Alberta Start-Up Visa Program

Canada needs skilled entrepreneurs eager to launch ventures that will boost the national economy and provide jobs for its citizens. If you are an entrepreneur, the start-up visa programme can allow you to immigrate to Canada.

Alberta recognizes the role that entrepreneurs play in stimulating economic growth and diversification. To make it simpler for creative entrepreneurs to relocate there, they provide several entrepreneur immigration routes. The Alberta Start-up Visa Program is designed to attract immigrant entrepreneurs with the skills and potential to build innovative businesses.

Why Invest in Alberta?

There are many compelling reasons for making Alberta an attractive destination for investors.

Oil and Gas Reserves: The province has huge natural resources, particularly oil and gas. In addition, it boasts abundant minerals and forestry resources, which create many direct and ancillary industries.

Natural Resources: Alberta’s abundance of natural resources has historically allowed for a strong and resilient economy. In the long run, the province has shown stability and prosperity despite volatility in commodity prices. Its economy is diversified, with industries like manufacturing, tourism, agriculture, and technology all contributing to its economic strength.

Economic Policies: The economic and business policies of the province are highly business-friendly, including streamlined regulations, low taxes, institutional strengthening, a supportive legislative framework and a low level of crime.

Highly-Skilled Workforce: Alberta offers a pool of highly skilled and educated workforce in various fields, including engineering, finance and trade. The province also offers various training initiatives to ensure a steady supply of skilled workforce to support various business needs.

Strategic Location: Alberta is a strategically located entry point to important markets in North America and elsewhere, given its location in the centre of Western Canada. Its proximity to important trade routes and transportation corridors increases its appeal as a logistics and distribution hub for companies looking to expand their operations.

Investment Opportunities in Alberta

Investment opportunities in Alberta, Canada, are diverse and span various sectors, offering potential for growth and returns. Here are several key areas worth considering:

Petrochemical Industry: Alberta’s petrochemical industry has a competitive edge in international markets. Consider investing in the manufacturing of ethylene derivatives.
Fertilizer Industry: There’s a great opportunity to invest in the fertilizer industry.
Coal Mining and Gasification: Alberta offers abundant opportunities in coal mining and coal gasification or liquefaction.
Metals and Minerals Industry: Explore investment options in metals and minerals, including heavy metals, special steels, flat rolled steel products, wire rods, specialty pipes, and manganese/abrasion-resistant steel castings and valves.
Food & Beverage Industry: Alberta’s solid base of agricultural resources drives a booming food & beverage industry. The provincial government encourages this sector as part of its economic diversification strategy.
Real Estate: Alberta’s growing economy and population create high demand for residential and commercial real estate projects. Consider investing in real estate development, construction, and related businesses.
Healthcare and Life Sciences: Alberta boasts superior quality healthcare infrastructure. Investment opportunities exist in healthcare services, medical research, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and medical device manufacturing.

Important Factoids

1,373 Tech. Companies in Alberta
2% Small Business Tax Rate
5% of Companies are classified as ‘High Growth Companies’.
383 Major Corporate Headquarters
Highest Human Development Index in Canada
Ranked World’s 5th Best Place to Live
Home to Canada’s National Institute of Nanotechnology (NINT), The
Alberta Machine Intelligence Institute (AMII), The Alberta Centre for Advanced MNT Products (ACAMP) and Google Deep Mind’s research base.

Eligibility Requirements for Start-Up Visa Program

The Alberta Start-Up Visa program is designed for international business owners with established products or services. Entrepreneurs who have at least six months of employment, business ownership experience, and sufficient financial stability can apply for this visa.

Express Entry is not required.
A job offer is not required.
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)
A minimum of 6 months of work experience as a business owner or manager is required.
Minimum investment: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)
A comprehensive business plan is required.
A letter of recommendation is mandatory.
A minimum of 10 minutes of slideshow presentation is required.
Settlement Fund is mandatory.

Alberta Entrepreneur Streams

Alberta offers several entrepreneur streams for investors and settling in the province. Here are the key options:

Graduate Entrepreneur Stream: This stream is designed for international students who have graduated from approved Alberta post-secondary institutions. Applicants can establish or operate a business in Alberta on a work permit and apply for Canadian permanent residence.
Foreign Graduate Entrepreneur Stream: Launched in 2021, this stream aims to attract talented international graduates who are outside Canada and want to start businesses and settle in Alberta communities. To be eligible, candidates must meet specific criteria, including having at least 6 months of business ownership or management experience, holding a degree from a post-secondary institution outside Canada, demonstrating language proficiency, and obtaining a letter of recommendation from an approved designated agency.
Farm Stream: This stream caters to entrepreneurs interested in agricultural ventures in Alberta.
Rural Entrepreneur Stream (New): This stream is specifically designed for entrepreneurs planning to set up businesses in rural areas outside Calgary and Edmonton.

Alberta’s Start-Up Visa Program Explained Video

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Organizations For Start-Up Visa Business List

You need approval of funds for your business idea or venture from one or more of the designated organizations listed below.

