Canada is so keen on attracting talented farmers that an immigration stream has been specifically designed to attract self-starter farmers to the Canadian bread bowl of Alberta.
This visa is called the Self-Employed Farmer Stream and is available to existing farmers who are able to demonstrate their success at running their business through their financial documentation and any other documents that may demonstrate your success.
Canada Immigration selects migrants based on merit which means migrants should meet certain criteria and this visa stream is no different. A visa application for this immigration stream must be accompanied by documentation supporting any education, training and work experience claims.
In addition you should prepare a proposed business plan for the farming enterprise you are considering in Alberta along with proof that a Canadian financial institution is willing to finance your proposed farming business and evidence of sufficient financial resources to develop a sustainable farming operation.
You must be able to invest a minimum of CDN $500,000 of equity in a primary production farming business in Alberta.
On their website Canada Immigration Refugees and Citizenship states that applications representing the best opportunity for growth relevant to Alberta's agri-food targets will be given priority.
The Application Procedure for the Alberta Self-Employed Farmer Stream
Immigrating is a complicated legal process and it would be in your best interest to employ an experience immigration consultant. Below is a list of the steps when applying for this visa but it only serves as a guide as the process is more involved than sending in an application form.
1. Download the necessary document checklist and application forms.
2. Complete the AINP 004: Self-Employed Farmer Stream application.
3. Submit the application (make sure you include all forms and supporting documents) to Alberta Agriculture and Forestry at:
Self-Employed Farmer Stream
Alberta Agriculture and Forestry
J.G. O'Donoghue Building
200, 7000-113 Street
Edmonton, Alberta
T6H 5T6 Canada
E-mail: Farm.ainp@gov.ab.ca
4. Alberta Agriculture and Forestry will assess the application. As part of this assessment, you will be required to attend an in-person interview with representatives of the Government of Alberta to determine your eligibility under the Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP).
5. If Alberta Agriculture and Forestry is satisfied with your application, they will forward your application to the AINP for assessment.
6. If your AINP application is approved, you will become a Provincial Nominee. You will receive a nomination package in the mail. Make sure you read all documents in the package. The information in the package will tell you and your dependants how to apply to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
7. Your migration consultant will then submit your Application for Permanent Residence to IRCC along with supporting documents.
You can contact Alberta Agriculture and Forestry at farm.ainp@gov.ab.ca for more information about the program.