Business Immigration to Canada
Canada has an open and welcoming approach to business immigration, offering an environment for entrepreneurs and self-employed individuals to immigrate to Canada. The country’s economy, stable political climate, and progressive immigration policies make it an attractive location for businesses seeking to establish or extend their operations. At the federal level, Canada offers several immigration pathways designed for business professionals, including the Start-Up Visa Program, designed for entrepreneurs with the skills and potential to develop inventive and competitive businesses in Canada, create jobs for Canadians, and compete in their respective business markets. Another option is the Self-Employed Persons Program, which targets individuals who intend to become self-employed in Canada and have relevant experience. Additionally, many of Canada’s provinces and territories have their own business immigration streams under the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), allowing the province to nominate individuals who can contribute to the specific province or territory’s economic growth and labour market needs.
Federal Business Programs
Canada’s Federal Business Programs are designed to attract entrepreneurs and self-employed individuals who can contribute significantly to the Canadian economy. These programs target innovative business owners and skilled professionals who wish to establish themselves in Canada.
Start-Up Visa Program
This Start-Up Visa Program is designed for immigrant entrepreneurs who have the capabilities to establish businesses in Canada (excluding Quebec) that are inventive and creative, capable of creating jobs for Canadians, and internationally competitive.
Self-Employed Persons Program
The Self-employed Persons Program offers a pathway for individuals to immigrate permanently to Canada as self-employed persons. To qualify for this program, applicants must have relevant experience and be willing and able to contribute significantly to Canada’s cultural or athletic landscape.
Provincial Business Programs
The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) allows Canadian provinces and territories to nominate Applicants who wish to immigrate to Canada and are interested in settling in a particular province or territory. Each province and territory design their PNP to meet its specific economic and demographic needs, with various streams dedicated to attracting business investors, entrepreneurs, and self-employed persons who can contribute to the local economy.
Below is a list of Provincial Business Programs by province.
Alberta
- Alberta Self-Employed Farmer Stream
- Alberta Foreign Graduate Start-Up Visa Stream
- Rural Entrepreneur Stream
- Graduate Entrepreneur Stream
- Rural Renewal Stream
British Columbia
- Entrepreneur Immigration – Base Category
- Entrepreneur Immigration – Regional Pilot
Manitoba
- Business Investor Stream: Entrepreneur Pathway
- Business Investor Stream: Farm Investor Pathway
New Brunswick
- New Brunswick Business Immigration Stream
- Post-Graduate Entrepreneurial Stream
Newfoundland and Labrador
- International Entrepreneur Category
- International Graduate Entrepreneur Category
Northwest Territories
- Business Stream
Nova Scotia
- Entrepreneur Stream
- International Graduate Entrepreneur Stream
Prince Edward Island
- Work Permit Stream (Business Impact Category)
Quebec
- Quebec Entrepreneur Program – Stream 1 – Innovative Business
- Quebec Entrepreneur Program – Stream 2 – Business Startup
- Quebec Entrepreneur Program – Stream 3 – Takeover
- Quebec Self-Employed Worker Program
Saskatchewan
- Entrepreneur Category
- Farm Owner and Operator Category
- International Graduate Entrepreneur Category
Yukon
- Yukon Business Nominee Program
These programs are designed to support the economic development of each province or territory by enabling experienced businesspeople to establish or invest in local enterprises, thereby creating jobs and promoting growth within the province.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Canadian Experience Class
Can I apply for Canadian experience class outside Canada?
Yes, candidates can apply outside of Canada for the Canadian Experience Class if they fulfill the eligibility criteria, including having one year of work experience in Canada within three years immediately preceding the application. Candidates in Canada on a temporary work visa nearing its expiration can obtain a bridging open work permit, allowing them to maintain employment in Canada while awaiting their invitation to apply for permanent residency.
Do you need to show financial proof for the Canadian Experience Class?
No, if you receive an invitation under the Canadian Experience Class, the requirement to demonstrate financial proof does not apply to you. However, by default, the Express Entry system will request proof of funds documents from all candidates. To be exempt, invitees for permanent residency can fulfill this step by uploading a letter stating their invitation under the Canadian Experience Class or uploading evidence of a valid job offer, bypassing the need to show proof of funds.
Do internships and co-ops in Canada count toward Canadian Experience Class work experience?
No, however, it is a bit nuanced. The eligibility of a paid internship to count towards the Express Entry work experience requirement varies depending on its relation to your educational program. If your paid internship was conducted outside of your academic curriculum and not as a requirement for your degree or diploma, it could be considered valid work experience for Express Entry. This means that internships undertaken independently of academic obligations, where you gain practical skills relevant to your professional field, may contribute to fulfilling the work experience criteria for Express Entry applications.
Frequently Asked Questions Business Immigration
How much money is required for business immigration to Canada?
The financial requirements for business immigration to Canada vary by program and province. For example, the Federal Start-Up Visa Program requires securing a commitment from a designated Canadian venture capital fund, angel investor group, or business incubator. The minimum investment must be at least CAD $75,000 from an angel investor group or CAD $200,000 from a venture capital fund.
Can I immigrate to Canada if I buy a business?
Yes, purchasing a business can be a viable pathway to immigrate to Canada under specific Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP) with entrepreneurial or business streams. These programs typically require the Applicant to invest in and actively manage a business in nominating province or territory. The specifics, such as the minimum investment amount, business experience, and active management role, vary by province and program. It’s crucial to ensure that the business investment meets the criteria set out by the specific provincial program to qualify for immigration as a business owner.
Can I move to Canada as a business owner?
Canada welcomes successful business individuals looking for new opportunities and challenges through its various Business programs. Both federal, provincial, and territorial governments support business immigrants by providing services that help them establish businesses and settle in Canada.
How much does a business visa in Canada cost?
The cost of a business visa in Canada varies depending on the specific immigration program. For example, the application fee for the Federal Start-Up Visa is approximately $2,140, excluding fees for permanent residency processing and any consultancy services. Other programs, particularly those under Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP), may have different fees based on each province’s application processes and requirements.
What are the requirements for a Startup Visa in Canada requirements?
The Startup Visa in Canada requires entrepreneurs to obtain support from a designated Canadian investor group or business incubator, with a minimum investment of CAD $75,000 from angel investors or CAD $200,000 from venture capital funds. Applicants must also demonstrate language proficiency with at least a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level of 5 in English or French and possess sufficient funds to support themselves and their dependents upon arrival in Canada. These criteria ensure that the entrepreneurs are prepared to contribute significantly to Canada’s economy and job market.
