Alberta Start Up Visa Program From Dubai For Foreign Entrepreneur

Alberta Start Up Visa Program From Dubai, The Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP), which is a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) administered by the province of Alberta, encompasses several pathways, one of which is the Foreign Graduate Entrepreneur Stream (FGES), previously referred to as the Alberta Start Up Visa Program From Dubai. This stream offers a route to permanent residency for recent graduates, whether they are in Canada or abroad, who have completed a foreign post-secondary degree within the past ten years and have the intention to establish and manage a business within the province.

Applicants for this stream undergo a ranking process based on a points system through an Expression of Interest mechanism. Those at the highest ranks within the Expression of Interest pool receive invitations to submit comprehensive Business Applications. Successful applicants who submit these business applications receive a nomination from the province, which can then be utilized to apply for permanent residence in Canada.

The Canadian province of Alberta recognizes the pivotal role entrepreneurs play in advancing economic growth and diversification. As a result, they provide a range of entrepreneur immigration pathways to facilitate the settlement of innovative business individuals in the region. Among these is the Alberta Start Up Visa Program From Dubai, specifically the Foreign Graduate Entrepreneur Stream (FGES).

This entrepreneurial program nominates capable and eligible foreign-educated graduates for permanent residency, whether they are located outside or inside Canada, provided they have successfully established their startup or business within the province.

Who is Eligible for the Foreign Graduate Entrepreneur Program (FGES)?

The Alberta Start Up Visa Program From Dubai is available to international business owners with a tested product or service and a detailed strategy to expand their operation in province over the following two years.

Entrepreneurs with a minimum of six months of employment, business ownership experience, or equivalent time spent in a recognized Accelerator program, whether in Canada or abroad, are eligible. Additional points are granted for each additional year of work experience, with even higher points awarded for ownership of a business.

In order to ensure that the businesses participating in the program are well-suited and derive maximum benefit, the designated agency has established the following criteria, in addition to the qualifying standards set forth by the Government of Alberta:

Prepared to scale and provide exponential growth in operations;
ready and actively chasing their first sales/customer commitment

Candidates who fit the following requirements are the best fit for this program:

Early-Stage

Businesses with an established concept, a tested good or service, and a well-defined plan for expanding in the province over the next two to three years

Demonstrate Financial Viability

Show that they have the financial resources to launch their enterprises and raise a minimum amount of capital.
Be able to turn a profit in their first year of operation in Alberta.
Have six months of business experience or ownership.

AAIP Program Requirements

The Alberta Start Up Visa Program From UAE has minimal eligibility prerequisites. Nonetheless, the AAIP does not issue Invitations to Apply (ITA) to every applicant who meets these basic qualifications. Each candidate enters the system with a score, which can reach up to 200 points, determined by various factors (outlined in more detail in the eligibility requirements section). The AAIP selects applicants with the highest scores.

Program Requirements Highlight
Express Entry Profile	No
Job Offer	No
Language Proficiency	Minimum CLB Level 5 in English or French or above
Level of Education	Post-secondary degree within the last ten years (ECA required)
Work Experience	Minimum 6 months as a business owner or manager
Minimum Investment Requirement	Minimum $100,000 CAD (Urban Center), $50,000 CAD (outside Calgary and Edmonton)
Business Ownership Amount	34% or higher (Urban Center), 51% (outside Calgary and Edmonton)
Business Plan	Mandatory
Letter of Recommendation	Mandatory
Pitch Deck	10-minute slideshow presentation
Settlement Funds	Mandatory

Working Experience

Applicants must demonstrate a minimum of six months of relevant full-time job experience, which can be established through roles such as an active manager, owner-manager, or similar positions (equivalents may encompass experience gained in business incubators or accelerators).

Alberta Start Up Visa Program Designated Agencies

The following recognized designated agencies for the AAIP Foreign Graduate Entrepreneur Stream (Alberta Start Up Visa Program) are open to candidates who are interested in applying to the program:

1. Empowered Startups

An approved designated agency situated in Vancouver, British Columbia, is actively engaged in mentoring, accelerating, and incubating innovative business ideas from both local and international sources. They work in collaboration with ambitious and driven business leaders who possess the potential to establish outstanding enterprises that contribute to the growth and prosperity of their chosen ecosystem.

