Alberta Foreign Graduate Entrepreneur Stream
For Newer Graduates Interested in Starting a Venture in Alberta
Alberta Foreign Graduate Entrepreneur Stream Overview ![Government of Alberta, Canada](https://empoweredstartups.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/GovOfAlberta-300x187.png")
The Foreign Graduate Entrepreneur Stream is an economic immigration program for qualified foreign educated graduates from outside of Canada who want to launch start-up enterprises and innovative businesses in Alberta.
Foreign graduates interested in applying under the Foreign Graduate Entrepreneur Stream must work with a designated agency (that’s us). Empowered Startups will issue a letter of recommendation if it deems that the foreign graduate meets the AAIP requirements.
Eligibility
To qualify for our Foreign Graduate Entrepreneur program, applicants must fit the following criteria:
- Have completed a post-secondary degree outside of Canada in the last 10 years
- Obtain a Letter of Recommendation from an agency designated by the Alberta Government – Empowered Startups is a government designated agency
- Start a business connected to one of eight priority sectors
- Have at least 6 months of full-time work experience managing or owning a business, or work experience with a business incubator
- Meet the Canadian Language Benchmark level of 5 for each language skill in either English or French
Foreign Graduate Entrepreneur Stream (FGES) Processing Times
Empowered Startups supports ambitious foreign graduates in launching their businesses in Alberta and securing Canadian permanent residency through the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP). Our expert team provides comprehensive business incubation services, mentorship, and step-by-step guidance to help you successfully establish and grow your venture in Alberta.
1
Empowered Startups Intake Process & Offer
Time: 2 to 3 weeks
Submit FGES Program documents, we will review them. We will contact you to set up a meeting to talk about the program and your professional qualifications.
2
FGES Application Process, Submission, and Approval
Time: 7 months to 12 months
Working with our business experts, we’ll spend the first 6 weeks constructing your business plan and necessary documents to submit your Expression of Interest (EOI) and Business Application. Once approved, the Alberta Government offers you the Business Performance Agreement (BPA).
3
Work Permit Approval & Arrival in Canada
Time: 3 to 9 months
Immigration, Refugee & Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will approve your Canadian Work Permit (WP) for you to come to Alberta to launch your Alberta-based business.
4
Alberta Nomination for Permanent Residency
Time: 12 months
Empowered Startups provides incubation services to support your Alberta-based business. After running your business for 12 months, you’ll submit your final business report stating you’ve reached your business objectives. At that point, the Alberta Government will nominate you for Permanent Residency.
5
Receive Canadian Permanent Residency
Time: 6 to 9 months
Immigration, Refugee & Citizenship Canada will process your PR nomination from the Alberta Government.
Alberta Advantages
Alberta and the Foreign Graduate Entrepreneur Stream offer several advantages:
- Low taxes
- No limits on applicants to the FGES program
- High quality of life
- Abundant opportunities for entrepreneurs
- World-class services
- Diverse set of cultures and communities
Get Started Immediately
We have a dynamic team of experts waiting to learn more about your startup ideas, business, and immigration goals. Our programs offer immediate enrollment for the right people and startup ideas.
If you still have questions, feel free to contact us or you can also download this program brochure.
