Graduate Entrepreneur Stream – After you are nominated

Overview

Once you are nominated for the Graduate Entrepreneur Stream, there are several things to consider:

• You must apply for permanent residence within 6 months. The Alberta Advantage Immigration Stream (AAIP) may extend your nomination. See information below on how to extend your nomination.
• You must submit a Business Progress Report to the AAIP 6 months after the date of your nomination. You will have 2 weeks to submit this report.
• You must keep the AAIP and the federal government updated on changes to your personal circumstances.
• You must maintain your status to live and work in Alberta while your application for permanent residence is in process. See information below on options for extending your work permit.
• The AAIP may withdraw your nomination at any time if you no longer meet the conditions of nomination or if you provided false or misleading information in your Alberta Advantage Immigration Program business application.

Apply for permanent residence

To obtain permanent residence status, you must apply for Permanent Residence to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) with your AAIP nomination certificate and supporting documents. You must:

• ensure you maintain your legal status in Canada
• have a valid work permit when you submit your application, and are waiting for IRCC to process your permanent residence application

IRCC completes a review of your application for permanent residence including health, security and criminal reviews. IRCC may request any additional information that it deems appropriate at any time during the application process, such as your Business Performance Agreement.

IRCC is responsible for assessing each nominee’s eligibility for permanent residence. The AAIP is not responsible for IRCC’s decision to approve or refuse an application for permanent residence and or to issue a Confirmation of Permanent Residence.

Step 1. Review your nomination package

Your AAIP nomination certificate will be sent to you by email. If you have an authorized representative, they will be copied on the same email.

Read everything in the package carefully. Contact the program officer who assessed your application if you find mistakes on your nomination. If a program officer did not contact you during the assessment of your application, email [email protected] with details on the errors in your nomination certificate.

Make a copy of your nomination for your personal records.

IRCC requires you to provide a copy of this nomination certificate with your application for permanent residence. You may also be asked to provide a copy of this nomination certificate to renew your work permit.

Step 2: Get your permanent residence application ready

After you get your AAIP nomination, you must apply to IRCC as soon as possible. Your nomination is only valid for 6 months; you must apply to IRCC before it expires.

You may qualify to have your AAIP nomination extended. A $150 fee applies for all requests for nomination extensions.

The sooner you apply for permanent residence, the sooner you can get an Acknowledgement of Receipt (AOR) of your application from IRCC, and an IRCC file number. Your AOR and IRCC file number are very important if you need to extend your work permit.

Visit the IRCC website to get all the information you need to apply for permanent residence.

IRCC will not accept your application if it is incomplete or you have not paid the required fees.

Step 3: Submit your application online

Apply online to submit your application for permanent residence.

After you apply

If you applied by mail before September 24, 2022, IRCC will determine if your application is complete. If IRCC accepts your application, they will send you a file number and tell you the next steps.  If your application is incomplete, IRCC will return it to you.

When you apply online, you will receive immediate confirmation you have successfully submitted your application.

You can check the status of your IRCC application online using your file number.

The AAIP does not have any information about your IRCC application and cannot provide status updates.

Medical, criminal and security checks

You and your family must pass medical, criminal and security checks to receive permanent residence.

Do not have a medical check until IRCC asks you to get one. Instructions on how to take the medical examination will be sent to you after you submit your application to IRCC.

Your AAIP Nomination does not mean that you will receive permanent residence. Only IRCC can issue a permanent resident visa.

Change of information

If there are changes to the following information while IRCC is processing your permanent residence application, you must contact both the AAIP and IRCC:

• address, email or phone number
• family status
• immigration status
• use of representative

How you update the AAIP of changes will depend on what kind of information you are updating.

If you are requesting to withdraw your Business Application, updating your contact information (excluding email address), updating your family information or changing your representative, you must use the AAIP portal.

If you need to change your email address for corresponding with the AAIP, you must update your Alberta.ca Account.

For all other updates, you must email the updated information or change request, along with your Business Application number, to the AAIP officer who sent you your nomination. Ensure you attach all relevant documents. You must keep track of the updates you send to the AAIP officer. The AAIP will update its internal system with changes.

Forms to notify the AAIP of updates

• A signed Use of Representative form must be provided to change your third-party representative for your AAIP application

Complete the online request to request a withdrawal of a Business Application, update contact information (excluding email address), update family information or change a representative.