2. Platform Calgary

An approved designated agency situated in Calgary, Alberta, Platform Calgary is a non-profit organization with a membership structure. Their core mission is to consolidate the resources of Calgary’s tech community to provide support to businesses at all stages of their growth, ranging from initial idea conception to achieving scalability.

They understand that behind every successful innovator, there is an extensive community providing support. Serving as the central hub for information regarding Calgary’s IT community, the Platform Innovation Centre stands as Calgary’s dedicated space for innovators.

How will the designated agencies help you plan and set up your business?

The authorized agency’s responsibility is to:

Determine a foreign graduate’s entrepreneurial readiness and the likelihood that a startup will succeed by reviewing the business idea and helping to create a business plan.
Assist with marketing the Foreign Graduate Entrepreneur Stream.
Selected overseas graduates for the Alberta Start Up Visa Program From Dubai
They offer business counseling, coaching, and guidance to new entrepreneurs in Alberta who are working towards fulfilling the conditions of the Business Performance Agreement. Additionally, they facilitate connections between international graduates and pertinent networks.
When embarking on a business venture in the province and striving to fulfill the requirements of the Business Performance Agreement, they connect international graduates with the appropriate networks and provide business counseling, coaching, and guidance.

Alberta Foreign Graduate Entrepreneur Stream Points Ranking System

Candidates with registered profiles are assessed and ranked based on the points system outlined below for the Foreign Graduate Entrepreneur Stream. Only those applicants who meet the highest standards of competition will receive invitations to apply to the program.

FGE 200-point grid
Factor	Scoring Sections	Maximum Points
Factor 1 – Human Capital Factors	Language	30
	Education	35
	Business Management/Ownership Experience or equivalent	35
Factor 2 – Business Factors	Business Plan	40
	Investment before coming to Alberta	25
	Proposed investment after launch	20
	Job Creation	15

Application procedure for the FGES – Steps to Permanent Residency

The Foreign Graduate Entrepreneur Stream (FGES) operates through an Expression of Interest (EOI) system. Candidates who meet the basic requirements can establish a profile on the Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP) web portal. The Alberta Start Up Visa Program From Dubai Points Grid assesses and ranks these candidate profiles, with the highest-scoring individuals receiving invitations to submit a business application.

Candidates must submit a comprehensive application and a CAD 3,500 application fee within 90 days of receiving an invitation. AINP-designated organizations and qualified service providers assess the business strategy.

Once accepted, candidates enter into a Business Performance Agreement with Alberta. The province’s immigration department then releases a letter that approves the business application. Prior to submitting a final report for AINP Nomination, candidates must fulfill the terms of this agreement, including residing in the province for a minimum of 12 months and actively conducting their business there.

A paper-based federal application for Canadian permanent residency must be submitted within six months of receiving provincial nomination; this process usually takes around 18 months.

How to Apply for Immigration to Alberta as an Investor via FGES

Immigration programs involving investment, such as Alberta Start Up Visa Program From Dubai, are inherently complex. They entail a series of processes and stages that must be successfully navigated to reach the destination of Permanent Residence.

Step 1. Obtain the support of an incubator

To initiate your application for the Alberta Start-Up Visa Program From Dubai, the first step is to obtain a letter of support from one of the designated incubators involved in the program. Our observations indicate that, to date, Empowered Startups has been the organization that has been most actively engaged in this initiative.

The chosen incubator will collaborate with you in crafting a business plan and developing a presentation for your idea. They will issue the letter of support that the AAIP necessitates as part of your Expression of Interest in the AAIP FGES program, provided they believe your business concept holds value.

