
Doanh nhân nhập cư từ bên ngoài Canada có thể nộp đơn xin thường trú nhân Canada theo chương trình nhập cư Doanh nhân vùng Nông thôn Alberta. Hãy tìm hiểu xem bạn có đáp ứng các tiêu chí để nộp đơn Alberta Advantage Immigration Program’s Rural Entrepreneur hay không.
Tổng quan
The Rural Entrepreneur Stream cho phép Alberta đề cử những doanh nhân đủ điều kiện và năng lực muốn bắt đầu một công việc kinh doanh mới hoặc mua một cơ sở kinh doanh hiện có trong một cộng đồng nông thôn ở Alberta.
Doanh nhân là ai?
Doanh nhân là người thành lập doanh nghiệp với mục đích kiếm lợi nhuận. Một doanh nhân thường được xem là một nhà sáng tạo, một nguồn cung cấp ý tưởng, cung cấp hàng hóa, dịch vụ và kinh doanh / hoặc quy trình mới.
Các doanh nhân đóng một vai trò quan trọng trong nền kinh tế của Alberta, sử dụng các kỹ năng và sáng kiến của họ để tăng nhu cầu và tạo việc làm cho người dân Alberta. Các doanh nhân chứng minh được thành công trong việc chấp nhận rủi ro khi thành lập doanh nghiệp sẽ được hưởng lợi nhuận và cơ hội phát triển liên tục.
The Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) định nghĩa các cộng đồng nông thôn ở Alberta là bất kỳ cộng đồng nào có dân số dưới 100.000 người. AAIP sử dụng điều tra dân số gần đây nhất từ Cục Thống kê Canada để xác định dân số của cộng đồng. Ngoài ra, cộng đồng phải ở bên ngoài Khu vực đô thị Calgary và Edmonton. Thông tin thêm có thể được tìm thấy tại:
- Calgary Census Metropolitan Area
- Edmonton Census Metropolitan Area
- rural Alberta communities information is in the Rural Entrepreneur Stream Community Guide (PDF, 469 KB)
Cộng đồng tham gia
Các cộng đồng nông thôn Alberta sau đây hiện đang tham gia chương trình:
Table 1. Rural Entrepreneur Stream communities and contacts
Community | Contact |
---|---|
County of Wetaskiwin | Joan Miller Director of Economic Development Phone: 780-355-5334 Email: jmiller@jedialberta.ca |
Red Deer County | Tara Logan Business Development Officer Phone: 403-357-2398 Email: tlogan@rdcounty.ca |
City of Brooks | Lisa Tiffin Manager of Community Development Phone: 403-362-3333 Email: ltiffin@brooks.ca |
City of Wetaskiwin | Raelene Coffey Economic Development Manager Phone: 780-361-4420 Email: raelene.coffey@wetaskiwin.ca |
City of Lacombe | Paula Law Economic Development Officer Phone: 403-506-4223 Email: plaw@lacombe.ca |
Lacombe County | Monica Bartman Economic Development Officer Phone: 403-782-8389 Email: mbartman@lacombecounty.com |
Town of Blackfalds | Christopher Johnson Economic Development Officer Phone: 403-885-6246 Email: cjohnson@blackfalds.ca |
Town of Didsbury | Alexandra Ross Economic Development Officer Phone: 403-818-1892 Email: aross@didsbury.ca |
Town of Millet | Joan Miller Director of Economic Development Phone: 780-355-5334 Email: jmiller@jedialberta.ca |
Town of Olds | Sandra Blyth Economic Development Officer Phone: 403-507-4839 Email: sblyth@olds.ca |
Town of Sedgewick | Jim Fedyk Chief Administrative Officer Phone: 403-384-3504 Email: cao@sedgewick.ca |
Town of Stettler | Byron Geddes Executive Director of Board of Trades Phone: 403-742-3181 Email: bgeddes@stettlerboardoftrade.com |
Town of Three Hills | Ryan Leuzinger Chief Administrative Officer Phone: 403-443-5822 Email: cao@threehills.ca |
Town of Trochu | Jamie Collins Administrative Assistant Phone: 403-442-3085 Email: grantwriter@townoftrochu.ca |
Town of Wainwright | Carley Herbert Economic Development Officer Phone: 403-842-3381 Email: cherbert@wainwright.ca |
Village of Clive | Carla Kenney Chief Administrative Officer Phone: 403-784-3366 Email: admin@clive.ca |
Chuyến khảo sát
Các ứng cử viên đến khảo sát cần phải đáp ứng các yêu cầu về thị thực du lịch để có thể đến Alberta. AAIP và cộng đồng sẽ không cung cấp thư hỗ trợ để lấy thị thực cho chuyến khảo sát.
Trước khi đến Alberta cho chuyến khảo sát, các ứng viên nên nghiên cứu các cơ hội thị trường hiện tại trong cộng đồng, các yêu cầu cấp phép và đăng ký cũng như các bước liên quan đến việc thành lập doanh nghiệp ở Alberta. Chuyến khảo sát sẽ cung cấp cho bạn cơ hội gặp gỡ với các mối quan hệ kinh doanh địa phương, các cán bộ phát triển kinh tế từ cộng đồng cũng như bất kỳ mối quan hệ tiềm năng nào khác để tìm hiểu và hiểu về môi trường kinh doanh địa phương cũng như các yêu cầu để xây dựng một doanh nghiệp thành công trong cộng đồng. Mục đích của chuyến khảo sát là để giúp bạn đưa ra quyết định sáng suốt về việc điều hành và quản lý doanh nghiệp trong một cộng đồng nông thôn ở Alberta. Lưu giữ hồ sơ về chuyến đi, bao gồm bất kỳ liên hệ và cuộc họp nào, vì thông tin này sẽ cần thiết cho Báo cáo Chuyến khảo sát.
Báo cáo Chuyến khảo sát phải bao gồm các thông tin sau:
- Tên của các nhà cung cấp dịch vụ kinh doanh chuyên nghiệp hoặc các tổ chức hỗ trợ người nhập cư mà bạn đã ghé thăm trong chuyến đi của mình, bao gồm địa chỉ gửi thư, số điện thoại và email.
- Mô tả về hoạt động hoặc cuộc họp và các liên quan đến cơ sở kinh doanh hoặc việc định cư của bạn.
- Bản sao danh thiếp bạn đã thu thập từ các nhà cung cấp dịch vụ kinh doanh và liên hệ có liên quan đã liên hệ trong chuyến thăm của bạn (nếu có).
- Thông tin chi tiết về các chuyến thăm đến các địa điểm kinh doanh hiện tại và các cuộc gặp với chủ sở hữu hiện tại nếu bạn đang có kế hoạch mua một doanh nghiệp hiện có. Bạn nên bao gồm tên doanh nghiệp, vị trí, tên và chi tiết liên hệ của chủ sở hữu hiện tại
Sau chuyến khảo sát, bạn cung cấp bản sao Tóm tắt Đề xuất Kinh doanh Dòng Doanh nhân Nông thôn đầy đủ cho người phụ trách ở cộng đồng. Điều này cho phép cộng đồng khẳng định lại các cuộc thảo luận trong chuyến thăm. Tóm tắt Đề xuất Kinh doanh cung cấp thông tin về liên doanh kinh doanh trong cộng đồng. Nếu cộng đồng cho rằng bạn và đề xuất kinh doanh của bạn là một lợi ích cho cộng đồng, Thư hỗ trợ của cộng đồng sẽ được phát hành và cộng đồng sẽ xác nhận Bản tóm tắt đề xuất kinh doanh. Thư Hỗ trợ Cộng đồng và sự tán thành của Bản Tóm tắt Đề xuất Kinh doanh đảm bảo cộng đồng nhận thức và ủng hộ doanh nghiệp, đồng thời hỗ trợ việc bạn ở lại Alberta. Cộng đồng có thể cung cấp cho bạn thông tin bổ sung về địa chỉ liên hệ và hỗ trợ sẵn có để bạn chuyển đổi vào cộng đồng khi đến nơi.
