Alberta Graduate Entrepreneur Stream 2025 Guide
The Alberta Graduate Entrepreneur Stream is part of the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) for international graduates of Alberta post-secondary institutions who want to establish, purchase and operate a business in Alberta. Through an Expression of Interest (EOI) system, qualified candidates receive a Business Performance Agreement and, after actively managing their business for at least 12 months, a provincial nomination to apply for permanent residence. This streamlined, points-based pathway rewards recent diploma or degree holders who combine strong language skills, a viable business plan and genuine Alberta residency intentions.
Who Can Apply?
To qualify for the Alberta Graduate Entrepreneur Stream, you must:
1. Alberta Education
Completed at least two years of full-time study resulting in a degree or diploma from a publicly funded Alberta post-secondary institution.
2. Valid Work Permit
Hold a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) issued by IRCC that is valid when you submit your EOI.
3. Language Proficiency
Achieve CLB 7 or NCLC 7 in each language skill (reading, writing, listening, speaking) on an approved test (CELPIP, IELTS, TEF Canada, TCF Canada).
4. Business Plan
Plan to establish or purchase a business in Alberta with at least 34 % ownership; the business must not be on the ineligible list.
5. Business Partner Citizenship
Any co-owner must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
6. Residency Intention
Demonstrate a genuine intent to live in Alberta and actively manage your business.
How Does the Application Process Work?
The application process for the Alberta Graduate Entrepreneur Stream is straightforward
1.Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI)
Create or sign in to your Alberta.ca account, complete the EOI form and pay the CAD 200 fee.
2. Receive Invitation to Apply
Top-ranked candidates get a “Request to submit Business Application” email—check your inbox and portal notifications.
3. Gather Documents
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Business proposal summary
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Proof of Alberta education (degree/diploma)
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Post-Graduation Work Permit
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Language test results (CLB/NCLC 7+)
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Use of Representative form (if applicable)
4. Submit the Application
Upload all files in the AAIP portal, pay the CAD 3,500 application fee, and hit “Submit” within 90 days of invitation.
5. Sign Business Performance Agreement
If approved, sign the legally binding agreement within 14 days to commit to active business management.
6. Operate Business & Reporting
Reside in Alberta, run your business for at least 12 months, submit a Start-Up Report within 30 days, then Progress Reports every six months. Finally, file your Final Report to receive the provincial nomination.
Application Fee and Processing Time
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EOI fee: CAD 200 (non-refundable)
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Business Application fee: CAD 3,500 (non-refundable)
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Service fees: CAD 150 for BPA changes or work-permit extensions
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Federal PR fees: CAD 1,525 (processing CAD 950 + right of PR CAD 575) + biometrics CAD 85
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EOI scoring: within 30 days
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Business Application review: typically 4–6 months
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IRCC PR processing: ~6 months for 80 % of non-Express Entry PNP cases
Required Documents
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Graduate Entrepreneur Stream Business Proposal Summary -
Net Worth Worksheet (if applicable) -
Use of Representative form (if applicable) -
Spouse/Common-Law Partner & Dependents Authorization form -
All items on the Business Application Document Checklist
Official Application Page
For detailed information and to start your application process, visit the official;
🔗 Graduate Entrepreneur Stream – Government of Alberta
🔗 Eligibility Criteria
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the Graduate Entrepreneur Stream?
A PNP pathway for Alberta graduates to establish or purchase a business and earn a nomination for PR.
Do I need a job offer?
No. You qualify by meeting education, PGWP, language and business requirements.
How do I submit an EOI?
Sign in to Alberta.ca, complete the AAIP online form and pay the CAD 200 fee.
What business ownership is required?
At least 34 % ownership of an eligible Alberta business.
Can I use a representative?
Yes, by submitting a Use of Representative form during your application.
How long before I get a nomination?
EOIs are scored in 30 days; Business Applications take about 4–6 months for review.
