So, you’ve just graduated from an international university and have dreams of building your own business—and maybe a life—in Canada? You’re not alone. Thousands of aspiring entrepreneurs are discovering that the Foreign Graduate Entrepreneur Stream (FGES) is more than a visa—it’s a launchpad for innovation and permanent residency in Alberta.
But let’s be honest—immigration programs can feel like reading a 200-page rulebook with no cheat sheet. That’s exactly why we created this guide. We’ll break down the FGES program into bite-sized, human-friendly content so you’ll know what’s expected, what to avoid, and how to take the next step with confidence.
☑️ What is the Foreign Graduate Entrepreneur Stream (FGES)?
The FGES is part of the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP). It targets recent foreign graduates with business-savvy minds who want to start and operate a business in Alberta. If accepted, it can lead to a direct pathway to Permanent Residency (PR) in Canada.
The stream is designed for innovative thinkers, preferably those with STEM, technology, or sustainable energy business ideas. It’s not a passive investor program—you must actively run your business.
💡 Important Note: You can’t apply directly. First, you must pitch your business to a designated agency and get their recommendation.
☑️ How Does FGES Work?
Here’s a simplified step-by-step breakdown:
- Pitch your business idea to a designated agency using a business plan and pitch deck that outlines your vision, market strategy, and financials.
- Receive a Letter of Recommendation.
- Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) to Alberta.
- If selected, you’ll be invited to submit a Business Application.
- After approval, you’ll sign a Business Performance Agreement.
- Start and run your business in Alberta.
- Once requirements are met, you’ll receive a Provincial Nomination for PR.
☑️ Eligibility Criteria Table (2025)
| Category | Requirement | Detailed Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Work Experience | Minimum 6 months full-time | Can be a combination of owning or managing a business, or equivalent experience through a business incubator or accelerator. |
| Education | Post-secondary degree outside Canada (last 10 years) + ECA | Degree must be assessed by a designated ECA provider (e.g., WES, IQAS) and be equivalent to a Canadian credential. Must be completed within the last 10 years. |
| Business Plan | Mandatory | Must include market analysis, financial projections, customer strategy, and business development. Will be reviewed by a designated agency and must demonstrate market need, viability, and sustainability. |
| Pitch Deck | Required | A 10-minute presentation (slides only) focusing on the proposed business venture — designed to appeal to potential investors. Required by designated agencies. |
| Language Proficiency | CLB 5 minimum in English or French | Accepted tests: CELPIP General, IELTS General, TEF Canada, TCF Canada. Test results must be less than 2 years old. Must achieve CLB/NCLC 5 in all four areas (reading, writing, speaking, listening). |
| Business Ownership | Minimum 34% (urban), 51% (regional) | You must hold the required ownership share and be involved in day-to-day operations. Business partners must be Canadian citizens or PRs. |
| Ineligible Businesses | Certain industries excluded | Includes payday loans, cheque cashing, and home-based businesses not zoned for commercial use. Full list is available on the Alberta.ca FGES page. |
| Investment | $100,000 (urban), $50,000 (regional) minimum | Must come from your own equity or from an approved Canadian financial institution, angel investor, or VC firm. Higher investments score more points. Points awarded only for urban or regional — not both. |
| Letter of Recommendation | Required from a Designated Agency | Must receive a Letter of Recommendation from an approved agency such as Empowered Startups, Platform Calgary, or Elite Global Group Ltd. |
| Settlement Funds | Proof of funds required | Must show sufficient liquid funds to support yourself and your family while launching your startup. Based on LICO and community population size. Example: 1 person in a city of 500,000+ needs $12,960. |
| Residency in Alberta | Mandatory | You must live and operate the business in Alberta during the business setup and PR process. Remote operation or absence from the province is not allowed. |
☑️ Designated Agencies: Alberta’s Startup Gatekeepers
Before anything else, you must get a Letter of Recommendation from one of Alberta’s two Designated Agencies. They’ll assess your business idea and ensure it aligns with innovation, feasibility, and Alberta’s economic goals.
| Designated Agency | Website |
| Empowered Startups | empoweredstartups.com |
| Platform Calgary | platformcalgary.com |
| Alberta Innovates | albertainnovates.ca |
💡 Important Note: While not all three may be active in onboarding at all times, they are listed under AAIP’s designated organizations as of 2024/2025.
☑️ Crafting a Business Plan That Works
A successful business plan should not only show viability but demonstrate how your venture will contribute to Alberta’s economy. It should include:
- A market feasibility study
- A competitive analysis
- Financial forecasts (3–5 years)
- Job creation potential
- Exit strategy and scalability
💡 Important Note: Weak, Vague or copy-paste business plans are one of the top reasons applications get rejected.
☑️ Expression of Interest (EOI) Points Grid – FGES (2025 Full Breakdown)
The Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) uses a points-based selection system to rank applicants to the Foreign Graduate Entrepreneur Stream (FGES). The maximum possible score is 200 points, covering human capital and business-related factors.
