Business Immigration
Canada has a thriving marketplace and immigration programs that can help international businesses establish and grow in Canada.
Each province or territory has its own immigration programs (Provincial Nominee Program) agreed upon with the federal government. This means the provinces have a say in who comes into the province based on the province's economic needs.
Business immigration programs attract experienced businesspeople who, with their financial capital and business knowledge, can stimulate national and regional economic development in Canada.
Federal Start-Up Visa Program
This program is for foreign nationals or entrepreneurs who want to set up a new business in Canada. There is no minimum investment requirement.
The program connects Canadian business organizations with immigrant entrepreneurs who have the skills and potential to build innovative business in Canada.
With the support of a designated organization, successful immigrant entrepreneurs can apply for permanent residence.
Eligibility Requirements
Qualifying Business
- Your business is eligible for the Start-Up Visa program if you hold at least 10% of the voting rights out of all shareholders of the company.
- Together with the designated organization, your combined total should be at least 50% of voting rights out of all shareholders of the company.
Letter of Support from a Designated Organization
Applicants to this program must obtain a letter of support or commitment certificate from a designated organization in Canada.
Education
An applicant is required to have at least one year of post-secondary education.
Language Requirements
The minimum language requirements are CLB 5 in either English or French for each of the four language skill areas.
Settlement Funds
- You must demonstrate sufficient funds to support yourself and your accompanying family members
- Applicants must also not be inadmissible to Canada.
Details of Investment
The government through IRCC has several designated organizations (venture capital funds, angel investor group and business incubators) to participate and help in the Start-Up Visa Program.
Designated organizations assess your business proposal to ensure your business is viable and capable of contributing to the Canadian economy.
Successful applicants must secure a minimum investment for their Canadian start-up. The investment must be at least $200,000 if it comes from a designated Canadian venture capital fund.
If coming from an angel investor group, it should be at least $75,000.
Applicants do not need to secure any investment from a business incubator. However, applicants must be accepted into a Canadian business incubator program.
Applicants are not required to invest any of their own money. If their Canadian start-up is unsuccessful, individuals granted permanent residence through this program will retain their permanent resident status.
Start-Up Visa Program Peer Review Process
The peer-review process is intended to safeguard the Start-Up Visa Program against fraud.
The process involves determining the legitimacy of transactions between foreign investors and Canadian designated organizations.
The peer-review process is carried out by an independent industry review panel.
The type of panel that reviews the deal is determined by the organization that provides the Letter of Support.
If you make a deal with a Canadian angel investor, the National Angel Capital Organization oversees forming a review panel.
If a venture capital fund makes a commitment, the Venture Capital and Private Equity Association will conduct a review.
The Peer review will assess the level of due diligence that was performed by the designated organization including ensuring:
- the company has been or will be incorporated in Canada.
- the business ownership has been verified and meets program requirements.
- the designated organization has considered the viability of the proposed business model, assessed the business venture's management team, and verified the ownership of the intellectual property.
- the focus of the business is on a high-growth potential product and/or service; and
- the transaction is validated.
Self-Employed Persons Program
The Self-Employed Persons Program (SEPP) allows self-employed individuals to immigrate to Canada permanently.
Applicants to SEPP must have the relevant experience, intention, and ability to make a "significant contribution" to Canada's cultural life or sports in Canada.
Cultural activities include jobs considered as part of Canada’s artistic and cultural fields such as creative and performing arts, musicians, and painters.
Please refer to a complete list of qualifying occupations under Self-Employed Persons Program below.
The difference between this program and other business immigration streams is that there is no minimum net worth requirement to be eligible.
You must, however, demonstrate that you have sufficient financial resources to support yourself in Canada.
Eligibility Requirements
A foreign national must meet the government of Canada’s definition of Self-Employed Persons prior to assessment. The Canadian government defines a self-employed person as an individual with requisite self-employment experience in a cultural or athletic profession.
A foreign national must have two years of professional work experience either as a self-employed individual in your profession or two years of experience at a world class activity in your profession
You must also plan to reside outside of Quebec. Quebec has its own immigration programs for foreign nationals.
