Alberta Advantage Immigrant Program (AAIP)

Eligibility Check

You must have valid work experience in an eligible role in Alberta, meet language requirements, and hold a full-time job offer.

Submit Application to AAIP

You must have valid work experience in an eligible role in Alberta, meet language requirements, and hold a full-time job offer.

Application Assessment & Nomination

AAIP reviews your file. If successful, you receive a provincial nomination.

Apply for Permanent Residency to IRCC

Use your nomination to apply for Permanent Residency (PR) to IRCC under the non–Express Entry category.

Eligibility Check & Create Express Entry Profile

Ensure you meet Alberta’s basic criteria. You must hold an active Express Entry profile with a CRS score of at least 300. Your work experience should match Alberta’s labour needs. Language test results and eligibility rules must be met, and your occupation must not fall under Alberta’s ineligible list.

Submit Expression of Interest (EOI)

You do not apply directly to Alberta. If your profile appears suitable, Alberta may choose you from the Express Entry pool based on occupation, CRS score, work history, or ties to the province.

Receive Notification of Interest (NOI)

If selected, Alberta sends you an NOI in your Express Entry profile. This is an invitation to move forward with a provincial nomination application.

Apply for Nomination

Once you get the NOI, you must submit a detailed application to the Alberta Advantage Immigrant Program (AAIP). This includes your language results, education documents, employment proof, and evidence of any ties to Alberta if relevant.

Apply for Permanent Residency

If approved by AAIP, the nomination adds 600 CRS points to your Express Entry score — normally enough to guarantee an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for PR from IRCC.

Expression of Interest (EOI) Submission:

The first step is to submit your Expression of Interest (EOI) to the Alberta Business Immigration Program. This profile outlines your business plans, qualifications, and experience. The program uses this information to assess your potential for success in Alberta.

EOI Selection and Invitation:

Your EOI is evaluated based on criteria such as your business idea, industry experience, investment potential, and economic impact. If your profile stands out, you will receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA), allowing you to proceed to the next stage.

Business Establishment:

After receiving an ITA, the next step is to work on establishing your business in Alberta. This involves fulfilling the investment, operational, and legal requirements outlined in the program. You must demonstrate that your business is viable and will contribute to Alberta’s economy.

Apply for Nomination

Once your business is successfully established and meets the program’s requirements, you can seek a nomination from Alberta. The provincial nomination is a critical step toward securing permanent residency, as it significantly boosts your application.

Apply for Permanent Residency:

After receiving your nomination, you can submit your permanent residence application to the federal government. Upon approval, you and your family will be granted permanent residency, allowing you to enjoy the full benefits of living and working in Canada.

Follow these steps

Following these steps can help you successfully apply for permanent residency through the Alberta Opportunity Stream. Ensure you meet all the requirements and submit accurate information to avoid delays in your application process.

Eligibility Check

Ensure you meet the eligibility criteria, including: a full-time, permanent job offer from an approved employer in a designated rural community, required language proficiency (CLB 4+), work experience, and sufficient settlement funds if applying from outside Canada.

Find a Designated Community

Identify and connect with a rural Alberta community that has been officially designated under the Rural Renewal Stream. Only communities with AAIP designation can endorse candidates.

Secure a Job Offer

Obtain a full-time, year-round, permanent job offer from an employer located in the designated rural community. The employer must meet specific requirements including recruitment efforts and labor standards.

Get Endorsed by the Community

Work with the local Economic Development Organization (EDO) to receive a formal 'Endorsement of Candidate Letter'. This confirms your job offer and alignment with community and labor market needs.

Submit Expression of Interest (EOI)

Using the AAIP online portal, submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) along with your endorsement letter. Your profile will be evaluated, and high-ranking candidates may be invited to apply.

Receive Invitation to Apply

If selected, you'll receive an official invitation to submit a full application to AAIP. This includes submitting documents like job offer, passport, proof of language, and settlement funds.

Apply for Nomination

Complete and submit your full application to AAIP for nomination. If approved, you’ll receive a provincial nomination certificate.

Apply for Permanent Residency

Once nominated, apply to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for permanent residence. The provincial nomination significantly boosts your Express Entry CRS score.

Settle and Start Your New Life

After receiving PR, you can live and work in the community that endorsed you. Ensure you comply with community retention expectations and settlement support agreements if applicable.

