Over the past few years, more African business owners have chosen business immigration to Canada as their path to success and permanent residency. If you’re a Nigerian or African entrepreneur who has ever dreamed of expanding your business or building a new life in Canada, you’re not alone.
And it’s easy to see why. Canada isn’t just welcoming — it’s strategically looking for entrepreneurs who can boost its economy, create jobs, and bring innovation. Whether you run a small business in Lagos, a fintech startup in Nairobi, or a logistics company in Accra, there’s a business immigration pathway that can open the door to Canada for you.
At Loft Immigration Services Inc., we’ve spent over 10 years helping clients like you move to Canada successfully — from idea to visa to permanent residency. So in this guide, we’ll walk you through five of the best business immigration programs in Canada for Nigerians in 2025, explain what makes each one unique, and show you how to get started.
1. Canada Start-Up Visa (SUV) Program
The Start-Up Visa Program is one of the most popular options for Nigerian and African entrepreneurs. It’s designed for business owners and innovators who have a scalable business idea that can compete globally.
To qualify, you’ll need:
An innovative business concept that’s approved by a designated organization (like an angel investor group, venture capital firm, or business incubator).
Intermediate proficiency in English or French.
Enough funds to settle in Canada.
Once approved, you and your family can move to Canada on a work permit while your permanent residency (PR) application is processed.
This pathway is particularly great for tech founders and creative entrepreneurs. You can read more about how it works in our article: How Nigerian Entrepreneurs Can Get a Canada Start-Up Visa.
Also, many applicants make costly mistakes that could easily be avoided — we covered these in our detailed guide: 5 Biggest Mistakes Nigerians Make With Canada Start-Up Visa Application.
If your goal is to build a business that can thrive globally, the Start-Up Visa Program could be your best route to business immigration to Canada and permanent residency.
2. Provincial Entrepreneur Programs
Canada’s provinces also have their own immigration programs to attract investors and entrepreneurs who can contribute to their regional economies. These are called Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), and they’re ideal for business owners who want to start or buy a business in a specific province.
Each province has its own requirements — usually a minimum investment amount, a detailed business plan, and relevant management experience.
For example:
British Columbia Entrepreneur Program: Focuses on innovative and job-creating businesses.
Ontario Entrepreneur Stream: Great for entrepreneurs looking to invest in urban or tech-friendly regions.
Prince Edward Island (PEI) Work Permit Stream: Perfect for small business owners who want to run a hands-on business in a close-knit community.
If you’re not sure where to start, check out our helpful post on the Best Provinces in Canada for Immigrant Entrepreneurs.
These provincial programs are especially good for Nigerians and Africans who already have some business experience and capital to invest — and who prefer to live outside the bigger cities.
3. Owner-Operator LMIA Pathway
The Owner-Operator LMIA pathway allows you to buy or start a business in Canada and apply for a work permit to manage it. The program is ideal for experienced entrepreneurs who want a more direct, hands-on route.
Here’s how it works:
You purchase or invest in a Canadian business, prove that you’ll create jobs or add value to the local economy, and then apply for a work permit under the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) process.
Once you’re in Canada managing your business, you can later apply for permanent residency through the Express Entry system.
To understand how this process works in detail, read our guide: How LMIA Works: The Complete Guide.
This option suits established entrepreneurs who prefer running an existing business rather than starting something entirely new.
4. Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) Program
If you already own or work for a company outside Canada that wants to expand operations into Canada, the Intra-Company Transfer Program is an excellent route. It allows business owners and key staff members to transfer to their new Canadian branch or subsidiary.
To qualify, you must:
Have been working with your company for at least one year in a managerial or specialized role.
Establish or expand a Canadian branch, affiliate, or subsidiary.
Show that the business will generate economic benefit for Canada.
This pathway is ideal for Nigerians who already run successful companies back home and want to expand into the Canadian market.
The ICT program also gives your family the opportunity to relocate with you, enjoy quality education, and later apply for PR.
If you want to understand how Canada supports entrepreneurs like you, check out our article on Top 5 Reasons Why Canada Is Welcoming Nigerian Entrepreneurs Through Business Immigration.
5. Self-Employed Persons Program
This pathway is designed for people in cultural, athletic, or creative professions — for example, artists, designers, athletes, or content creators — who want to be self-employed in Canada.
