In order to encourage the development of a strong, prosperous economic environment, the Canadian government seeks business people with sufficient business experience and the necessary assets.
There are three categories:
1-Investor Immigrant Visas: aimed at successful senior executives with managerial experience or successful owners or part-owners who have the intention and ability to invest in Canada for a term of 5 years;
2-Entrepreneur Immig rant Visa: aimed at successful owners or part-owners with significant business experience who have the intention and ability to own and manage a business in Canada, which generates revenues and employment;
3-Self-Employe d Immigrant Visa: aimed at persons with relevant experience in world-class athletics or cultural activities or with farm management experience, who have the intention and ability to become self-employed in Canada.
Entrepreneu r Immi grant Visa:
The second possibility for those wishing to immigrate to Canada through business immigration is the Entrepreneur Program. Under the Federal Entrepreneur Program, the Canadian government seeks to attract experienced business people interested in actively owning and managing a business in Canada, which will generate revenue and create employment for Canadians.
In order to apply under this program, you must:
- Demonstrate business experience. This means that you must have managed and controlled a percent of equity of a qualifying business;
- Possess a minimum net worth of $300,000 CDN of legally acquired funds;
- Have the intention and ability to own and actively manage a Qualifying Canadian Business within three years of becoming a permanent resident;
- Create at least one-full time employment for a Canadian citizen or permanent resident;
- Earn sufficient points in the selection factors to meet the pass mark. The selection factors include points awarded for education, proficiency in Canadian official languages, work experience, age, and adaptability factors to life in Canada.
Quebec Entrepreneur Program
Under the Quebec Entrepreneur Program, applicants are sought who are experienced business persons interested in actively owning and managing a business in Quebec, which will generate revenue and create employment for Quebec residents.
In order to apply under this program, applicants must:
- Have at least three years of management experience in a business enterprise, government or other society;
- Have a minimum net worth of $300,000 CDN of legally acquired funds (including your spouse's assets);
- Submit a viable business plan to establish or acquire a business in Quebec, which the applicant intends to manage and operate and which will employ at least three Quebec residents;
- Possess the intention and ability to own and actively manage an eligible business within three years of becoming a permanent resident;
- Create at least one-full time employment for a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
British Columbia
This category is designed to accelerate immigration for qualified entrepreneurs wishing to settle in B.C. and become Canadian permanent residents. They must establish a business which will provide significant economic benefits to the province. The PNP establishes nomination targets for the program and, as such, priority is given to candidates demonstrating the highest potential to create a successful business and to contribute economic benefits to the province. Currently, successful applicants must sign a performance agreement with the province. They are invited to B.C. on a work permit to establish their business and only nominated for permanent residence once the terms of the agreement have been met. There are three categories of Business Immigrants, a $3000 processing fee being charged to candidates in each of the three categories.
- Entrepreneur Category
Business candidates in this category must meet the following minimum criteria:
- Demonstrate a personal net worth of at least $800,000;
- Make a personal investment of at least $400 000 to establish or purchase and expand an eligible business in B.C.;
- Create at least three jobs for Canadian citizens or permanent residents;
- Participate in the day-to-day management and direction or the business;
- Sign a performance agreement with B.C. prior to nomination;
- Candidates in the Entrepreneur category can sponsor a key staff member for Canadian permanent residence.
- Regional Entrepreneur Category
Business candidates in this category must meet the following minimum criteria:
- Demonstrate a personal net worth of at least $400,000;
- Make a personal investment of at least $200,000 to establish or purchase and expand an eligible business in B.C. outside the Vancouver metropolitan area and the Abbotsford metropolitan area;
- Create at least one new job for a Canadian citizen or permanent resident;
- Participate in the day-to-day management and direction or the business;
- Sign a performance agreement with B.C. prior to nomination.
- Strategic Projects Category
This category assists foreign-controlled companies establishing an eligible business in B.C. with the timely entry of foreign key managerial, professional or technical staff who intend to become permanent residents of Canada and settle in B.C. The main requirement is that they must make a minimum equity investment of $500 000.
