Business and Investor Immigration

Business | Investor Program

Because of its low taxes, strong economy, low business costs, high quality of life, and low business costs, Canada is considered a viable place to invest or start a business. Getting permanent residency in Canada is possible for business owners and investors. You can create jobs by starting a business; investing in the Canadian economy; or becoming a talented self-employed person in culture or athletics, or by becoming a farmer. Businesses can come to Canada in three different ways:

  • Start-up Visa
  • Self Employed
  • PNP Entrepreneur Program

In Canada, the Start-up Visa Program rewards immigrant entrepreneurs who possess the skills and potential to establish businesses in the country that are innovative, can create jobs for Canadians, and can compete globally. With a vibrant economy, low taxes, low business costs, and a high quality of life, Canada offers attractive advantages.

The Start-up Visa Program offers foreign entrepreneurs a temporary work permit that allows them to launch their business in Canada while they wait for their permanent residence. For international business owners and their families, the program provides permanent residency in Canada, enabling them to establish businesses here.

Start-up visa: This immigration program targets entrepreneurs with the necessary skills to establish and maintain their own businesses in Canada. A qualified business must be able to create jobs in Canada, and be competitive on a global scale.

 Eligibility

  • Support from designateBusiness incubators, venture capitalists and angel investor groups: If you have an innovative business idea, you might want to seek support from one of the designated organizations in Canada. There is a list of venture capitalists, angel investors, and incubators that the Canadian government recognizes. With their support in the form of a letter, you may be able to immigrate to Canada on a start-up visa.
  • The start-up visa program allows up to five people to apply as owners of a single business. To satisfy the ownership requirements, each applicant must own at least 10 percent of the voting rights. The designated organization and the applicants must jointly own more than 50 percent of the voting rights in the business.
  • Candidates must take a language proficiency test (English or French) from an approved agency. They must also demonstrate proficiency in CLB 5 in speaking, listening, reading, and writing.
  • Canadian Start-up Visa immigrants do not receive financial support from the federal government. In order to become a permanent resident in Canada, you must show the government you have enough money to support yourself and your dependents. Other people cannot lend you the money. If you apply, you will need to prove you have the money.

Self- Employed - People who are willing to become self-employed in Canada may be granted permanent residency under this stream of immigration. Applicants must have a desire to purchase and manage a farm in Canada, OR they must have experience in cultural activities and athletics that would enable them to make a significant contribution to the athletic or cultural life of Canada.

Eligibility

  • The selection criteria include experience, age, education, language, and adaptability. In order to qualify, a minimum score of 35 is required out of 100. See your eligibility and score here.
  • Relevant experience: At least two years of experience must have been in cultural activities, athletics, or management of a farm within the last five years before you apply. In order to qualify, you must have experience in cultural activities or athletics at a high level, or you must have worked independently in cultural activities or athletics or have managed a farm.
  • Health clearance, police clearance, and funds: If you have family members, you must get their medical clearance certificates and police clearance certificates. Additionally, you need to prove that you will have enough funds to support your family members once you arrive in Canada.

PROVINCIAL ENTREPRENEUR PROGRAMS - THE MOST DIRECT PATH TO PERMANENT RESIDENCY

Canada's provinces will nominate qualified applicants to settle in their province based on their economic needs. Investment in a province offering the PNP Business Nomination program may appeal to entrepreneurs and businessmen interested in immigrating and living there.

An entrepreneur PNP can only be used if the applicant intends to live in the province and runs a qualifying business there. Business plans are usually needed.

Each PNP entrepreneur program has its own set of eligibility requirements, but generally each program requires the following:

  • Experience in full-time management of at least two years
  • A minimum net worth of $350,000 is required, legally obtained, and verified by an independent accounting firm designated by the province
  • Investment in a qualifying business in the province and/or ownership of a prescribed percentage in the qualifying business is required of applicants
  • In order to qualify for PNP, a business in Canada must meet eligibility requirements. Some types of businesses are prohibited.
  • In order to qualify, the applicant must actively manage the day-to-day operations of a qualifying business in the province.
  • An eligible business must create jobs in the province for Canadians or residents of Canada.
  • Typically, a performance agreement is needed, and a nomination will be contingent on the applicant meeting the PNP requirements
  • In addition to any other requirements, PNPs may require you to make a trip to the province, provide proof of language proficiency, and/or limit your age.