You’ll need to show that you:
Have relevant experience in your field.
Intend and are able to contribute to Canada’s cultural or athletic life.
Meet language, health, and financial requirements.
While it’s less common than other business immigration programs, it’s a fantastic route for those who’ve built a strong portfolio or personal brand and want to bring that expertise to Canada.
Which Program Is Right for You?
Choosing the right pathway depends on your business goals, available funds, experience, and long-term plans.
If you’re unsure where to start, you can read our article on Canada Business Immigration: How We Help You Turn Ideas Into Permanent Residency.
But here’s the truth — no matter which route you take, the process can feel complex. That’s why working with a licensed and experienced immigration consultant makes all the difference. At Loft Immigration, we’ve helped hundreds of entrepreneurs navigate these programs successfully — from preparing a business plan that meets Canada’s strict requirements to getting full approval for PR.
And if you’re curious about whether business immigration is still worth it this year, we recommend reading our honest breakdown: Is Business Immigration to Canada Still Worth It in 2025?.
Business immigration to Canada is not just about moving abroad — it’s about creating a future where your business and family can thrive in one of the most stable, innovative, and welcoming countries in the world.
If you’re a Nigerian or African entrepreneur ready to take that next big step, now is the perfect time to explore your options.
👉🏾 Book an Evaluation Call with our licensed consultants at Loft Immigration today. We’ll help you find the best business immigration program in Canada that fits your goals and guide you through every step of the process — from idea to PR.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the easiest business immigration pathway to Canada for Nigerians in 2025?
The Start-Up Visa Program is one of the most straightforward and popular options for Nigerian and African entrepreneurs with innovative business ideas. It allows you to move to Canada with your family, operate your business, and later apply for permanent residency. However, the “easiest” pathway depends on your goals, experience, and available funds — some people find the Provincial Entrepreneur Programs or Owner-Operator LMIA Pathway a better fit.
2. How much money do I need for business immigration to Canada?
The required investment varies by program. Most Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) require a minimum investment of around CAD 150,000 to CAD 600,000, depending on the province and type of business. The Start-Up Visa Program doesn’t have a fixed investment amount but requires proof that you have enough funds to operate your business and settle in Canada.
3. Can I move my existing Nigerian business to Canada?
Yes, you can. The Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) program and the Owner-Operator LMIA route both allow business owners to expand their existing companies to Canada. These programs let you manage your business in Canada and eventually apply for permanent residency once you’ve established operations.
4. What’s the difference between the Start-Up Visa and Provincial Entrepreneur Programs?
The Start-Up Visa Program is designed for entrepreneurs with scalable, innovative business ideas supported by a designated organization, such as a venture capital firm or incubator. In contrast, Provincial Entrepreneur Programs are better suited for established business owners who want to buy or start a business in a specific Canadian province.
5. Can I apply for business immigration to Canada without an agent?
Yes, it’s possible to apply on your own, but business immigration applications can be complex. They involve preparing a detailed business plan, financial documents, and meeting the requirements of Canadian immigration authorities. Working with a licensed immigration consultant like Loft Immigration Services Inc. greatly improves your chances of success and ensures your application is handled correctly.
6. How long does it take to get a business visa or PR through business immigration to Canada?
Processing times depend on the specific program. For example, the Start-Up Visa can take between 12 to 24 months, while Provincial Nominee Programs and Owner-Operator LMIA pathways might be faster for obtaining a work permit before applying for PR. The total timeline also depends on how quickly you prepare and submit your documentation.
7. Is business immigration to Canada still worth it in 2025?
Absolutely. Canada remains one of the top destinations for global entrepreneurs. The country offers a stable economy, a transparent legal system, a welcoming immigration policy, and excellent quality of life for families. For Nigerians and other African entrepreneurs looking to grow internationally, business immigration to Canada continues to be a great investment in 2025 and beyond.
8. How can Loft Immigration help me start my business immigration process?
At Loft Immigration Services Inc., our licensed consultants guide you through every step — from evaluating your eligibility and preparing your documents to helping you choose the right business immigration program for your goals. We’ve successfully assisted hundreds of clients from Nigeria and across Africa in moving to Canada through various business immigration pathways.
