Here's a comparative overview of the key eligibility requirements for the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) entrepreneur streams: Rural Entrepreneur Stream, Graduate Entrepreneur Stream, Farm Stream, and Foreign Graduate Entrepreneur Stream.
| Requirement Category | AAIP Rural Entrepreneur Stream (RES) | AAIP Graduate Entrepreneur Stream (GES) | AAIP Farm Stream | AAIP Foreign Graduate Entrepreneur Stream (FGES) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Attracts entrepreneurs to start or acquire businesses in rural Alberta communities to promote economic growth and development. | For international graduates of Alberta post-secondary institutions who want to establish or operate a business in the province. | For experienced farmers who plan to buy or start a farm in Alberta. | For foreign-educated graduates who want to launch a start-up enterprise and innovative business in Alberta. |
| Minimum Investment | $100,000 CAD from own equity (reduced from $200,000 as of April 3, 2023). | No mandatory minimum, but points awarded for investments starting at $25,000 CAD (max points for $75,001+). | Minimum $500,000 CAD of equity in a primary production farming business. | Mandatory minimum investment from own equity or recognized Canadian financial institution/VC/angel firm: $100,000 CAD for urban centres; $50,000 CAD for regional areas. |
| Minimum Net Worth | $300,000 CAD (personal/spousal). | No strict threshold, but must show ability to fund startup. | Minimum $500,000 CAD or access to similar funds. | Must demonstrate sufficient funds to set up business and support self/family (based on LICOs). |
| Work Experience | Minimum 3 years active business owner/manager OR 4 years senior manager within past 10 years. | Minimum 6 months full-time work experience (active management/ownership or equivalent like incubator/accelerator). Can be before or after Alberta education. | Proof of farm management skills (financial documentation of existing farm, education, training, work experience, proposed business plan, financing proof). | Minimum 6 months full-time work experience (active management/ownership or equivalent like incubator/accelerator). |
| Education | Minimum Canadian high school equivalent (with ECA). | Completed at least 2 years full-time education from an Alberta publicly funded post-secondary institution (degree/diploma). | No specific minimum, but farm management experience (including education/training) is required. | Degree from post-secondary institution outside Canada, equivalent to Canadian degree (with ECA), completed within last 10 years. |
| Language Proficiency | Minimum CLB 4 in all four skills (English or French). | Minimum CLB 7 in all four skills (English or French). | CLB 4 or higher recommended. | Minimum CLB 5 in all four skills (English or French). |
| Business Plan | Required. Submit Business Proposal Summary with EOI. Full Business Application requires Business Plan Evaluation Report and Qualified Service Provider Report from AAIP-approved provider. | EOI includes Business Proposal Summary & Net Worth Worksheet. Full Business Application requires Business Plan Evaluation Report from AAIP-approved Designated Agency. | Proposed business plan required, reviewed by Alberta Agriculture and Irrigation for feasibility and alignment with agri-food targets. | Comprehensive business plan with projected financials, plus a 10-minute pitch deck. Business Plan Evaluation Report from AAIP-approved Designated Agency required. |
| Active Management | Required. Must reside full-time in Alberta and be involved in day-to-day management. | Required. Must reside in Alberta and be involved in day-to-day management; cannot be remote. | Must actively manage farm operations; passive investment not allowed. | Required. Must reside in Alberta and be involved in day-to-day management; cannot be remote. |
| Community / Designated Agency | Community Support Letter from participating rural community's EDO after exploratory visit. | No community endorsement or designated agency required, but rural location can increase points. | No community endorsement or designated agency required. | Letter of recommendation from AAIP-approved designated agency. |
| Location | Rural Alberta community (population <100,000, outside Calgary/Edmonton CMAs). | Business must have physical place in Alberta. Rural location (outside Calgary/Edmonton CMAs) can earn points. | Primary production farming business in Alberta. | Business must have physical place in Alberta. Can be in urban (Calgary/Edmonton CMAs) or regional areas (outside CMAs). |
| Ownership | New business: Minimum 51% ownership (partners must be Canadian/PR). Business succession: 100% ownership (complete change in control). | Minimum 34% ownership (new or existing business). Partners must be Canadian/PR. | Not specified, but implies full control for active management. | Minimum 34% ownership for urban business; 51% for regional business. Partners must be Canadian/PR. |
| Job Creation | New business: At least 1 full-time job for Canadian/PR (non-relative) for min 6 months. More jobs earn more points. Not required for business succession. | Can earn points for job creation (1, 2, or 3+ jobs). | Not explicitly stated as a requirement in the provided snippets for Farm Stream. | Not explicitly stated as a mandatory requirement, but business must be innovative and create jobs. |
| Other Key Requirements | Exploratory visit to a rural community. |
The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.
