Foreign Graduate Entrepreneur Program

The Foreign Graduate Entrepreneur Program helps foreign graduates to set up a business in Alberta. Further, these skilled graduates can apply for Canadian permanent residency. So, a foreign graduate who wishes to build a business in Alberta must apply for Canada PR through this stream. Also, this is a program that is in collaboration with designated agencies from Alberta. 

Besides, these agencies issue a recommendation letter to eligible applicants if the foreign graduate meets the AAIP terms. Also, the applicant must submit this recommendation letter along with an EOI to the AAIP.

Role of Alberta approved agencies for Foreign Graduate Entrepreneur Program

1. Help in the marketing of the foreign graduate entrepreneur program.
2. Check whether a foreign graduate is ready and qualifies to do business in Alberta.
3. Also, see if the applicant’s business plan is profitable to the province or not.
4. Further, selects applicants for recommendation to the AAIP.
5. Finally, offer help to foreign graduates in setting up their start-up business in Alberta.

Who can apply to the Foreign Graduate Entrepreneur Program?

To apply to this program, you must meet the following terms:

Work Experience

1. Minimum 6 months of full-time work experience
2. Either is actively owning/managing a business or having work experience with a business incubator or accelerator.

Education Level

1. Have a degree from a post-secondary institution outside Canada.
   1. Also, submit an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) report for the same.
   2. Besides, the ECA report must prove that the applicant’s education is on par with Canada’s education system.

Business Plan

Have a business plan that showcases the details of investment and revenue inflow.

Pitch Deck

Present a 10-minute presentation sharing key details about the business for potential investors.

Language Skill Level

1. Have a minimum Language Skill Level 0f CLB (English)/NCLC (French) – 7.
2. Language test results must not be more than 2 years old.
3. Submit language test results for English/French. Test results can be for:
   1. Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP) General Test 
   2. International English Language Testing System (IELTS) General Training Test 
   3. Test d’évaluation de français (TEF) Canada 
   4. Test de connaissance du français (TCF) Canada

Business Establishment

Either has a minimum of 34% business ownership if the business is in an urban centre or have a minimum of 51% ownership if the business is in a regional area but outside Calgary and Edmonton.

Business Investment

1. Have a minimum $100,000 investment for a business in an urban centre, or
2. Have a minimum of $50,000 investment for a business in a regional area.
3. Besides investment before coming to Alberta can be:
   1. Personal equity – main applicant/spouse/common-law partner.
   2. Other sources such as recognised Canadian financial institutions, Angel investment firms, or venture capital.

Letter of Recommendation

Have a letter of recommendation from an AAIP approved designated agency,

Settlement Funds

The foreign graduate must have enough funds to launch its business. And must be able to support itself in Alberta.

Note

The Foreign Graduate Entrepreneur Program is open and is taking applications. To apply applicants must submit an Expression of Interest (EOI). An EOI is not a formal application but shows an interest of the applicant to apply to the stream. Besides, the program will assess the EOI profile and will give points as per the Foreign Graduate Entrepreneur Program Points Grid.

Who can not apply to this stream?

An applicant can not apply to this stream under the Foreign Graduate Entrepreneur Program if you:

• Have 1 or more active nominations (not expired and or eligible for extension under another AAIP stream).
  • Because an applicant can have 1 active nomination only.
• Are not eligible to re-apply as per a previous letter issued by AAIP. But if you apply, the application will be rejected by AAIP.
• Have a removal order from IRCC or Canada Border Services Agency.
• Are a refugee claimant or are in a federal appeal or removal process.
• Do not have temporary resident status. And are living or working in Canada.
• Have a business that falls under the AAIP ineligible businesses list.

To know more about Foreign Graduate Entrepreneur Program, take our Online Free Assessment or Contact Us to know more.