Step 2. Review the eligibility criteria

The eligibility criteria encompass factors such as job (or entrepreneurial) experience, education, a well-structured business plan, a compelling pitch deck, language proficiency, business establishment, investment in the business, a letter of recommendation, and the availability of settlement funds. The more points you accumulate on the 200-point grid, the higher the likelihood of being invited to submit a business application. Additionally, you will be assessed based on a specified minimum, pass, or fail grid that you must also fulfill.

Step 3. Submit an Expression of Interest

The online Expression of Interest (EOI) for the Alberta Start Up Visa Program From Dubai necessitates the submission of a letter of support from the designated organization (incubator), a comprehensive business plan, a pitch deck outlining your business idea, and an unofficial statement of your net worth.

Prior to filing your EOI, it’s crucial to ensure that your intended business plan aligns with the program’s regulations regarding the sector you intend to operate in, the location of your company, the planned investment amount, and the financial resources you’ll be bringing to Canada. While there is no application fee for the province at the EOI stage, it’s important to note that you will have likely incurred a significant cost for the assistance provided by the incubator by this point.

If you meet the requirements of the Foreign Graduate Entrepreneur Stream, you can submit your Expression of Interest (EOI) through the AAIP Portal. Your EOI will be assessed and scored by the AAIP 30 days after submission. Those candidates with the highest rankings will be invited to proceed with a business application.

There is no online version of the Foreign Graduate Entrepreneur Stream Business Application form. Access to the AAIP Portal to begin the Business Application process is only available to applicants invited to submit one.

Step 4. Submit FGES Business Application Package

Upon receiving the request to submit a business application, you have a 90-day window to complete the application process online through the AAIP Portal. Your business application package should include a formal Net Worth Assessment, which is a Qualified Service Provider’s Report conducted by an approved accounting firm, and a Business Plan review, performed by your designated incubator.

To determine your net worth, the accounting firm will require evidence of your assets, including official real estate appraisals, several years’ worth of tax returns, and statements from your financial investments. The process of creating the net worth evaluation typically takes several weeks once you have provided this information.

Your language test results, an assessment of your educational credentials, corporate records, and reference letters are all part of the Business Application and the accompanying reports to substantiate your business experience. When submitting your business application, you are required to remit a processing fee of $3,500 to the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program.

You must include the following reports with your business application:

A report evaluating a business plan
Qualified Service Provider Report, upon AAIP request

The Qualified Service Providers chosen by the AAIP to create these 2 reports are required to do so.

Step 5. Business Application Assessment

After receiving your business application and all accompanying materials, the AAIP will conduct an assessment. It’s important to note that there is no guarantee that every complete Business Application will be reviewed, nor is there an assurance that every candidate who meets the requirements will receive a nomination.

If additional information is needed to assess your business application, an AAIP program officer will get in touch with you via phone or email and provide instructions on how to submit the required details. Your EOI points will be verified, and your Business Application will be reviewed in accordance with the eligibility requirements. Following this, you’ll need to wait for a response.

Step 6. Receive an FGES Business Performance Agreement

If the province approves your business application, you will be furnished with an agreement between you and the Province of Alberta. Prior to seeking provincial nomination through the province, you must successfully accomplish specific business tasks stipulated in the Business Performance Agreement. It’s important to note that before signing and forwarding the original signed copy to Alberta, it is advisable to have an independent counsel review the Business Performance Agreement.

Step 7. Receive an FGES Work Permit Support Letter

Upon signing the Business Performance Agreement, Alberta will issue a letter of support for a work permit. This letter enables you to apply for a work visa from Dubai within a three-month time frame, allowing you to visit Canada and initiate the process of launching your business in the province. Before submitting the work permit application, it is essential to incorporate your business in Alberta, register with the IRCC Employer portal, and provide a suitable e-job offer as a self-employed Provincial entrepreneur.

For your work permit application to gain approval, it must demonstrate how your company will bring significant benefits to Canada. This phase is pivotal and also the most likely to face rejection in your entire process. Without the right expertise, it can result in a waste of time and financial resources.

