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Business immigration to Canada: an Introduction

Through Canada’s Business Class immigration programs, Canada aims to attract individuals that have a significant ability to contribute to the Canadian economy. These programs are offered with the goal of promoting economic development and bettering the job market by attracting investors, entrepreneurs, and self-employed individuals from outside Canada with available venture capital, significant business acumen, and entrepreneurial skills.

Business Class immigration also seeks to develop new commercial opportunities in Canada and to improve Canada’s access to growing foreign markets by welcoming foreign nationals who are familiar with those markets and their unique requirements and customs.

If this option sounds well-suited to your experience and goals, there are several immigration pathways from which to choose. Depending on where you plan to reside, you may choose to apply through one of the programs offered by a particular province, such as the Quebec business immigration programs, or by the federal government. Get started exploring your options by starting a free assessment, and we will be pleased to discuss your Business Class immigration options with you.

Each province encourages the immigration of entrepreneurs and business managers through their Provincial Nominee Programs. These programs require that you make an active investment of either your capital or management abilities in a business located in one of Canada’s provinces. There are a number of programs available depending on which province you are considering for your new Canadian home. We welcome you to start your free assessment so that we can determine the best option for you.

The Entrepreneur Start-Up Visa Program

The Start-Up Visa program grants permanent residence to immigrant entrepreneurs while assisting them to become established in Canada.

The program encourages immigrant entrepreneurs to grow their companies in Canada. Successful applicants link with private sector organizations in Canada, where they can receive funding, guidance and expertise in opening and operating their enterprise in Canada.

Eligibility Requirements

The purpose of this program is to recruit innovative foreign national entrepreneurs who will create new jobs and drive economic growth.

In order to be eligible, applicants for a Start-Up Visa must meet the following requirements:

• Meet minimum language requirements in English or French (CLB 5 in all abilities);
• Have sufficient funds to settle in Canada;
• Plan to settle in a province other than the Province of Quebec;
• Pass Canadian security and medical clearances;
• Prove your business is supported through a designated organization; and
• Show your business meets ownership requirements.

No more than five foreign nationals may apply for permanent residence as part of the same business venture under the Start-Up Visa Program.

Quebec Immigrant Investor Program

Program	Quebec Immigrant Investor Program – A new application intake period began on September 10, 2018, and is scheduled to run until August 31, 2019. However, candidates with approved language test results showing an intermediate-advanced proficiency in Speaking and Reading in French will have until October 31, 2019 to apply.
Minimum Net Worth	CAD $2,000,000
Minimum Investment	CAD $1,200,000 risk-free through an approved financial intermediary or by financing that investment.
Experience	2 years of business management experience in the past 5 years prior to the submission of an application in a specific enterprise (agricultural, commercial, or industrial, OR management experience in a governmental or international organization) and in a position defined as full-time.
EOI System	No
Managerial Role	No active managerial role required to apply
Business Plan	None
Exploratory Visit	Recommended
Interview	May be required as part of the application review.
Refundable Deposit	Not required
PR/Work permit	PR after first obtaining Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ)
Additional Requirements	Background check and medical examination

Quebec Entrepreneur Program

Program	Quebec Entrepreneur Program — A new application intake period began on August 15, 2018, and is scheduled to run until October 31, 2019.
Minimum Net Worth*	CAD $900,000 of financial resources.
Business ownership/operation*	Holds and controls, alone or with the accompanying spouse or common-law partner at minimum 25% of the equity of the enterprise he or she creates or at least 51% of the equity of the enterprise he or she acquires.
EOI System	No
Managerial Role	Required
Business Project	Required
Exploratory Visit	Recommended
Interview	Required as a final step in the application process
Start-up deposit*	CAD $300,000 for a business in the the metropolitan area of Montreal or CAD $200,000 for a business outside the metropolitan area of Montreal.
PR/Work permit	PR after first obtaining Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ)
Additional Requirements	Submit a contract to prove financial self-sufficiency and demonstrate a secondary school general diploma level of education. Provide a performance guarantee deposit of $200,000 that is refundable if certain conditions are met.*

* This requirement applies only to Component Two of the Entrepreneur program.