Applicants must also have at least 35 points out of 100 based on the following selection factors:
Selection Factors
Factor
Education
Experience
Age
Language Proficiency
Adaptability
Total
Pass Mark
Maximum Points
25 points
35 points
10 points
24 points
6 points
Maximum 100
35 points
Factor | Maximum Points
Education
- 25 points
Experience
- 35 points
Age
- 10 points
Language Proficiency
- 24 points
Adaptability
- 6 points
Total - Maximum 100
Pass Mark - 35 points
Categories of Self-Employed Persons Program
Professional Occupations in Art and Culture
- Librarians
- Conservators and Curators
- Archivists
- Authors and Writers
- Translators, Terminologists, and Interpreters
- Editors
- Journalists
- Professional Occupations in Public Relations and Communications
- Actors and Comedians
- Musicians and singers
- Dancers
- Sculptors and other Visual Artists
Technical and Skilled Occupations in Art, Culture, Recreation and Sport
- Library and Public Archive Technicians
- Technical Operations Related to Museums and art Galleries.
- Photographers
- Film and video Camera Operators
- Graphic Arts Technicians
- Broadcast Technicians
- Audio and Video Recording Technicians
- Other Technical and Co-ordinating Occupations in Motion Pictures, Broadcasting, and the Performing Arts
- Announcers and other Broadcasters
- Other Performers
- Graphic Designers and Illustrators Interior Designers
- Theatre, Fashion, Exhibit and Other Creative Designers
- Artisans and Crafts persons
- Patternmakers-Textile, Leather, and Fur Products
- Athletes
- Coaches
- Sports Officials and Referees
- Program Leaders and Instructors in Recreation, Sport, and Fitness
Business Immigration Program by Province
The Provincial Nominee Program breaks down into a skilled worker category and business immigration category. Once nominated by a province, candidates can then apply for permanent residence through the federal government system.
Canada has a thriving marketplace and business immigration programs that can help international businesses establish and grow in Canada.
Canadian Business and Investor Immigration provides a variety of immigration options for entrepreneurs, investors, and start-up businesses seeking to establish themselves in Canada, thereby creating job opportunities for themselves and other Canadians.
For more information on specific business immigration pathways, please see Provincial Nominee Program OR complete our free Online Assessment or call to schedule a consultation with our experienced immigration expert to explore your options.
The section below provides snapshots of the provinces and territories' business or investor immigration pathways.
Summary of Provincial Business Programs
- Ontario Provincial Business Programs
- British Columbia Provincial Business Programs
- Alberta Provincial Business Program
- Saskatchewan Provincial Business Program
- Manitoba Business Program
- New Brunswick Business Program
- Nova Scotia Provincial Business Program
- Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Business Program
- Yukon Business Program
- Northwest Territories Business Program
Ontario Provincial business Programs
The Ontario Business Category provides immigration pathways for foreign entrepreneurs and investors looking to set up a business in Ontario. Applicants must have a substantial net worth and intend to live in Ontario.
This category has two streams:
Entrepreneur Stream. This stream is aimed at foreign entrepreneurs with a minimum net worth of $800,000 to establish a business in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) and a net worth of 400,000 if the business is set up outside the GTA.
British Columbia Provincial Business Programs (BC PNP)
The BC PNP Entrepreneur Immigration (BC PNP) program is designed for international entrepreneurs and investors with significant net worth who have relevant experience in business ownership and management.
Applicants must set up or purchase a business in the province. This category includes three immigration options:
Regional Pilot Program:
This program is designed for entrepreneurs with a net worth of $300,000 who are willing to invest at least $100,000 in starting a new business.
Base category:
Entrepreneurs with a net worth of at least $600,000 who are willing to invest at least $200,000 in establishing or acquiring a business in the province are eligible for this category.
Strategic Projects:
This stream is for foreign companies looking to expand into the province. Foreign companies may nominate up to five key personnel for provincial nomination.
Alberta Provincial Business Programs
The Alberta Self-Employed Farmer Stream is designed for foreign nationals with farm ownership and management experience. Candidates for permanent residency under this stream are managed jointly by the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) and Alberta Agriculture and Forestry (AAF).