Manitoba
The Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program for Business nominates applicants who have a minimum net worth of $350,000 CAD, three years of business ownership and management experience or senior managerial experience and who score a sufficient number of points according to an adaptability matrix which takes into account such factors as age, business experience, financial resources, language abilities, and ties to the province of Manitoba. Successful applicants must make an investment into a Manitoba business of at least $150,000 CAD and provide active management. Applicants must first make an “Expression of Interest” submission to the province wherein they provide their profile without supporting documentation. The top “Expression of Interest” profiles will be invited to make a full application to the business program. Successful applicants will be required to make a $100,000 CAD deposit with the province upon nomination, which is returned if they meet certain conditions, which include making the required investment into the province and demonstrating active management of the business
investors and entrepreneurs
- Manitoba Provincial Nominee Immigration Program for Business
This program recruits and nominates qualified business people from around the world with the intent and ability to move to Manitoba and establish or purchase a business or become a partner in an existing business. In order to be eligible, candidates must demonstrate:
- A minimum personal net worth of $350 000;
- Three years of business or farm ownership experience (or in a senior management role);
- Intention to invest a minimum of $150,000 into establishing or purchasing 33.3% of a business in Manitoba.
- If approved, candidates must make a $75 000 deposit to the Government of Manitoba which will be refunded when the investment is made and the business/farm is operational.
New Brunswick
The New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program for Business’ primary requirements are that applicants demonstrate a legally acquired personal net worth of at least $300,000 CAD, have at least three years of relevant business management experience within the five years preceding the application and intend to make an eligible investment of $125,000 CAD and provide active management of a New Brunswick business. Applicants are also evaluated on the basis of their age, language abilities, education, and ties to the province. Successful applicants are required to make a deposit of $75,000 CAD with the province upon nomination by the province, which is returned upon meeting established criteria regarding the intended business investment.
Business Applicants:
To submit an application under this category, Candidates must:
- Have relevant and proven management experience in three of the last five years;
- Have sufficient funds to finance the first phase of a planned business venture without third party assistance and to support their family for a period of up to two years;
- Have a personal net worth of at least $300,000 CAD
- Have an approved business plan or business proposal.
- Participate in the business in an active managerial role.
- Have an understanding of the business environment in New Brunswick and Complete an exploratory visit to New Brunswick;
- Have at least 50 points on a self-assessment grid (Factors are age, education, business experience, language ability, and adaptability);
- Be willing to sign an agreement to settle permanently in New Brunswick;
- Make a CDN $75,000.00 conditionally refundable deposit prior to nomination.
Saskatchewan
The Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program’s Entrepreneur category requires applicants to have a minimum net worth of $300,000 CAD legally acquired, a minimum of three years of entrepreneurial or relevant management experience and a demonstrated intention to settle and invest in Saskatchewan. Applicants are required to invest at least $150,000 CAD into a business in the province which they will actively manage. They must also make a $75,000 CAD deposit with the province which is returned if they meet certain conditions, which include making the required investment into the province and demonstrating active management for a period of six months or more.
Entrepreneurs
Business applicants under the Entrepreneur category must meet the following criteria:
- A minimum verifiable net worth of $300,000 CAD legitimately acquired;
- Three years’ of relevant entrepreneurial or business management experience;
- Intention to settle in Saskatchewan;
- Make a minimum investment of $150,000 CAD into a business in the province, owning 33.3% of the business, or if percent shareholding is less, invest a minimum of $1,000,000 CAD;
- Participate in the day to day management of the business;
- Make a $75,000 CAD deposit with the province which will be returned upon meeting the terms of a performance agreement with the province.
Ontario
Ontario’s provincial nominee program, known as Opportunities Ontario, includes options for foreign businesses making large-scale investments into the province and who wish to obtain permanent residence for up to 25 key skilled employees. The minimum investment required is of $3,000,000 CAD and must be approved by an Ontario ministry. It must also lead to the creation of at least five full time jobs for Ontario residents.
Ontario Investors Immigration Category
This program is available for both individual investors and companies who are able to make an
Investment in Ontario.
i. Companies
To qualify, investments must be of significant importance to Ontario and must create jobs for Ontarians. New investments and expansions to current operations are eligible. Investments need to meet the following eligibility guidelines:
- The investment must be endorsed by another Ontario ministry at the Deputy Minister level for the investment and the number of key positions requested;
- The amount of the investment is at least $3,000,000;
- The investment must create at least five net permanent full-time jobs for Canadian citizens or permanent residents in Ontario;
- The investment has to also comply with Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations (IRPR). This federal law excludes individuals from provincial nomination who:
- are nominated because of capital provision, or
- engage in an “immigration-linked investment scheme”.
To qualify for a provincial nomination, individual investors must meet all of the following eligibility criteria, in addition to the above criteria:
- Be actively involved, on an ongoing basis, in the management of the business;
- Control, or will control, at least 33.334% of the equity in the business, or make a minimum $1 million investment in the business;
- Not have the option of redeeming the investment after a specified period;
- Invest the capital in the business not for the primary purpose of deriving interest, dividends or capital gains.