Sau khi nhận được bản sao Thư hỗ trợ của cộng đồng và Bản tóm tắt Đề xuất Kinh doanh được thông qua từ cộng đồng, bạn có thể gửi Biểu thức quan tâm (EOI) tới AAIP.
Điều kiện
Để đủ điều kiện cho chương trình này, ứng viên phải đáp ứng các tiêu chí sau::
Table 2. Requirements for the Rural Entrepreneur Stream
Nội dung | Yêu cầu |
---|---|
Kinh nghiệm làm việc |
Có tối thiểu 3 năm kinh nghiệm với tư cách là chủ sở hữu/ người quản lý doanh nghiệp đang hoạt động hoặc tối thiểu 4 năm kinh nghiệm với tư cách là quản lý cấp cao trong vòng 10 năm qua. |
Học vấn |
Đã hoàn thành tối thiểu trung học phổ thông tương đương với tiêu chuẩn Canada với Đánh giá Chứng chỉ Giáo dục (ECA). |
Ngoại ngữ |
Có điểm chuẩn ngôn ngữ Canada (CLB) tối thiểu là 4 cho mỗi kỹ năng tiếng Anh hoặc Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens (NCLC) là 4 cho mỗi kỹ năng tiếng Pháp: đọc, viết, nghe và nói. Kết quả kiểm tra chính thức phải dưới 2 năm vào thời điểm bạn gửi Biểu thức quan tâm. AAIP chỉ chấp nhận các bài kiểm tra ngôn ngữ sau: |
Tài sản ròng |
Giá trị ròng tối thiểu 300.000 đô la. Tất cả tài sản phải là tài sản cá nhân của ứng viên hoặc của vợ / chồng hoặc đối tác thông luật. |
Đầu tư cho doanh nghiệp |
Đầu tư tối thiểu 200.000 đô la từ vốn chủ sở hữu của ứng viên (và / hoặc vợ / chồng / người phối ngẫu). Mức đầu tư cao hơn sẽ được thưởng nhiều điểm hơn. |
Thành lập doanh nghiệp |
Sở hữu tối thiểu 51% đối với một doanh nghiệp mới. Đối tác kinh doanh phải là Công dân Canada hoặc Thường trú nhân. |
Tạo việc làm |
Doanh nghiệp mới mở phải tạo ít nhất một công việc toàn thời gian cho Công dân hoặc Thường trú nhân Canada (không bao gồm người thân). Tạo việc làm nhiều hơn sẽ được thưởng nhiều điểm hơn. Việc làm phải được tạo cho công dân hoặc thường trú nhân Canada (không bao gồm người thân) trong thời gian ít nhất 6 tháng. |
Thư hỗ trợ của cộng đồng | Các ứng cử viên phải có Thư Hỗ trợ Cộng đồng từ một cộng đồng nông thôn Alberta tham gia. |
Các yếu tố làm tăng cơ hội của bạn
Nếu ứng viên có một hoặc nhiều yếu tố trong Bảng 3, điều này có thể làm tăng khả năng nhận được Yêu cầu nộp đơn.
Table 3. Factors that increase your chances
Lợi ích kinh tế | Doanh nghiệp đã thành công |
---|---|
Tuổi | 21 đến 49 |
Người phối ngẫu | Người phối ngẫu có các yếu tố sau:
|
Thân nhân ở Alberta |
Người thân được xác định là cha, cha dượng, mẹ, mẹ kế, con, con riêng, chị gái, chị kế, anh trai, em kế của ứng cử viên hoặc vợ / chồng hoặc người bạn đời. |
AAIP công cụ tự đánh giá
Review the Self-Assessment Tool to ensure you meet program eligibility requirements.
Selection from EOI pool
The AAIP is currently accepting EOIs under the Rural Entrepreneur Stream. The information provided in the EOI, Business Proposal Summary, Net Worth Worksheet and Community Support Letter will be assessed and points will be awarded by the AAIP based on the Rural Entrepreneur Stream Points Grid. Alberta may select candidates with the highest-ranking points and request they submit a Business Application.
For more information on the application process, see How to apply.
Table 4. Rural Entrepreneur Stream Points Grid
Criteria | Descriptions | Points |
---|---|---|
Rural Factor (25 points) | ||
Business Location
(Maximum of 25 points) Mandatory requirement |
Rural Community
Community outside the Edmonton and Calgary Census Metropolitan Areas and under 100,000 population size (mandatory minimum) |
|
Tier 1: Less than 10,000 population | 25 | |
Tier 2: 10,001 to 50,000 population | 17 | |
Tier 3: 50,001 to 99,999 population | 10 |
Business Experience Factor (20 points) | ||
---|---|---|
Business owner-manager or senior management experience within the past 10 years
(Maximum of 20 points) Mandatory requirement |
Business owner-manager | |
3 to less than 4 years (mandatory minimum) | 12 | |
4 to less than 5 years | 16 | |
5 or more years | 20 | |
or Senior manager | ||
4 to less than 5 years (mandatory minimum) | 12 | |
5 to less than 6 years | 16 | |
6 or more years | 20 |
Business Establishment Factors (60 points) | ||
---|---|---|
Total Business Investment
(Maximum of 20 points) Mandatory requirement |
$200,000 to $399,999 (mandatory minimum) | 5 |
$400,000 to $599,999 | 10 | |
$600,000 to $799,999 | 15 | |
$800,000 or more | 20 | |
Net Worth
(Maximum of 10 points) Mandatory requirement |
$300,000 to $399,999 (mandatory minimum) | 6 |
$400,000 to $499,999 | 8 | |
$500,000 or more | 10 | |
Job Creation
Jobs must be created for Canadian Citizens or Permanent residents (not including relatives) for a period of at least 6 months. (Maximum of 20 points) Mandatory requirement For business succession, job creation is not mandatory; however, candidates will be awarded points for job creation. |
1 job (mandatory minimum) | 4 |
2 jobs | 8 | |
3 jobs | 12 | |
4 jobs | 16 | |
5 jobs or more | 20 | |
Business Successions
(Maximum of 10 points) Not a Mandatory requirement |
Investment to takeover an existing business | 10 |
Human Capital Factors (35 points) | ||
---|---|---|
Language Proficiency
(Maximum of 25 points) Mandatory requirement |
Proficiency in English or French: | |
CLB/NCLC 4 (4 for each Reading, Writing, Learning and Speaking) (mandatory minimum) | 15 | |
CLB/NCLC 5 (5 for each Reading, Writing, Learning and Speaking) | 20 | |
CLB/NCLC 6 or higher (6 for each Reading, Writing, Learning and Speaking) | 25 | |
Education
(Maximum of 10 points) Mandatory requirement |
High-school Diploma equivalent to Canadian standards (mandatory minimum) | 4 |
Associate Degree or Diploma (at least one year) | 7 | |
Bachelor’s degree or higher | 10 |
Adaptability Factors (35 points) | ||
---|---|---|
Canada/Alberta experience from work or studies within the past 10 years
(Maximum of 15 points) Not a mandatory requirement |
In rural Alberta | |
12 to 24 months | 10 | |
More than 24 months | 15 | |
And / Or
In non-rural Alberta (Calgary and Edmonton Census Metropolitan Area) |
||
18 to 30 months | 6 | |
More than 30 months | 10 | |
And / Or
In Canada |
||
24 to 36 months | 3 | |
More than 36 months | 5 | |
Relative(s) in the community or Alberta
(Maximum of 10 points) Not a mandatory requirement |
Relatives are defined as father, step-father, mother, step-mother, child, step-child, sister, step-sister, brother, step-brother of candidate or spouse/common-law partner | |
Relative(s) living in Alberta | 5 | |
or | ||
Relative(s) living in the community where you intend to reside and operate a business | 10 | |
Spouse’s/Common-law partner’s Language Proficiency or Education
(Maximum of 5 points) Not a mandatory requirement |
Proficiency in English or French: | |
CLB/NCLC 4 (4 for each Reading, Writing, Learning and Speaking) | 3 | |
CLB/NCLC 5 (5 for each Reading, Writing, Learning and Speaking) | 4 | |
CLB/NCLC 6 or higher (6 or higher for each Reading, Writing, Learning and Speaking) | 5 | |
and / or Education: | ||
Certificate, Associate Degree or Diploma (at least one year) | 3 | |
Bachelor’s degree or higher | 5 | |
Age
(Maximum of 5 points) Not a mandatory requirement |
21 to 49 | 5 |
Maximum Points | 175 |
Selection and notification process
Once the AAIP receives your Business Application, it will be assessed against eligibility criteria and your EOI Points will be verified. A Program Officer from the AAIP may contact you for more information.