Complete the online request

• Log into the Alberta Advantage Immigration Stream portal
• On the AAIP portal main page, click on 'Create New Request'.
• Find the AAIP Business Application number for the Business Application for which you want to make an update or request.
• Once you click on the Business Application number, you will be directed to a page with detailed information. You can only see request options that are available to you for this Business Application.
  • Withdrawal: If you are eligible to withdraw the Business Application, a blue 'Withdraw Application' button will be available above the Business Application number.
  • Update contact information: You can update contact information for all active or nominated Business Applications.
  • Update family information: You can update spouse/common-law partner and dependent information for all active and nominated Business Applications.
  • Request change of representative: You can update your representative for all Business Applications, including withdrawn and declined Business Applications.
• Click on the blue button for the type of request or update you want to submit.
• Next, read the FOIP clause and other important information about completing a request. Check off the box and click on 'Continue'. A draft is automatically saved once you click on the 'Continue' button. If you experience any technical issues or leave the request section while creating the request, you will need to go the 'Check Existing Requests' page to retrieve the draft request to continue.
• Read the information provided on submitting the request and follow the instructions to complete the request.
  • Withdrawal: Once a Business Application is withdrawn, it cannot be re-activated. Enter your reason for requesting the withdrawal of the Business Application.
  • Update contact information: The current contact information the AAIP has will be displayed. Only update the information that is no longer correct. Do not delete any existing information that is correct. Include only your contact information. Do not provide anyone else’s information, including that of your third party representative.
  • Update family information: Provide details on the spouse/common-law partner and or dependent you need to add or remove from the Business Application and upload supporting documents.
  • Request change of representative: If you are removing a representative and representing yourself, fill out the fields as directed in the portal. If you are appointing a representative or changing from one representative to another representative, read the provided AAIP Use of Representative policy and upload a signed Use of Representative form. Read the instructions in the form to determine which pages must be completed for the change to representative you are requesting.
• Click on 'Submit Request' button.

The AAIP will review your request to withdraw and notify you by email after the review is completed.

We will make the changes to your contact, family, and representative information in our internal system. Changes will only be reflected in the individual requests in the Check Existing Request section in the portal. Changes to your information will not be reflected in the online Business Application.

IRCC will tell you how to contact them with any changes after receiving your application for permanent residence.

Extend your work permit

All AAIP nominees must apply to IRCC for a work permit renewal if their current work permit will expire before their permanent residence application is finalized.

There are 2 ways that AAIP nominees can apply to IRCC for a work permit renewal.

The AAIP recommends that you first explore option 1.

Option 1

Renew your work permit by applying for a Bridging Open Work Permit. This option is available to all AAIP nominees in all streams and categories who have applied for permanent residence to IRCC and who:

• live in Canada
• have an IRCC file number
• have an Acknowledgement of Receipt (AOR)
• and can meet all other IRCC work permit and status requirements

Follow these steps when applying for the Bridging Open Work Permit:

1. Include a copy of your AAIP nomination when you apply.
2. Include a copy of your Acknowledgement of Receipt from IRCC with your IRCC file number.
3. Select ‘Open Work Permit’ on the IRCC application form to extend your work permit. where it asks ‘What type of work permit are you applying for?’
4. Pay all fees, including the additional $100 fee for an open work permit.

Option 2 (only recommended if option 1 is not possible)

205(a) Letter of Support

If Option 1 is not available to you, you may be eligible to receive a 205(a) Letter of Support from the AAIP to renew your work permit.

You must submit a request to be considered for a 205(a) Letter of Support. The AAIP will review your request and determine if a letter can be issued.

There is no guarantee a 205(a) Letter of Support will be issued.

The AAIP process for issuing and applying for a 205(a) Letter of Support includes:

• All nominees must complete and submit a request for 205(a) Letter of Support through the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program portal. You cannot submit a request for a 205(a) Letter of Support until you have received a nomination certificate.
• All requests for a 205(a) Letter of Support are subject to a service fee of $150.
  • Exception: Nominees who have a written request from IRCC for a 205(a) Letter of Support do not need to pay the service fee.
• Requests will not be processed until full payment is received.

How to submit a request for a 205(a) Letter of Support

Step 1. Complete the online request

• Log into the Alberta Advantage Immigration Stream portal.
• On the AAIP portal main page, click on 'Create New Request'.
• Find the AAIP Business Application number for the Business Application for which you want to make a request for a 205(a) Letter of Support.
• Once you click on the Business Application number, you will be directed to a page with detailed information. You can only see request options that are available to you for this Business Application. You can make a request for a 205(a) Letter of Support for Business Applications that are approved or have a valid nomination. If you are eligible to submit a request for a 205(a) Letter of Support for the Business Application, a blue 'Request 205(a) Letter of Support' button will be available above the Business Application number.
• Click on the 'Request 205(a) Letter of Support' button.
• Next, read the FOIP clause and other important information about completing a request. Check off the box and click on 'Continue'. A draft is automatically saved once you click on the 'Continue' button. If you experience any technical issues or leave the request section while creating the request, you will need to go to the 'Check Existing Requests' page to retrieve the draft request to continue.
• Read the information provided on submitting the request and follow the instructions to complete the request. Fill out the fields as directed in the portal and upload supporting documents.
• Click on 'Submit Request' button.
• Next you must pay the fee.

Step 2. Pay the fee

All requests for a 205(a) Letter of Support are subject to a service fee of $150.

Exception: Nominees who have a written request from IRCC for a 205(a) Letter of Support do not need to pay the service fee.

