Maple News reports that Alberta is rolling out two new provincial immigration pathways designed to empower international graduates to establish businesses within the province, fostering economic diversification and job creation.
The Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP) has officially launched the International Graduate Entrepreneur Immigration Stream as of October 26. This initiative targets recent graduates from Alberta’s post-secondary institutions and aims to support those who want to start or purchase a business in the province. Notably, applicants must submit an Expression of Interest (EOI), and top-scoring candidates will receive an invitation to apply. However, receiving an invitation does not guarantee permanent residency.
To qualify, candidates must have at least six months of full-time work experience, which may come from managing or owning a business or from relevant entrepreneurial programs. Additionally, they must prove at least two years of full-time education in Alberta at a designated post-secondary institution and hold a valid Post-Graduation Work Permit with a minimum of two years of remaining validity when submitting their EOI. Language proficiency is also required, with a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) of at least 7 in all areas of English or French.
Applicants must hold a minimum of 34% ownership in the proposed or existing business. The business itself must align with Alberta’s criteria and may not fall under the list of ineligible business types defined by the province.
In a forward-looking move, Alberta will also introduce the Foreign Graduate Start-Up Visa Stream in January 2021. This pathway will welcome international student graduates from top U.S. colleges and universities who are interested in launching businesses and settling in communities throughout Alberta. More details on this program are expected later this year.
According to Maple News, these expanded immigration options signal Alberta’s strategic focus on retaining global talent and leveraging entrepreneurship as a means to revitalize and grow the provincial economy. By creating business-friendly pathways to permanent residency, Alberta aims to stimulate innovation and attract high-potential founders from around the world.