The AAIP does not guarantee that all complete Business Applications received will be assessed or that all candidates who meet the assessment criteria will be issued a Business Application Approval Letter and/or nomination certificate. Review the declaration for the Rural Entrepreneur Stream available on the AAIP Portal and the Program’s Terms and Conditions for complete information. Submission of a Business Application or nomination by the AAIP does not guarantee you will be issued a permanent resident visa.
Ineligibility
You are not eligible to apply under the Rural Entrepreneur Stream if:
- you have an active nomination, which has not expired and/or is eligible for extension under another AAIP stream. Candidates are only eligible for one AAIP Nomination Certificate
- you have been issued a letter on a previous AAIP application that stated you are not eligible to re-apply to the Program for a specified period of time. You will be declined under the Rural Entrepreneur Stream if you apply during the specified period.
- you have a removal order issued against you by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) or Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA)
- you are a refugee claimant or an individual involved in a federal appeal or removal process. The AAIP does not intervene in the federal refugee claim, appeal or removal process.
- you are a foreign national living or working in Canada with no valid temporary resident status
- your business is on the list of ineligible businesses
Established businesses in Alberta
Recognizing the economic contributions by foreign entrepreneurs in Alberta who currently own and operate a business in Alberta, the AAIP is providing an immigration pathway for these entrepreneurs to apply for permanent residency.
Entrepreneurs who currently own and operate a business in a rural Alberta community can apply to the AAIP and must demonstrate they meet the criteria highlighted in the Rural Entrepreneur Stream Points grid at the time of EOI submission. The established business must have operated in Alberta for at least one year immediately prior to submitting an EOI in the AAIP portal. Furthermore, the Community Support letter must be included with the EOI submission.
EOI submissions will be scored based on the Rural Entrepreneur Stream Points grid and candidates with the highest-ranking points will be requested to submit a Business Application to the AAIP. Entrepreneurs who have already established businesses in rural Alberta communities and are currently operating them will not be required to operate their business for an additional one year after applying to the AAIP. Eligible entrepreneurs will be issued a nomination certificate after submitting their Business Application to the Program and must continue to operate their business in Alberta while they go through the permanent residence application process with IRCC. Refer to after you are nominated for more information on next steps.
Eligible businesses
It is your responsibility to ensure your proposed business meets the criteria for eligible businesses. If it is not an eligible business or does not clearly demonstrate a significant economic benefit to Alberta, your EOI or Business Application may be declined.
Business must have the potential for creating economic benefit to Alberta, as in the opinion of and as determined by the AAIP. A proposed business must align with the following general requirements to be eligible under the Rural Entrepreneur Stream:
- The purpose of the proposed business must be to make a profit from active or earned income, not passive income, through the sale of goods and/or provision of services.
- The proposed business must comply with any applicable federal, provincial, or municipal legal, regulatory, or licensing requirements that govern its operation. This includes Alberta labour laws, including but not limited to, employment standards, occupational health and safety and labour relations legislations.
- The proposed business must comply with applicable trade certification requirements in Alberta. For example, businesses in a compulsory trade must have a valid Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Trade (AIT) recognized trade certificate. See the list of designated trades in Alberta (PDF, 314 KB)
- The proposed business must have a physical place of business in a rural Alberta community at all times.
- For franchises, the ownership requirements and all other program criteria are the same as for other businesses. Candidates must also provide evidence that they have received support from the master franchisor to operate a franchise location.
- You must own at least 51% of the business if it is a new business, or have 100% ownership of the business if you are purchasing an already established business (business succession). You are required to reside in Alberta and be involved in the day-to-day management of the business. You may not do this remotely, from another Canadian province or territory, or from another country and you are required to demonstrate residence in Alberta while on a work permit.
Ineligible businesses
Ineligible businesses include:
- any business in contravention of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act and Regulations, for example, immigration-linked investment schemes or passive investment
- businesses without a value-add economic component, including:
- pay day loan, cheque cashing and related businesses
- businesses trading in used goods
- businesses that would be considered passive investment or lack active management, including:
- property rental, investment, and leasing activities
- real estate development/brokerage, insurance brokerage or business brokerage
- coin-operated businesses, including laundromats and car wash operations
- project based or seasonal businesses
- home-based businesses, including:
- businesses that are not zoned for commercial or industrial operations
- bed-and-breakfasts and lodging houses
- businesses that are part of a succession plan and:
- are owned or operated by a relative of the candidate
- were previously owned/operated by a current or former AAIP entrepreneur stream candidate/nominee within the past 4 years
- have changed ownership within the past 3 years prior to the Rural Entrepreneur Stream Business Application
- businesses involved in producing, distributing, or selling pornography or sexually explicit products or services, or providing sexually oriented services
- any other type of business that by association would tend to bring the AAIP and the Government of Alberta into disrepute, in the opinion of and as determined by the AAIP
How to apply
Regular system updates
System maintenance for the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program portal occurs Fridays from 11 pm to Sundays at 7 pm. If you experience technical issues during these times, try again later. We apologize for any inconvenience.
Before you apply
You may only have one Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) application in process at any time.
How to withdraw an application in process
If you choose to request the withdrawal of an application, you must submit a request to the AAIP. The AAIP must confirm that your application has been withdrawn before a new application can be submitted in the AAIP portal.
The Business Application fee for the withdrawn Business Application will not be refunded.
As of June 9, 2021, candidates must submit their request to withdraw a Business Application using the AAIP portal.
Complete the online request
- Log into the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program portal
- On the AAIP portal main page, click on 'Create New Request'.
- Find the AAIP Business Application number for the Business Application that you want to withdraw.
- Once you click on the Business Application number, you will be directed to a page with detailed information. You can only see request options that are available to you for this Business Application. If you are eligible to withdraw the Business Application, a blue Withdraw Application button will be available above the Business Application number.
- Click on the blue 'Withdraw Application' button.
- Next, read the FOIP clause and other important information about completing a request. Check off the box and click on 'Continue'. A draft is automatically saved once you click on the 'Continue' button. If you experience any technical issues or leave the request section while creating the request, you will need to go to the 'Check Existing Requests' page to retrieve the draft request to continue.
- Read the information provided on submitting a withdrawal. Once a Business Application is withdrawn it cannot be re-activated. Enter your reason for requesting the withdrawal of the Business Application, and click on 'Submit Request' button.
The AAIP will review your request and notify you by email after the review is completed.
How to apply
There are 7 steps in the Rural Entrepreneur Stream application process. Read each step carefully before you apply.
Step 1. Read the AAIP terms and conditions
The availability of AAIP streams, categories, pathways and pilots is dependent upon application volumes and labour market needs. The AAIP reserves the right to close application intake for any AAIP stream, category, pathway or pilot at any time, without prior notice. Further, the AAIP may decline to consider applications to closed or suspended streams, categories, pathways or pilots, regardless of when the applications were submitted. The criteria for the AAIP are routinely evaluated and may be subject to change at any time and without notice. Changes to the AAIP, including notice of suspension or closure of its streams, categories, pathways and pilots and criteria changes, are available at AAIP – Updates.
The AAIP is not obligated to assess/process any applications submitted. Applications to the AAIP are treated as an expression of interest, and as such, will be processed according to quality of the application (completeness, eligibility), labour market information, occupational supply and demand forecasting, AAIP application volumes or any other factors at the AAIP’s discretion. By applying to the AAIP you acknowledge and agree that your application may not be processed in the order received, or at all. Further, the decision to assess or process any particular application, and the outcome of any such assessment / processing, is at the AAIP’s sole discretion.
