The Rural Entrepreneur Program is an economic immigration program. Entrepreneurs wishing to start a new business or acquire an existing business in a rural community in Alberta can submit an Expression of Interest.
Who are entrepreneurs?
An entrepreneur is someone who establishes a business with the goal of generating profit. Entrepreneurs are often seen as innovators, sources of new ideas, goods, services, and business processes.
Entrepreneurs play a vital role in Alberta's economy, using their skills and ingenuity to anticipate demand and create jobs for Albertans. Successful entrepreneurs who take risks to build businesses are rewarded with profits and opportunities for further growth.
The Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) defines a rural community in Alberta as any community with a population of less than 100,000. AAIP uses the most recent census data from Statistics Canada to determine a community's population. Additionally, the community must be located outside the Greater Calgary and Edmonton metropolitan areas. Further information can be found at:
- Calgary Census Metropolitan Area
- Edmonton Census Metropolitan Area
- Information about rural communities in Alberta can be found in the Rural Entrepreneur Stream Community Guide.
Participating communities
Candidates interested in a specific rural community in Alberta should contact the community leader to discuss a business proposal and schedule a site visit. Each community has its own procedures for arranging site visits. Communities reserve the right to meet only with potential entrepreneurs they deem suitable.
When contacting communities, use only the contact information listed in each community's profile. Communities not listed but wishing to participate can submit a Community Enrolment Form to: entrepreneur.supportservice@gov.ab.ca
Exploratory visit
Applicants must complete an exploratory visit. The community and the applicant will jointly decide whether the visit will be conducted in person or via online video conferencing. Applicants must submit an Exploratory Visit Report along with their Business Application, regardless of whether the visit is conducted in person or online.
Applicants for in-person surveys must meet visa requirements to enter Alberta. AAIP and the community will not provide visa support letters for survey trips.
Before traveling to Alberta for the site visit, AAIP recommends that applicants research the community's current market opportunities, licensing and registration requirements, and the steps involved in establishing a business in Alberta. The site visit allows you to meet with local business partners, community economic development staff, and other potential contacts to learn about the local business environment and the requirements for building a successful business.
The purpose of this survey trip is to help you make informed decisions about running and managing a business in a rural Alberta community. Please keep records of the trip, including contacts and meetings, as this information is needed for the Exploratory Visit Report.
An Exploratory Visit Report must include:
- Names of professional business service providers or settlement support organizations you visited or spoke with during the video conference, including postal addresses, phone numbers, and email addresses.
- Describe the activity, whether in person or via video, and its relevance to establishing a business or settling in the country.
- Copies of business cards collected from contacts and service providers during the on-site survey (if any).
- Details of visits to existing businesses and meetings with the business owner if you plan to acquire a business. Include the business name, location, and the name and contact information of the current owner.
After the survey, send the complete Rural Entrepreneur Stream Business Proposal Summary to the community contact. This allows the community to confirm the content discussed during the survey. If the community believes that you and your business proposal will benefit them, they will issue a Community Support Letter and confirm the Business Proposal Summary.
A Community Support Letter ensures the community understands and supports your business and helps you establish a long-term presence in Alberta. They can also provide contact information and support to help you integrate into the community.
After receiving your Community Support Letter and a confirmed Business Proposal Summary, you can submit your Expression of Interest (EOI) to AAIP.
Eligibility
Table 1. Requirements for the Rural Entrepreneur Stream
| Area | Request |
|---|---|
| Work experience | Minimum of 3 years of proactive business owner/manager experience, OR minimum of 4 years of senior management experience within the last 10 years. |
| Education | Complete at least a high school diploma equivalent to Canadian standards, along with an Academic Accreditation Certificate (ECA). The IRCC website lists designated ECA organizations. |
| Language | A minimum CLB 4 score is required for each English skill or NCLC 4 for each French skill: reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Exam results must be less than two years old at the time of submitting the EOI. AAIP only accepts the following exams: – CELPIP General – IELTS General Training – Pearson PTE – TEF Canada – TCF Canada (The IRCC website has a CLB/NCLC conversion table.) |
| Net worth | Minimum $300,000 CAD. Assets must be owned personally or by a spouse or common-law partner. |
| Business investment | A minimum investment of $100,000 CAD from the applicant's own funds (or their spouse's) is required. Higher investments will receive additional points. |
| Business establishment | New business: minimum 51% ownership, partner must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident. Or business acquisition: 100% ownership, with full transfer of ownership. The business must not be on the ineligible list. Resources on starting a business are available on the Small business resource page. |
| Job creation | New businesses must create at least one full-time job for a Canadian citizen or permanent resident (excluding family members). Creating more jobs earns extra points. The job must last for at least six months. For business acquisitions, job creation is not required. |
| Community support letter | Applicants must have a Community Support Letter from a rural Alberta community participating in the program. |
Table 2. Factors that increase the likelihood of receiving an invitation to submit a Business Application.
