Business Immigration

Provincial Nominee Business/Investment Programs

In general terms these provincial business immigration programs require a Minimum Net Worth, a Minimum Net Investment in the province, and relevant skills and experience in business ownership and/or senior business management. Other requirements may include minimum language skills in English or French, an exploratory visit, an interview, approval of a business plan, a refundable deposit, and job creation for Canadian workers.

Selected provincial programs:

• Alberta, Manitoba and Saskatchewan have specific business immigration programs focused on experienced farmer owners/operators who want to establish or invest in a farming business.
• New Brunswick and Nova Scotia have Post-Graduate Entrepreneurial programs for young entrepreneurs who own 100% of the equity of an eligible business. For these programs there are no Minimum Net Worth or Minimum Investment requirements.
• Ontario has a corporate immigration program which requires a $5 million investment or more in a new or existing business in the province. There is no Minimum Net Worth pre-condition, and the applicant can nominate up to 5 key staff for Permanent Residence.
• British Columbia has recently introduced the Entrepreneur Immigration Regional Pilot, with reduced net worth and minimum investment requirements. The pilot is for entrepreneurs who want to start a business in communities of fewer than 75,000 people, and who can count on active local community support.

The Self-Employed Program

The Self-Employed Program is aimed at foreign nationals who:

1. Have relevant professional experience in cultural activities or athletics
2. Are willing to make a significant contribution to the cultural or athletic life of Canada

At a minimum, candidates must have been self-employed and/or have participated at a world class level for at least 2 years during the 5 years before application. The program has its own points system through which applicants are assessed based on their education, experience, age, language skills, and adaptability.

Qualifying occupations include:

• Athletes
• Coaches
• Referees
• Actors
• Musicians
• Artisans
• Authors
• Journalists
• Librarians

The province of Quebec manages its own program for Self-Employed Workers, focused on people with at least 2 years of experience in a regulated trade or profession who are able to create their own job in the province.

The Start-up Visa Program

The Start-Up Visa Program allows foreign entrepreners to obtain permanent residence by starting a Canadian business with private sector support. The business must be:

1. Innovative
2. Can create jobs for Canadians
3. Can compete globally

To qualify under this program you need to secure the support of either a designated Canadian angel investor group (minimum $75,000), a venture capital fund (minimum $200,000), or a business incubator, to support your business idea. Once you have that commitment you can apply to immigrate through the program.

The additional requirements for the program are:

• English or French language skills (CLB 5 level in speaking, reading, listening, and writing)

Proof that you have the necessary funds to support yourself and your family after arriving in Canada

Applicants under the Start-Up Visa Program can obtain permanent residence within 12 to 16 months.