Program criteria are eligibility minimums, and meeting program criteria does not guarantee that a candidate’s application will be assessed, processed, or granted. The AAIP may choose to assess applications with the most current criteria irrespective of the date of submission of an application.
Candidates must have a strong likelihood of becoming economically established in Alberta and the AAIP reserves the right to decline applications if the AAIP is of the opinion that the candidate may not economically establish in Alberta.
Step 2. Review the Eligibility Criteria
Review the Rural Entrepreneur Stream Eligibility Criteria and the AAIP Terms and Conditions (see Step 1 above) before submitting an Expression of Interest (EOI).
The AAIP does not guarantee that all complete Business Applications received will be assessed, or that all candidates who meet the eligibility criteria will be issued a Business Application Approval Letter and/or nomination. Review the AAIP Terms and Conditions for complete information (see Step 1 above).
Submission of a Business Application or nomination by the AAIP does not guarantee you will be issued a permanent resident visa.
Step 3. Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI)
If you meet the Rural Entrepreneur Stream criteria, you can submit your Expression of Interest (EOI) by accessing the AAIP Portal. The AAIP will review and score your EOI within 30 days of submission. Highest-ranking candidates will be requested to submit a Business Application.
For more information on the criteria used to assess EOIs, see the Rural Entrepreneur Stream Eligibility page.
The Rural Entrepreneur Stream Business Application form is not available online. Only candidates who receive a request to submit a Business Application will be able to access the AAIP portal to start the Business Application process.
Using the AAIP online portal
The AAIP uses an online system to submit EOIs and Business Applications. You will need:
- valid email address
- access to a computer
- ability to scan and upload the required documents to the AAIP portal
Before entering your application information in the portal, read the AAIP Portal Helpful Hints (PDF, 98 KB) for tips on filling out the online application.
The AAIP portal is for candidates only. You are responsible for your AAIP online portal account. Portal access is not available for third party representatives and family members.
You must have a basic MyAlberta Digital ID (MADI) account to access the portal. A MADI account is a free online identity for accessing Government of Alberta services online. Instructions on how to create a MADI account are in the portal and on the MADI website. You may also use an existing basic or verified MADI account.
The email address used to set up your MADI account is the email address that the AAIP will use to correspond with you. If you need to change your email address for corresponding with the AAIP, you must update your MADI account.
You should not share your MADI account with others, including family members and third-party representatives, as your information or documents could be modified without your knowledge or consent.
You are responsible for the information provided to the AAIP for your EOI and business application. Incorrect or fraudulent information could result in your business application being declined, and you could be banned from applying to the AAIP for a period of time.
Submitting an EOI
Entrepreneurs can submit an EOI for the Rural Entrepreneur Stream through the AAIP portal. See the AAIP Business Plan (Guidelines) (PDF, 633 KB) for what to include in your business plan when submitting your EOI to the AAIP.
Once you start your EOI in the AAIP portal, you have 120 days to complete and submit the required documents. After 120 days, your EOI will be purged. You can submit a new EOI if you choose.
You must ensure your EOI is up to date at the time of submission, and that all your information is complete, true, and correct.
There is no fee for submitting an EOI.
Once your EOI is completed, you can submit it to the AAIP by clicking the ‘Submit’ button in the AAIP portal. You must ensure that your EOI has the status of ‘Submitted’ or it will not be reviewed by the AAIP.
Note: once your EOI is submitted, you will not be able to update it until the AAIP has reviewed and scored it, and the status is ‘Eligible.’ If your EOI status is ‘Not Eligible’ then you will not be able to update it and must submit a new EOI if you choose. The AAIP will score your EOI within 30 days of submission.
EOI pool
EOIs are placed in the pool of qualified candidates for a period of 12 months from the date of their original submission. If your EOI is not selected in this 12-month period, it will be cancelled, and you will have to submit a new EOI if you choose.
While your EOI is in the pool of qualified candidates, you can update or cancel your submission by accessing the AAIP portal. By updating or cancelling your submission, you will no longer be in the pool of qualified candidates. If you choose to resubmit, your new EOI will have a new submission date and it will be assessed against the program criteria at that time.
Candidate’s information will be assessed based on the Rural Entrepreneur Stream Points Grid. Candidates with the highest-ranking points will be contacted directly by the AAIP and invited to submit a Business Application. Only candidates who receive a request to submit a Business Application under the Rural Entrepreneur Stream will be considered.
An EOI is not an application. There is no guarantee that if you meet the selection requirements you will receive a request to submit a Business Application. Requests to submit a Business Application are affected by the volume of potential candidates meeting these requirements, the type (occupation/sector) of submissions in AAIP processing queues, and the number of available nominations.
PDF form issues
Fillable PDF forms do not open properly on some mobile devices and web browsers. To fill in and save the form:
- Save the PDF form to your computer – click or right-click the link and download the form.
- Open the PDF form with Adobe Reader. Fill it in and save it.
Required documents
Your EOI list of documents may include one or more of the following forms:
- Rural Entrepreneur Stream Business Proposal Summary
- Net Worth Worksheet
- Community Support Letter
- Use of Representative form (PDF, 1.3 MB)
- Spouse, Common-Law Partners and Dependants Authorization form (PDF, 243 KB)
Step 4. Submit the Business Application package
If you receive a request to submit a Business Application, you can submit your Business Application online using the AAIP portal. A draft of the Business Application will be created in the AAIP portal with the information you provided during your EOI. Make sure you update this information, and upload all the required forms and supporting documents in the AAIP portal and pay the $3,500 non-refundable fee.
A complete Business Application package includes all the required documents listed on the Rural Entrepreneur Stream – Business Application Document Checklist (PDF, 468 KB). If any documents are missing, your Business Application may be declined. A complete Business Application must be submitted within 90 days of receiving the email from the AAIP requesting you to submit a Business Application.
AAIP approved Qualified Service Provider
The following report(s) must be submitted with your Business Application:
- Business Plan Evaluation Report
- Qualified Service Provider Report
Business Plan Evaluation Report
One of the following Qualified Service Provider must evaluate your business plan. You must provide the same copy of the Business Plan to the Qualified Service Provider that you will submit to the AAIP with your Business Application. Contact the Qualified Service Provider for Business Plan Evaluation Report as soon as you receive the request to submit a Business Application from the AAIP.
KPMG LLP
3100 - 2005 5 Avenue SW
Calgary, Alberta
T2P 4B9
Telephone: 416-777-3887
Fax: 403-691-8008
Email: AINPverification@kpmg.ca
MNP LLP
Suite 1600, MNP Tower
10235 101 Street NW
Edmonton, Alberta T5J 3G1
Telephone: 587-441-6021
Fax: 403-269-8450
Email: ainp-bp@mnp.ca
Qualified Service Provider Report
One of the following Qualified Service Provider must assess your net worth and business investment. Contact the Qualified Service Provider for the Qualified Service Provider Report as soon as you receive the request to submit a Business Application from the AAIP. The AAIP will only accept a Qualified Service Provider Report from one of the following Qualified Service Provider:
Grant Thornton LLP
1701 Scotia Place 2
10060 Jasper Avenue NW
Edmonton, Alberta T5J 3R8
Phone: 780-422-7114
Fax: 780-426-3208
Email: abpnp@ca.gt.com
KPMG LLP
3100 - 2005 5 Avenue SW
Calgary, Alberta T2P 4B9
Telephone: 416-777-3887
Fax: 403-691-8008
Email: AINPverification@kpmg.ca
MNP LLP
Suite 1600, MNP Tower
10235 101 Street NW
Edmonton, Alberta T5J 3G1
Telephone: 587-441-6021
Fax: 403-269-8450
Email: ainp-bp@mnp.ca
Only candidates who receive a request to submit a Business Application will be able to access the AAIP portal to start Business Application process. A request to submit a Business Application will be sent by email. After logging into the AAIP portal, click on ‘Check Existing Applications'. A draft Business Application is automatically created for you. Review and update the Business Application and provide all additional required documents. Your Business Application must be current and complete.
