Immigrate to Canada with the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP)

Alberta Opportunity Stream

For skilled workers already working in Alberta

• Must have a valid full-time job offer in Alberta in an eligible occupation.

• Hold a valid work permit (LMIA-based, Post-Graduate Work Permit, etc.).

• Minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 4 to 7, depending on occupation.

• Minimum high school education (as per Canadian standards).

• Work experience:

  • 12 months full-time Alberta work experience in the last 18 months; or

  • 24 months full-time work experience in Canada or abroad in the last 30 months.

• Must reside and work in Alberta at the time of application.

Alberta Express Entry Stream

For candidates in the federal Express Entry pool

• Must have an active Express Entry profile.

• Should indicate an interest in immigrating to Alberta.

• CRS score as determined by Alberta (usually 300+).

• Strong ties to Alberta (e.g., job offer, work experience, studies, or family in Alberta).

• Occupation must support Alberta’s economic development (no job offer required, but preferred).

• Alberta may send a Notification of Interest (NOI) to eligible candidates.

Rural Renewal Stream

For candidates with a job offer from a designated rural Alberta community

• Must have a full-time, permanent job offer from an approved rural employer.

• Must receive a community endorsement letter from the designated community.

• Meet CLB 4+ in English or French.

• Minimum high school education (Canadian equivalent).

• At least 12 months of full-time work experience in an eligible occupation in the past 18 months.

• Must demonstrate intent to live and work in the rural community.

Graduate Entrepreneur Stream

For international graduates from Alberta post-secondary institutions

• Must have completed at least 2 years of full-time education in Alberta.

• Must have Post-Graduation Work Permit (valid at time of EOI).

• Must establish or operate a new or existing business in Alberta for at least 12 months.

• Minimum CLB 7 in English or French.

• Must hold 34% ownership in the business at a minimum.

• Must submit a detailed business plan and demonstrate active business management.

Foreign Graduate Entrepreneur Stream

For international graduates from outside Canada

• Must have completed a degree from a foreign post-secondary institution within the last 10 years.

• Must submit a business plan with financial projections.

• Minimum 6 months of full-time work experience as a business owner or manager.

• CLB 7 or higher in English or French.

• Minimum 34% ownership (urban) or 51% (rural) in the proposed business.

• Minimum investment of $100,000 to $50,000, depending on business location.

• Must have a letter of recommendation from an AAIP-approved designated agency.

Rural Entrepreneur Stream

For experienced entrepreneurs planning to start or buy a business in rural Alberta

• Minimum 3 years of business ownership or 4 years of senior management experience.

• Minimum net worth of $300,000.

• Minimum investment of $100,000 into the business.

• Minimum CLB 4 in English or French.

• Business must be located in a community with a population under 100,000.

• Must own at least 51% of the business, and be actively involved in its operation.

• Community support letter required.

Farm Stream

For individuals with experience in farm management

• Must have proof of farm management experience (e.g., financial documents, operational plans).

• Must submit a comprehensive business plan for a farm in Alberta.

• Must demonstrate the ability to invest at least $500,000 into a primary production farming business.

• Must show net worth of $500,000 or more.

• The farm must align with Alberta’s agricultural industry needs.

If you’re unsure about your eligibility, fill out this form to get a free eligibility check.