The guide below takes a deep look into one of the streams of Alberta’s Provincial Nominee Program (AAIP), the Foreign Graduate Entrepreneur Stream (FGE). The guide will go through an overview of the stream, its eligibility requirements, how it works, the documentation needed, its cost and processing times.
Foreign Graduate Entrepreneur – Overview
The Foreign Graduate Entrepreneur Stream (FGE) is one of Alberta’s PNP streams that is dedicated to foreign graduate entrepreneurs outside Canada who would like to establish a business in the province.
When receiving a nomination under the FGE, 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 FGE has minimum eligibility requirements, however, the AAIP does not send Invitations to Apply to every candidate that meets these minimum criteria. Each candidate, when entering the system, has a score (up to 200 points) that depends on multiple factors (explained in detail in the Eligibility Requirements section). In fact, the AAIP selects candidates with the highest scores.
Foreign Graduate Entrepreneur – Eligibility
Eligible and ineligible businesses
To be eligible to the Foreign Graduate Entrepreneur Stream (FGE), the proposed business must align with the following general requirements:
- The business plan or pitch deck must indicate the proposed business is connected to one of the following sectors: technology, aerospace, financial services, energy, agriculture, tourism, life sciences, and pharmaceuticals.
- The purpose must be to make a profit from active or earned income, not passive income, through the sale of goods and/or services.
- The proposed business must comply with any applicable federal, provincial or municipal legal, regulatory or licensing requirements that govern its operation (including Alberta labour laws).
- The proposed business must comply with applicable trade certification requirements in Alberta.
- The proposed business must have a physical place of business in Alberta at all times.
- For franchises, the ownership requirements and all other program criteria are the same as for other businesses. Candidates must also provide evidence that they have received support from the master franchisor to operate a franchise location.
Some types of businesses are not eligible for the FGE:
- Any business in contravention of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act and Regulations
- Businesses without a value-add economic component, including:
- pay day loan, cheque cashing and related businesses
- businesses trading in used goods
- Businesses that would be considered passive investment or lack active management, including: insurance brokerage or business brokerage
- Project based or seasonal businesses
- Home-based businesses, including:
- businesses that are not zoned for commercial or industrial operations
- bed-and-breakfasts and lodging houses
- Businesses that are part of a succession plan
- Businesses involved in producing, distributing or selling pornography or sexually explicit products or services, or providing sexually oriented services
- Any other type of business that by association would tend to bring the AAIP and the Government of Alberta into disrepute
Minimum criteria and FGE 200-Point Grid
There are minimum criteria that have to be met in order to be eligible to the FGE stream. You need to:
- have a minimum of 6 months of full-time work experience that can be a combination of actively managing or owning a business or equivalent (equivalencies are work experience with business incubator or business accelerator),
- have completed, within the last 10 years, a bachelor’s degree from a post-secondary institution outside of Canada with an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA),
- have a business plan with projected financials for your proposed business,
- have a 10-minute presentation (slides only) that outlines the proposed business venture and focuses on what an investor would want to see,
- have a minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level of 5 for each English or French language skills: reading, writing, listening and speaking,
- have a minimum of 34% ownership if the proposed business is located in an urban centre or a minimum of 51% ownership if located in regional area outside Calgary and Edmonton Census Metropolitan Areas,
- invest a mandatory minimum of $100,000 for an urban centre or $50,000 for a regional area,
- demonstrate that you have the funds needed to set up the business and support yourself while on a work permit to launch the start-up (see required amounts below),
Required settlement funds (in Canadian dollars) per population size of community
| Number of family members | Less than 1,000 | 1,000 to 30,000 | 30,000 to 99,999 | 100,000 to 499,999 | 500,000 and over |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $8,922 | $10,151 | $11,093 | $12,961 | $12,960 |
| 2 | $11,107 | $12,636 | $13,810 | $16,135 | $16,135 |
| 3 | $13,655 | $15,534 | $16,977 | $19,836 | $19,836 |
| 4 | $16,579 | $18,861 | $20,613 | $24,084 | $24,083 |
| 5 | $18,803 | $21,392 | $23,379 | $27,315 | $27,315 |
| 6 | $21,208 | $24,127 | $26,367 | $30,807 | $30,806 |
| 7 | $23,611 | $26,861 | $29,356 | $34,299 | $34,299 |
- have a letter of recommendation from an AAIP-approved Designated Agency (see list below).
List of approved Designated Agencies
Elite Global Group Ltd.
2020 14 Avenue NW
Edmonton, Alberta
T6T 2R7
Phone: 780 901 6356
Website: elitestartuphub.com
Email: [email protected]
Empowered Startups
420-744 West Hastings
Vancouver, British Columbia
V6C 1A5
Phone: 604-229-1052
Fax: 604-229-2037
Website: empoweredstartups.com
Email: [email protected]
Platform Calgary
429 – 8 Avenue SE
Calgary, Alberta
T2G 0L6
Phone: 403-284-6400
Website: platformcalgary.com/program/foreign-grad/
Email: [email protected]
Other criteria are explained in detail below in the FGE 200-point grid.