If you do not submit your Business Application within the specified deadline, your draft Business Application will be cancelled in the AAIP portal. If you are still interested in applying to the AAIP, you will have to submit a new EOI under the relevant criteria in place at the time of submission. EOIs that are cancelled due to failure to submit a Business Application by the deadline are not eligible for a Request for Reconsideration.
The AAIP will not accept changes to an EOI submitted after the request to submit a Business Application has been issued. You may only submit a Business Application if you can demonstrate you meet Rural Entrepreneur Stream eligibility criteria. You will be assessed against the Rural Entrepreneur Stream eligibility criteria in place at the time your Business Application is received.
When the AAIP selects candidates, it expects that information contained in the AAIP portal is accurate. The information and documents you identified in the AAIP portal must be provided to the AAIP at the time your Business Application is submitted. Documents and information provided in the Business Application must confirm the information already identified in the AAIP portal. If there are discrepancies between the information in the AAIP portal and the information the AAIP receives, your submission may be declined.
Application fee
Fee conditions
A $3,500 non-refundable fee applies to all online Business Applications.
The Business Application fee is non-refundable once a Business Application has been submitted to the AAIP. Refund requests for Business Application fees will not be considered. The Business Application fee covers the cost of processing your Business Application and is required whether your Business Application is approved or not. There is no guarantee you will be issued a nomination certificate.
Refund requests for Business Application fees will not be considered. Each Business Application requires a separate Business Application fee and the fee will not be refunded.
Paying the Business Application fee
Instructions on how to pay your fee are available in the portal. For any online fee payment issues, contact the Service Alberta Contact Centre at:
Phone: 1-844-643-2788
Email: myalberta.eservices@gov.ab.ca
You will need to pay your fee within 24 hours of submitting your Business Application in the portal.
The $3,500 fee must be paid online using a single credit or debit card.
If you do not pay your fee within 24 hours of submitting your Business Application, your Business Application will be cancelled. Cancelled Business Applications cannot be reinstated and are not eligible for a Request for Reconsideration. Your Business Application is linked to your EOI. If the Business Application is cancelled, candidates must submit a new EOI for consideration and selection.
Confirmation of Business Application receipt and payment
Check the status of your Business Application on the MyApplications page of the AAIP portal to confirm your Business Application fee has been paid:
- Your Business Application has not been accepted for processing by the AAIP and your fee has not been paid if the ‘Pay Fees’ button shows in the portal and the status of your Business Application is ‘Payment Pending’ on the MyApplications page.
- Your Business Application has been accepted for processing by the AAIP if the ‘Pay Fees’ button is not showing in the portal and the status of your Business Application on the MyApplications page in the portal is ‘Submitted.’ You will also get an email from eServices with your fee payment receipt.
After you apply
Notification of Business Application
Emails from the AAIP will always come from a Government of Alberta account (@gov.ab.ca). The Alberta government does not use email accounts such as Gmail, Hotmail, Yahoo, etc. If you receive a suspicious email, contact your local police and report the incident to the AAIP by email at lbr.pnpoffice@gov.ab.ca.
Once you submit a complete Business Application, the AAIP portal will automatically generate a file number. If any documents are missing, your Business Application will be declined.
If you use an immigration representative to submit your Business Application, your notification email will be sent to you and copied to your representative.
Update your information
Keep your Business Application information up to date while you wait for it to be assessed and while it is being assessed by an AAIP officer.
You must update the AAIP if you wish to:
- correct or update information or documents in your Business Application
- provide required updates on your contact information – address, email address or phone number – or changes to your family status
- provide updated or renewed work permits
- update your use of a representative
Use the AAIP portal to:
- request to withdraw your Business Application
- update your contact information (excluding email address)
- update your family information
- change your representative
To change your email address for corresponding with the AAIP:
- update your MADI account
For all other updates, you must email the updated information or change request to lbr.pnpoffice@gov.ab.ca, along with your AAIP Business Application number. You must advise of the update or change that is required and attach relevant documents. You will receive an automated email response indicating your email is received. You must keep track of the requests you send to the AAIP. The AAIP will update its internal system with changes.
Forms to notify the AAIP of updates
- A signed Use of Representative form (PDF, 1.3 MB) must be provided to change your third-party representative for your AAIP application
To withdraw a Business Application or to update your contact information (excluding email address):
- Log into the AAIP portal
- On the AAIP portal main page, click on ‘Create New Request’.
- Find the AAIP Business Application number for the Business Application for which you want to make a request.
- Once you click on the Business Application number, you will be directed to a page with detailed information. You can only see request options that are available to you for this Business Application.
- Withdrawal: If you are eligible to withdraw the Business Application, a blue Withdraw Application button will be available above the Business Application number.
- Update Contact Information: You can update contact information for all active or nominated Business Applications. Update family information: You can update spouse/common-law partner and dependent information for all active and nominated Business Applications.
- Request change of representative: You can update your representative for all Business Applications, including withdrawn and declined Business Applications.
- Click on the blue button for the type of request you want to submit.
- Next, read the FOIP clause and other important information about completing a request. Check off the box and click on ‘Continue’. A draft is automatically saved once you click on the ‘Continue’ button. If you experience any technical issues or leave the request section while creating the request, you will need to go to the ‘Check Existing Requests’ page to retrieve the draft request to continue.
- Read the information provided on submitting the request and follow the instructions to complete the request.
- Withdrawal: Once a Business Application is withdrawn, it cannot be re-activated. Enter your reason for requesting the withdrawal of the Business Application.
- Update contact information: The current contact information the AAIP has will be displayed. Only update the information that is no longer correct. Do not delete any existing information that is correct. Include only your contact information. Do not provide anyone else’s information, including that of your third party representative.
- Update family information: Provide details on the spouse/common-law partner and/ or dependent you need to add or remove from the Business Application and upload supporting documents.
- Request change of representative: If you are removing a representative and representing yourself, fill out the fields as directed in the portal. If you are appointing a representative or changing from one representative to another representative, read the provided AAIP Use of Representative policy and upload a signed Use of Representative form (PDF, 1.3 MB). Read the instructions in the form to determine which pages must be completed for the change to representative you are requesting.
- Click on ‘Submit Request’ button.
The AAIP will review your request to withdraw and will notify you by email after the review is completed.
We will make the changes to your contact information in our internal system. Contact information changes will only be reflected in the Update Contact Information section in the portal. Changes to your contact information will not be reflected in the online Business Application.
If more information is needed
A Program Officer with the AAIP will contact you by email or phone if more information is needed to assess your Business Application. You must submit this information in the format requested by the Program Officer to their government email address. The only other information you should send to your assigned Program Officer is documents showing changes to your contact information, work permit status or family situation.
Step 5. Business Application assessment
Once the Business Application and supporting documents are received, the AAIP will assess your Business Application. There is no guarantee that all complete Business Applications will be assessed or that all candidates who meet the criteria will be issued a nomination.
An AAIP Officer may contact you by email or phone if additional information is needed to assess your Business Application and will tell you how to send the information.
Your Business Application will be assessed against the eligibility criteria and your
The AAIP will not consider any requests to change the terms of the Business Performance Agreement other than an extension to the term of your Business Performance Agreement after it is approved and signed by you.
Once all parties have signed the Business Performance Agreement, the AAIP will provide you with a copy of the signed Business Performance Agreement, a Business Application Approval Letter along with a 205(a) Letter of Support. The 205(a) Letter of Support allows you to apply for a two-year work permit to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). There is no cost associated with this 205(a) Letter of Support. Any subsequent 205(a) Letter of Support request will require a $100 processing fee.
Entrepreneurs who are approved under the established businesses in Alberta criteria are not required to sign a Business Performance Agreement. These entrepreneurs will be issued a nomination certificate to apply for permanent residence to IRCC.
Applying for a work permit
A work permit is the official document issued by the Government of Canada that allows a foreign national to work legally on a temporary basis in Canada. The duration of the work permit validity period may vary at the discretion of IRCC.