- Be necessary for the long-term success of the investment;
- Be in a skilled occupation;
- Be permanent, full-time positions;
- Meet prevailing wage levels. Information about wages for a variety of professions can be found on the Service Canada Labour Market Information website.
- Complete employer application packages will be processed within 90 days, on a first-come-first-served basis.
- Complete nominee application packages will be processed within 90 days, on a first-come-first-served basis.
Prince Edward Island
The Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program for Business requires that applicants demonstrate a legitimately acquired personal net worth of at least $600,000 CAD, have relevant business experience, and make an active investment into a local business of at least $150,000 CAD. Age, language and educational requirements are also applicable. Successful candidates will be required to make a deposit with the province of $200,000 CAD upon nomination which will be returned in installments as various conditions are met.
100% Owner stream
This category is designed for entrepreneurs with proven business experience and the capability of owning and operating a business on the island. The requirements to be nominated for permanent residence in this category are:
- Have a verifiable personal net worth of $600,000 CAD legitimately acquired;
- Make a minimum investment of $150,000 CAD to establish or purchase an eligible business in PEI;
- Control 100% of the business into which investment is made and provide active and on-going management of it;
- Sign an escrow agreement and make a $150,000 CAD escrow deposit with the province, refundable upon fulfilling the terms of the agreement and residing in the province for a minimum of 1 year;
- Demonstrate sufficient unencumbered funds to cover the business investment, escrow deposit, operate the business for one year, and settle in the province.
- Demonstrate minimum level of English or French;
- Other factors considered: Age; education; work experience; adaptability.
This category is similar to the 100% owner category however it is aimed at applicants wishing to invest into an existing Prince Edward Island Business. The requirements are:
- Have a verifiable personal net worth of $600,000 CAD legitimately acquired;
- Make a settlement proposal and business proposal for purchasing part of a PEI business;
- Make a minimum investment of $150,000 CAD to purchase part of an eligible business in PEI;
- Control at least 33.3% of the business into which investment is made, or make an equity investment of at least $1,000,000 CAD;
- Provide active and on-going management of the business from within the province;
- Sign an escrow agreement and make a $150,000 CAD escrow deposit with the province, refundable upon fulfilling the terms of the agreement;
- Demonstrate sufficient unencumbered funds to cover the business investment, escrow deposit, operate the business for one year, and settle in the province.
- Demonstrate minimum level of English or French;
- Other factors considered: Age; education; work experience; adaptability.
Work Permit Stream
The work permit stream allows candidates who meet the criteria of the Partial Ownership or 100% ownership streams to first come to Prince Edward Island on a temporary work permit. They are not required to make a $150,000 CAD escrow deposit with the province. They are however required to sign a performance agreement. While the candidate is in PEI with temporary worker status, they must meet the terms of the performance agreement in order to be nominated for permanent residence. Minimum terms of a performance agreement are as follows:
- Within 2 years of arriving in Prince Edward Island, make a $150,000 CAD investment to establish or acquire at least 33.3% of a PEI Business;
- Provide active and ongoing management of that business;
- Maintain investment in the business for at least one full calendar year from the date it is made;
- Collaborate with Prince Edward Island authorities in verifying compliance with the performance agreement.
Self-Employed Program
This is the third possibility for business immigration to Canada, and concerns self-employed individuals. As a self-employed person, you must have relevant experience in cultural activities, athletics or farm management. You must also have the intention and ability to establish a business that will, at a minimum, create employment for yourself. You must make a significant contribution to cultural activities or athletics or purchase and manage a farm in Canada.
No immigration conditions are imposed on this class. However, you must be able to:
- Demonstrate at least 2 years experience of self-employment in cultural activities or in athletics, and participation at a world-class level in cultural activities or athletics, or farm management experience;
- Possess sufficient funds to support their family upon their arrival;
- Possess the intention and ability to establish a business that will generate self-employment;
- Make a significant contribution to the cultural or athletic life of Canada or purchase and manage a farm in Canada;
- Earn sufficient points in the selection factors to meet the pass mark. The selection factors include points awarded for education, proficiency in Canadian official languages, work experience, age, and adaptability factors to life in Canada.
Quebec Self-Employed Program
The Quebec Self-Employed Program is geared towards applicants who will generate their own employment by practicing an occupation for which they possess previous experience.
In order to apply under this program, applicants must:
- Have at least two years of experience in the occupation they intend to pursue in Quebec;
- Have a minimum net worth of $100,000 CDN of legally acquired funds (including spousal assets);
- Have the intention and ability to create their own employment by pursuing their occupation in Quebec.