The Lethbridge Rural Entrepreneur Stream of the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) allows Economic Development Lethbridge (EDL) on behalf of the City of Lethbridge to potentially nominate entrepreneurs who want to start a new business or invest in an existing business in the city. The Rural Entrepreneur Stream will promote economic growth by attracting immigrants who can start new ventures or assist with succession planning for businesses with owners looking to either retire or move on.
Basic steps in the process:
1. Candidate
Read the AAIP terms and conditions from the provincial website. The AAIP process is involved and takes considerable time. Be sure you understand what is involved. (https://www.alberta.ca/aaip-rural-entrepreneur-stream.aspx)
2. Candidate
Review the eligibility criteria to ensure you qualify, complete a self assessment. (https://extern.labour.alberta.ca/AAIPSAT/aaipsat-rural-entrepreneur-stream.aspx)
3. Candidate
Provide a detailed business plan to us for review. (Email: immigration@chooselethbridge.ca)
4. EDL
Review business plan for alignment with local goals and objectives as well as provincial program guidelines. If successful, issue invitation for exploratory visit.
5. Candidate:
Conduct Exploratory visit to Lethbridge if invited to do so. (Be sure to check travel visa requirements as necessary.)
6. Both:
Review discussions from exploratory visit, update business plan as necessary.
7. EDL:
Conduct second business plan review to ensure alignment and fit.
8. EDL
Issue Community Support letter.
9. Candidate:
Submit Expression of Interest or EOI (proof of English qualification, all supporting documents etc.) to the Government of Alberta.
10. Candidate:
Complete and submit full Business Application Package (if EOI is approved) to the Government of Alberta.
11. Candidate
Apply for work permit with the Government of Canada.
12. Candidate
Begin provincial nomination process.
13. Candidate
Establish business in Lethbridge.
Investor Eligibility:
The Government of Alberta mandates a number of requirements for prospective investors including but not limited to:
- must have a minimum of 3 years of experience as an active business owner or manager
- minimum of high school equivalent to the Canadian standard is also necessary at the time of application
- minimum Canadian Language Benchmark level of 4 for each English language skill: reading, writing, listening and speaking
- minimum net worth of $300,000 where all assets are the candidate’s own personal holdings or that of their spouse
- minimum ownership of 51% of a new business or 100% ownership for business succession
Candidates should carefully review the detailed program eligibility requirements here: https://www.alberta.ca/aaip-rural-entrepreneur-stream-eligibility.aspx
