The guide below takes a deep look into one of the streams of the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP), the Farm stream. The guide will go through an overview of the stream, its eligibility requirements, how it works, the documentation needed, its cost and processing times.
Farm – Overview
The Farm stream is one of Alberta’s PNP streams that requires the candidate to invest an important sum of money in the province to be eligible.
When receiving a nomination under the Farm stream, candidates can then apply for Permanent Residence to the federal government of Canada.
This stream is not aligned with Express Entry, which means that candidates cannot take advantage of the 6-month average processing times of Express Entry. Processing times of Provincial Nominee Programs (not aligned with Express Entry) are usually longer and take at least 1 year.
The Farm stream does not require a valid job offer as its main eligibility requirement, but there are other requirements that must be fulfilled regarding the investment and personal net worth, amongst other eligibility criteria detailed below.
Farm – Eligibility Requirements
There are 3 main categories of eligibility requirements that we will summarize below. You can apply to the Farm stream if you and your investment proposal satisfy to all the requirements below.
Farm management experience
You have to prove that you have farm management experience, which can include :
- financial documentation of an existing farm business,
- documentation of education, training and work experience,
- a proposed business plan for the farming enterprise you are considering in Alberta, and/or
- proof that a Canadian financial institution is willing to finance your proposed farming business.
Sufficient financial resources
You must be able to invest a minimum of 500,000 CAD of equity in a primary production farming business in Alberta.
Documents must be provided showing a minimum net worth of 500,000 CAD or a confirmation of the ability to access to a similar amount of funds from other sources.
Primary production investment
You must document your investment plans in a proposed business plan.
Applications representing the best opportunity for growth relevant to Alberta’s agri-food targets will be given priority.
Farm – Application Process
For a better understanding of the process, below is a list of the steps involved in obtaining Permanent Residence through the Farm stream. Candidates must:
- Apply to the Farm stream when the stream is open in the AAIP portal by completing the online application and uploading all requested documents.
- Apply for permanent residence to the federal government (IRCC) within 6 months of receiving the nomination (after AAIP processes their application). Candidates need to apply on paper to IRCC, and include the nomination documentation received from the AAIP.
Farm – Application Fees
Farm – Processing Times
As of September 27, 2024
Farm Stream approximate average processing times: 4 months