| Element | Describe |
|---|---|
| Economic Benefit | Business succession. |
| Age | Between the ages of 21 and 49. |
| Spouse | My spouse or partner has one of the following factors: – Complete at least one year of full-time post-secondary education (Certificate, Associate Degree, Diploma, Bachelor's Degree or higher), OR – Achieved CLB 4 in English or NCLC 4 in French in all four skills (results must be no more than 2 years old). |
| Relatives in Alberta | Relatives are defined as: father, stepfather, mother, stepmother, children, stepchildren, sisters, step-sisters, brothers, step-brothers of the applicant or their spouse/partner. |
Selection from EOI pool
AAIP is currently accepting Expressions of Interest (EOIs) under the Rural Entrepreneur Stream. Information provided in the EOI, Business Proposal Summary, Net Worth Worksheet, and Community Support Letter will be evaluated and scored by AAIP based on the Rural Entrepreneur Stream's scoring system. Alberta may select the highest-ranked applicants and request them to submit a Business Application.
| Criteria group | Brief description | Point |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Rural Factor (maximum 25 points) | Business location in a rural Alberta community. | |
| - Tier 1: Under 10,000 inhabitants | 25 | |
| - Tier 2: 10,001 - 50,000 inhabitants | 17 | |
| - Tier 3: 50,001 - 99,999 inhabitants | 10 | |
| 2. Business experience (maximum 20 points) | Business owners or senior managers (in the last 10 years) | |
| - 3-4 years (or 4-5 years for management positions) | 12 | |
| - 4-5 years (or 5-6 years for management positions) | 16 | |
| - ≥5 years (or ≥6 years for management positions) | 20 | |
| 3. Establishing a business (maximum 60 points) | It consists of 4 parts. | |
| a. Investment capital (maximum 20) | $100k–$399k / $400k–$599k / $600k–$799k / ≥$800k | 5 / 10 / 15 / 20 |
| b. Net worth (maximum 10) | $300k–$399k / $400k–$499k / ≥$500k | 6/8/10 |
| c. Create jobs (maximum 20) | 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / ≥5 jobs | 4 / 8 / 12 / 16 / 20 |
| d. Acquisition of businesses (10) | Acquiring an existing business | 10 |
| 4. Personal abilities (maximum 35 points) | Language + Education | |
| a. Language (maximum 25) | Club 4 / 5 / ≥6 | 15 / 20 / 25 |
| b. Education (maximum 10) | High School / Diploma / Associate / Bachelor's Degree+ | 4/7/10 |
| 5. Adaptability (maximum 35 points) | Experience in Canada/Alberta + Relatives + Spouse + Age | |
| a. Experience (maximum 15 years) | Rural Alberta: 10-15 Urban Alberta: 6-10 Canada: 3-5 | 3-15 |
| b. Relatives in Alberta (maximum 10) | Have relatives in Alberta / in the community | 5 / 10 |
| c. Spouse's score (maximum 5) | Language Club 4/5/6+ or equivalent to ≥1 year | 3-5 |
| d. Age (maximum 5) | 21-49 years old | 5 |
Selection and notification process
Once AAIP receives your Business Application, they will evaluate it against eligibility criteria and verify your EOI score. A program representative may contact you to request further information.
AAIP does not guarantee that all complete Business Application dossiers will be evaluated, or that all qualified applicants will be issued a Business Application Approval Letter or Nomination Certificate.
Submitting a Business Application or being nominated does not guarantee that you will be granted PR.
Ineligibility
You are not eligible to apply under the Rural Entrepreneur Stream if:
- You have a valid AAIP nomination under a different stream.
- You have received a notice from AAIP prohibiting you from reapplying for a certain period, and you are currently submitting within that period.
- You have been issued a deportation order by IRCC or CBSA.
- You are an asylum seeker or are in the process of appealing/deporting with IRCC.
- You are a foreigner living/working in Canada without valid status.
