Alberta Fresh Graduate Entrepreneur Program (IGEIS)
A Pathway to Canadian Permanent Residence for International Graduates
The International Graduate Entrepreneur Immigration Stream allows international graduates from Alberta post-secondary institutions to establish or operate a business in Alberta and gain eligibility for provincial nomination for permanent residence. This program is designed for recent graduates who have completed at least two years of full-time education in Alberta and hold a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). IGEIS provides an excellent opportunity for skilled international graduates to contribute to Alberta’s economy by starting or managing a business while living in the province.
Years experience
Expertise You Can Trust
Alberta Entrepreneur Program
At Patel Canada Visa Consultancy Inc., our expert consultant Parulben Patel brings over 14 years of dedicated experience guiding young entrepreneurs through the Alberta Graduate Entrepreneur Program. She specializes in helping recent graduates turn innovative ideas into successful Alberta-based businesses. From business plan development, market analysis, and funding strategies to full program application support, Parulben ensures every client receives personalized guidance at every step. Her deep understanding of Alberta’s entrepreneurial landscape and provincial immigration requirements allows her to streamline the process, maximize your chances of approval, and set you on a path to long-term business success. Trust the proven expertise of Parulben Patel to transform your graduate-level ideas into thriving ventures in Alberta.
Best immigration consultancy
High approval rate
Who Can Apply?
- Education: Must have completed at least 2 years of full-time post-secondary education in Alberta from a recognized university or college.
- Work Permit: Must hold a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) valid for at least 2 years.
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Language Requirements: Applicants must meet the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level 7 in English or Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens (NCLC) level 7 in French in all four language abilities:
- Reading
- Writing
- Listening
- Speaking
- Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP) – General Test
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS) – General Training Test
- Test d’évaluation de français (TEF) Canada
- Test de connaissance du français (TCF) Canada
Test results must be official and less than two years old at the time of submitting your Expression of Interest (EOI). Candidates should also check the federal CLB/NCLC equivalency guidelines for each test.
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Work Experience:
- Must have at least 6 months of full-time work experience in business ownership, management, or related entrepreneurial roles.
- Work experience can be gained before or after completing Alberta education, either within Canada or abroad.
- Minimum work experience must be met at the time of EOI submission.
Factors That Increase Your Chances
The following factors can strengthen your application:
- Age: Applicants aged 21 to 49 years may receive additional points.
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Alberta Relative: Having a close relative living full-time in Alberta can improve your application. Eligible relatives include:
- Mother, Father, Step-Mother, Step-Father
- Child, Step-Child
- Sister, Step-Sister
- Brother, Step-Brother
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Economic Benefit: Applicants who can demonstrate economic benefits to Alberta are favored. Examples include:
- Contributing to a key economic sector
- Business succession opportunities
- Developing intellectual property
- Creating local jobs
- Locating the business in a rural area
- Investment in Alberta business
- Partnerships with business incubators, accelerators, venture capital, or angel investors
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Spouse or Common-Law Partner Contribution: If your spouse or partner meets any of the following, it strengthens your application:
- At least 1 year of continuous full-time employment in Alberta
- Completed at least 2 years of full-time study at an Alberta post-secondary institution
- Achieved CLB 5 (English) or NCLC 5 (French) in all four language abilities
How the Program Works
- Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI)
- Receive invitation from Alberta to apply for the IGEIS program
- Establish or operate a business in Alberta under a temporary work permit
- Fulfill business performance requirements as agreed with Alberta
- Receive Alberta provincial nomination for Canadian Permanent Residence
Benefits of IGEIS
- Temporary work permit to establish or purchase a business in Alberta
- Opportunity to grow your career and entrepreneurial skills
- Contribute to Alberta’s economy and job market
- Access to a pathway for Canadian Permanent Residence
- Potential to apply for Canadian citizenship in the future
