Business and Investment Immigration

Canada offers the most established and most widely used investment-based immigration programs that grant permanent residency status.

Canada’s confederation system and the country’s social norms offer a “European alternative” to the tougher capitalism for the United States. Canada offers European-style social benefits with relatively high levels of taxes and an unparalleled quality of life. Under the Canadian model, business immigrants can enjoy the benefits of a national healthcare program, an affordable first-class education and a national pension system that provides a measurable annual income upon retirement.

Business immigration that offers permanent admission to Canada includes the Quebec Immigrant Investor Program (QIIP), the Quebec Entrepreneur Program, the Quebec Self-Employed program, several Provincial Entrepreneur Programs, the Federal Venture Capital Immigrant Pilot Program (IIVC) and the Federal Start-up Visa Program. While a lot of entrepreneur and self-employed programs target individuals who have medium-term net worth and intend to establish and operate a company in Canada, investor programs are suitable for high net worth individuals who wish to make a frozen or long-term investment and show a commitment to establish a business.

Additionally, wealthy business immigrants can buy or establish a new company in Canada and qualify for a temporary work visa, under federal “owner-operator” policies. After a period of time, applicants may qualify for permanent residency under an appropriate immigration program.

Federal

At the federal level, there are several programs related to business:

Buy business and move to Canada

Although it is not an official commercial program, it does allow wealthy immigrants to move to Canada with an Ottawa temporary work permit under owner-employer policies.

Candidates can purchase a well-established company and qualify for a work permit through the Temporary Foreign Worker Program.

Immigrant Venture Capital Program

This program was introduced to replace the Canadian Immigrant Investor Program, but its implementation was not successful.

Requirements include a $ 10 million personal guarantee and a $ 2 million investment for 15 years.

Start-up Visa Program

The Start-up Visa Program was established in 2013 and grants permanent residency and work permits to eligible immigrant entrepreneurs.

The program aims to recruit businessmen and connect them with private sector companies in Canada

After less than one year in Canada, candidates and their families can move into permanent residency.

Quebec Immigrant Investor Program

The Quebec Immigrant Investor Program is passive in nature, which means that individuals selected under its sponsorship are not required to establish or run a business in the province.

Instead, the program requires an investment of $ 1,200,000 in a specific (government guaranteed) investment. Applicants must have the intention to settle in the French-speaking province of Quebec.

A selection certificate from Quebec for Canada immigration is given to the successful applicants, it allows them to obtain Canadian permanent residency after health and criminality checks by federal immigration authorities.

The basic requirements are:

• A legally acquired personal net worth of $ 2 million
• Two years of appropriate administrative or business experience within the five years preceding the application.
• An investment of $ 1,200,000 USD in a passive investment guaranteed by the government for a period of 5 years without interest.
• Intent to settle in Quebec.

Quebec Entrepreneur Program for Immigrants

The Quebec Immigrant Entrepreneur Program aims to recruit individuals with the skills and experience to run a business in the province. The conditions for applying vary depending on the stream chosen.

The first stream

This stream consists of running a company in Quebec that the candidate has set up alone or with other partners (only 3 of them can be foreign nationals), with the support of a business accelerator, business incubator, or a university Entrepreneurship Center.

The second stream

To advance within the framework of this trend, the entrepreneur must control at least 25% of the shares of a new project, or at least 51% of the company that was acquired, and which must have an equivalent value or higher than the funds necessary to start the business.

Conditions include:

• A starting fund investment of $200,000 for a business outside the Montreal metropolitan area, or $300,000 for a business located in the Montreal metropolitan area.
• A minimum guaranteed deposit of $ 200,000.
• A net worth of 900,000 CAD obtained legally, alone or with a spouse if possible.

Within both tracks, successful candidates must obtain a minimum score in the selection network, which is characterized by criteria such as: age, education, language abilities, residence or family in Quebec and financial independence.

All candidates must present their business project in the form of a business plan.

Each year, the government accepts a limited number of applications in the Entrepreneur category.

Quebec Self-employed Program

To qualify under the Quebec Self-Employed Program, applicants must meet the following conditions that distinguish them from the Quebec Skilled Worker Program:

• Have two years of applicable experience in the profession they intend to pursue in Quebec.
• Possess a personal net wealth of $100,000.
• Have sufficient settlement funds to support themselves and their families.
• To make a start-up deposit of at least $50,000 if the self-employed candidate is residing in the Montreal metropolitan area, and $25,000 if the candidate is located outside of Montreal.