Quebec Self-Employed Worker Program

Program	Quebec Self-Employed Worker Program — The Quebec government reached the intake quota allocated for this Quebec immigration category in December 2018. However, candidates with approved language test results showing an intermediate-advanced proficiency in Speaking and Reading in French can still apply and have until October 31, 2019, to do so.
Minimum Net Worth	CAD $100,000
Minimum Investment	Not required
Experience	2 years of self-employed experience in the profession or trade the applicant intends to practice in Quebec
EOI System	No
Managerial Role	Required
Business Plan	None
Exploratory Visit	Recommended
Interview	May be required as part of the application review
Start-up deposit	Register a start-up deposit of at least CAD $50,000 at a local financial institution if based in the metropolitan area of Montreal or at least CAD $25,000 if based outside of Montreal.
PR/Work permit	PR after first obtaining Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ)
Additional Requirements	Submit a contract to prove financial self-sufficiency and demonstrate a secondary school general diploma level of education.

Federal Start-Up Visa Program

Program	Start-Up Visa Program
Minimum Net Worth	N/A
Minimum Investment	CAD $200,000 if the investment comes from a designated Canadian venture capital fund or designated incubators OR CAD $75,000 if it comes from a designated Canadian angel investor group
Experience	No specific requirement
EOI System	No
Managerial Role	Required
Business Plan	None
Exploratory Visit	Not required
Interview	Upon request by IRCC
Refundable Deposit	Not required
PR/Work permit	PR immediately
Additional Requirements	Have the support of a designated organization that will provide the applicant with a Letter of Support. Start-up visa applicants must give proof that they sufficient funds to support themselves and their dependants after they arrive in Canada. The amount required depends on the size of the family.

Federal Self-Employed Persons Program

Program	Self-Employed Person Program
Minimum Net Worth	N/A
Minimum Investment	Not required
Experience	At least 2 years of relevant cultural or athletic experience in the past 5 years
EOI System	No
Managerial Role	Required
Business Plan	None
Exploratory Visit	Not required
Interview	Upon request by IRCC
Refundable Deposit	Not required
PR/Work permit	PR immediately
Additional Requirements	English/French ability and work experience in a designated occupation All self-employed persons must establish that they have sufficient funds to support themselves and their family members for at least one year after they arrive in Canada.  Self-employed immigrants must obtain a minimum of 35 points out of 100 based on the five selection criteria and the program’s unique point system.

Alberta Self-Employed Farmer Stream

Program	Alberta Self-Employed Farmer Stream
Minimum Net Worth	CAD $500,000
Minimum Investment	CAD $500,000 in a primary production farming business
Experience	Farm management experience in an existing farm business
EOI System	No
Managerial Role	Required
Business Plan	Required
Exploratory Visit	Recommended
Interview	Required
Refundable Deposit	Not required
PR/Work permit	PR after obtaining provincial nomination certificate
Additional Requirements	Canadian financial institution must finance the proposed Alberta farming business

British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) — Entrepreneur Immigration Stream

Program	BC PNP Entrepreneur Immigration
Minimum Net Worth	CAD $600,000
Minimum Investment	CAD $200,000 OR CAD $400,000 if proposing a Key Staff Member
Experience	3 + years of business ownership or management experience OR 4 + years of senior management experience OR 1+ year of business ownership & management experience and 2+ years of senior management experience within the last 10 years.
EOI System	Yes (province publishes info on previous draws)
Managerial Role	Required
Business Plan	Required
Exploratory Visit	Recommended
Interview	Upon request of BC PNP
Refundable Deposit	Not required
PR/Work permit	2-year work period before Letter of Acceptance to apply for Permanent Residence (PR); PR contingent on implementation of the business proposal
Additional Requirements	Create at least one permanent, full-time job for a Canadian citizen or permanent resident with the proposed business

British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) — Entrepreneur Immigration — Regional Pilot