Step 8. Arrive in Alberta with a work permit to establish your business

After your work permit application is approved, you can make your way to Alberta to initiate the process of establishing your company. There are various mandated reporting deadlines, so it’s crucial to stay well-organized and adhere to Alberta’s regulations. Once you have successfully operated the business for 12 months in the province and met all the other conditions outlined in your Business Performance Agreement, you can submit an application to the AAIP for Nomination.

You must meet the following requirements before receiving your work permit and business application approval letter:

Reside in the province.
Actively own and operate an eligible business there for at least a year with at least 34% ownership in an urban center or 51% ownership in a regional area;
Comply with the terms of the business performance agreement you signed with the government of Alberta.
Show that the company is profitable after one year of operation by producing goods or services.

Submit the Final Report for Nomination whenever the requirements of the Business Performance Agreement have been satisfied.

Step 9. Final Report for Nomination

Submit your final report outlined in your performance agreement and receive the support letter and nomination certificate.

Step 10. Apply for Permanent Residence as a Provincial Nominee

Upon receiving your Nomination Certificate from the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program, you can proceed to apply to Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) as a Provincial Nominee. The processing time for this online application varies, ranging from five to twenty-two months. This application will require you to undergo medical tests and obtain police clearances.

In some cases, IRCC may request additional financial information from your company to ensure that your new business in the province is being effectively managed. It’s also essential to consider extending your work permit, if necessary, to maintain your legal status in Canada while your application is under review for permanent residence. If your application is approved, you will eventually become a Permanent Resident of Canada.

It’s important to note that international graduates who meet the qualifications for this stream and are business owners and managers in Alberta can still apply. However, the established business must have been in operation in the province for at least a full calendar year. Instead of a Business Performance Agreement, the nominee will receive a nomination certificate from the AAIP. They are only required to conduct business in the province while they complete the IRCC application for permanent residence.

Foreign Graduate Entrepreneur Stream processing times

The processing time for the Alberta Entrepreneur Immigration Program can vary depending on various factors, including the volume of applications received and the completeness of your submission. Generally, the entire process, from initiation to obtaining permanent residency, typically spans between 24 to 36 months.

Expression of Interest scoring: between submitting the EOI and scoring is completed takes 1-2 months.
Business Application decision: submitting the complete Business Application and receiving the approval takes 5-6 months.
Work Permit Application: After receiving the EOI and getting the work permit takes 6-12 months.
Final report and nomination: between submitting the final report and receiving a final decision on nomination: 18-24 months.
Apply for PR: after recieving the nomination, it takes 12-18 months to get Canada PR.

How much money do I need to qualify under the FGES?

While there isn’t a specific net worth requirement outlined in the criteria, there are some crucial financial aspects to consider when participating in the program. Investor programs, in general, are among the more expensive immigration options, and to achieve success, you’ll likely need more financial resources than just the mandatory minimum investment.

1. Incubator fees

Depending on how much incubation you need to launch your business effectively, anticipate paying between $75,000 and $100,000.

2. Immigration fees of Alberta Start Up Visa Program

Depending on the number of family members you include in your application, anticipate paying between $25,000 and $40,000, including professional and government expenses.

3. Minimum investment

Depending on where you intend to base your activities, you must make at least $50,000 to $100,000 in your business before coming to the province. The required minimum investment is more if you want to locate your business in Calgary or Edmonton and lower if you start in rural Alberta.

4. Cost of living in Canada

Depending on the size of your family and where you intend to live, you must demonstrate that you have enough cash to meet Alberta’s LICO requirements.

What are the benefits of the AAIP FGES?

Compared to various other Provincial Entrepreneur programs, the Alberta Start Up Visa Program From Dubai has relatively modest requirements for net wealth and prior business experience. Depending on the type of business you intend to establish and its location, you can meet the program’s criteria with a net worth of approximately $250,000.

This program explicitly targets young individuals. Therefore, it only requires six months of business management experience instead of the two to three years most provincial entrepreneur programs require.

The processing times for the AAIP FGES are relatively swift when compared to other Canadian Provincial investment programs. This agility can be attributed to the program’s relatively recent inception.