🔹 Human Capital Criteria (Maximum 100 Points)
| Criteria | Description | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Language Proficiency (mandatory) | Based on your score in each ability: reading, writing, speaking, listening (must be from a valid test like IELTS, CELPIP, TEF, or TCF). | Max 30 |
| CLB 5 (minimum in all four abilities) | 10 | |
| CLB 6 | 15 | |
| CLB 7 | 20 | |
| CLB 8 or higher | 30 | |
| Education (mandatory) | Degree must be equivalent to Canadian standards via ECA, completed within the last 10 years | Max 35 |
| Bachelor’s or 2-year diploma (minimum) | 5 | |
| Master’s degree | 10 | |
| Doctoral degree (PhD) | 15 | |
| Bonus education factors | ||
| Degree completed within the last 5 years | 10 | |
| STEM fields (Science, Tech, Engineering, Math) | 5 | |
| Business-related degree | 5 | |
| Business Ownership/Management Experience (mandatory) | Includes incubator or accelerator equivalency | Max 35 |
| 6 months (minimum) | 5 | |
| >6 months to <1 year | 10 | |
| 1 to 2 years | 15 | |
| Over 2 years | 20 | |
| Bonus: Business Ownership Experience | 15 |
🔹 Business Factors (Maximum 100 Points)
| Criteria | Description | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Business Plan (mandatory) | Must include financials, market need, development plans. | 40 |
| Investment Prior to Arrival (mandatory) | From own funds or Canadian institutions (urban or regional — not both). | Max 25 |
| Urban Centre (Calgary/Edmonton): | ||
| $100,000 (minimum) | 5 | |
| $100,001 – $150,000 | 11 | |
| $150,001 – $200,000 | 18 | |
| Over $200,000 | 25 | |
| Regional Area: | ||
| $50,000 (minimum) | 5 | |
| $50,001 – $100,000 | 11 | |
| $100,001 – $150,000 | 18 | |
| Over $150,000 | 25 | |
| Proposed Investment After Launch (optional) | Additional investment from own funds or Canadian VC/angel/loan. | Max 20 |
| Urban Centre: | ||
| $100K – $150K | 5 | |
| $150,001 – $200K | 10 | |
| $200,001 – $250K | 15 | |
| Over $250,000 | 20 | |
| Regional Area: | ||
| $50K – $100K | 5 | |
| $100,001 – $150K | 10 | |
| $150,001 – $200K | 15 | |
| Over $200,000 | 20 | |
| Job Creation (optional) | Must create paid positions for Canadians or Permanent Residents **(excluding close relatives)**, and employment must be maintained for at least 6 continuous months. | Max 15 |
| 1 job | 5 | |
| 2 jobs | 10 | |
| 3 or more | 15 |
💡 Important Note: Points for investment are awarded only in one category — either urban or regional, not both. Also, investment after launch is optional but boosts competitiveness.
✳️ Total Maximum Points: 200
- Human Capital Total: 100
- Business Factors Total: 100
☑️ Submitting Your Business Application
If selected, you’ll be invited to submit a Business Application Package, which includes:
- Detailed business documents
- Proof of investment funds
- Police clearance, medicals
- Statement of net worth
Upon review, you’ll sign a Business Performance Agreement (BPA) before launching your business.
☑️ Launching Your Business in Alberta
Once your Business Application is approved and you’ve signed the Business Performance Agreement (BPA), you’re ready to bring your startup to life in Alberta. Here’s what happens next:
- Arrive in Alberta with a Work Permit: You’ll receive a letter of support to apply for a temporary work permit from IRCC. This allows you to move to Alberta and start your business legally.
- Register and launch your business: You must officially incorporate your business in Alberta and begin operations within the timelines agreed in your BPA.
- Operate the business full-time: You are expected to actively manage the business day-to-day — passive involvement is not allowed.
- Submit ongoing performance reports to AAIP:
Every 3 to 6 months, you’ll need to provide progress reports to demonstrate that you’re meeting your BPA obligations. These reports typically include:- Revenue and expense updates
- Number of jobs created for Canadian citizens or permanent residents
- Funds invested (to date and planned)
- Milestones achieved (based on your business plan)
- Proof of Alberta residency (e.g., utility bills, lease documents)
These reports help the AAIP track your progress and ensure you’re on course for permanent residency. Failing to submit them on time or missing targets could delay or jeopardize your nomination.
💡 Important Note: You must remain physically in Alberta during this stage — remote operation or long-term absence is not allowed.
☑️ Final Nomination & Your Pathway to Canadian PR
Once your business is running successfully for at least 12 months, you may apply for:
- Provincial Nomination
- Then file your Permanent Residency through the federal government
💡 Important Note: You must remain in Alberta during the business operation period to be eligible for nomination.
☑️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting incomplete business plans
- Failing to get an agency letter before EOI
- Investing borrowed money
- Choosing ineligible businesses
- Ignoring residency and reporting requirements
☑️ FAQs
Can I apply without a business background?
Yes, but you must demonstrate management or ownership experience and a solid plan.
Is a job offer required for FGES?
No. FGES is a business-driven stream. You are the job creator.
What if I can’t meet the minimum investment?
Unfortunately, no. You must meet or exceed the minimum investment requirements using your own equity. Loans or third-party funds do not count.
Do I need to live in Alberta after launching the business?
Yes, you must live and operate your business in Alberta full-time.
How long does the process take?
Typically, 12–24 months from submission to nomination.
Is PR guaranteed after business success?
While not automatically guaranteed, applicants who fulfill their Business Performance Agreement and meet all FGES conditions are highly likely to receive a Provincial Nomination.
Related posts:
Enhancing Opportunities: 5 Upgrades to Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AAIP) 
AAIP Launches New Tourism and Hospitality Program for Foreign Workers in Alberta. 
Alberta Introduces New Worker Expression of Interest (EOI) System for Immigration in 2024 
Spousal Sponsorship for Permanent Residency in Canada: What You Need to Know