- The company you proposed is on the ineligible list.
The business was established in Alberta.
AAIP recognizes the economic contributions of foreign entrepreneurs who own and operate businesses in Alberta. Entrepreneurs who own businesses in rural Alberta communities may submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) if:
- The business must have been operating for at least one year before submitting the EOI.
- A Community Support Letter is required.
- Applications are scored according to the Rural Entrepreneur Stream.
- Applicants do not need to operate the business for an additional year after submitting their Business Application.
Those who qualify will be granted a Nomination Certificate but must continue operating their business while awaiting IRCC's PR review.
Eligible businesses
Applicants must ensure their business meets the following criteria:
- The goal of a business is to generate profit from active income, not passive income.
- Businesses must comply with federal, provincial, and municipal laws – including Alberta labor laws.
- Comply with the requirements for obtaining a professional certificate if the occupation requires one.
- Businesses must have a physical location in a rural community in Alberta.
- For a franchise, proof approved by the master franchisor is required.
- Applicants must own 51% (for a new business) or 100% (for an acquired business).
- Applicants must reside in Alberta and directly manage the business; remote operation is not permitted.
The business does not meet the requirements.
Including but not limited to:
- Activities contrary to IRPA, passive investment, immigration linkage models.
- Usurious lending, check exchange
- Used goods business
- Real estate, property leasing, brokerage
- Businesses that operate using machines (laundromat, car wash)
- Seasonal businesses
- Home-based businesses are not permitted to engage in commercial activities.
- B&B, guesthouse
- The business is included in the transfer plan, but:
- owned by relatives
- It has belonged to candidate AAIP for the past 4 years.
- Changed ownership in the last 3 years
- Businesses involved in pornography
- Businesses risk damaging the reputation of AAIP/the Government of Alberta.
KeyApply Service
KeyApply's team of partner lawyers and immigration consultants are highly qualified and experienced, having helped numerous clients achieve their immigration goals successfully. We are committed to supporting you throughout the application process with a high approval rate. Contact KeyApply to begin your journey to settle in Alberta.
⭐ KEYAPPLY SERVICE PACKAGE - ALBERTA RURAL ENTREPRENEUR STREAM
All fees listed below exclude government and third-party charges.
PACKAGE 1 - Alberta Rural Profile & Strategy Assessment
- Detailed assessment of eligibility requirements under the Rural Entrepreneur Stream:
- Business owner/senior management experience (3-4-5 years within the last 10 years).
- Education + ECA (minimum high school).
- Language (CLB/NCLC 4) & appropriate test type.
- Net worth ≥ 300,000 CAD.
- Investment opportunity of ≥ 100,000 CAD in rural Alberta communities.
- Scoring is based on the Rural Entrepreneur Stream scale (rural factor, experience, investment, net worth, job creation, adaptability, etc.).
- Strategic proposal:
- Which community tier (Tier 1/2/3) should you choose?
- Should we pursue a "business acquisition" or a "new venture"?
- Overview of the process: Exploratory Visit → Community Support Letter → EOI → Business Application → Nomination → PR.
PACKAGE 2 - Community and Industry Selection Consulting
- Analyze the list of rural communities participating in the Rural Entrepreneur Stream based on their profile, capital, and industry.
- Suggested business sectors:
- Based on local economic needs.
- Based on scores (job creation, investment, net worth, economic benefit, etc.).
- Prepare an initial business profile to send to the community.
- Instructions on how to contact the community's official contact information (according to the Community Guide).
- Support screening to help the community meet suitable entrepreneurs.
PACKAGE 3 - Support for Exploratory Visits (Online or In-Person)
- Consultation on deciding the format of the survey trip:
- Conduct a field survey in Alberta, or
- Online survey via video conferencing (if the community accepts).
- Develop a plan for working with the community:
- Meet with the economic development officer.
- Meet with local businesses/business owners currently operating (if considering a purchase).
- Meet with organizations that provide settlement support/business services.
- Detailed instructions on how to record and gather information to create an Exploratory Visit Report:
- Business cards, contact information, and the agenda for each meeting.
- Clearly state the connection between each meeting and the business and settlement plan.
- Guidance on preparing visa/entry documents (informational aspects - excluding visa application).
Important note:
- This package does not include the applicant's accommodation, travel, airfare, visa application fees, etc.
- AAIP and the community did not provide letters of support for visa applications for the survey trip.