The province is highly motivated to establish and operate the program efficiently, resulting in faster application processing. Additionally, Alberta officials have streamlined the application procedure, allowing them to make assessments more promptly. This is facilitated by the fact that a significant portion of the program’s business evaluation is delegated to the incubator, which expedites the process.

What are the drawbacks of the AAIP FGES?

While the Alberta Start Up Visa Program From Dubai has less stringent financial and expertise requirements compared to other immigration investment programs in Canada, securing the support of an incubator is a fundamental prerequisite for program participation. However, it’s important to note that this is not a straightforward task to accomplish.

To be eligible for permanent resident (PR) For Canada status through this program, your business should have been operating successfully for a minimum of 18 months, if not longer. It’s not merely a scheme where you can obtain Canadian immigration status through financial means alone; you must also possess a viable business plan that you can financially support for an extended period.

Finally, because there are many prerequisites for the AAIP FGES stream, the period from enrollment to receiving Permanent Resident status will likely be lengthier than Express Entry programs. You should anticipate that it will take 4–6 months before you can apply for work permits and that it will take another 12–18 months for you to be inside Canada before you get your nomination certificate.

The federal government will process your application for permanent residence after receiving your nomination in about 12 months. Of course, there are ways to continue to have a temporary resident status, such as a worker or student (Family member) in Canada, so that you can continue to work and manage your business. However, the Provincial Nominee Program’s processing period will be lengthier than applying directly to a federal agency.

AAIP FGES Frequently Asked Questions

What criteria is my application based on?

To be eligible for the Alberta Start Up Visa Program From Dubai, participants must meet the requirements outlined on the Government of Alberta’s official website. In addition to these provincial requirements, the designated agency has additional standards in place to ensure that the businesses joining the program are well-suited, maximize the benefits of the program, are well-prepared and actively engaged in securing their first sales or customer commitments, and are also in a position to scale and achieve exponential growth in their operations.

How long will it take to process my application by the designated agency?

The time it takes to review your application will depend on when you submit it.

What are the requirements to receive a recommendation letter?

Participants are required to fulfill all homework assignments and attend all virtual sessions to be eligible for a reference letter from the approved organizations. The time it takes to review your application will be contingent on when you submit it.

What business idea is acceptable under the Foreign Graduate Start-Up Visa Stream?

The business plan submitted for this program must show a relationship to one of the eight industries listed below:

Technology
Aerospace
Financial services
Energy
Agriculture
Tourism
Life Sciences
Pharmaceuticals

Can I qualify with an Existing Business for the Alberta Foreign Grad Entrepreneur Stream?

If a foreign graduate meets the other qualifications for the Alberta Start Up Visa Program From Dubai and has already set up a business in one of the approved industries in Alberta, they can also apply for the FGES stream. However, before submitting the Expression of Interest, the company must have been in successful operation within Alberta for a minimum of one year. It’s important to note that you do not need to operate your business for an additional year before applying for Alberta nomination if you receive an invitation to do so.

How Can Canserves Help With Alberta SUV Application?

At Canserves, we specialize in helping you navigate the process of obtaining a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) or Permanent Residency (PR) to meet your immigration eligibility requirements. Our comprehensive services cover everything from completing immigration forms to providing assistance with the necessary supporting documents. To enhance your prospects of visa approval, we offer expert guidance and create a personalized checklist for your supporting documents. Ultimately, we handle the submission of your application to IRCC Canada on your behalf, acting as your authorized immigration consultant (RCIC).

Detailed advice on improving your chances of getting a Canada visa.
Ensure you provide the IRCC visa officer with financial information to reassure them that you have the resources necessary to go to Canada, including that of your designated organization.
We will review your travel history and supporting documentation to decide how to present your visa application and what to emphasize when you submit it.

By following our guidance, you significantly increase your chances of having your visa application approved compared to applying independently. To begin exploring how our RCIC can aid you, the initial step is to complete the online free self-assessment form. This form collects information about your career, education, and personal history, allowing us to better understand your unique situation.