Alberta Farm Stream is designed for entrepreneurs with financial investments and expertise in farm management, enabling them to either establish a new farm or acquire an existing one in Alberta.
Applicants are required to submit their applications, along with a proposed business plan, to the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) for evaluation.
The AAIP will collaborate with Alberta Agriculture and Irrigation to verify the feasibility and viability of the business plan, ensuring it aligns with the requirements of Alberta’s agriculture industry.
Eligibility Requirements for Alberta Farm Stream
Management skills in Farming
- Financial records for an established farm business are required for Alberta farm stream.
- A comprehensive business plan outlining your proposed farming venture in Alberta.
- Documentation detailing your educational background, training, and work experience.
- Evidence demonstrating the support of a Canadian financial institution willing to finance your planned agricultural business
Enough Financial Resources
- Applicants should have the capability to invest a at least CDN $500,000 in equity for a primary production farming business in Alberta.
- Submission of documentation verifying a minimum net worth of CDN $500,000 or confirmation of the capacity to obtain equivalent funds from alternative sources is required.
- Additionally, candidates may be requested to demonstrate the potential to invest an amount exceeding the stipulated minimum.
Primary production investment
- Business Plan Submission: Candidates must present their investment plans in a detailed business plan. This plan is a crucial component of the application submitted to the AAIP to be eligible for Alberta farm stream.
- Review by Alberta Agriculture and Irrigation: The proposed business plan will undergo a comprehensive evaluation. The aim is to ensure alignment with the specific requirements of Alberta’s farming industry.
- Priority for Growth-Oriented Applications: Applications showcasing significant growth potential relevant to Alberta’s agri-food targets will receive preferential consideration.
Process of Application?
- Submission of Application: Eligible candidates can submit their applications at any time. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Initial Contact and Assessment: Candidates interested in applying should initiate contact with Alberta Advantage Immigration Program and Alberta Agriculture and Forestry (AAF). Assessment by Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development is a prerequisite before formal application submission.
- Exploratory Visit (Optional): As the application requires evidence of research on the farming environment in Alberta and Canada, candidates may choose to arrange an exploratory visit to Alberta before submitting their application.
- Paper-Based Application Preparation: Interested candidates must prepare a comprehensive paper-based application. All documents, including those proving the applicant’s farm management skills, financial resources, and proposed business plan, must be in hard copy.
- Submission to AAF Office: The complete application, along with all necessary documents, should be submitted in a single envelope by mail to the Alberta Agriculture and Forestry (AAF) office—not the AINP office.
- AAF Application Review: AAF will review the application, ensuring it meets the stream requirements. If approved by AAF, the application will be forwarded to AINP for further assessment.
- Provincial Nomination Notification: If AINP also approves the application, Alberta will notify the candidate of their selection for provincial nomination. Successful applicants will receive an official nomination package from AINP via mail.
- Federal Permanent Residence Application: After receiving provincial nomination, applicants have six months to submit a federal application for Canadian permanent residence. This involves completing and submitting a paper-based application by mail to the appropriate application centre.
- Processing Time for Permanent Residence: Paper-based PNP applications for permanent residence are generally processed within 18 months for Alberta farm stream.