Program	BC PNP Entrepreneur Immigration — Regional Pilot (launched on March 14, 2019)
Minimum Net Worth	CAD $300,000
Minimum Investment	CAD $100,000
Experience	3 + years of business ownership or management experience OR 4 + years of senior management experience OR 1+ year of business ownership & management experience and 2+ years of senior management experience within the last 10 years.
EOI System	Yes (province publishes info on previous draws)
Managerial Role	Required
Business Plan	Required
Exploratory Visit	Strongly Recommended
Interview	Upon request of BC PNP
Refundable Deposit	Not required
PR/Work permit	Minimum 12-month work permit period before nomination; PR contingent on implementation of business proposal
Additional Requirements	Community referral required to register; Must create at least one permanent, full-time job for a Canadian citizen or permanent resident

Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program — Business Investor Stream (Entrepreneur Pathway)

Program	Manitoba Business Investor Stream — Entrepreneur Pathway
Minimum Net Worth	CAD $500,000
Minimum Investment	CAD $250,000 for businesses in the Manitoba Capital Region. OR CAD $150,000 if a business is outside of the Manitoba Capital Region AND must be made in an eligible business AND must create or maintain at least one job for a Canadian citizen or a Permanent Resident in Manitoba (excluding owners of the business and/or their close relatives).
Experience	Business ownership and management experience or executive-level experience in 3 of the past 5 years. AND Business owners are given higher points in comparison to senior managers. AND Business owners must have at least 33 1/3% ownership to qualify for points.
EOI System	Yes
Managerial Role	Required
Business Plan	Required
Exploratory Visit	Business research visit must be conducted no more than one year prior to the submission of an EOI.
Interview	Required
Refundable Deposit	Not Required
PR/Work permit	Temporary work permit; PR contingent on meeting program requirements
Additional Requirements	Score 60+ points on assessment grid CAD $100,000 refundable deposit is not a requirement anymore.

Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program — Business Investor Stream (Farm Investor Pathway)

Program	Manitoba Business Investor Stream — Farm Investor Pathway
Minimum Net Worth	CAD $500,000
Minimum Investment	CAD $300,000 tangible assets to establish a farming business in rural Manitoba AND investments in a farm business operated primarily for the purposes of deriving passive investment income or speculative purposes are not eligible.
Experience	Minimum of three years of farm business management or farm ownership and operation experience supported by verifiable documents.
EOI System	Yes
Managerial Role	Required
Business Plan	Required
Exploratory Visit	Farm Business Research Visit required.
Interview	Required
Refundable Deposit	CAD $75,000
PR/Work permit	Temporary work permit; PR contingent on meeting program requirements
Additional Requirements	CAD $100,000 refundable deposit is no longer required.

New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP) — Entrepreneurial Stream

Program	New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP) — Entrepreneurial Stream
Minimum Net Worth	CAD $600,000
Minimum Investment	CAD $250,000
Experience	3 out of 5 years or more in owning a business OR 5 out of 5 years or more in a senior business management role
EOI System	Yes
Managerial Role	Required
Business Plan	Required, must be of economic benefit to the province
Exploratory Visit	Required
Interview	Required
Refundable Deposit	CAD $100,000
PR/Work permit	PR after obtaining provincial nomination certificate
Additional Requirements	22-55 years old CLB 5 in English or French in reading, writing, listening and speaking

New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP) — Post-Graduate Entrepreneurial Stream

Program	New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP) — Post-Graduate Entrepreneurial Stream
Minimum Net Worth	N/A
Minimum Investment	The applicant must have 100% ownership of the equity of the eligible business
Experience	6 or more years in the last 10 years in NOC O, A or B OR 1-5 years in the last 10 years in the NOC O, A or B
EOI System	Yes
Managerial Role	Required
Business Plan	May be requested (business must be of economic benefit to the province)
Exploratory Visit	Not specified
Interview	Required
Refundable Deposit	Not specified
PR/Work permit	PR after obtaining provincial nomination certificate
Additional Requirements	22-40 years old CLB 7 in English or French in reading, writing, listening and speaking Have a valid Post-Graduation Work Permit

Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP) — Entrepreneur Stream

Program	Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP) — Entrepreneur Stream
Minimum Net Worth	CAD $600,000
Minimum Investment	CAD $150,000
Experience	At least 3 years of business ownership experience including 33.3% ownership in the last 10 years OR +5 years as senior manager in the last 10 years
EOI System	Yes (province publishes info on previous draws)
Managerial Role	Required
Business Plan	Required
Exploratory Visit	Required for business succession only
Interview	Required
Refundable Deposit	Not required
PR/Work permit	Must operate business for at least 1 year on work permit following nomination; PR contingent on meeting program requirements
Additional Requirements	Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) The business must meet additional criteria English/French minimum CLB 5

Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP) — International Graduate Entrepreneur Stream

Program	Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP) — International Graduate Entrepreneur Stream
Minimum Net Worth	N/A
Minimum Investment	100% ownership of the equity of the eligible business
Experience	At least 1 continuous year of business ownership experience in Nova Scotia prior to EOI submission  Completed a degree of at least 2 years’ duration at a university/college in Nova Scotia
EOI System	Yes (province may publish info on draws after future draws are made; EOI must be submitted while on valid work permit)
Managerial Role	Required
Business Plan	None
Exploratory Visit	Required
Interview	Required
Refundable Deposit	Not required
PR/Work permit	PR after obtaining provincial nomination certificate
Additional Requirements	The business must meet additional criteria English/French minimum CLB 7

Northwest Territories Nominee Program — Entrepreneur Business Stream

Program	Northwest Territories Nominee Program (NTNP) — Entrepreneur Business Stream
Minimum Net Worth	For businesses in Yellowknife: CAD $500,000 OR for businesses outside Yellowknife: CAD $250,000
Minimum Investment	In Yellowknife: CAD $300,000 & at least 33.3% ownership OR outside Yellowknife: CAD $150,000 & at least 33.3% ownership OR CAD $1,000,000 investment
Experience	Relevant business experience required
EOI System	No
Managerial Role	Required
Business Plan	Required
Exploratory Visit	Required
Interview	Required
Refundable Deposit	CAD $75,000
PR/Work permit	2-year work permit; PR contingent on meeting program requirements
Additional Requirements	CLB 4 in English or French Business must generate significant benefits for the Northwest Territories, including jobs for local residents.

Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) — Corporate Stream

Program	Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP)   —   Corporate Stream
Minimum Net Worth	None
Minimum Investment	CAD $5,000,000 OR CAD $10,000,000 if the proposed business is a land development or a leasehold company
Experience	The international corporation must have been established for at least 36 months at the time of application
EOI System	No
Managerial Role	Required
Business Plan	Required
Exploratory Visit	Encouraged
Interview	Required
Refundable Deposit	Not required
PR/Work permit	Applicant & key staff first obtain work permits; PR contingent on meeting program requirements
Additional Requirements	Create 5 new jobs for a Canadian citizen or permanent resident per key staff member seeking nomination

Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) — Entrepreneur Stream

Program	Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP)   —   Entrepreneur Stream
Minimum Net Worth	For businesses in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA): CAD $1,500,000 OR for businesses outside the GTA: CAD $800,000 OR for businesses in the ICT/Digital Communications sector (regardless of location): CAD $800,000
Minimum Investment	In the GTA: CAD $1,000,000 and ownership of 33.3% of the business OR Outside the GTA: $500,000 and ownership of 33.3% of the business OR In the ICT/Digital Communications sector: $500,000 and ownership of 33.3% of the business
Experience	At least 36 months of full-time business experience in the last five years as business owner or senior manager
EOI System	Yes (province publishes info on previous draws)
Managerial Role	Required
Business Plan	Required
Exploratory Visit	Required for business succession only
Interview	Required upon request of OINP
Refundable Deposit	Not required
PR/Work permit	Temporary work permit; PR contingent on meeting program requirements
Additional Requirements	Sign a Performance Agreement with Ontario English/French minimum CLB 4 Create at least 2 permanent, full-time jobs for a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident

Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program (PEI-PNP) – Work Permit Stream

