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If you are a business person or manager looking to immigrate to Canada, the Canadian federal and provincial governments offer a number of options that may allow you to fast-track the Canadian immigration process.
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.
Which Canadian Business Class immigration program is best for you?
I have a significant net worth and I am ready to invest in a Canadian Business
Depending on the amount of funds that you have available to invest in Canada, there may be a number of options available to you. For instance, the Quebec Immigrant Investor program allows individuals to immigrate to Canada by making a government-secured, passive investment. If you are looking for a more active investment, there are a number of Entrepreneur and Provincial Nominee programs available for immigration, which will require you to invest in and operate a business in Canada. You may also wish to explore the Entrepreneur Start-Up Visa Program. Since there are so many options available to you, we encourage you to fill out a free assessment to take advantage of our extensive experience and discuss your options with a specialist.
I am looking to operate a business in Canada.
Your business management and ownership experience may make you eligible for a number of entrepreneur categories within the Provincial Nominee Programs and at the federal level, or for the business immigration programs offered by Quebec. Take advantage of our intimate knowledge of these programs by starting a free assessment.
I am looking to move to the province of Quebec.
The province of Quebec offers the most well-established Business Immigration programs. If you are considering living in the province of Quebec, we encourage you to explore Quebec’s Investor Immigration Program, as well as its Entrepreneur Immigration Program. Since these programs are based on points and your qualifications require some specialized analysis, we encourage you to fill out a free assessment so that we can walk you through the requirements for each of these programs and explore other viable immigration options available to you.
I would like to move to one of the other provinces in Canada.
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.
I am self-employed and well-estalished in my field.
Canada welcomes self-employed individuals in a variety of fields based on their success and the reputation that they have established in their field. These fields range from farming to athletics to the arts. Start your free assessment today to find out if your self-employed experience would make you eligible for one of the Self-Employed Immigration Programs.
Available Business Immigration Programs
Investor Immigration
These immigration programs are for individuals with a certain net worth and enough capital to make an investment in the Canadian economy.
Entrepreneur Immigration
Individuals with a certain net worth and business management experience who plan to run a business in Canada may be able to submit an application.
Self-employed Immigration
These programs allow self-employed individuals with significant experience in certain trades and professions to make an application for Canadian immigration.
Entrepreneur Start-Up Visas
With funding and support from a designated Canadian investment organization, individuals with a plan for a unique business may be able to acquire this visa.
Provincial Nomination
Depending upon the Province, a number of immigration programs may be available for those looking to operate a business in that province
Quebec Immigrant Investor Program
| Program | Quebec Immigrant Investor Program – The Investor Program has been suspended from November 1, 2019, until July 1, 2020, in order to allow time for the program to be reviewed. |
|---|---|
| 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 November 1, 2019, and is scheduled to run until September 30, 2020. |
|---|---|
| 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 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 — Application intake period from November 1, 2019, to September 30, 2020. |
|---|---|
| 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 the 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 the assessment grid |
