Tag Archives: Immigration Canada Updates

Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP)

AINP is having currently five options.

Alberta Opportunity Stream: for skilled workers who are currently working in an eligible occupation in Alberta.
Alberta Express Entry Stream: candidates in the Express Entry (EE) system who has a CRS score of at least 300, and presently working in an eligible occupation. (Occupation list provided by AINP)
Alberta Self-Employed Farmer Stream: who wish to operate a farming business in Alberta.
International Graduate Entrepreneur Immigration Stream: for international graduates of a designated post-secondary institution (college or University) in Alberta and who wants to start a business in Alberta.
Foreign Graduate Start-Up Visa: for foreign nationals who have recently graduated from outside Canada and who wish to start a business in Alberta.

Alberta Opportunity Stream
Application Government Fees: CAD $500
Processing time: Approximately 6-9 months
Processing: Online through AINP portal

Eligibility:
Must have a valid work permit;
Must be working in an eligible occupation in Alberta that matches with work experience;
A minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level of 4 or 5 depending on occupation
A minimum of a high school degree;
A minimum of 12 months of work experience in Alberta in the last 18 months, or a minimum of 24 months of work experience in Canada in the last 30 months.

Alberta #ExpressEntry Stream

Application Government Fees: CAD $500
Processing:
The Alberta Express Entry Streamworks by invitation ITA only. Applicants may receive ITA if they have a valid ESDC approved job offer with Alberta registered Employer. If selected, the applicant requires to apply through the AINP online portal.
Minimum Requirements:
Must be in the Express Entry pool;
Must have expressed interest in immigrating to Alberta permanently;
Must be working in an occupation that supports Alberta’s economic development and diversification;
A minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 300

Self-Employed Farmer Stream

Application Government Fees: CAD $500
Processing:
After submission of a business plan, if a positive decision is received then required to submit a full application to both the Alberta government and Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Eligibility Requirements:
Farm management skills;
Minimum investment of CAD $500,000
Investment plans are documented in a proposed business plan.

International Graduate Entrepreneur Immigration Stream

Application Government Fees: CAD $3,500
Processing: Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through the AINP online portal. Applicants will receive an EOI score within 30 days and the highest-ranking applicants will be asked to submit a Business Application within 90 days.

Eligibility Requirements:
At least two years full-time education in Alberta;
A valid Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP) at time of application
A minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level of 7
Must establish a new business or operate an existing business with at least 34% ownership.

Foreign Graduate Start-Up Stream

Application Government Fees: CAD $3,500
Processing: Only designated agency are allow you to work and issue a letter of recommendation if the applicant meets the requirements. After the approval letter applicant can submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through the AINP Portal. These designated agencies are:

1. Empowered Startups
2. Platform Calgary

Eligibility Requirements:
A minimum of six months of full-time work experience of managing and/or owning the business
Must have a business plan.
Must have a post-secondary education from a foreign institution and have an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) The degree must have been completed within the last ten years
A 10-minute slides-only presentation that explains the business and details what an investor wants to see
A minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level of 5;
Must have at least 34% ownership if the business is located in an urban centre, or at least 51% ownership if located outside Calgary or Edmonton
Must make a minimum investment of $100,000 for an urban centre, or $50,000 for a regional area. More points are awarded for higher investments. These can be made from your own equity, or from a recognized Canadian financial institution, venture capital or angel investment firm
Must have a letter of recommendation from an AINP-approved agency
Must have enough money to set up their business and support yourself and your family in Canada.