This stream is for entrepreneurs who have the financial resources and farm management experience to establish a new or purchase an existing farm in Alberta.
Candidates must submit their application, along with a proposed business plan, to the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) for assessment. The AAIP will consult with Alberta Agriculture and Irrigation to ensure the business plan is feasible and viable, and meets the needs of Alberta’s agriculture industry.
Work/Business Experience
Candidates must prove that they have farm management skills.
Proof of this may include, but is not limited to:
- financial documentation of an existing farm business
- documentation of education, training and work experience
- a proposed business plan for the farming enterprise you are considering in Alberta
- proof that a Canadian financial institution is willing to finance your proposed farming business
Ineligibility
You Are Not Eligible to Apply Under the AAIP Farm Stream If:
- You have an active nomination that has not expired and/or is eligible for extension under another AAIP stream. Candidates are only eligible for one AAIP Nomination Certificate.
- You have been issued a letter on a previous AAIP application that stated you are not eligible to re-apply to the AAIP for a specified period of time. If you apply during the specified period, it will be declined.
- You have had a removal order issued against you by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) or Canada Border Services Agency. The AAIP does not intervene in the federal refugee claim, appeal, or removal process.
- You are a foreign national living or working in Canada with no valid temporary resident status.
- You are a live-in caregiver currently living in Canada.
- You are working and residing as a temporary foreign worker in a province other than Alberta.
- You are an international student studying in Canada, including students doing co-op work placements or internships as part of their study program.
Net Worth
Documents must be provided that show a minimum net worth of CDN $500,000, or confirmation of the ability to access a similar amount of funds from other sources.
Business Plan
Candidates must document their investment plans in a proposed business plan and submit this with their application to the AAIP. The proposed business plan will be reviewed by Alberta Agriculture and Irrigation to ensure the farming operation aligns with Alberta farming industry requirements.
Applications representing the best opportunity for growth relevant to Alberta’s agri-food targets will be given priority.
Business Investment
Candidates must be able to invest a minimum of CDN $500,000 of equity in a primary production farming business in Alberta. Candidates may be required to show the ability to invest more than the minimum.
Application Period
approximately 4 months
Application Fee
The fee for the Farm stream is set at 500 CAD
Submission of Application
Step 1: Ensure Eligibility and Complete the Forms
After ensuring the eligibility criteria have been met, download the checklist and complete the required forms.
Step 2: Pay the Application Fee
- All AAIP applications mailed on or after October 1, 2020, are subject to a fee of $500.
- There is no fee for applications mailed before October 1, 2020.
Step 3: Mail Your Application to the AAIP
- Ensure your application includes your fee payment document.
- Keep a copy of your application for your records.
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Send your original complete application package, including your fee payment receipt, by registered mail or courier to:
Farm Stream
Alberta Advantage Immigration Program
Government of Alberta
Suite 940, ATB Place North Tower
10025 Jasper Avenue
Edmonton, Alberta T5J 1S6
Canada
Applications by email or fax are not accepted.
Step 4: Notification of Application
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Emails from the AAIP will always come from an
@gov.ab.caaccount. The Alberta government does not use email accounts such as Gmail, Hotmail, Yahoo, etc.
If you receive a suspicious email, contact your local police and report the incident to the AAIP by email at lbr.pnpoffice@gov.ab.ca. - You will receive an email from the AAIP confirming that your file has been received. This will include your AAIP file number.
Note: Keep your application information up to date while you wait for your application to be assessed.
Step 5: Application Outcome
Approved Applications
- If your application is approved, you will become a Provincial Nominee and receive a nomination package by email. Make sure you read all documents in the package.
- The package will include information on how you and your dependents can apply for permanent residence to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Declined Applications
- If your AAIP application is declined, you will be notified by email. If you used an immigration representative to submit your application, the email will be sent to you and copied to your representative.
- Read the reasons for decline. If you can demonstrate an error was made in assessing the file, you may be eligible to submit a request for reconsideration.