Just like skilled workers, self-employed applicants are evaluated based on several selection factors and must have sufficient points in order to qualify for the application.

British Columbia has 3 business lines:

• Business immigration.
• Entrepreneur Immigration – Regional Pilot.
• Business migration – strategic projects.

Business Immigration

Requirements

• Establish a qualified new business or purchase and improve an existing business in British Columbia.
• An investment of at least $200,000 in a new or existing business.
• Create at least one new full-time job for a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
• The personal net worth shouldn’t be less than $600,000.
• Level 4 in Canadian language: in English or French in each of the four competencies: listening, speaking, reading and writing, by the time of nomination.
• Business and / or management experience.
• You have or are eligible for legal immigrant status in Canada.
• You are legally accepted in the country in which you are currently residing.
• Pay $300 registration fee, $3,500 application fee, and $1,000 per application for key employees.

The Process

1) Registration

Complete the online registration including a short project introduction and pay a non-refundable $300 fee. Candidates are registered based on the information they provide and placed in a group for a period of 6 months or 180 days, or until they receive an invitation.

2) Invitation

British Columbia holds regular draws, on average, once a month for a stream of entrepreneurs. Candidates who are invited to apply have 4 months to submit a complete application. The result takes into account knowledge of English, age and Canadian work experience. Candidates can improve their score while in the pool, including by submitting a new project idea.

3) Net worth review

Candidates who receive an invitation to apply will have their net worth reviewed by a qualified supplier who is a professional chartered accountant. The review includes the amount and source of funds and supporting documents. The candidate is responsible for all costs.

4) Application

Candidates have 4 months, or 120 days, to submit an application once they receive an invitation. Candidates may be required to attend an interview. Accredited applicants must sign a performance agreement with British Columbia after which they have 20 months or 610 days to implement their business proposal.

5) Building the Business

Candidates receive a letter of support from British Columbia to apply to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada for a two-year work permit. Candidates and their families must arrive in British Columbia with a valid work permit within 12 months or 365 days of receiving the confirmation letter. The 20 months period specified for implementing the project begins when the candidate lands. At the end of the period, candidates must submit a final report to the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program.

6) Nomination for permanent residency

Candidates who fulfill the conditions of their Performance Agreement are nominated for permanent residency in Canada by British Columbia.

Dependents (if there are any) will receive nominations as well.

Entrepreneur Immigration – Regional Pilot

The British Columbia Entrepreneur Immigration Program – Regional Pilot aims to attract entrepreneurs to the province’s rural areas.

It is initially a two-year trial, with registration open in early 2019.

The Regional Pilot is only for entrepreneurs who want to start a new business. Those wishing to purchase an established company should consider the main business immigration stream.

The most important characteristics

1) Community participation

Participating communities are actively involved in attracting foreign entrepreneurs and helping them settle down after their arrival.

2) BC PNP Referrals

Communities can refer foreign entrepreneurs to BC PNP. Candidates must have visited the community and have proposals and business ideas consistent with the community’s economic priorities.

3) Community concierge

Participating communities can benefit from BC PNP Community Concierge

4) Invitations and prioritization

The Register of Referred Candidates is a separate pool in BC PNP. Monthly invitations are issued to the best candidates. Those invited received priority processing.

Community requirements

• A population of less than 75,000 inhabitants.
• Located more than 30 km from a municipality of more than 75,000 inhabitants.
• Demonstrated ability to support foreign entrepreneurs with a network of settlement and business support agencies.
• Immigration training must be completed by community representatives.

Candidate requirements

• Desire to start a business and settle down in a British Columbia regional community.
• Complete an exploratory visit.
• A minimum of $100,000 in eligible business investments.
• The minimum personal net worth is $30,000.
• Minimum 51% of ownership.
• Create at least one new job.
• Canadian Language – Level Four – in English or French in each of the four competencies: listening, speaking, reading and writing.

Business Immigration – strategic projects

This program helps foreign companies establish eligible businesses in British Columbia. With timely entry for foreign administrative, professional or technical personnel who intend to become permanent residents of Canada and settle in British Columbia.

Company requirements

• An investment of a minimum of $500,000 to establish, or purchase and expand a qualified business activity in British Columbia.
• Provide at least 3 new jobs for Canadian citizens or permanent residents for each proposed foreign principal (up to a maximum of 5 key employees).
• Creating, or purchasing and expanding a company in British Columbia.

Application process

1. An exploratory visit.
2. Discuss the project with BC PNP officials and record the company’s interest in progress.
3. Apply

The Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program has two main categories of business: Entrepreneur Stream and International Graduate Entrepreneur Stream.