Fee conditions

The AAIP Request for a 205(a) Letter of Support fee is non-refundable once a request has been submitted to the AAIP. Refund requests for 205(a) Letter of Support fees will not be considered. The fee covers the cost of processing of your request and is required whether a 205(a) Letter of Support is issued or not.

Online payment

Follow the instructions on how to pay your fee in the in the portal. For any online fee payment issues, contact the Service Alberta Contact Centre:

Phone: 1-844-643-2788
Email: [email protected]

You will need to pay your fee in full within 24 hours of submitting your request in the portal. If you do not pay your fee within 24 hours of submitting your request, your request will be cancelled. Cancelled requests cannot be reinstated and a new request must be created and submitted.

Check the Request Status of your application on the Check Existing Requests page to confirm if your request fee has been paid. Your fee has not been paid if the status is 'Payment Pending.' Your request has been accepted for processing by the AAIP if the status is 'Submitted'. You will also have an email from eServices with your fee payment receipt.

After you submit a request for a 205(a) Letter of Support

You can check the online portal for the status of your request.

If you receive a written request from IRCC for a 205(a) Letter of Support, AAIP will attempt to respond to your request by the deadline provided by IRCC. For all other requests for a 205(a) Letter of Support, it will take up to 28 days for the AAIP to respond to your request.

The online information and supporting documents will be reviewed. You will receive an email notifying you if the request meets the conditions required for a 205(a) Letter of Support to be issued.

Applying for a new work permit with a 205(a) Letter of Support

To apply for a new work permit:

• include a copy of your AAIP nomination and your 205(a) Letter of Support
• include a copy of your AOR from IRCC with your IRCC file number, if your AAIP nomination is no longer valid when you apply
• use the IRCC Employer Portal to submit an offer of employment and pay the Employer Compliance Fee before applying for a work permit

Extend your nomination

Your AAIP nomination gives you 6 months to submit your application for permanent residence as a Provincial Nominee to IRCC.

You must apply to IRCC before your nomination expires. If your nomination expires and you request an extension, AAIP will review your reasons for needing an extension.

There is no guarantee that you will be issued an extension.

If you have already been granted an AAIP nomination extension, you will not be granted any further extensions.

To be considered for an extension request:

• The AAIP must receive your extension request within 6 months of the expiry date of your original Nomination. If more than 6 months have passed since the expiry date of your original Nomination, you are not eligible for an AAIP Nomination extension.
• You must continue to meet all of the conditions that were in place at the time your original nomination was issued by the AAIP.
• Full fee payment must be received. Requests will not be processed until full payment is received.

Extension requests will take up to 30 calendar days to process.

The AAIP will not respond to any inquiries about the status of your nomination extension request.

Request a nomination extension

Step 1. Complete the online request

• Log into the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program portal.
• On the portal main page, click on 'Create New Request'.
• Find the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program application number for the application that you want to request a nomination extension for. Only applications with a status of 'Certificate Issued” are eligible for a nomination extension.
• Once you click on the application number, you will be directed to a page with detailed information. You can only see request options that are available to you for this application. If you are eligible to submit a request for a nomination extension, a blue 'Request Nomination Extension' button will be available above the application number.
• Click on the blue 'Request Nomination Extension' button.
• Next, read the FOIP clause and other important information about completing a request. Check off the box and click on 'Continue'. A draft is automatically saved once you click on the 'Continue' button. If you experience any technical issues or leave the request section while creating the request, you will need to go to the 'Check Existing Requests' page to retrieve the draft request to continue.
• Fill out the form, complete the online declaration and upload supporting documents, if applicable, and click on 'Submit Request' button.
• Next you must pay the fee.

Step 2. Pay the fee

All requests for nomination extension are subject to a service fee of $150.

Fee conditions

The Alberta Advantage Immigration Program request for a nomination extension fee is non-refundable once a request has been submitted to the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program. Refund requests for nomination extensions will not be considered. The fee covers the cost of processing of your request and is required whether a nomination extension is issued or not.

Online payment

Instructions on how to pay your fee are available in the portal. For any online fee payment issues, contact the Service Alberta Contact Centre:

Phone: 1-844-643-2788
Email: [email protected]

You will need to pay your fee in full within 24 hours of submitting your request in the portal. If you do not pay your fee within 24 hours of submitting your request, your request will be cancelled. Cancelled requests cannot be reinstated and a new request must be created and submitted.

Check the Request Status of your application on the Check Existing Requests page to confirm if your request fee has been paid. Your fee has not been paid if the status is 'Payment Pending.' Your request has been accepted for processing by the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program if the status is 'Submitted'. You will also have an email from eServices with your fee payment receipt.

After you request an extension

Your nomination extension request and supporting documents will be reviewed. It will take 30 days to respond to your request. You will receive an email notifying you if the request meets the conditions required for a nomination extension to be issued.

If you are issued a nomination extension, you must follow the steps for applying to IRCC in order to submit your application.

Resources

• Business Progress Report
• Change in Use of Representative form

Contact

Connect with the program if you have questions:
Email: [email protected]