Alberta Immigration Streams
There are five streams available for immigrants looking to move to Alberta.
Alberta Opportunity Stream
This stream can be used by skilled workers employed in an eligible job in the province.
Alberta Express Entry Stream
This is for candidates in the Express Entry (EE) system working in an eligible job and has a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of at least 300
Alberta Self-Employed Farmer Stream
For those interested in running a farming business
International Graduate Entrepreneur Immigration Stream
For International graduates from any post-secondary institution of the province looking to start a business in Alberta
Foreign Graduate Start-Up Visa
For foreign graduates from a U.S. educational institution looking to start a business in Alberta
Express Entry In Brief
The Canadian government uses the Express Entry system for three key immigration programs. They are:
The Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
The Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
The Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
PNP streams using this system are known as enhanced streams. Those not using the systems are called base streams.
Candidates are assessed on their age, qualification, work experience, and linguistic abilities. The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) is used to score the candidates. Those with the highest CRS score can apply for permanent residence through a draw.
The candidates must show an interest in immigrating to Alberta and have a CRS score of at least 300. Those who receive a provincial nomination get an additional 600 points. It virtually assures them of an Invitation to apply for permanent residence in the coming Express Entry draw.
Alberta Opportunity Stream
For Whom:
Foreign nationals working in the province.
International graduates having completed their course from an approved post-secondary Institution
Application Fee: CAD 500
Minimum Requirements
A valid work permit
Employed in Alberta in an occupation that matches the work experience
A Canadian language benchmark of 4 or 5
A high school degree at the minimum
At least 12 months work experience in the past 18 months or 24 months of work experience in the last 30 months
Alberta Express Entry System
For Whom
- Individuals with a profile in the federal Express Entry system
- Those with demonstrated ties to the province and skills to contribute to the economic growth of the province
Application Fee: CAD 500
Minimum Requirements
Must be registered in the Federal Express Entry pool
Must show interest in immigrating to the province
Must be employed in an occupation that contributes to the economic development of the province
Must have a CRS score of 300 at least
How it works
By Invitation only to candidates with an Express Entry profile. The chosen candidates must show their willingness to be selected in this stream. Selected candidates will be asked to apply for provincial nomination through the AINP portal by submitting all the documents
Self-Employed Farmer Stream
For Whom:
For candidates looking to Immigrate to Alberta to start or buy a local farming business
Application Fee: CAD 500
Minimum Requirements
Skilled in farm management
Must be capable of making a minimum Investment of CAD 500,000
Must submit a documented business plan with investment detalls
How it works
Interested candidates must submit their business plans. The AINP will select candidates with a feasible plan that meets the needs of Alberta’s agricultural industry. Approved candidates must fill forms for both the Alberta government and IRCC.
International Graduate Entrepreneur Immigration Stream
For Whom:
For International graduates of approved post-secondary institutions looking to establish or operate a business in Alberta
Application Fee: CAD 3,500
At least two years of education (full-time) in Alberta
A PG Work Permit valid for at least two years
A minimum CLB level of 7
Must start a new business or run an existing business with a minimum of 34 percent stake
A minimum of six months of work experience
How it works
Candidates must submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through the AINP portal. The highest-ranking candidates must submit a Business Application.
Foreign Graduate Start-Up Stream
For Whom:
Foreign-educated International graduates looking to launch a start-up business in Alberta
Application Fee: CAD 3,500
Minimum Requirements
A minimum of six months of full-time work experience of managing/owning a business
Submit a business plan with all financials
Post-secondary education from a foreign institution and an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA)
A 10-minute slides-only business presentation
A minimum CLB level of 7
At least 34 percent ownership in an urban-based business or at least 51 percent ownership if located outside Calgary or Edmonton
How it works
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