GTR Worldwide
Foreign Graduate Entrepreneur Stream
The Foreign Graduate Entrepreneur Stream is an economic Canada immigration pathway under the PNP program, Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP). It is meant for capable foreign-educated graduates from outside Canada who plan to begin and run new or innovative businesses in Alberta and contribute meaningfully to the provincial economy.
Step-by-Step Process
Follow these steps to apply:
Self-Assessment
Start by completing the AAIP self-assessment to confirm that you fulfil the basic eligibility criteria for this stream.
Prepare Business Plan and Pitch Deck
Get a detailed business plan ready along with a clear 10-minute pitch deck explaining your business idea, market demand, and long-term potential.
Obtain Letter of Recommendation
Present your business proposal to an AAIP-approved designated agency and obtain a recommendation letter if your plan meets program expectations.
Submit Expression of Interest (EOI)
Submit your EOI through the AAIP portal. EOIs are generally assessed within 30 days, and the highest-scoring candidates are invited to apply.
Submit Business Application
If you receive invitation, submit a complete business application within 90 days positively, along with all essential supporting documents.
Business Performance Agreement (BPA)
If your application is approved, you will sign a Business Performance Agreement outlining the duties and conditions for running your business in province of Alberta.
Apply for Work Permit
After signing the BPA, apply for a temporary work permit that allows you to establish and manage your business in Alberta.
Establish Business & Submit Final Report
Launch and operate your business in Alberta, adhering to the terms set in the BPA. After 12 months of business operation, submit a final report demonstrating compliance with the BPA.
Nomination for Permanent Residence
Following a successful final report review, AAIP issues a nomination enabling you to apply for permanent residence.
Eligibility Requirements
Eligibility Requirements
You must meet all of the following criteria:
Educational Credential Assessment
You need to have a post-secondary credential completed outside Canada within the last 10 years, supported by an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) confirming Canadian equivalency.
Language Proficiency
You need to show a minimum CLB level 5 in English or French in reading, writing, listening, and speaking.
Work Experience
Minimum 6 months of full-time experience in business ownership or management is required, or comparable experience through a recognized incubator or accelerator.
Business Ownership
A minimum ownership of 34% is required for businesses located in Calgary or Edmonton. For businesses outside these cities, ownership must be at least 51%.
Minimum Investment
Applicants must invest at least CAD $100,000 in urban areas or CAD $50,000 in regional Alberta. Funds may come from personal equity or approved Canadian investment sources.
Business Sectors
The proposed business must operate within approved sectors such as technology, aerospace, financial services, energy, agriculture, tourism, life sciences, or pharmaceuticals.
Settlement Funds
Applicants must show enough settlement funds to support themselves and dependents, based on Low Income Cut-Off (LICO) guidelines.
Letter of Recommendation
A valid recommendation letter from an AAIP-approved designated agency (for example, Empowered Startups or Platform Calgary) is mandatory.
Required Documents
Prepare the following documents for your application:
Required Application Documents
Applicants must prepare and submit the following documents:
- Expression of Interest (EOI) submitted through the AAIP portal
- Business plan outlining operations, finances, and economic impact
- Pitch deck (10-minute presentation) summarizing the business proposal
- Net worth worksheet showing assets, liabilities, and source of funds
Supporting Documentation
Prepare additional supporting documents:
- Educational Credential Assessment (ECA)
- Language test results (CLB 5 or higher)
- Financial Statements
- Proof of settlement funds
- Letter of recommendation from an AAIP-approved agency
- Authorization forms, if applicable, for family members
Application Details
Fees, Processing Time & Refund Policy Refund Policy
All application fees are non-refundable. Below are the expected timelines for each stage of the process.
Fees
- Expression of Interest (EOI) Fee: CAD $200;
- Business Application Fee: CAD $3,500.
Refund Policy
All fees charged under this stream are non-refundable. Estimated timelines are outlined below.
Processing Times
- EOI Assessment: Approximately 30 days
- Business Application Decision: Around 3 months
Final Report Review
- Final report assessment: Approximately 4 months
- Permanent Residence Application: Applicants have 6 months after nomination to apply. Paper-based PR applications are generally processed within 18 months.
Pathways to Success
Work Permit and PR Applications
Work Permit Pathway
- After signing the Business Performance Agreement, applicants receive a letter of support to apply for a temporary work permit
- This allows them to actively establish and operate their business in Alberta
Permanent Residence Pathway
- After meeting BPA conditions and operating the business for at least 12 months, applicants receive AAIP nomination
- They must apply to IRCC for permanent residence within 6 months
Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP)
GTR Worldwide
Reasonable Cost, Guaranteed Quality
At GTR Worldwide, we provide dependable immigration services at fair and transparent rates. Our focus is on clarity, value, and long-term client satisfaction.
Proven High Success Rate
Our approach is tailored, not generic. Each application is reviewed in detail to address weaknesses early and strengthen approval prospects.
Years of Experience
GTR Worldwide is a Canada-based firm led by Mr. Manoj Goswami, Founder and CEO. His team brings practical insight into Canadian business conditions and immigration regulations.
Licensed and Registered
We are legally authorized to represent immigration applications. Our RCIC-registered professionals ensure every file is prepared accurately and handled in full compliance with Canadian law.
