BUSINESS AND INVESTOR IMMIGRATION PROGRAM

Federal business immigration programs

There are two federal business immigration programs. One is the Self-Employed Persons Program; the other is the Start-Up Visa Program.

Self-Employed Persons Program

To immigrate as a self-employed individual, you must possess relevant experience and demonstrate that you intend to work for yourself once you’ve arrived in Canada. You must also score at least 35 points on the selection grid. The selection grid is a system that grades applicants based on education, experience, age, proficiency in English, French or English and French, and adaptability. The maximum one can score on the selection grid is 100 points.

You must also pass a medical examination and criminal and security checks if you intend to move to Canada.

Start-Up Visa Program

To be eligible for the Start-Up Visa Program, you must have a qualifying business and receive a letter of support from a business group approved to invest in or support start-ups. You will also need to meet the language requirements and have enough money to support yourself and any other family member who will be a part of your immigration application. Additionally, you must meet the admissibility requirements to enter Canada.

Investor immigration to Quebec

If you want to live in Quebec, you could apply for the Quebec Investor Program or the Quebec Entrepreneur Program.

Quebec Investor Program

The Investor Program requires that you have at least C$2,000,000 in legally acquired assets, excluding funds you received by donation less than six months before submitting your application. Additionally, you must sign an investor agreement and make a five-year investment
of C$1,200,000 with Investissement Québec – Immigrants Investisseurs Inc.

You must also possess at least two years of relevant management experience in the five years preceding your application and meet the province’s eligibility criteria and the admissibility requirements to enter Canada.

Quebec Entrepreneur Program

There are two streams of the Quebec Entrepreneur Program.

To apply for Stream 1, you must be moving to the province to create and operate a qualifying business with no more than three other foreign nationals who have applied for the same program.

Stream 2 of the Entrepreneur Program requires that you move to the province to create or acquire and operate a business. On your own or along with your spouse or de facto spouse, you will also need to have a minimum net worth of C $900,000. You must be able to show that you legally acquired the funds.

You must also meet the province’s eligibility criteria and Canada’s admissibility requirements.

Provincial Nominee Programs

Each province and territory has a Provincial Nominee Program. Some of these programs have categories for candidates with entrepreneurial or management experience. A successful provincial nomination typically allows a candidate to apply for permanent residence.

Eligibility requirements vary for each program. You must meet the eligibility criteria for whichever province or territory you are applying to, as well as Canada’s admissibility requirements.