GTR Worldwide
Rural Entrepreneur Stream
The Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) – Rural Entrepreneur Stream targets business owners and senior managers who plan to either start a new business or take over an existing one in a participating rural Alberta community. The focus is on long-term involvement in the local economy, not passive investment.
Step-by-Step Process
Follow these steps to apply:
Exploratory Visit
Applicants must first connect with a participating rural Alberta community to discuss their business concept and complete an exploratory visit. This visit may be conducted in person or, where permitted, virtually.
Expression of Interest (EOI)
An Expression of Interest is submitted through the AAIP portal and must include a Business Proposal Summary along with a Community Support Letter.
EOI Assessment
The AAIP evaluates and scores EOIs, generally within 30 days. Candidates with higher scores are invited to move forward with a Business Application.
Business Application Submission
Invited applicants submit a full Business Application with supporting documents and the required government fees.
Business Performance Agreement (BPA)
If approved, the applicant signs a Business Performance Agreement that sets out investment levels, job creation targets, and operational responsibilities.
Work Permit Application
Using the AAIP-issued Letter of Support, applicants apply to IRCC for a two-year work permit.
Business Establishment
The business must be established and actively operated in the rural community, with all BPA conditions met for at least 12 months.
Nomination Request
Once BPA obligations are fulfilled, the applicant submits a request for provincial nomination to the AAIP.
Permanent Residence Application
After nomination approval, the applicant applies to IRCC for permanent residence.
Eligibility Requirements
Eligibility Requirements
You must meet all of the following criteria:
Business Experience
A minimum of three years as an active business owner or manager, or four years in a senior management role, gained within the last 10 years.
Education
Education equivalent to a Canadian high school diploma, confirmed through an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA).
Language Proficiency
Minimum CLB 4 in English or French across reading, writing, listening, and speaking.
Net Worth
Minimum personal net worth of CAD $300,000.
Business Investment
A minimum personal investment of CAD $200,000, sourced from the applicant’s own equity.
Community Support
A valid Community Support Letter issued by an approved rural Alberta community.
Business Ownership
At least 51% ownership for a new business, or 100% ownership when purchasing an existing business through succession.
Job Creation
Creation of at least one full-time position for a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
Selection Factors
Factors That Increase Your Chances
Economic Benefit
Proposals involving business succession may receive added consideration, particularly where continuity of local services is important.
Age
Applicants between 21 and 49 years may receive additional points during assessment.
Spouse Qualification
Your spouse or common-law partner meets at least one of the following:
- Completion of one year of full-time post-secondary education (certificate, diploma, or degree), or
- Language ability of CLB 4 in English or NCLC 4 in French in all four skills
- Language results must be less than two years old at the time of EOI submission
Alberta Relative
You or your spouse/common-law partner has a close relative living in Alberta, including a parent, step-parent, child, sibling, or step-sibling.
Required Documents
Prepare the following documents for your application:
Community & Concept Documents
Applicants must prepare and submit the following documents:
- Exploratory Visit Report describing meetings and engagement with the community
- Business Proposal Summary outlining the business concept
- Community Support Letter issued by the rural Alberta community
Education & Language
Applicants must prepare and submit the following documents:
- Educational Credential Assessment (ECA): Verification of educational qualifications.
- Language test results (IELTS, CELPIP, or equivalent)
Financial & Business Planning
Applicants must prepare and submit the following documents:
- Financial records confirming net worth and investment capacity
- Detailed Business Plan covering operations, market conditions, and financial projections
Third-Party Verification
Applicants must prepare and submit the following documents:
- Qualified Service Provider Report confirming net worth and investment details, if requested.
Application Details
Fees, Processing Time & Refund Policy
All fees are non-refundable. Below are the fees and expected timelines.
Processing Fees
- Expression of Interest (EOI): CAD $200 (non-refundable).
- Business Application: CAD $3,500 (non-refundable).
- Additional Costs: Fees for ECAs, language testing, and third-party reports may apply
Processing Time
EOI Review: Approximately 30 days.
- Business Application Assessment: Up to 4 months.
- Overall Timeline: The process from EOI to permanent residence typically ranges from 18 to 24 months, depending on the case
Refund Policy
EOI and Business Application fees are not refunded once submitted, including in cases of refusal, withdrawal, or incomplete applications.
Pathways to Success
Work Permit and PR Applications
Work Permit Pathway
After signing the BPA, applicants receive a Letter of Support to apply for a two-year work permit, allowing them to establish and operate the business in Alberta.
Permanent Residence Pathway
After operating the business for at least 12 months and meeting all BPA conditions, applicants may request nomination from the AAIP. With nomination approval, they can apply to IRCC for permanent residence.
Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP)
GTR Worldwide
Reasonable Cost, Guaranteed Quality
At GTR Worldwide, the focus is on clear and practical immigration support. Fees are explained in advance, steps are outlined clearly, and there are no unnecessary promises or hidden processes. Clients know what is being done and why.
Proven High Success Rate
Every application is treated as a separate case. Files are reviewed carefully, one by one, to understand what works well and what may need attention before submission.
Years of Experience
GTR Worldwide is a Canada-based immigration firm led by Mr. Manoj Goswami, Founder and CEO. Over the years, the team has worked with a wide range of Canadian immigration programs and understands both business and regional requirements.
Licensed and Registered
We are authorized to legally represent immigration matters. Our RCIC-registered professionals ensure applications are prepared accurately and processed in compliance with Canadian immigration regulations.
