International graduates from Alberta post-secondary will have two new options to immigrate to Canada.
The International Graduate Entrepreneur Immigration Stream is starting October 26. This new Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) is for recent international student graduates from Alberta post-secondary. The new immigration stream operates on an Expression of Interest system, which is now open to submissions. Candidates who submit an Expression of Interest will be assessed by the AINP and given points. The highest-ranking candidates will receive an invitation to submit a Business Application.
The Foreign Graduate Start-up Visa Stream in January, 2021. This stream is for international student graduates from top U.S. universities and colleges, who want to start a business and settle in Alberta communities. More details on this stream will be available later this year.
1. Applicants must meet the following eligibility criteria in order to be considered for the International Graduate Entrepreneur Immigration Stream:
They must be immigrating to Alberta to establish a new business or buy an existing business, and have at least 34 per cent ownership of the company. The proposed business type must not be on Alberta’s list of ineligible businesses.
Candidates need at least six months of full-time work experience, which can be a combination of actively managing or owning the business, according to the AINP webpage.
2. They also need at least two years of full-time education in Alberta, with a degree or diploma from a designated post-secondary institution in Alberta.
• They must have a Post-Graduation Work Permit that is valid for at least two years at the time their EOI is submitted.
• A minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) of at least seven in all proficiencies in either English or French
3. The business should have an economic benefit to Alberta through job creation, investment, and developed intellectual property among others.
• Candidates ages 21 to 49 years old also have an advantage.
• Having an immediate family member who is residence in Alberta, will be beneficial in selection .
4. Spouses or common-law partners may contribute to a candidate’s application if they have all or one of the followings :
• Minimum one year of full-time work experience in Alberta,
• Minimum two years of full-time study at an Albertan post-secondary
• English or French language proficiency of Minimum CLB 5 in all language abilities
