get Canadian permanent residence.

Alberta has also planned for the Foreign Graduate Start-up Visa Stream in January 2021. This stream is for those international student graduates who are pass-out from top U.S. universities and colleges & wish to start a business in Alberta to settle with Alberta communities.

Eligibility criteria for the new AINP (International Graduate Entrepreneur Immigration Stream)

• International student graduates from Alberta University and colleges must meet the following eligibility criteria to be considered for the International Graduate Entrepreneur Immigration Stream.
• Such graduates must be immigrating to Alberta to establish a new business or buy an existing business, and have at least 34 percent ownership of the company. The proposed business type must not be on Alberta’s list of ineligible businesses.
• Candidates need at least six months of full-time work experience, which can be a combination of actively managing or owning the business, according to the AINP Webpage. This could also include an equivalent amount of experience with a business incubator, business accelerator, or entrepreneurship program courses.
• They also need at least two years of full-time education in Alberta, with a degree or diploma from a designated post-secondary institution in Alberta. They must also have a  post-graduation work permit that is valid for at least two years at the time their EOI is submitted.
• Eligible candidates also need a minimum  Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) of at least seven in all proficiencies in either English or French.
• The business should have an economic benefit to Alberta through job creation, investment, and developed intellectual property among others.
• Candidates aged 21 to 49 years old also have an advantage.