Immigration to Alberta through the Rural Entrepreneur Stream

Entrepreneurs who intend to operate a company in the province's rural towns can apply for permanent residency in Alberta.

The Rural Entrepreneur Stream allows Alberta to invite people who want to start or buy a business in a rural area of the province outside the metropolitan areas (Calgary and Edmonton).

A list of participating communities will be available later, stay tuned to our website.

Eligibility

An entrepreneur applying for the stream must meet the following requirements:

have at least a high school education;
have at least 3 years of work experience as a business owner or operator or 4 years of experience as a senior manager within the last 10 years;
demonstrate English or French ability at CLB level 4;
possess CAD 300,000 capital and intend to invest at least CAD 100,000 in a business;
make an exploratory visit to the community (during a pandemic, you can do it via videoconference) and compile a visit report;
make up a business plan;
own at least 51% of the business;
create at least one job in the community;
get a letter of support from the community.

Note that your business must not be on the list of excluded.

37 towns are suitable for participation in the Rural Entrepreneur Stream. See the list and contacts of community representatives on Alberta's official website.

Other factors

Some factors are optional, but increase your chances of being invited:

business continuity;
21 to 49 years of age;
spouse has completed at least one year of post-secondary education or has a CLB 4 language proficiency;
relatives in Alberta.

Candidate evaluation

The province uses a point system for evaluating entrepreneurs. Those who score the most points on the evaluation table will be invited. The maximum number is 175. Points are awarded for the following factors:

community — a maximum of 25 points;
business management experience — a maximum of 20 points;
business factors — a maximum of 60 points:
- the amount of capital and investment;
- the number of jobs created;
- business continuity;
human factors — a maximum of 35 points:
- language skills;
- education;
adaptability — a maximum of 35 points:
- having completed education in Alberta or other Canadian provinces;
- spouse’s education and language skills;
- age.