You are required to submit your application for a work permit to IRCC along with your 205(a) Letter of Support within 3 months of receiving this letter, to facilitate your arrival in Alberta within 12 months of receiving your Business Application Approval Letter.
To apply for a work permit, follow the instructions on IRCC’s website.
You must first register as an employer in IRCC’s Employer Portal as the employer of your business (self-employed person). You will need to pay an employer compliance fee but you will be exempt from the LMIA fee.
Issuance of a 205(a) Letter of Support does not guarantee that you will receive a work permit. Only IRCC can issue a work permit.
After receiving the work permit, you can move to Alberta to establish your business. Review the information on:
The Business Application Approval Letter is not a nomination and cannot be used to apply for permanent residence. It recognizes that the AAIP approves your Business Application and proposed business outlined in the Business Performance Agreement and expects that you will reside and operate your business in Alberta. The 205(a) Letter of Support will allow you to apply for a work permit to come to Alberta to establish your business.
If your Business Application is declined
If your Business Application is declined, you will be emailed a decision letter providing the reasons your Business Application was declined. If you identified an immigration representative to act on your behalf for your Business Application, the decision email will be sent to you and copied to your representative.
If you can demonstrate an error was made in assessing your Business Application, you may be eligible to submit a Request for Reconsideration.
Step 6. Establish your business in Alberta
Upon receiving your Business Application Approval Letter and your work permit, you must:
- reside in a rural Alberta community
- actively own and operate an eligible business in a rural Alberta community for at least 12 months with at least 51% ownership if establishing a new business or 100% ownership for business succession
- meet the conditions of the Business Performance Agreement that you signed with the Government of Alberta
- demonstrate that the business is operating successfully by generating product or services after one year of operation
Once you meet all the conditions of the Business Performance Agreement, submit the Final Report for Nomination as described in Step 7.
Candidates must:
- Submit an Arrival Report to the AAIP within 30 days of the date that appears as the “date issued” on your work permit issued by the Government of Canada.
- Submit a Business Progress Report to the AAIP after the end of each 6-month period from the date that appears as the “date issued” on your work permit issued by the Government of Canada. If you require more time to meet the conditions of your Business Performance Agreement and want to extend your Business Performance Agreement term length, you must send an email to the AAIP at LBR.PNPoffice@gov.ab.ca to request an extension.
- Business Performance Agreement extension request will take at least 90 days to process. The AAIP may request evidence to confirm you are meeting the conditions of your signed Business Performance Agreement. There is no guarantee that your request for Business Performance Agreement extension will be approved.
Extending your work permit
If you need to extend your work permit to meet the conditions of the Business Performance Agreement, you must submit a Request for a 205(a) Letter of Support to the AAIP within 90 days of your work permit expiry. All requests for a 205(a) Letter of Support will be reviewed and granted on a case-by-case basis. Requests for a 205(a) letter of Support are subject to a service fee of $100.
- Refer to the How to request a 205(a) Letter of Support for more information on the process and fee payment requirements.
There is no guarantee that the AAIP will extend your Business Performance Agreement term length or will issue you a 205(a) Letter of Support to extend your work permit. In addition, the issuance of the 205(a) Letter of Support by the AAIP does not guarantee that IRCC will extend your work permit.
Step 7. Final Report for Nomination
Once candidates satisfy all the conditions of the Business Performance Agreement, they can apply to be nominated by the AAIP for permanent residency. Candidates must submit a Final Report for Nomination along with the supporting business documents.
The AAIP will assess your Final Report for Nomination and will inform you of the decision. You will be assessed based upon your compliance with your Business Performance Agreement and any other criteria in place at the time you started your Business Application process.
If your Final Report for Nomination is approved
If your Final Report for Nomination is approved, the AAIP will:
- notify Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) of your nomination
- send a nomination letter to you explaining how to submit your permanent residency application to the IRCC Centralized Intake Office (CIO). You must apply for permanent residence to IRCC.
You must continue to meet the conditions of your Business Performance Agreement during the AAIP nomination assessment. If you no longer meet the conditions of your Business Performance Agreement, you will not be issued a nomination certificate and you will be declined.
You may use your nomination to renew your work permit.
A one-time nomination extension may be issued under the Rural Entrepreneur Stream if all nomination extension requirements are met. Request for a nomination extension is subject to a processing fee of $100.
IRCC will contact you for further clarification or additional documents for your Application for Permanent Residence. If IRCC approves your application, you and your dependents will receive a permanent resident visa from IRCC.
Learn more about what to do after you are nominated.
If your Final Report for Nomination is declined
If your Final Report for Nomination is declined, you will be emailed a decision letter providing the reasons your Business Application was declined. If you identified an immigration representative to act on your behalf for your Business Application, the decision email will be sent to you and copied to your representative.
If you can demonstrate an error was made in assessing your Business Application, you may be eligible to submit a Request for Reconsideration.
Request for reconsideration
All requests for reconsideration are subject to a service fee of $100. Information on how to pay the fee is provided below.
You may only submit one request for reconsideration for each decision that you receive from the AAIP on your Business Application.
Requests will not be processed until full payment is received.
Eligibility for reconsideration
You may submit a request for reconsideration on the decision of your Business Application only if you meet the following criteria.
A request for reconsideration must:
- be directly related to the reason(s) stated in the decision letter
- demonstrate that an error was made in applying program criteria to the Business Application or Final Report for Nomination
- be submitted by:
- the candidate named on the decision letter, or
- a representative of the candidate
- be submitted within 30 calendar days of the date the decision letter was issued
A request for reconsideration cannot be used:
- to ask for an exemption or exception to program criteria
- as an opportunity to submit new evidence or re-state the evidence submitted in the Business Application or Final Report for Nomination
- if you are unsatisfied with the final decision or a component of the final decision
- to request Humanitarian and Compassionate consideration
How to submit a request for reconsideration
Step 1. Complete the online request
- Log into the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program portal.
- On the AAIP portal main page, click on 'Create New Request'.
- Find the AAIP Business Application number that you want to submit a request for reconsideration. Only Business Applications with a status of 'Declined' or 'Withdrawn' are eligible for reconsideration.
- Once you click on the Business Application number, you will be directed to a page with detailed information. You can only see request options that are available to you for this Business Application. If you are eligible to submit a request for reconsideration for the Business Application, a blue 'Request for Reconsideration' button will be available above the Business Application number.
- Click on the blue 'Request for Reconsideration' button.
- Next, read the FOIP clause and other important information about completing a request. Check off the box and click on Continue. A draft is automatically saved once you click on the Continue button. If you experience any technical issues or leave the request section while creating the request, you will need to go to the 'Check Existing Requests' page to retrieve the draft request to continue.
- Complete the online declaration and upload supporting document(s), if applicable, and click on 'Submit Request' button.
- Next, you must pay the fee.
Step 2. Pay the fee
All requests for reconsideration are subject to a service fee of $100.
Fee conditions
The AAIP request for reconsideration fee will automatically be refunded by the AAIP only if the original decision on your Business Application is overturned. Other refunds for requests for reconsideration fees will not be considered.
Online payment
Instructions on how to pay your fee are available in the portal. For any online fee payment issues, contact the Service Alberta Contact Centre:
Phone: 1-844-643-2788
Email: myalberta.eservices@gov.ab.ca
You will need to pay your fee in full within 24 hours of submitting your request in the portal. If you do not pay your fee within 24 hours of submitting your request, your request will be cancelled. Cancelled requests cannot be reinstated and a new request must be created and submitted.
Check the Request Status on the Check Existing Requests page to confirm if your request fee has been paid. Your fee has not been paid if the status is 'Payment Pending.' Your request has been accepted for processing by the AAIP if the status is 'Submitted'. You will also receive an email from eServices with your fee payment receipt.
After you submit a request for reconsideration
You can check the online portal for the status of your request.
The information you submitted will be reviewed and if the request meets the required conditions, a Program Officer with the AAIP who was not involved in the original decision will conduct a review of the decision on your Business Application.
There is no guarantee that a request for reconsideration will result in your Business Application being re-assessed.
