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Business Immigration
If you have experience managing or owning your own business, the easiest way to immigrate to Canada could be through a federal or provincial business immigration program.
The federal government offers immigration programs for individuals that plan to be self-employed in Canada or start up a business in Canada.
There are also several PNPs specific to overseas candidates interested in starting a business in a certain Canadian province.
Business immigration programs typically require a significant investment in the company you intend to start in Canada. The amount required will depend on the program you are interested in. Many PNPs have regional entrepreneur programs that require a lower investment for candidates interested in starting a business in a less populated area.
Start-Up Visa Program
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.
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.
Self-Employed Persons Program
The Self-employed Persons Program
allows people to immigrate to Canada permanently as a self-employed person.
You must:
- have relevant experience in cultural activities or athletics and
- be willing and able to make a significant contribution to the cultural or athletic life of Canada
Cultural activities include jobs generally seen as part of Canada’s artistic and cultural fields. Examples include:
- authors and writers,
- creative and performing artists,
- musicians,
- painters,
- sculptors and other visual artists,
- technical support and other jobs in
- motion pictures,
- creative designers and
- craftspeople.
Interested candidates must meet both the eligibility requirements and achieve at minimum a passing mark under the program’s selection criteria in order to be considered for immigration as a self-employed person. There is no regulated minimum net worth requirement for the Self-Employed Persons Program. However, self-employed applicants must demonstrate that they have sufficient funds to settle in Canada along with their dependents and finance the work for which their selection is based.
Provincial Nominee Programs for Business
Each province and territory operates its own Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), many of which have a stream for candidates with entrepreneurial or management experience. The eligibility criteria and application procedure for each PNP stream varies, but successful applicants will invariably receive a provincial nomination. This provincial nomination then generally permits the applicant to submit an application for permanent residence at the federal level.