Maple News reports that Alberta has officially launched a new immigration stream tailored for international graduates seeking to start businesses in the province. The Foreign Graduate Start-Up Visa Stream (FGSVS) is now accepting Expressions of Interest (EOIs) from candidates who meet the eligibility requirements.
Introduced on January 27, 2021, the FGSVS is part of the Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP) and targets promising international entrepreneurs who have completed post-secondary education outside of Canada within the last two years. Applicants must hold educational credentials equivalent to a Canadian degree.
To qualify, candidates must demonstrate at least six months of full-time experience in business management, ownership, or in collaboration with an incubator or accelerator. Additionally, they must present a robust business plan including financial forecasts, and pitch their proposed idea through a 10-minute investor-focused presentation.
Language proficiency is also a key requirement, with candidates needing minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level 7 in all skills, either in English or French. Entrepreneurs must hold at least 34% ownership in an urban business or 51% in a rural area. They must also secure investment from their own funds or through recognized Canadian financing sources, along with a letter of recommendation from a designated agency approved by the AINP.
Moreover, applicants need to prove they have enough funds to establish their startup and sustain themselves during the launch phase. The program does not impose a fixed intake quota, but the province retains the right to manage application volume and nominations.
Candidates can submit their Expression of Interest through the AINP Portal, where their profiles will be assessed and scored based on various factors such as education, experience, and language ability. Top-ranking candidates are then invited to submit a formal Business Application to pursue permanent residency.
The FGSVS is one of several entrepreneurial pathways Alberta offers. Other programs include the Alberta Self-Employed Farmer Stream, which supports individuals investing in agricultural ventures, and the International Graduate Entrepreneur Immigration Stream for graduates of Alberta post-secondary institutions.
Alberta also runs the Alberta Opportunity Stream and Alberta Express Entry Stream for skilled workers and recent graduates aiming to settle permanently in the province. This growing landscape of programs reflects Alberta’s long-term commitment to attracting global talent and fostering innovation through entrepreneurship.