Start A Business
Canada welcomes successful business people who are seeking new opportunities and challenges. The Business Immigration Program is designed to encourage and facilitate the admission of these individuals. Both the federal and provincial/territorial governments welcome business immigrants and offer services to help immigrants start a business and settle in Canada.
Federal Startup Visa Program
This program grants PR to entrepreneurs who have an innovative start-up business idea. To qualify under this program, you need:
- Letter of support by the Designated organization (designated angel investor group or venture capital fund or business incubator)
- A minimum financial commitment of $200,000 from a venture capital fund or $75,000 from an angel investor or acceptance into a business incubator program.
- The organization will send a letter of support to the candidate and a commitment certificate to IRCC.
- Language requirements of CLB 5+ in English or French.
- Proof of sufficient settlement funds.
- Up to 5 applicants for one Business are allowed if: each holds at least 10% voting rights and jointly with the designated organization hold more than 50% voting rights.
Self Employed Immigration
This is a Government of Canada program to attract artists and athletes from around the world to contribute to Canada’s cultural and athletic industries.
- The Self-Employed Visa program has been designed for people who can demonstrate relevant artistic or athletic experience that allowed them to be self-employed in their own country.
- They should also be able to prove that they will be able to support themselves financially as self-employed workers while in Canada.
- There is no minimum net worth requirement.
- Minimum 2 years’ experience in your field. Ideally 5 years.
Quebec Investor Program
Eligibility criteria
- Have, alone or with your accompanying spouse or de facto spouse, legally acquired net assets of at least C$2,000,000, excluding any amounts received by donation less than six months before your application is submitted
- Have management experience for at least two years in the five years preceding the application for selection. This experience must include duties related to the planning, management and control of financial, human or material resources under your authority. This does not include experience acquired in an apprenticeship, training or specialization leading to a diploma
- Intend to settle in Québec
- Sign an investment agreement with a financial intermediary (broker or trust company) authorized to participate in the Investor Program
- Make a five-year term investment of C$1,200,000 with Investissement Québec – Immigrants Investisseurs Inc. (Financing available)
- Obtain, by the prescribed deadline, an attestation of learning about democratic values and the Québec values.
Program Highlights
- The investment of C$1,200,000 for a five-year term is guaranteed by the Government of Québec.
- Brokers and trust companies offer the possibility of financing the investment.
- At the end of the five-year term, the broker or trust company will reimburse the applicant C$1,200,000 without interest, within 30 days. However, the amount reimbursed may vary if the applicant secured financing for the investment.
Provincial Entrepreneur Programs
All Canadian provinces offer their own business entrepreneur immigration programs, through which Business persons can settle in that province.