An email with the decision on your request for reconsideration will be issued within 30 calendar days of the date the request was received.
If you do not qualify to request reconsideration
If you do not meet the conditions listed above to request reconsideration, you may wish to review the AAIP website for information and updates to AAIP criteria, to determine if you meet the eligibility criteria to re-apply.
Resources
- AAIP – Business Plan Guidelines (PDF, 692 KB)
- Rural Entrepreneur Stream– Business Application Document Checklist (PDF, 468 KB)
- Rural Entrepreneur Stream Business Proposal Summary
- Arrival Report
- Business Progress Report
- Community Enrolment Form
- Final Report for Nomination
- Net Worth Worksheet
- AAIP Portal Helpful Hints (PDF, 98 KB)
- Use of Representative form (PDF, 1.3 MB)
After you are nominated
Overview
Once you are nominated under the Rural Entrepreneur Stream, there are several things to consider:
- You must apply for permanent residence within 6 months.
- The Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) may extend your nomination. See information below on how to extend your nomination.
- You must submit a Business Progress Report to the AAIP 6 months after the date of your nomination. You will have 2 weeks to submit this report.
- You must keep the AAIP and the federal government updated on changes to your personal circumstances.
- You must maintain your status to live and work in Alberta while your application for permanent residence is in process. See information below on options for extending your work permit.
- The AAIP may withdraw your nomination at any time if you no longer meet the conditions of nomination or if you provided false or misleading information in your AAIP business application.
Apply for permanent residence
To obtain permanent residence status, you must apply for Permanent Residence to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) with your AAIP nomination certificate and supporting documents. You must ensure you maintain your legal status in Canada.
IRCC completes a review of your application for permanent residence including health, security and criminal reviews. IRCC may request any additional information that it deems appropriate at any time during the application process, such as your Business Performance Agreement.
IRCC is responsible for assessing each nominee’s eligibility for permanent residence. The AAIP is not responsible for IRCC’s decision to approve or refuse an application for permanent residence and or to issue a Confirmation of Permanent Residence.
Step 1. Review your nomination package
Your AAIP nomination certificate will be sent to you by email. If you have an authorized representative, they will be copied on the same email.
Read everything in the package carefully. Contact the program officer who issued your nomination if you find mistakes on your nomination.
Make a copy of your nomination for your personal records.
IRCC may require you to provide a copy of this nomination certificate with your application for permanent residence. You may also be asked to provide a copy of this nomination certificate to renew your work permit.
Step 2. Get your permanent residence application ready
After you get your AAIP nomination, you must apply to IRCC as soon as possible. Your nomination is only valid for 6 months; you must apply to IRCC before it expires.
You may qualify to have your AAIP nomination extended. A $100 fee applies for all requests for nomination extensions.
The sooner you apply for permanent residence, the sooner you can get an Acknowledgement of Receipt (AOR) of your application from IRCC, and an IRCC file number. Your AOR and IRCC file number are very important if you need to extend your work permit.
Visit the IRCC website to get all the information you need to apply for permanent residence.
Use the 'PNC' column of the federal document checklist (PDF, 1.8 MB) to prepare the required forms and documents, including:
- a copy of your AAIP nomination
- your police certificates – if available
- payment for the required fees
If you are waiting for police certificates, you can send your application to IRCC without them. IRCC will ask for them later.
IRCC will not accept your application if it is incomplete or you have not paid the required fees.
Step 3. Mail your application
Send your application by registered mail or courier service to make sure it is received by the Centralized Intake Office (CIO).
Regular mail
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
Provincial Nominee Program
Centralized Intake Office
PO Box 1450
Sydney, Nova Scotia B1P 6K5
Canada
Registered mail or courier
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
Provincial Nominee Program
Centralized Intake Office
49 Dorchester Street
Sydney, Nova Scotia B1P 5Z2
Canada
Do not send your application to any other visa office.
After you apply
After you apply for permanent residence, the Centralized Intake Office will determine if your application is complete. If the Centralized Intake Office accepts your application they will send you a file number and tell you the next steps.
You can check the status of your IRCC application online using your file number.
The AAIP does not have any information about your IRCC application and cannot provide status updates.
Medical, criminal and security checks
You and your family must pass medical, criminal and security checks to receive permanent residence.
Do not have a medical check until IRCC asks you to get one. Instructions on how to take the medical examination will be sent to you after you submit your application to IRCC.
Your AAIP Nomination does not mean that you will receive permanent residence. Only IRCC can issue a permanent resident visa.
Change of information
If there are changes to the following information while IRCC is processing your permanent residence application, you must contact both the AAIP and IRCC:
- address, email or phone number
- family status
- immigration status
- use of representative
How you update the AAIP of changes will depend on what kind of information you are updating.
If you are requesting to withdraw your Business Application, updating your contact information (excluding email address), updating your family information or changing your representative, you must use the AAIP portal.
If you need to change your email address for corresponding with the AAIP, you must update your MADI account.
For all other updates, you must email the updated information or change request, along with your Business Application number, to the AAIP officer who sent you your nomination. Ensure you attach all relevant documents. You must keep track of the updates you send to the AAIP officer. The AAIP will update its internal system with changes.
Forms to notify the AAIP of updates
- A signed Use of Representative form (PDF, 1.3 MB) must be provided to change your third-party representative for your AAIP application
Complete the online request to request a withdrawal of a Business Application, update contact information (excluding email address), update family information or change a representative.
Complete the online request
- Log into the AAIP portal
- On the AAIP portal main page, click on 'Create New Request'.
- Find the AAIP Business Application number for the Business Application for which you want to make an update or request.
- Once you click on the Business Application number, you will be directed to a page with detailed information. You can only see request options that are available to you for this Business Application.
- Withdrawal: If you are eligible to withdraw the Business Application, a blue 'Withdraw Application' button will be available above the Business Application number.
- Update contact information: You can update contact information for all active or nominated Business Applications.
- Update family information: You can update spouse/common-law partner and dependent information for all active and nominated Business Applications.
- Request change of representative: You can update your representative for all Business Applications, including withdrawn and declined Business Applications.
- Click on the blue button for the type of request or update you want to submit.
- Next, read the FOIP clause and other important information about completing a request. Check off the box and click on 'Continue'. A draft is automatically saved once you click on the 'Continue' button. If you experience any technical issues or leave the request section while creating the request, you will need to go the 'Check Existing Requests' page to retrieve the draft request to continue.
- Read the information provided on submitting the request and follow the instructions to complete the request.
- Withdrawal: Once a Business Application is withdrawn, it cannot be re-activated. Enter your reason for requesting the withdrawal of the Business Application.
- Update contact information: The current contact information the AAIP has will be displayed. Only update the information that is no longer correct. Do not delete any existing information that is correct. Include only your contact information. Do not provide anyone else’s information, including that of your third party representative.
- Update family information: Provide details on the spouse/common-law partner and or dependent you need to add or remove from the Business Application and upload supporting documents.
- Request change of representative: If you are removing a representative and representing yourself, fill out the fields as directed in the portal. If you are appointing a representative or changing from one representative to another representative, read the provided AAIP Use of Representative policy and upload a signed Use of Representative form (PDF, 1.3 MB). Read the instructions in the form to determine which pages must be completed for the change to representative you are requesting.
- Click on 'Submit Request' button.
The AAIP will review your request to withdraw and notify you by email after the review is completed.
We will make the changes to your contact, family, and representative information in our internal system. Changes will only be reflected in the individual requests in the Check Existing Request section in the portal. Changes to your information will not be reflected in the online Business Application.
IRCC will tell you how to contact them with any changes after receiving your application for permanent residence.
Extend your work permit
All AAIP nominees must apply to IRCC for a work permit renewal if their current work permit will expire before their permanent residence application is finalized.
Note: an AAIP nomination is not an automatic work permit renewal. It is very important to not let your work permit expire.
There are 2 ways that AAIP nominees can apply to IRCC for a work permit renewal.
The AAIP recommends you first explore option 1.