PACKAGE 4 - Business Proposal Summary & Community Support Letter
- Prepare a Rural Entrepreneur Stream Business Proposal Summary according to AAIP requirements:
- Describe the business model, industry, and location.
- Investment plan (≥ 100,000 CAD, or higher to increase points).
- Job creation plan (number of jobs, type of position, duration).
- Analyze the economic benefits for the community.
- Support communication with the community to reach a consensus on the content of the Business Proposal Summary.
- Prepare documents for the community to review and decide whether or not to issue a Community Support Letter.
- We offer support in editing your Business Proposal Summary based on community feedback.
Result:
- One complete Business Proposal Summary, verified by the community.
- 01 Community Support Letter (if the community agrees to provide support).
PACKAGE 5 - Preparing & Submitting EOI to AAIP
- Prepare the EOI content for the AAIP system, following these steps:
- Rural Factor (Community Tier).
- Experience, investment, net worth, job creation…
- Education, language skills, adaptability, relatives in Alberta, spouse points…
- Information connected from:
- EOI form
- Business Proposal Summary
- Preliminary Net Worth Worksheet
- Community Support Letter
- Submit your Expression of Interest (EOI) and track your application status.
- Consult a strategist if you need to update your score or resubmit your EOI later.
PACK 6 - Business Application, Business Plan & Net Worth Worksheet
- Prepare a complete Business Application after being invited to submit it by AAIP:
- Personal information, experience, and finances.
- Detailed information about the prospective/acquired business.
- Prepare a detailed provincial/state-level business plan:
- Local market analysis (Rural Alberta).
- Business strategy, marketing, operations.
- Projected cash flow, investment cost, and payback period.
- A plan to create jobs and train local personnel.
- Assistance in completing the Net Worth Worksheet:
- Net asset structure (real estate, cash, stocks, etc.).
- Provide proper proof of the source of the assets.
- Prepare a set of economic justification documents if AAIP requests additional information.
PACKAGE 7 - Legal Team (Lawyers & Legal Advisors)
- Conduct a full legal review of all Alberta Rural Entrepreneur Stream applications.
- Ensure compliance:
- AAIP Regulations,
- Canadian immigration law (IRPA/IRPR),
- Regulations regarding businesses in Alberta.
- Draft/review legal explanatory letters if:
- AAIP suspects the authenticity of the documents.
- There are anomalies regarding the source of assets, experience, or business structure.
- Collaborate with the Business Advisor team to ensure all business plans comply with the legal framework.
PACKAGE 8 - Establishing & Launching a Business in a Rural Community
- Support for establishing businesses in Alberta:
- Register your company.
- Obtain business licenses and necessary professional permits.
- Assistance with opening business bank accounts.
- Support for practical business implementation:
- We provide advice on selecting premises and negotiating lease agreements (including referrals to local lawyers if needed).
- Help recruit at least one full-time employee (or more to increase your points).
- Establish accounting, tax, and payroll systems.
- Monitor business KPIs as committed to AAIP to prepare for the nomination & PR phase.
Not included:
- The costs include rent, employee salaries, equipment, marketing, and actual operating expenses.
- Accounting fees if you hire an independent third party.
PACKAGE 9 - Federal PR Application (After Alberta Nomination)
- Prepare your PR application to submit to IRCC based on Alberta Nomination:
- IRCC application form.
- Personal records, criminal record checks, medical examinations, etc.
- Assisting customers in completing the necessary paperwork:
- Criminal record of countries where previously resided.
- Medical check-up.
- Explanation and response to additional adverse drug reactions (ADRs) from IRCC.
- Track your application until a final decision is made (COPR/eCOPR).
❗ Items NOT included:
Government and third-party fees, for example:
- Educational Assessment Fee (ECA).
- English/French exam fees: IELTS, CELPIP, PTE, TEF Canada, TCF Canada…
- AAIP/Alberta fees apply when submitting a Business Application (if applicable).
- IRCC fee when submitting PR (processing fee + Right of Permanent Residence Fee).
- Biometrics fees.
- Medical examination fees.
- Fees for criminal record checks and civil registration documents.
- Translation fees, notarization fees, and local lawyer fees when buying a business or signing a lease agreement.
- Business operating costs: rent, employee salaries, equipment, marketing, etc.
- The costs include accommodation, transportation, airfare, and visa application fees for the exploratory visit.
(Updated November 15, 2025)
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