As said earlier, meeting minimum eligibility requirements does not necessarily mean that you will receive an invitation to apply from the AAIP, which will select the highest scores.
There are 2 factors under which you can score points that are explained in detail below. Remember that for each factor you will be claiming points for, you will have to provide supporting documents to prove you satisfy to the criteria of the factor.
| FGE 200-point grid | Maximum Points |
|---|---|
| Factor 1 – Human Capital Factors | 100 |
| Sub-Factor 1.1 – Language Proficiency | 30 |
| Sub-Factor 1.2 – Education | 35 |
| Sub-Factor 1.3 – Business Management or Ownership Experience or equivalent | 35 |
| Factor 2 – Business Factors | 100 |
| Sub-Factor 2.1 – Business Plan | 40 |
| Sub-Factor 2.2 – Investment prior to coming to Alberta | 25 |
| Sub-Factor 2.3 – Additional investment after launch | 20 |
| Sub-Factor 2.4 – Job Creation | 15 |
| Total | 200 |
Factor 1 – Human Capital Factors (Max 100 points):
Sub-Factor 1.1 – Language Proficiency (Max 30 points):
You must demonstrate you have a minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) test score of 5 for each language skill, either in French or in English (which will get you 10 points). You can score more points if your CLB score for each language skill is above 10.
You are considered ineligible to the stream if you have less than CLB5 in one of the language skills.
| Sub-Factor 1.1 – Language Proficiency | Points |
|---|---|
| CLB8 or higher | 30 |
| CLB7 | 20 |
| CLB6 | 15 |
| CLB5 | 10 |
Sub-Factor 1.2 – Education (Max 35 points):
To score points, you must have completed at least the Canadian equivalent of a Bachelor’s degree outside Canada, and provide an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA). You can score more points if you have a Master’s degree or a PhD.
You are considered ineligible to the stream if you cannot provide an ECA or do not hold a degree from a post-secondary institution.
| Sub-Factor 1.2 – Education | Points |
|---|---|
| PhD | 15 |
| Master’s degree | 10 |
| Bachelor’s degree | 5 |
| Additional points – Completion of degree within the last 5 years | 10 |
| Additional points – Completion of degree in the following areas: Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics | 5 |
| Additional points – Completion of degree in the following areas: Business | 5 |
Sub-Factor 1.3 – Business Management or Ownership Experience or equivalent (Max 35 points):
You can score points if you have Business Management or Ownership Experience or equivalent (equivalencies include work experience with a business incubator or business accelerator).
You are considered ineligible to the stream if have less than 6 months of required experience.
| Sub-Factor 1.3 – Business Management or Ownership Experience or equivalent | Points |
|---|---|
| More than 2 years | 20 |
| 1 to 2 years | 15 |
| More than 6 months to 1 year | 10 |
| 6 months | 5 |
| Additional points – Candidates with business ownership experience | 15 |
Factor 2 – Business Factors (Max 100 points):
Sub-Factor 2.1 – Business Plan ( Max 40 points):
You need to provide a business plan with projected financial information for your proposed business.
This is a mandatory requirement and you will be found ineligible if not provided.
| Sub-Factor 2.1 – Business Plan | Points |
|---|---|
| Business plan with projected financial information | 40 |
Sub-Factor 2.2 – Investment prior to coming to Alberta (Max 25 points):
You can score up to 25 points depending on the dollar amount invested in the proposed business prior to coming to Alberta.
This is a mandatory requirement and you will be found ineligible if your investment is below the required minimum that depends if the investment is in an Urban centre (Edmonton and Calgary Census Metropolitan Areas) or Regional area (Communities outside the Edmonton and Calgary Census Metropolitan Areas).
| Sub-Factor 2.2 – Investment prior to coming to Alberta | Points |
|---|---|
| Urban centre: Over $200,000 OR Regional area: Over $150,000 | 25 |
| Urban centre: $150,001 to $200,000 OR Regional area: $100,001 to $150,000 | 18 |
| Urban centre: $100,001 to $150,000 OR Regional area: $50,001 to $100,000 | 11 |
| Urban centre: 100,000 OR Regional area: $50,000 | 5 |
Sub-Factor 2.3 – Additional investment after launch (Max 20 points):
You can score up to 20 points depending on the dollar amount to be invested in the proposed business after the launch.