Venture Capital Funds (Minimum $200,000):

7 Gate Ventures
Alt Ventures
Amplitude Ventures Inc.
York Entrepreneurship Development Institute (YEDI) VC Fund
Apex Innovative Investments Ventures
Arete Pacific Tech Ventures (VCC) Corp
BCF Ventures
BDC Venture Capital
Extreme Venture Partners LLP
Golden Venture Partners Fund, LP
INP Capital
iNovia Capital Inc.
Intrinsic Venture Capital
Lumira Ventures
Invest Nova Scotia
PRIVEQ Capital Funds
Real Ventures
Red Leaf Capital Corp
Relay Ventures
ScaleUp Venture Partners, Inc.
Tangentia Ventures
Top Renergy Inc.
Vanedge Capital Limited Partnership
Version One Ventures
WhiteHaven Venture
Westcap Management Ltd.
Yaletown Venture Partners Inc.

Angel Investor Groups (Minimum $75,000):

Canadian International Angel Investors
Ekagrata Inc.
Golden Triangle Angel Network
Keiretsu Forum Canada
Oak Mason Investments Inc.
VANTEC Angel Network Inc.
York Angel Investors Inc.

Business Incubators:

Alacrity Foundation
Alberta Agriculture and Forestry
Agrivalue Processing Business Incubator
Food Processing Development Centre
Biomedical Commercialization Canada Inc. (operating as Manitoba Technology Accelerator)
Creative Destruction Lab
Empowered Startups Ltd.
Extreme Innovations
Genesis Centre
Highline BETA Inc.
Innovacorp
Interactive Niagara Media Cluster o/a Innovate Niagara
Invest Ottawa
Knowledge Park o/a Planet Hatch
LatAm Startups
Launch Academy – Vancouver
LaunchPad PEI Inc.
Millworks Centre for Entrepreneurship
NEXT Canada
North Forge Technology Exchange
Platform Calgary
Real Investment Fund III L.P. o/a FounderFuel
Ryerson Futures Inc.
Spark Commercialization and Innovation Centre
Spring Activator
The DMZ at Ryerson University
Toronto Business Development Centre (TBDC)
TSRV Canada Inc. (operating as Techstars Canada)
VIATEC
Waterloo Accelerator Centre
York Entrepreneurship Development Institute

Process To Apply for Alberta Start-Up Visa

Let’s break down the steps for pursuing the Alberta Start-up Visa Program:

1. Check Eligibility

Before applying, ensure you meet the following requirements:

Language Proficiency: Meet the language proficiency standards.
Settlement Funds: Have sufficient funds for settlement.
Viable Business Plan: Develop a comprehensive business plan.
Letter of Support: Obtain a letter of support from a recognized Canadian organization.

2. Develop a Comprehensive Business Plan

Create a detailed business plan that covers the following:

Financial Terms
Job Creation
Innovative Ideas
Scalability Elements

3. Secure Support from a Designated Organization

Obtain a financial commitment from one of the following designated organizations in Alberta:

Venture Capital Funds
- Examples: 7 Gate Ventures, BDC Venture Capital, Real Ventures
Angel Investor Groups
- Examples: Canadian International Angel Investors, York Angel Investors
Business Incubators
- Examples: Alacrity Foundation, Innovacorp, LaunchPad PEI Inc.

4. Submit Your Application

Please submit your application and all required documents to Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

5. Receive Approval and Obtain a Visa

If your application is approved, you’ll receive a letter of introduction from IRCC. Use this letter to apply for a temporary work permit, allowing you to start your business in Canada.

6. Apply for Permanent Residence

You can apply for permanent residence through this program after successfully establishing and operating your business in Alberta.

Canada Start-Up Visa Success Rate

You can expand your business in Canada if your Alberta start-up visa application is in good hands, all standards are met, and the required paperwork is turned in. According to IRCC, the programme’s success rate is generally higher than 75%.

The kind of designated organization determines the approval rate.

The percentage of businesses backed by business incubators (78%), angel investor networks (80%), and venture capital funds (43%) is the breakdown of startup support.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions about Alberta Startup Visa:

What is the processing time for a start-up visa program?

It depends on IRCC’s workload. The general guidelines say the waiting period can be between 3 and 5 years.

What are the reasons for rejection or delay in getting a start-up visa?

Disproportionately high or low shares of the business.
Lack of experience or education.
There is no intellectual property right brought to the project.
The designated organization has charged unexpectedly high fees.
Fail to provide appropriate documents.
The applicant has little or no control of the business.

Do I have to invest in my business through my funds?

No, the minimum investment comes from a designated Canadian venture capital fund or angel investor group.

If I immigrate through a start-up visa program and my business fails, what will happen to my permanent residence status?

If your business fails, it does not affect your PR.

How can I get support from a designated organization?

There is no straight-cut route to success. It largely depends on the pitch deck, your presentation (10-minute slideshow), and the detailing of your business plan. Each organization has its requirements, so you must research well before approaching an organization.

For more information on the Alberta Startup Visa Programs, please contact our immigration experts.