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Canadian Province Alberta’s New PR Program for Farmers

Invest CDN $500,000 in the farming sector in Alberta (Canadian province) and get the permanent residency. The Canadian province is willing to get more investment for its agricultural sector. Hence experienced farmers from all around the world can benefit from this program.

Farmers with Financial resources and Farm management experience are eligible to apply for this program. Interested individuals should submit their business plan to Alberta Agriculture and Forestry – in addition, a Ministerial Recommendation Letter is issued to candidates with a business plan authorized by Alberta Agriculture and Forestry. Candidates can then apply to AINP.

Who can apply?

The candidates will need the following things for this visa:

  • Proof of enough financial resources to full fill the needs. The minimum required amount is CDN $500,000 for the plan. This amount is required for equity in a basic production farming entrepreneurship in Alberta.
  • Proof with documents that show a minimum net worth of CDN $ 500,000, or confirmation of the capability to succeed a similar amount of funds from another source. In some cases, this amount may be increased.
  • A candidate may be asked to invest more than minimum capital in some cases
  • You will need to have a ministerial recommendation from Alberta Agriculture and Forestry

The required investment for primary production/manufacturing

Applications representing the best development opportunities related to Alberta’s agricultural food goals will be given priority. As an applicant, you have to make an investment plan and document your investment plans in the proposed business plan.

Farm management skills

You will need to provide some proof of farm administration abilities. You must prove that you have farm administration skills. You will also need to provide proof that you have the following documents:

  • Current farm business financial documents
  • Education or Training in the agricultural sector
  • Work experience documents
  • Proposed business plan for the farming you are considering in Alberta
  • proof that a Canadian financial institution is ready to finance your proposed farming business

Application process

1- Get approval from Alberta Agriculture and Forestry

The application process starts by submitting the business plan to the Alberta Agriculture and Forestry.  For submitting the business plan, you can contact Alberta Agriculture and Forestry at farm.ainp@gov.ab.ca.

Alberta Agriculture and Forestry officials will evaluate your business plan. As the phase of this assessment, you will be interviewed with Alberta government representatives to determine your eligibility under the AINP. Given the current situation, the interviews will be via phone or video conference. If Alberta Agriculture and Forestry is satisfied with your business plan, they will issue a ministerial recommendation and provide information on how to apply for AINP. You must receive a letter of ministerial proposal to apply for AINP.  Here you can find some tips on your business plan:

2- Prepare the application

Here is the complete application package that you must include with your visa application:

The main checklist

You must complete the following original forms with original signatures:

You must complete and provide copies of the following Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) forms:

The following IRCC forms must be completed by you, your spouse/common-law partner, and any dependents over the age of 18:

3- Pay your application fee and submit the application

The application fee is $500. This can be paid online on this portal MyAlberta eServices. Once paid, the fees are nonrefundable. You must submit the fee receipt at the time of submitting a visa application.

You can send your application via registered post or courier (applications by e-mail or fax are not accepted.) to the following address:

Self-Employed Farmer Stream

Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program

Government of Alberta Suite 940,

ATB Place North Tower 10025 Jasper Avenue Edmonton,

Alberta Canada T5J 1S6

Once AINP has received your application, you will be sent an e-mail from AINP confirming that your file has been received. The email will also include your AINP file number. If your application is approved, you will be nominated provincially for the permanent residency and will receive the nomination package via email. Make sure you read all the documentation in the package. The information in the package will tell you and your dependents how to apply for permanent residency in Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

If you receive a negative decision on your application, you can send a request for reconsideration by submitting this form and paying a processing fee of $100.

People who can not apply for this stream

The following mentioned individuals are ineligible for AINP Self Employed Former Stream:

  • Refugee claimants
  • Temporary foreign workers work and stay in a province other than Alberta Canada
  • International students studying in Canada, including students who are participating in the Participation Option Workplace or Internship program

Important to remember

You must remember that AINP can change at any time the terms and conditions of the program. Though there has been no quota set aside for the stream, still, the decision of the accepted application can any time be change before prior notice. The AINP is not obligated to assess/process any applications submitted.

Applications to the AINP are treated as an expression of interest, and as such, will be processed according to the quality of the application. You may only request the “Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP)” at any time in the course of the process. Also, recognize the procedure for withdrawing an application in the process. If you decide to request a withdrawal of an application, email your application with your AINP file number to lbr.pnpoffice@gov.ab.ca. AINP confirms in this case that your application has been withdrawn before you submit a new one. AINP will send you an email suggestion when your request has been withdrawn. If an application is withdrawn, the application fee will not be refunded.

Furthermore, If your application has been rejected, read the reasons for the refusal. If you can point out that there was an error evaluating the file, you may consider submitting a reconsideration request. One essential aspect to keep in mind is that if you commit fraud or misrepresentation in an AINP application, you will face a 5 years ban on re-applying to the AINP.