The Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP) recently introduced the Alberta International Graduate Entrepreneur Immigration Stream (IGEIS) for international graduates living abroad who want to establish their business in the province. The AINP is responsible for addressing the demands of the local labor market by bringing foreign skilled workers required in the province. International entrepreneurs play an important role in sustaining Alberta’s economy and ensure development by creating employment for local skilled workers.
While the stream is being categorized as a lengthy and more complex option for immigration, it can prove to be an effective way for motivated foreign graduate entrepreneurs to establish their businesses and also gain permanent residence in Canada.
What Are the Eligibility Requirements for the Alberta International Graduate Entrepreneur Immigration Stream (IGEIS)?
If you want to apply for this stream, you must meet the following requirements for work experience, education level, language proficiency, and more:
- Have at least 6 months of full-time business management and ownership experience or complete an approved entrepreneurial program
- Complete at least a 2-year full-time study program from a designated post-secondary institution in Alberta
- Have a valid Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP) that expired 2 years from the date of application
- Score at least a level 7 on an approved language test based on the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) for English and French
- Own at least 34% of the established business
The highlight of this program is that it allows you to replace the requirement of work experience with an entrepreneurial program that has been preapproved by the AINP. This includes the following:
- Aboriginal Entrepreneurship
- Artisan Entrepreneurship
- Bachelor of Commerce, Entrepreneurship and Innovation
- Master of Business Administration, Innovation and Entrepreneurship
- Bachelor of Commerce, Entrepreneurship and Innovation
- Bachelor of Commerce, Small Business and Entrepreneurship
- Culinary Entrepreneurship
- Bachelor of Commerce, Entrepreneurship and Innovation