Option 1
Renew your work permit by applying for a Bridging Open Work Permit. This option is available to all AAIP nominees in all streams and categories who have applied for permanent residence to IRCC and who:
- live in Canada
- have an IRCC file number
- have an Acknowledgement of Receipt (AOR), and
- can meet all other IRCC work permit and status requirements
Follow these steps when applying for the Bridging Open Work Permit:
- Include a copy of your AAIP nomination when you apply.
- Include a copy of your Acknowledgement of Receipt from IRCC with your IRCC file number.
- Select 'Open Work Permit' on the IRCC application form to extend your work permit where it asks 'What type of work permit are you applying for?'
- Pay all fees including the additional $100 fee for an open work permit.
Option 2 (only recommended if option 1 is not possible)
205(a) Letter of Support
If Option 1 is not available to you, you may be eligible to receive a 205(a) Letter of Support from the AAIP to renew your work permit.
You must submit a request to be considered for a 205(a) Letter of Support. The AAIP will review your request and determine if a letter can be issued.
There is no guarantee a 205(a) Letter of Support will be issued.
The AAIP process for issuing and applying for a 205(a) Letter of Support includes:
- All nominees must complete and submit a request for 205(a) Letter of Support through the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program portal. You cannot submit a request for a 205(a) Letter of Support until you have received a nomination certificate.
- All requests for a 205(a) Letter of Support are subject to a service fee of $100.
- Exception: Nominees who have a written request from IRCC for a 205(a) Letter of Support do not need to pay the service fee.
- Requests will not be processed until full payment is received.
How to submit a request for a 205(a) Letter of Support
Step 1. Complete the online request
- Log into the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program portal
- On the AAIP portal main page, click on 'Create New Request'.
- Find the AAIP Business Application number for the Business Application for which you want to make a request for a 205(a) Letter of Support.
- Once you click on the Business Application number, you will be directed to a page with detailed information. You can only see request options that are available to you for this Business Application. You can make a request for a 205(a) Letter of Support for Business Applications that are approved or have a valid nomination. If you are eligible to submit a request for a 205(a) Letter of Support for the Business Application, a blue 'Request 205(a) Letter of Support' button will be available above the Business Application number.
- Click on the 'Request 205(a) Letter of Support' button.
- Next, read the FOIP clause and other important information about completing a request. Check off the box and click on 'Continue'. A draft is automatically saved once you click on the 'Continue' button. If you experience any technical issues or leave the request section while creating the request, you will need to go to the 'Check Existing Requests' page to retrieve the draft request to continue.
- Read the information provided on submitting the request and follow the instructions to complete the request. Fill out the fields as directed in the portal and upload supporting documents.
- Click on 'Submit Request' button.
- Next, you must pay the fee.
Step 2. Pay the fee
All requests for a 205(a) Letter of Support are subject to a service fee of $100.
Exception: Nominees who have a written request from IRCC for a 205(a) Letter of Support do not need to pay the service fee.
Fee conditions
The AAIP Request for a 205(a) Letter of Support fee is non-refundable once a request has been submitted to the AAIP. Refund requests for 205(a) Letter of Support fees will not be considered. The fee covers the cost of processing of your request and is required whether a 205(a) Letter of Support is issued or not. There is no guarantee you will be issued a 205(a) Letter of Support.
Online payment
Follow the instructions on how to pay your fee in the in the portal. For any online fee payment issues, contact the Service Alberta Contact Centre:
Phone: 1-844-643-2788
Email: myalberta.eservices@gov.ab.ca
You will need to pay your fee in full within 24 hours of submitting your request in the portal. If you do not pay your fee within 24 hours of submitting your request, your request will be cancelled. Cancelled requests cannot be reinstated and a new request must be created and submitted.
Check the Request Status of your application on the Check Existing Requests page to confirm if your request fee has been paid. Your fee has not been paid if the status is 'Payment Pending.' Your request has been accepted for processing by the AAIP if the status is 'Submitted'. You will also have an email from eServices with your fee payment receipt.
After you submit a request for a 205(a) Letter of Support
You can check the online portal for the status of your request.
If you receive a written request from IRCC for a 205(a) Letter of Support, AAIP will attempt to respond to your request by the deadline provided by IRCC. It will take 30 to 45 days to respond to your request for a 205(a) Letter of Support.
Your form and supporting documents will be reviewed. You will receive an email notifying you if the request meets the conditions required for a 205(a) Letter of Support to be issued.
Applying for a new work permit with a 205(a) Letter of Support
To apply for a new work permit:
- include a copy of your AAIP nomination and your 205(a) Letter of Support
- include a copy of your Acknowledgement of Receipt from IRCC with your IRCC file number, if your AAIP nomination is no longer valid when you apply
- use the IRCC Employer Portal to submit an offer of employment and pay the Employer Compliance Fee before applying for a work permit
Extend your nomination
All requests for a nomination extension emailed are subject to a service fee of $100. Information on how to pay the fee is provided below.
Your AAIP nomination gives you 6 months to submit your application for permanent residence as a Provincial Nominee to IRCC.
You must apply to IRCC before your nomination expires. If your nomination expires and you request an extension, AAIP will review your reasons for needing an extension.
There is no guarantee that you will be issued an extension.
If you have already been granted an AAIP nomination extension, you will not be granted any further extensions.
To be considered for an extension request:
- The AAIP must receive your extension request within 6 months of the expiry date of your original nomination. If more than 6 months have passed since the expiry date of your original nomination, you are not eligible for an AAIP Nomination extension.
- You must continue to meet all of the conditions that were in place at the time your original nomination was issued by the AAIP.
- Full fee payment must be received. Requests will not be processed until full payment is received.
Extension requests will take up to 30 days to process.
The AAIP will not respond to any inquiries about the status of your nomination extension request.
Request a nomination extension
As of February 16, 2022, candidates must submit their request for nomination extension using the portal.
Online application using AAIP portal
Step 1. Complete the online request
- Log into the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program portal
- On the portal main page, click on 'Create New Request'.
- Find the AAIP application number for the application that you want to request a nomination extension for. Only applications with a status of 'Certificate Issued” are eligible for a nomination extension.
- Once you click on the application number, you will be directed to a page with detailed information. You can only see request options that are available to you for this application. If you are eligible to submit a request for a nomination extension, a blue 'Request Nomination Extension' button will be available above the application number.
- Click on the blue 'Request Nomination Extension' button.
- Next, read the FOIP clause and other important information about completing a request. Check off the box and click on 'Continue'. A draft is automatically saved once you click on the 'Continue' button. If you experience any technical issues or leave the request section while creating the request, you will need to go to the 'Check Existing Requests' page to retrieve the draft request to continue.
- Fill out the form, complete the online declaration and upload supporting documents, if applicable, and click on 'Submit Request' button.
- Next you must pay the fee.
Step 2. Pay the fee
All requests for nomination extension are subject to a service fee of $100.
Fee conditions
The AAIP request for a nomination extension fee is non-refundable once a request has been submitted to the AAIP. Refund requests for nomination extensions will not be considered. The fee covers the cost of processing of your request and is required whether a nomination extension is issued or not.
Online payment
Instructions on how to pay your fee are available in the portal. For any online fee payment issues, contact the Service Alberta Contact Centre:
Phone: 1-844-643-2788
Email: myalberta.eservices@gov.ab.ca
You will need to pay your fee in full within 24 hours of submitting your request in the portal. If you do not pay your fee within 24 hours of submitting your request, your request will be cancelled. Cancelled requests cannot be reinstated and a new request must be created and submitted.
Check the Request Status of your application on the Check Existing Requests page to confirm if your request fee has been paid. Your fee has not been paid if the status is 'Payment Pending.' Your request has been accepted for processing by the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program if the status is 'Submitted'. You will also have an email from eServices with your fee payment receipt.
After you request an extension
Your request and supporting documents will be reviewed. It will take 30 days to respond to your request. You will receive an email notifying you if the request meets the conditions required for a nomination extension to be issued.
If you are issued a nomination extension, you must follow the steps for applying to IRCC in order to submit your application.
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