Program	Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program (PEI-PNP) – Work Permit Stream
Minimum Net Worth	CAD $600,000
Minimum Investment	N/A
Experience	Management experience required
EOI System	Yes
Managerial Role	Required
Business Plan	Required
Exploratory Visit	Recommended
Interview	Required
Refundable Deposit	CAD $7,500 of $10,000 application fee is refunded if application is declined or withdrawn.
PR/Work permit	Letter of support from the province to apply for a work permit;Obtain nomination once all of the terms and conditions of Performance Agreement are met.
Additional Requirements	CLB 4 in English or French; minimum education of secondary school equivalent 21-59 years old

Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program (PEI-PNP) – Partial Ownership

Program	Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program (PEI-PNP) – Partial Ownership (terminated)
Minimum Net Worth	CAD $600,000
Minimum Investment	CAD $150,000 and own a percentage of equity in an existing business of at least 1/3 ownership OR $1,000,000 investment
Experience	Management experience required
EOI System	Yes
Managerial Role	Required
Business Plan	Required, must fall within an eligible sector of business set out by the provincial govt
Exploratory Visit	Required
Interview	Required
Refundable Deposit	CAD $200,000
PR/Work permit	PR after obtaining nomination certificate
Additional Requirements	Submit an investment agreement Minimum IELTS band score of 4.0 within the last 2 years Score 50+ points on assessment grid

Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program (PEI-PNP) — 100% Ownership

Program	Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program (PEI-PNP) — 100% Ownership (terminated)
Minimum Net Worth	CAD $600,000
Minimum Investment	CAD $150,000
Experience	Management experience required
EOI System	Yes
Managerial Role	Required
Business Plan	Required
Exploratory Visit	Not specified
Interview	Required
Refundable Deposit	CAD $200,000
PR/Work permit	PR after obtaining provincial nomination certificate
Additional Requirements	CLB 4 in English or French 21-59 years old

Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) – Entrepreneur Category

Program	Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) – Entrepreneur Category
Minimum Net Worth	CAD $500,000
Minimum Investment	CAD $300,000 in Regina or Saskatoon and at least 33.3% ownership OR $200,000 in any other Saskatchewan community and at least 33.3% ownership OR CAD $1,000,000 investment or more
Experience	At least 3 years’ experience as an entrepreneur or managing a business in the past 10 years
EOI System	Yes
Managerial Role	Required
Business Plan	Required
Exploratory Visit	Required for business succession, joint ventures, and regional business opportunities
Interview	Upon request by SINP
Refundable Deposit	Not required
PR/Work permit	2-year work permit; PR contingent upon meeting program requirements
Additional Requirements	Sign a Performance Agreement Create 2+ employment opportunities if establishing a business in Regina or Saskatoon

Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) – Farm Owner/Operator Category

Program	Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) – Farm Owner/Operator Category
Minimum Net Worth	CAD $500,000
Minimum Investment	N/A
Experience	Farming operation ownership experience using agricultural practices similar to those used in Saskatchewan-based farming
EOI System	No
Managerial Role	Required
Business Plan	Farm Establishment Plan (FEP) required
Exploratory Visit	Required
Interview	Upon request
Refundable Deposit	CAD $75,000
PR/Work permit	PR after obtaining nomination certificate
Additional Requirements	Submit a Farm Establishment Plan Sign a Performance Agreement

Yukon Business Nominee Program (YBNP)

Program	Yukon Business Nominee Program (YBNP)
Minimum Net Worth	CAD $500,000 (including CAD $300,000 in liquid assets)
Minimum Investment	CAD $300,000 and at least 1/3 ownership with a Canadian citizen or permanent resident partner
Experience	Minimum of 3 years entrepreneurial/business management experience & minimum of 5 years relevant work experience
EOI System	Yes
Managerial Role	Required
Business Plan	Required
Exploratory Visit	Recommended, applicants are awarded points for past visits
Interview	Required
Refundable Deposit	Not required
PR/Work permit	2-year work permit; PR contingent on meeting program requirements
Additional Requirements	Business must be in a strategic sector, as identified by the territory Must score 65+ points on assessment grid