The Foreign Graduate Start-up Visa Stream in Alberta Now Accepting Applications from International Graduates

Situated on the west coast, the Canadian province of Alberta is undoubtedly a beautiful location. Canada is well known for its natural scenic beauty. Surrounded by high mountains and deep blue lakes, this province indeed resembles paradise on earth. The main cities in the region are Calgary and Edmonton, which are hubs of business. Better roads, infrastructure, and tax laws make doing business in Canada a profitable venture,

Post pandemic, Canada is planning to increase immigration into their home country. It is a crucial step towards reviving the sluggish Canadian economy. With low birth rates and a declining workforce, immigration is the right way to attract foreigners’ best pool. International students and skilled workers can be the much-needed boost for Canada. Their recent announcement regarding the target of 400,000 immigrants by the next two years comes as great news for people trying to move to Canada. The government is working with the immigration department to ensure that things are done effectively and efficiently. This announcement is enough to prove that favorable visa policies and on the way for immigrants in Canada.  

New policies are being introduced to increase immigration. As Biden’s USA is also opening doors for international students, Canada needs to revise its visa policies to gain an advantage over its neighbour. The brand new Foreign Graduate Start-Up Visa is aimed to bring foreign self-employed entrepreneurs into Canada. They don’t require employment opportunities. The entrepreneurs will pay tax and may also employ Canadians. Hence their contribution will be beneficial for the country’s economy.  International graduates with relevant work experience, business plans, and capital investment can apply via this scheme.

How to enter Canada as an Entrepreneur?

Most people come to Canada to study and then apply for a work permit after their course. But you can enter Canada as a self-employed business owner also. Alberta is a province in Canada with a lack of tech-oriented labor. The start-up visa scheme was designed to attract start-up owners to Canada. This will, in turn, create more job opportunities in the province. Foreign graduates can set up their business here and apply through the nominee program for permanent residency. The already existing Self-employment farmers steam is a similar visa category for individuals offering tech and management solutions to farmers. The Alberta opportunity stream and Alberta express entry are also available for foreign graduates looking to work in Canada.

The Alberta nominee program consists of four schemes through which immigrants may apply. They are Alberta Opportunity Stream, Alberta Express Entry Stream, Alberta Self-Employed Farmer Stream, Stream. Applications can be made online, and the processing fee is 500 Canadian dollars. The opportunity scheme is for professionals already working in Alberta.  For the express entry, scheme candidates are shortlisted from Canada’s express entry applicants. As the name suggests, the farmer’s stream is exclusively for farm service providers and farm owners. The graduate start-up visa is precisely for start-up owners who have completed their graduation from an international university.

Canada and especially Alberta has a good standard of living. The ease of doing business makes it an attractive destination for start-up owners. In some ways, it is also better than the United States.

All you need to know about the new start-up visa

The most recent Graduate Start-Up Visa Stream announced on January 27, 2021, has been discussed. The eligibility criteria for this scheme are straightforward and relatively painless. Recent graduates from outside Canada who completed their degree not before two years can apply. You must also have six months of work experience. A business plan with all financial projections and a short presentation about your business has to be submitted. A minimum of level 7 CNB in both English and French is mandatory. Plus, you must also own 34% to 51% of the said business. A minimum sum for personal equity and business investments also needs to be shown. The final thing is an AINP approved letter of recommendation that should also be submitted and other documents.

The final criterion is to submit an expression of interest. This is nothing but a letter stating why you have chosen Canada as your preferred destination. It is for the AINP to read and consider while picking the best candidates. The letter must be uploaded to the online portal of AINP. It would be best if you also answered a few simple questions about your background, work experience, and education. With the help of this, candidates will be ranked, and the top rank holders will be called for business application. The number of candidates selected varies each year. It depends on the quality of applicants that specific year. This newly launched stream will help Canada fulfill its future immigration targets very well. Having the right mix of immigration laborers is essential to have the desired effect on the economy.

One can associate himself with existing business groups in Canada who are looking for new partners. You can team up with these groups to fulfill your financial and capital requirements. The groups have different criteria based on which they decide whether or not to associate with immigrant entrepreneurs. From 75,000 to 200,00 Canadian dollars must be invested with these companies. Once you find the right business you wish to associate with, a commitment certificate or letter of support must be submitted. Also, a permanent residency in Canada must be established before that.

The new immigration policies announced by the Canadian government in recent times has been widely praised. They are aligned with the interest of foreign workers and the international student community. New pathways of entry into Canada mean more significant immigration over the next few years. A recent visa extension policy is also good news for current students. All in all, we can say that it is an excellent time to apply for a Canadian visa if you wish to move.