Business & Investment immigration

For those individuals who are seeking to  make an investment in Canada or to start/acquire a business in Canada, there are  several options available to you. You can choose to  apply under the Federal Start-up Visa program or,  directly to a province/territory where you would like to live by selecting any one of the available  programs.

Below are tables detaining the various programs available for your consideration :

 

Federal Start-Up Visa Program

Program Start-Up Visa Program 
Minimum Net Worth N/A
Minimum Investment CAD $200,000 when the investment is provided by a  designated Canadian venture capital fund or designated incubators OR CAD $75,000 if it is provided by a designated Canadian angel investor group
Required Experience No specified  requirements
Expression Of Interest No
Managerial Role Required
Business Plan None
Exploratory Visit Not required
Interview Upon request by IRCC
Refundable Deposit Not required
PR/Work permit PR immediately
Additional Requirements Must have  support of a designated organization that will provide the applicant with a Letter of Support.

Provide   proof of sufficient funds to  support yourself  and your dependants upon  arrival in Canada.

Federal Self-Employed Persons Program

Program Self-Employed Person Program 
Minimum Net Worth N/A
Minimum Investment Not required
Experience Required At least 2 years of relevant cultural or athletic experience in the past 5 years
Expression Of Interest No
Managerial Role Required
Business Plan None
Exploratory Visit Not required
Interview Upon request by IRCC
Refundable Deposit Not required
PR/Work permit PR immediately
Additional Requirements English/French ability and work experience in a designated occupation

Provide proof  of  sufficient funds to support yourself and  your family members for at least one year arrival in Canada.

Obtain a minimum of 35 points out of 100 based on the five selection criteria and the program’s unique point system.

Alberta Self-Employed Farmer Stream

Program Alberta Self-Employed Farmer Stream
Minimum Net Worth CAD $500,000
Minimum Investment CAD $500,000 in a primary production farming business
Experience Farm management experience in an existing farm business
Expression Of Interest No
Managerial Role Required
Business Plan Required
Exploratory Visit Recommended
Interview Required
Refundable Deposit Not required
PR/Work permit PR after obtaining provincial nomination certificate
Additional Requirements Canadian financial institution must finance the proposed Alberta farming business

 

British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) — Entrepreneur Immigration Stream

Program BC PNP Entrepreneur Immigration
Minimum Net Worth CAD $600,000
Minimum Investment CAD $200,000 OR CAD $400,000 if proposing a Key Staff Member
Experience 3 + years of business ownership or management experience OR 4 + years of senior management experience OR 1+ year of business ownership & management experience and 2+ years of senior management experience within the last 10 years.
Expression Of Interest Yes (province publishes info on previous draws)
Managerial Role Required
Business Plan Required
Exploratory Visit Recommended
Interview Upon request of BC PNP
Refundable Deposit Not required
PR/Work permit Must complete a 2-year work period before Letter of Acceptance to apply for Permanent Residence (PR) is issued ; PR contingent upon successful  implementation of the business proposal
Additional Requirements Create at least one permanent, full-time job for a Canadian citizen or permanent resident with the proposed business

British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) — Entrepreneur Immigration — Regional Pilot

Program BC PNP Entrepreneur Immigration — Regional Pilot (launched on March 14, 2019)
Minimum Net Worth CAD $300,000
Minimum Investment CAD $100,000
Experience 3 + years of business ownership or management experience OR 4 + years of senior management experience OR1+ year of business ownership & management experience and 2+ years of senior management experience within the last 10 years.
Expression Of Interest Yes (province publishes info on previous draws)
Managerial Role Required
Business Plan Required
Exploratory Visit Strongly Recommended
Interview Upon request of BC PNP
Refundable Deposit Not required
PR/Work permit A minimum 12-month work permit period before nomination is required ; PR contingent on implementation of business proposal
Additional Requirements Community referral required to register; Must create at least one permanent, full-time job for a Canadian citizen or permanent resident

Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program — Business Investor Stream (Entrepreneur Pathway)

Program Manitoba Business Investor Stream — Entrepreneur Pathway
Minimum Net Worth CAD $500,000
Minimum Investment CAD $250,000 for a business in the Manitoba Capital Region

CAD $150,000 for a business  outside Manitoba Capital Region

Must be made in an eligible business AND  should  create or maintain at least one job for a Canadian citizen or a Permanent Resident in Manitoba (excluding owners of the business and/or their close relatives).

