Business and Investment Immigration

The Business and Investment Immigration Program seeks to attract experienced business people to Canada who will support the development of a strong and prosperous Canadian economy. Business immigrants are expected to make investment or to own and manage businesses in Canada, and must meet certain experience and/or net worth criteria.

The Entrepreneur Start-Up Visa Program

The Start-Up Visa program grants permanent residence to immigrant entrepreneurs while assisting them to become established in Canada.

Eligibility Requirements

In order to be eligible, applicants for a Start-Up Visa must meet the following requirements:

  • Meet minimum language requirements in English or French with the IELTS score of 5.5
  • Have sufficient funds to settle in Canada
  • Plan to settle in a province other than the Province of Quebec
  • Pass Canadian security and medical clearances
  • Letter of support through a designated organization in Canada and
  • Show your business meets ownership requirements
  • No more than five foreign nationals may apply for permanent residence as part of the same business venture under the Start-Up Visa Program

Investment detail

Successful applicants are required to secure a minimum investment for their Canadian start-up. If coming from a designated Canadian venture capital fund, the investment must be at least CAD 200,000.

Entrepreneur Visa Program (B.C)

The BC Entrepreneur Program is a getaway for qualified individuals and families to move to the Canadian Province of British Columbia and operate their business. The program is part of the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BCPNP) and is best suited for experienced business owners and managers who have the financial ability and knowledge to create or improve a Canadian business.

Personal Requirements to qualify:

  • have a personal net worth of at least CAD 600,000
  • demonstrate business and/or management experience
  • have or be eligible for legal immigration status in Canada
  • a post-secondary credential
  • Experience as an active business owner-manager with 100 per cent ownership of the business for at least three of the past five years. The 100 per cent ownership of the business may be shared between you, your spouse or common-law partner, and/or your dependent children
  • You must also have been lawfully admitted in the country where you currently reside
  • Meet minimum language requirements in English or French with the IELTS score of 5.5

To qualify you must:

  • establish an eligible new business or purchase and improve an existing business
  • make an eligible personal investment of at least CAD$200,000 in the business
  • create at least one new full-time job for a Canadian citizen or permanent resident in the business