Entrepreneur Stream

• Expression of interest
• Call to submit an application
• Nomination

Successful candidates initially come to Canada with a temporary work permit. They become eligible to apply for a nomination after spending at least 6 months establishing their business.

An Expression of Interest must meet the following minimum entry requirements:

• A legally obtained net worth of at least $500,000.
• Minimum of 3 years’ experience in entrepreneurship or related management experience.
• An investment of at least $300,000 in Regina or Saskatoon, or $200,000 in any other region in Saskatchewan.

Candidates enter a pool where they obtain a score. Candidates with the highest scores are invited to apply.

Applications must include:

• A business incorporation plan confirming expressions of interest, and including at least one-third of the ownership of a Saskatchewan company, unless the investment is $1 million or more.
• A commitment to be active in the day-to-day running of business.
• Create two or more jobs for Canadian citizens or permanent residents if the business is located in Regina or Saskatoon.

International Graduate Entrepreneur Stream: Requirements

Requirements for submitting an Expression of Interest (EOI) File:

• Be at least 21 years old
• Have completed a full-time Saskatchewan post-secondary degree or diploma of at least two years from a recognized and eligible Saskatchewan institution
• Have a valid postgraduate work permit with at least 24 months of eligibility remaining
• Have lived in Saskatchewan during your academic program
• The minimum CLB level must be 7

Requirements for establishing a business

• Live in Saskatchewan
• Owning and operating an eligible business in Saskatchewan for at least one year prior to applying for a nomination.
• Owning at least one-third of the company’s equity.
• Proof that the company generates the minimum amount of revenue required after one year of operation, depending on the number of employees.
• Signing a business performance agreement with the government of Saskatchewan, which SINP will provide to you after approval of your application.

The Alberta International Graduate Entrepreneur Immigration Stream program is aimed at international graduates from post-secondary institutions in Alberta who wish to establish or operate businesses in the province.

Candidates must initially establish or operate their business for at least 12 months while in Alberta under a work permit before they can be nominated by the Alberta Immigrant Placement Program for permanent residency once they fulfill the terms of the Business Performance Agreement.

Alberta Self-employed Farmers Stream

The Alberta self-employed farmer stream is managed by AINP in association with Alberta Agriculture and Forestry, and targets applicants with farm management skills and sufficient financial resources to invest in an Alberta agribusiness.

The Manitoba Business Investor Stream

The program is aimed at qualified international business investors and entrepreneurs. Candidates are initially issued a temporary work permit and must have the intention and ability to start or purchase a business in Manitoba within two years of arrival. There are paths for entrepreneurs and farm investors.

1. A) Entrepreneurs Stream

This program is for applicants wishing to open a business in Manitoba. Candidates are issued a temporary work permit at the beginning. They are nominated for permanent residency after establishing a company that fulfills the terms of the business performance agreement. Priority is given to candidates who start their business outside of Winnipeg.

1. B) The farm investor stream

For applicants wishing to open and operate a farm in rural Manitoba. Candidates are issued a temporary work permit at the beginning. They are nominated for permanent residency after establishing a company that fulfills the terms of the business performance agreement.

Corporate Stream in Ontario

The Ontario corporate stream is aimed at well-established international corporations wishing to expand into Ontario or purchase an existing business in Ontario. If an international company establishes itself in Ontario and adheres to the rules of the program, then 5 key members of the company necessary for the establishment, operation and success of the business may be nominated by the Ontario government for permanent residency. Once nominated, the applicant is eligible to apply for permanent residence in Canada.

Ontario Entrepreneur Stream

The Ontario Entrepreneur Stream is aimed at individuals from outside of Canada who wish to start a business or purchase a company already located in Ontario. Those who are approved for the program will be nominated for Canadian permanent residency. Once nominated, the applicant is eligible to apply for permanent residence in Canada.

The Provincial Nominee Program in New Brunswick runs an Entrepreneurship and Postgraduate Entrepreneurship Stream targeting professionals and alumni from institutions of New Brunswick.

