Business Immigration
Canada offers various business immigration programs for entrepreneurs, investors, and self-employed individuals who want to contribute to the Canadian economy while obtaining permanent residence.
Program Overview
Canada's business immigration programs are designed to attract entrepreneurs, investors, and self-employed individuals who can contribute to economic growth, innovation, and job creation. These programs offer pathways to permanent residence for business-minded individuals with the skills and capital to succeed in Canada.
Start-Up Visa
For innovative entrepreneurs with business ideas
Self-Employed
For farmers and cultural/athletic professionals
Provincial Programs
Provincial business and investor streams
Federal Business Immigration Programs
Start-Up Visa Program
Designed for innovative entrepreneurs who can create jobs for Canadians and compete globally. You need support from a designated organization and meet language and education requirements.
Requirements:
- • Qualifying business idea
- • Support from designated organization
- • Language proficiency (CLB 5)
- • Sufficient settlement funds
Investment Thresholds:
- • Venture capital fund: $200,000
- • Angel investor group: $75,000
- • Business incubator: No funding required
Self-Employed Persons Program
For individuals who have relevant experience and the intention and ability to be self-employed in Canada and make a significant contribution to specific economic activities.
Eligible Activities:
- • Cultural activities (artists, writers)
- • Athletics (coaches, fitness instructors)
- • Farm management
Selection Criteria:
- • Experience (35 points max)
- • Education (25 points max)
- • Language ability (24 points max)
- • Age (10 points max)
- • Adaptability (6 points max)
Provincial Business Immigration Programs
Quebec Immigrant Investor Program (QIIP)
Currently suspended but historically required a passive investment of CAD $1.2 million for 5 years with no active business management required.
Provincial Entrepreneur Programs
Most provinces offer entrepreneur streams requiring active business management and job creation:
Popular Programs:
- • Ontario Entrepreneur Stream
- • BC Entrepreneur Immigration
- • Saskatchewan Entrepreneur
- • Manitoba Business Investor
Typical Requirements:
- • Net worth: $400,000-$1.5M
- • Investment: $200,000-$500,000
- • Job creation: 1-2 positions
- • Business management experience
General Eligibility Requirements
Demonstrated experience in business management, entrepreneurship, or relevant self-employed activities.
Sufficient net worth and liquid assets to make required investments and support yourself and family.
Meet minimum language requirements in English or French (varies by program).
Minimum education requirements vary by program (typically secondary school completion).
Meet health and security requirements, including medical exams and background checks.
Application Process
- Program selection: Choose the most suitable business immigration program based on your profile and business goals.
- Business plan development: Create a comprehensive business plan demonstrating viability and economic benefit.
- Document preparation: Gather financial documents, business records, and personal documentation.
- Initial application: Submit expression of interest or initial application to the relevant program.
- Due diligence: Undergo background checks and source of funds verification.
- Interview (if required): Attend interview to discuss business plan and intentions.
- Investment and implementation: Make required investments and implement business plan (for provincial programs).
Key Considerations
Important Factors
- • Most programs require active business management and residence in the province
- • Investment funds must be legally obtained and properly documented
- • Business plans should demonstrate job creation and economic benefit
- • Some programs have performance agreements with specific milestones
- • Processing times can be lengthy (2-4 years for some programs)
- • Professional business and legal advice is highly recommended
Recent Developments
The business immigration landscape in Canada is evolving, with increased focus on innovation, job creation, and economic impact.
- • Federal Investor Program and Entrepreneur Program were terminated in 2014
- • Quebec Immigrant Investor Program is currently suspended
- • Increased emphasis on active business management rather than passive investment
- • Growing focus on innovation and technology sectors
Business immigration to Canada offers excellent opportunities for entrepreneurs and investors to build successful businesses while obtaining permanent residence. Success requires careful program selection, thorough preparation, and often significant financial commitment, but the rewards include access to one of the world's most stable and prosperous economies.
How We Can Help
Business plan development and review
Program selection and eligibility assessment
Complete application preparation and submission
Processing Times
Processing times vary significantly by program and complexity of application.
Investment Ranges
Success Rate
Our success rate for business immigration applications
Ready to Start Your Business in Canada?
Our team of experts will help you navigate the complex business immigration landscape and choose the best pathway for your entrepreneurial goals.