This is a not a mandatory requirement.
| Sub-Factor 2.3 – Additional investment after launch | Points |
|---|---|
| Urban centre: Over $250,000 OR Regional area: Over $200,000 | 20 |
| Urban centre: $200,001 to $250,000 OR Regional area: $150,001 to $200,000 | 15 |
| Urban centre: $150,001 to $200,000 OR Regional area: $100,001 to $150,000 | 10 |
| Urban centre: $100,000 to $150,000 OR Regional area: $50,000 to $100,000 | 5 |
You can earn a maximum of 15 points in this sub-factor depending on the number of jobs that are proposed to be created for Canadian citizens or permanent residents (not including relatives) for a period of at least 6 months.
This is not a mandatory requirement.
| Sub-Factor 2.4 – Job Creation | Points |
|---|---|
| 3 jobs | 15 |
| 2 jobs | 10 |
| 1 job | 5 |
Foreign Graduate Entrepreneur – Application Process
For a better understanding of the process, below is a list of the steps involved in obtaining Permanent Residence through the Foreign Graduate Entrepreneur Stream (FGE):
Step 1:
- A candidate must register an Expression of Interest (EOI),meaning filling in forms, and uploading supporting documentation, which include the FGE Business Plan, Pitch Deck, etc. This allows them to be included in the pool of candidates and be assigned a score out of 200 points based on their specific factors. The AAIP will review and score the EOI within 30 days.
- If selected by the AAIP, the candidate must submit within 90 days a Business Application to the AAIP, which includes a Business Plan Evaluation Report provided by a Designated Agency (see above for the list in the Eligibility Requirements section) and possibly a Qualified Service Provider Report to assess the candidate’s net worth and business investment by an approved service provider (list below).
- If the processing of the candidate’s application is successful, they must sign a Business Performance Agreement whereby they commit to achieving their intended investment. The agreement usually contains (but is not limited to) (i) investment amounts and timelines for commitments, (ii) number and types of jobs to be created for Canadian citizens or permanent residents, (iii) mandatory business milestones and achievements, etc.
- Once all parties have signed the Business Performance Agreement, the AAIP will provide a Business Application Approval Letter and a 205(a) Letter of Support.
Step 2:
- Upon receiving the 205(a) Letter of Support, the candidate must submit their application for a work permit to IRCC within 3 months. The candidate must arrive in Alberta within 12 months of receiving the Business Application Approval Letter and is required to reside in Alberta and meet the conditions of the Business Performance Agreement.
- Candidates must submit an Arrival Report to the AAIP within 30 days of the date that appears as the “date issued” on their work permit, and submit a Business Progress Report every 6 months.
- Once the candidate has satisfied the conditions of their Business Performance Agreement, they can submit a Final Report for AAIP Nomination. If successful, candidates will be issued a provincial nomination by the AAIP.
- The candidate must finally apply for permanent residence to IRCC within 6 months of receiving the nomination. The candidate needs to apply online to IRCC, and include documents received by the AAIP.
Please note that foreign graduates who currently own and operate a business in Alberta and are eligible for this stream can still apply but the established business must have operated in Alberta for at least one year. Instead of being issued a Business Performance Agreement, the AAIP will directly issue the candidate a nomination certificate. They are only required to operate their business in Alberta while they go through the permanent residence application process with IRCC.
Approved Service Providers - Qualified Service Provider Report
Grant Thornton LLP
1701 Scotia Place 2, 10060 Jasper Avenue NW
Edmonton, Alberta T5J 3R8
Telephone: 780-422-7114
Fax: 780-426-3208
Website: www.grantthornton.ca
Email: [email protected]
KPMG LLP
3100, 2005 5 Avenue SW
Calgary, Alberta T2P 4B9
Telephone: 416-777-3887
Fax: 403-691-8008
Website: www.kpmg.ca
Email: [email protected]
MNP LLP
Suite 1600, MNP Tower
10235 101 Street NW
Edmonton, Alberta T5J 3G1
Telephone: 587-441-6021
Fax: 403-269-8450
Website: www.mnp.ca/en/services/enterprise-risk/provincial-nominee-program/alberta
Email: [email protected]
Foreign Graduate Entrepreneur – Application Fees
The fee for this stream is quite expensive, one of the most expensive in all other Provincial Nominee Programs. It is set at 3,500 CAD. It can only be paid by a credit or debit card. Application fees are non-refundable.
An additional 200 CAD fee is required for the AAIP for assess the expression of interest.
The fees associated with obtaining and preparing the required documents such as the Business Plan Evaluation Report are not included in the application fees.
Foreign Graduate Entrepreneur – Processing Times
As of January 13, 2026
Foreign Graduate Entrepreneur Stream approximate average processing times: 4 months
All Entrepreneurs streams
- Number of applications in the queue : 246
- The AAIP is assessing Business applications upon receipt
- Number of allocations issued in 2026 to date: Less than 10
- Number of total nominations for 2026 (total allocation): 90
