Move to Alberta with the Provincial Nominee Program

Step-by-Step Guide to Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP)

Alberta stands out as one of Canada’s most prosperous provinces, celebrated for its natural beauty, vibrant cities, and abundant resources.

Situated in Western Canada, Alberta is home to Calgary and Edmonton—two of the nation’s largest and fastest-growing cities. It is also the most densely populated among the three Prairie Provinces and widely admired for its stunning landscapes, including the world-famous Banff and Jasper National Parks.

The province operates the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) - formerly known as the Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP).

This program allows skilled professionals and entrepreneurs with the qualifications and experience needed in Alberta to obtain a Provincial Nomination Certificate, a key step toward Canadian permanent residency.

Alberta Immigration Streams

If you wish to immigrate to Alberta, there are currently eight different pathways under the AAIP. This guide will help you determine which stream best suits your career background or business goals.

Streams for Workers

• Alberta Opportunity Stream: For skilled foreign nationals currently employed in Alberta in an eligible occupation.
• Alberta General Express Entry Stream: For Express Entry candidates with a CRS score of at least 300 and experience in qualifying occupations.
• Alberta Accelerated Tech Pathway: Designed for tech professionals working or with job offers in Alberta’s technology sector under one of 38 eligible occupations.
• Rural Renewal Stream: For candidates with valid job offers from employers in designated rural communities within Alberta.

Streams for Entrepreneurs

• Farm Stream: For individuals aiming to establish or operate a farming enterprise in Alberta.
• Graduate Entrepreneur Stream: For international graduates from Alberta’s post-secondary institutions seeking to start a business locally.
• Foreign Graduate Entrepreneur Stream: For foreign-educated graduates from outside Canada wishing to launch a business in Alberta.
• Rural Entrepreneur Stream: For entrepreneurs looking to acquire or start a business in a rural Alberta community.

Summary of AAIP Options

Alberta Opportunity Stream

This stream targets foreign workers already employed in Alberta and international graduates from Alberta institutions seeking a provincial nomination.

Application Fee: CAD $1,500

How It Works

Applicants must complete their submission via the AAIP online portal. They are then required to provide supporting documents based on their profile and pay the application fee.

Minimum Requirements

• Hold a valid work permit.
• Currently employed in an eligible Alberta occupation matching your work experience.
• Meet minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 4 or 5 depending on occupation.
• Have at least a high school qualification.
• Possess a minimum of 12 months Alberta work experience in the past 18 months, or 24 months of Canadian experience within the last 30 months.

Alberta Express Entry Stream

Through this stream, Alberta nominates individuals from the federal Express Entry pool who have strong ties to the province and relevant skills that support Alberta’s economic priorities.

Receiving a nomination adds 600 CRS points, ensuring an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for Canadian permanent residence.

Application Fee: CAD $1,500

How It Works

This is an invitation-only stream. Alberta may issue a Notification of Interest (NOI) directly in the Express Entry profile of selected candidates. Once invited, candidates must respond within the given timeframe and submit their complete application via the AAIP portal.

Minimum Requirements

• Be in the federal Express Entry pool.
• Indicate interest in permanent settlement in Alberta.
• Work in an occupation that supports Alberta’s economic diversification.
• Have a minimum CRS score of 300.

Alberta Accelerated Tech Pathway

The Accelerated Tech Pathway offers a faster route to permanent residency for professionals in Alberta’s booming technology sector.

Application Fee: CAD $1,500

How It Works

Applicants already working or holding a valid job offer in Alberta’s tech industry may submit an online form through the AAIP portal. Once eligibility is confirmed, candidates receive an invitation to apply for nomination.

Minimum Requirements

• Valid Express Entry profile.
• Expressed interest in settling permanently in Alberta.
• Minimum CRS score: 300.
• Currently employed or have a job offer in an eligible tech role in Alberta.

Rural Renewal Stream

This program helps fill labour gaps in Alberta’s rural communities by attracting skilled foreign workers.

Application Fee: CAD $1,500

How It Works

Applicants must first receive community endorsement from a designated Alberta community. Once a support letter is issued, candidates may submit their application through the AAIP portal.

Minimum Requirements

• Valid full-time job offers from an eligible Alberta employer.
• At least 12 months of work experience in an eligible occupation within the last 18 months.
• Meet minimum language and education standards.
• Show proof of funds to support settlement in Alberta.

Farm Stream

The Self-Employed Farmer Stream is for experienced farmers who plan to buy or develop a farm in Alberta.

Application Fee: CAD $3,500

How It Works

Applicants submit a detailed business plan for review by Alberta Agriculture and Forestry. If approved, they proceed with provincial and federal immigration steps.

Minimum Requirements

• Proven farm management experience.
• Minimum CAD $500,000 investment funds.
• A comprehensive and feasible business plan.

Graduate Entrepreneur Stream

This stream supports international graduates from Alberta institutions aiming to start or manage a business.

Application Fee: CAD $3,500

How It Works

Candidates begin by submitting an Expression of Interest (EOI) via the AAIP portal. Based on their ranking, top candidates are invited to submit a Business Application within 90 days.

Minimum Requirements

• Minimum two years of full-time study in Alberta.
• Valid Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP).
• CLB 7 or higher.
• At least 34% ownership in the business.

Foreign Graduate Entrepreneur Stream

This pathway is for international graduates from outside Canada who want to launch a start-up in Alberta.

Application Fee: CAD $3,500

How It Works

Applicants must collaborate with one of Alberta’s designated agencies—Empowered Start-ups or Platform Calgary—to develop and assess their business concept.

After receiving a Letter of Recommendation, candidates can submit an EOI through the AAIP portal.

Minimum Requirements

• At least six months of business ownership or management experience.
• A detailed business plan with financial projections.
• Recognized post-secondary education with an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA).
• CLB 5 or higher.
• Minimum ownership of 34% (urban) or 51% (rural).
• Minimum investment: $100,000 (urban) or $50,000 (rural).
• Proof of sufficient settlement funds and a Letter of Recommendation from an approved agency.

Rural Entrepreneur Stream

Designed for entrepreneurs wishing to start or acquire a business in Alberta’s rural regions.

Application Fee: CAD $3,500

How It Works

Candidates must contact a participating community and make an exploratory visit before submitting a business proposal. Once supported by the community, they can file an Expression of Interest with AAIP.

Minimum Requirements

• At least 3 years as a business owner/manager or 4 years as a senior manager.
• High school education with ECA equivalency.
• Minimum CLB 4 (English) or NCLC 4 (French).
• Minimum net worth: $300,000.
• Minimum investment: $200,000 from personal or spousal funds.
• Must have a Community Support Letter from a rural Alberta community.