Entrepreneurial stream requirements

• You have an eligible connection to New Brunswick.
• Age between 22 and 55 years old.
• Post-secondary education certificate or diploma, with a minimum of two years.
• Score at least level 5 in the standard Canadian language test for speaking, listening, reading and writing in English or French.
• Complete at least two years of full-time post-secondary education.
• A legally acquired personal net worth of not less than $600,000, of which $300,000 must be available with non-burdensome liquidity.
• Investing at least $250,000 in a company in New Brunswick, and acquiring ownership of at least 33%.
• Signing a business performance agreement with the provincial government of New Brunswick and paying a deposit of $ 10,000.
• Businesses should create significant economic benefits for New Brunswick.
• Demonstrated work experience – either 3 years of ownership or 5 years of senior management experience in the past five years.
• Submit a business concept from 1000 to 1500 words.
• To make an exploratory visit to New Brunswick, or to participate in an information session offered by the New Brunswick provincial government.
• Intend to live permanently in New Brunswick.

Entrepreneurship track requirements after graduation

• Age between 22 and 40 years old.
• Scoring at least level 7 in the Canadian language test for speaking, listening, reading and writing in English or French.
• Complete at least two years of full-time post-secondary education at a designated university or community college in New Brunswick.
• You have lived in New Brunswick for the duration of the course (distance learning courses are not eligible).
• 100% owning and managing a business for a full year.
• Possess a valid postgraduate work permit.
• Intend to live permanently in New Brunswick.

Work permit stream

Individuals applying under this stream must obtain a Canadian work permit and work for a company on Prince Edward Island for a certain period of time as specified in the performance agreement.

After fulfilling the performance agreement, the applicant must invest at least $150,000 in a business and commit to running the business on a daily basis from within PEI

Previously, PEI ran direct permanent residence business streams, but it was closed in September 2018 due to immigration fraud concerns.

The Northwest Territories business stream is aimed at entrepreneurs with commercial experience and venture capital, who wish to purchase or start a business in the region.

Business stream in the Northwest Territories:

Requirements

Investment:

• A minimum of $300,000 in equity to start or purchase a business within the boundaries of Yellowknife, NWT
• A minimum of $150,000 in equity to start or purchase a business outside the boundaries of Yellowknife, NWT

Have personal net worth:

• A minimum of $500,000 if starting or purchasing a company within the boundaries of Yellowknife, NWT
• A minimum of $250,000 if starting or purchasing a company outside the boundaries of Yellowknife, NWT

The Nova Scotia Entrepreneur Stream targets candidates with business ownership or senior management experience. They must live in Nova Scotia, start a new business or purchase an existing company, and be actively involved in the day-to-day running of that business.

Under the business stream, candidates are first issued with a temporary work permit before applying for permanent residency after the company has been operating for a year. The stream uses the Expression of Interest, in which candidates in the group are invited to present.

Business Entrepreneur Stream: Candidate Requirements:

• Be 21 years of age or over.
• Intend to live permanently in Nova Scotia while actively owning and running a company in Nova Scotia.
• Minimum net worth of $60,000.
• The minimum investment is $150,000 to set up or buy a company in Nova Scotia.
• At least 3 years of experience in business management and actively owning it (33% of ownership as a minimum) or more than 5 years of experience in a senior business management role.
• Score at least 5 on the Canadian language test in speaking, listening, reading and writing in English or French.

The International Graduate Entrepreneur Category

Basic requirements:

• Open to immigrants wishing to start, join or run a business in the province.
• Graduation from Memorial University or College of the North Atlantic.
• Complete a program of at least two years.
• Obtaining the standard level 7 in one of the official languages ​​of Canada.
• Experience of at least one year in managing or owning a company in the province.
• Candidates must establish themselves and their work on a temporary work permit, before they are nominated for permanent residency after at least one year.
• There are no pre-investment requirements.

International Entrepreneur Category

Basic requirements:

• It is open to immigrants between the ages of 21 and 59.
• Transferring $500,000 of net business and personal assets to the province.
• Two years of business administration experience.
• Candidates must establish themselves and their businesses on a temporary work permit, before they are nominated for permanent residency after at least one year.

The Yukon Business Nominee Program allows entrepreneurs to own and operate their business in Yukon.

Candidates initially come to Yukon with a two-year work permit before being nominated for permanent residency if they successfully establish their business.

Yukon Business Nomination Program:

Requirements

• The legally acquired net worth should not be less than $ 500,000, documented by an accounting firm in Yukon.
• A minimum of $ 300,000 legally acquired liquid assets, documented by an accounting firm in Yukon.
• An investment of at least $ 300,000 in capital investments for the company in the first two years.
• This does not include any capital investments made prior to admission to the Yukon Business Nomination Program.
• Capital investments include purchases such as property or equipment. It does not include purchases such as home and vehicles, of which only a part is allocated to business, and operating or maintenance expenses.