You must submit a valid business plan and have sufficient financial resources to start your company. The following streams fall under the AAIP.
The Foreign Graduate Start-up Stream (FGSVS)
-
is to attract international graduates living abroad to immigrate to Alberta by establishing a business.
The (AAIP) and two designated agencies are responsible for reviewing the business plan and issuing a letter of recommendation under this program. Applicants must meet the eligibility requirements and submit an Expression of Interest to be considered (EOI).
Alberta International Graduate
Entrepreneur Immigration Stream (IGEIS):
-
is aimed at encouraging international graduates from eligible post-secondary institutions in Alberta to gain permanent residence by establishing a business in the province.
Applicants must have a valid Post-Graduation Work Permit and own at least 34% of the existing business.
Saskatchewan Provincial
Business Program
The Entrepreneur and Farm Category provide immigration routes for foreign entrepreneurs, graduates, investors, and farm operators who want to start a business in the province.
International Graduate
Entrepreneur Stream
This stream is for international graduates who have a substantial amount of capital and want to start a business in Saskatchewan.
Entrepreneur Stream
This stream is for international entrepreneurs who want to live and work in the province and have valid work experience and business plans.
Farm Owner Stream
This pathway is reserved for foreign nationals with farm ownership and management experience who have sufficient financial resources to acquire or purchase a farm in the province.
Manitoba Business
Program (MPNP)
The Manitoba Business Investor Program gives immigration opportunities to entrepreneurs, investors, and farm owners who want to set up shop and run a farm in Manitoba.
There are two pathways under this program:
Entrepreneur Pathway (MPNP):
- This pathway is for foreign entrepreneurs and investors with a net worth of at least $500,000 and the ability to invest $150,000 in a business.
Farm Investor Pathway (MPNP):
- This pathway is designed for international farm owners and operators with relevant experience and a net worth of at least $350,000.
International Student
Entrepreneur Pilot (MPNP):
This pilot program is designed for international graduates who want to start a business and can meet the terms of their Business Performance Agreement.
New Brunswick
Provincial (NBPNP)
ENTREPRENEURIAL STREAM:
This stream is for international entrepreneurs and investors who want to establish or acquire a business in New Brunswick.
You must invest $250,000 in the company and own 30% of the voting stock. Moreover, you must be actively involved in business operations.
To apply through this stream, you must also make an exploratory visit to the province. If you are successful, you will be nominated by the province and invited to apply for permanent residency.
You must invest $250,000 in the company and own 30% of the voting stock. Moreover, you must be actively involved in business operations.
To apply through this stream, you must also make an exploratory visit to the province. If you are successful, you will be nominated by the province and invited to apply for permanent residency.
Succession Connect
Pilot Program:
This is a new pilot program targeting newcomers with established businesses in New Brunswick.
Post-Graduate
Entrepreneurial Stream:
This is a new immigration pathway for international student graduates who have Post Graduation Work Permit and operating a business in New Brunswick for a minimum of one year.
You must also have 100% ownership of the business and receive a salary that meets the Low- Income Cut-Off.
You must also have 100% ownership of the business and receive a salary that meets the Low- Income Cut-Off.
NOVA SCOTIA PROVINCIAL
BUSINESS PROGRAMS ENTREPRENEUR STREAM
is one of Nova Scotia’s Provincial Business Programs.
It is designed for international entrepreneurship who want to start a business in Nova Scotia.
International entrepreneurs must have relevant experience and a personal net worth of at least $600,000 and are required to invest at least $150, 000 to establish the business.
International Graduate
Entrepreneur Stream
is another stream for international entrepreneurs who desire to own and operate a business in Nova Scotia.
You must have graduated from a Designated Learning Institution in Nova Scotia or community college.
You will be required to own and operate a business in the province on a valid Post-Graduation Work Permit to earn a certificate of nomination.
You need to own at least 1/3 of the business and create at least 1 full time job opportunity for a Canadian or permanent resident.
Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Business
Program (NLPNP)
International Entrepreneur Category
