Alberta Advantage Immigration Program

The Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) gives skilled workers, international graduates, entrepreneurs, and farmers a chance to settle in Alberta permanently. The province has created eight pathways, each with its own requirements, to match local needs in both cities and smaller communities. 

Some options are job-based, while others invite people ready to invest or start a business. A nomination from Alberta is an important step, as it allows applicants to move forward with Canada’s permanent residency process through IRCC.

Eight Options to Immigrate to Alberta

Alberta runs the AAIP through eight streams, grouped into two categories: worker streams and entrepreneur streams. Worker streams are aimed at people with the skills and job experience needed in the province, while entrepreneur streams are for those who want to build or buy a business. Together, these options create several routes to permanent residency.

Worker Streams

• Alberta Opportunity Stream
• Alberta Express Entry Stream
• Accelerated Tech Pathway
• Rural Renewal Stream

Entrepreneur Streams

• Graduate Entrepreneur Stream
• Foreign Graduate Entrepreneur Stream
• Rural Entrepreneur Stream
• Farm Stream

Alberta Opportunity Stream

This path is for temporary foreign workers already working full-time in Alberta in eligible occupations. You must hold a full-time, valid job offer from an Alberta employer, supported either by a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) or an accepted LMIA‑exempt permit.

Applicants need at least 12 months of Alberta work experience in the past 18 months—or 24 months of full-time work in Canada or abroad over the last 30 months. Post‑graduation work permit holders may qualify with just six months of related Alberta experience. 

An Educational Credential Assessment is required if your education was completed outside Canada, and you must meet the minimum language benchmarks for your occupation.

AAIP application fee: CAD 1,500

Alberta Express Entry Stream

Candidates in the federal Express Entry pool with a CRS score of at least 300 and some connection to Alberta—such as work experience, a job offer, graduation from an Alberta institution, or a relative in the province—may be invited to apply. 

Those selected receive a provincial nomination that adds 600 CRS points, which nearly ensures an Invitation to Apply for permanent residency.

AAIP application fee: CAD 1,500

Accelerated Tech Pathway

Part of the Express Entry stream, this route is for tech professionals with a job offer from an eligible Alberta tech employer in one of the recognized occupations. Applicants need an Express Entry profile with a CRS score of at least 300. If eligible, candidates submit an online form for Alberta’s consideration; being selected leads to an invitation to apply for nomination.

AAIP application fee: CAD 1,500

Rural Renewal Stream

This option opens doors for candidates with a full‑time job offer from an employer in a designated rural Alberta community. Applicants must have at least 12 months of full‑time work in an eligible occupation within the last 18 months, meet education and language requirements, and, if not already employed, show settlement funds. A community endorsement must be obtained before applying.

AAIP application fee: CAD 1,500

Graduate Entrepreneur Stream

This option is for international graduates of approved Alberta post-secondary institutions who want to start or buy a business in the province. 

To qualify, you must have completed at least two years of full-time study in Alberta, hold a valid PGWP, and demonstrate language skills at CLB/NCLC 7 or higher. You need to own at least 34% of the business and show an active management role. The process begins with submitting an Expression of Interest (EOI).

Fee: EOI CAD 200; application CAD 3,500

Foreign Graduate Entrepreneur Stream

This stream is designed for graduates from institutions outside Canada who want to launch or acquire a business in Alberta. Applicants must have at least six months of work experience in owning or managing a business, a post-secondary degree (ECA required if obtained abroad), and language ability at CLB/NCLC 5 or higher.

A business plan is required, along with a letter of recommendation from a designated agency. Ownership must be at least 34% if the business is in an urban centre, or 51% in smaller communities.

Fee: EOI CAD 200; application CAD 3,500

Rural Entrepreneur Stream

This pathway welcomes experienced entrepreneurs who are ready to start or purchase a business in a rural Alberta community (population under 100,000). Applicants must have at least three years of experience as a business owner or four years in a senior management role, meet a minimum CLB/NCLC 4 language requirement, and show a net worth of at least CAD 300,000.

Investment and ownership thresholds apply (generally 51% for new businesses, 100% if purchasing an existing business). A community support letter is required before applying.

Fee: EOI CAD 200; application CAD 3,500

Farm Stream

Applicants with proven farming experience and the financial capacity to establish or buy a farm in Alberta may apply under this stream. A business plan that shows how the farm will contribute to Alberta’s agri-food sector is required. 

The Government of Alberta works with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada to assess the proposal. While no minimum net worth is listed, applicants must show they can make a significant investment.

Fee: Application CAD 3,500

Why Do AAIP Fees Differ?

The Alberta government reviews AAIP fees periodically to keep them in line with the program’s administrative costs. Worker streams are set at a lower fee (CAD 1,500) because applications are more straightforward, relying mainly on job offers and work history. 

Entrepreneur streams are priced higher (CAD 3,500) because they require more extensive review, including business plans, investment capacity, and community or agency endorsements. 

An additional Expression of Interest (CAD 200) applies to certain entrepreneur pathways because of the extra step of pre-screening before a full application.