Eligibility Check

You must be working full‑time (min. 30 hrs/week) in Alberta in an eligible tourism or hospitality occupation, for an approved Alberta employer, under a valid LMIA work permit, and meet language (CLB 4) and education (at least high school equivalency) requirements.

Approved Employer Verification

Your employer must operate in an eligible WCB‑Alberta industry, have valid WCB coverage or exemption, and either belong to a qualifying sector association or be listed as an Experience Provider by Travel Alberta.

Secure a Full‑Time Job Offer

Obtain a permanent, full‑time job offer from an approved employer in a qualifying tourism and hospitality occupation (e.g. cooks, chefs, hotel staff, guides, servers). Must be paid and authorized.

Submit Worker Expression of Interest (EOI)

Create an EOI profile on the AAIP portal with details on your job offer, occupation, language, education, and work experience. If selected, you’ll be invited to apply.

Receive Invitation to Apply

When your EOI is selected in a draw, AAIP sends an invitation. You must start the application within 15 days and submit it within 30 days. A non-refundable nomination fee (e.g. ~$500‑$1500) applies.

Submit Full Application

Upload documents including job contract, LMIA, WCB clearance, sector membership proof, language assessment, education credentials/ECA, pay stubs, employment letters, and passport.

Receive Provincial Nomination

If AAIP approves your application, they issue a formal nomination certificate.

Apply for Permanent Residency

With your nomination, submit a PR application to IRCC within 6 months. Maintain valid status in Canada and consider a Bridging Open Work Permit if needed.

Finalize Settlement

Once PR is granted, settle in Alberta, continue working in your field, and notify AAIP/IRCC of any changes in status or employment as required.

Select Your Entrepreneur Stream

Choose the stream that matches your profile: Graduate Entrepreneur (Alberta grads), Foreign Graduate Entrepreneur (international grads with a business plan), or Rural Entrepreneur (willing to settle in small communities).

Submit Expression of Interest (EOI)

Create and submit an EOI with your business plan, investment details, qualifications, and entrepreneurial experience. Your EOI is assessed based on a points grid.

Receive Invitation to Apply (ITA)

If your EOI is competitive, you’ll receive an ITA to submit a full application. Each stream has specific requirements for documents, investment minimums, and settlement plans.

Establish or Operate Your Business

Set up or operate your proposed business in Alberta as per the Business Performance Agreement (BPA). This may include job creation, investment thresholds, and residency requirements.

Request Provincial Nomination

Once your business meets the program conditions, submit a final report and request nomination. Alberta will assess and, if satisfied, issue a nomination certificate.

Apply for Permanent Residency

Use your nomination to apply for permanent residence via IRCC under the non-Express Entry stream. You and your family can become permanent residents upon approval.

Check Eligibility

Ensure you meet Alberta’s tech requirements: a valid Express Entry profile (minimum CRS 300), plus a job offer or employment in an eligible tech occupation.

Secure a Job Offer (Optional but Preferred)

Although not required, having a full-time job offer from an Alberta tech employer generally strengthens your profile.

Submit Tech Pathway Form

Complete the Alberta Accelerated Tech Pathway form with your Express Entry number and job details.

Receive Notification of Interest (NOI)

If Alberta selects your profile, you’ll receive an NOI in your Express Entry account.

Apply for Nomination

Submit your full AAIP application with all documents. If approved, you receive the nomination certificate.

Apply for Permanent Residency

Use the nomination to apply for PR. The 600-point CRS boost almost always leads to an ITA.

Meet Eligibility Requirements

Show farm management experience, hold at least $500,000 in net worth, and submit a workable business plan for a proposed Alberta farm. Priority is given to plans supporting Alberta’s agri-food goals.

Consult with Alberta Agriculture

Before applying, you must consult with Alberta Agriculture and Irrigation to discuss your project and receive guidance.

Prepare and Submit Application

Submit your full application to AAIP, including your farm plan, financial documents, experience proof, and consultation details.

Application Assessment

AAIP reviews your proposal and financial capacity. You may be asked for interviews or extra documentation.

Receive Provincial Nomination

f your application is approved, Alberta issues a nomination for permanent residence.

Apply for Permanent Residency

Submit the nomination to IRCC under the non–Express Entry stream to obtain PR for you and your family.