Experience Business ownership and management experience or executive-level experience in 3 of the past 5 years.  Business owners are awarded  higher points in comparison to senior managers.  Business owners must have at least 33.3% ownership to qualify.
Expression Of Interest Yes
Managerial Role Required
Business Plan Required
Exploratory Visit Business research visit must be conducted no more than one year prior to the submission of an EOI.
Interview Required
Refundable Deposit Not Required
PR/Work permit Temporary work permit; PR contingent on meeting program requirements
Additional Requirements Score 60+ points on assessment grid
CAD $100,000 refundable deposit is not a requirement anymore.

Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program — Business Investor Stream (Farm Investor Pathway)

Program Manitoba Business Investor Stream — Farm Investor Pathway
Minimum Net Worth CAD $500,000
Minimum Investment CAD $300,000 tangible assets to establish a farming business in rural Manitoba AND investments in a farm business operated primarily for the purposes of deriving passive investment income or speculative purposes are not eligible.
Experience Minimum of three years of farm business management or farm ownership and operation experience supported by verifiable documents.
Expression Of Interest System Yes
Managerial Role Required
Business Plan Required
Exploratory Visit Farm Business Research Visit required.
Interview Required
Refundable Deposit CAD $75,000
PR/Work permit Temporary work permit; PR contingent on meeting program requirements
Additional Requirements CAD $100,000 refundable deposit is no longer required.

New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP) — Entrepreneurial Stream

Program New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP) — Entrepreneurial Stream
Minimum Net Worth CAD $600,000
Minimum Investment CAD $250,000
Experience 3 out of 5 years or more in owning a business OR 5 out of 5 years or more in a senior business management role
Expression Of Interest Yes
Managerial Role Required
Business Plan Required, must be of economic benefit to the province
Exploratory Visit Required
Interview Required
Refundable Deposit CAD $100,000
PR/Work permit PR after obtaining provincial nomination certificate
Additional Requirements 22-55 years old
CLB 5 in English or French in reading, writing, listening and speaking

New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP) — Post-Graduate Entrepreneurial Stream

Program New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP) — Post-Graduate Entrepreneurial Stream
Minimum Net Worth N/A
Minimum Investment The applicant must have 100% ownership of the equity of the eligible business
Experience 6 or more years in the last 10 years in NOC O, A or B OR 1-5 years in the last 10 years in the NOC O, A or B
Expression Of Interest System Yes
Managerial Role Required
Business Plan May be requested (business must be of economic benefit to the province)
Exploratory Visit Not specified
Interview Required
Refundable Deposit Not specified
PR/Work permit PR after obtaining provincial nomination certificate
Additional Requirements 22-40 years old
Attain a CLB 7 in English or French in reading, writing, listening and speaking
Have a valid Post-Graduation Work Permit

Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP) — Entrepreneur Stream

Program Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP) — Entrepreneur Stream
Minimum Net Worth CAD $600,000
Minimum Investment CAD $150,000
Experience At least 3 years of business ownership experience including 33.3% ownership in the last 10 years OR 
+5 years as senior manager in the last 10 years
Expression Of Interest Yes
Managerial Role Required
Business Plan Required
Exploratory Visit Required for business succession only
Interview Required
Refundable Deposit Not required
PR/Work permit Must operate business for at least 1 year on work permit following nomination; PR contingent on meeting program requirements
Additional Requirements Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI)
The business must meet additional criteria
English/French minimum CLB 5

Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP) — International Graduate Entrepreneur Stream

Program Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP) — International Graduate Entrepreneur Stream
Minimum Net Worth N/A
Minimum Investment 100% ownership of the equity of the eligible business
Experience At least 1 continuous year of business ownership experience in Nova Scotia prior to EOI submission.
Must have obtained a degree of at least 2 years’ duration at a university/college in Nova Scotia
Expression Of Interest Yes (province may publish info on draws after future draws are made; EOI must be submitted while on valid work permit)
Managerial Role Required
Business Plan None
Exploratory Visit Required
Interview Required
Refundable Deposit Not required
PR/Work permit PR after obtaining provincial nomination certificate
Additional Requirements The business must meet additional criteria .
English/French minimum CLB 7

Northwest Territories Nominee Program — Entrepreneur Business Stream

Program Northwest Territories Nominee Program (NTNP) — Entrepreneur Business Stream
Minimum Net Worth For businesses in Yellowknife: CAD $500,000 OR for businesses outside Yellowknife: CAD $250,000
Minimum Investment In Yellowknife: CAD $300,000 & at least 33.3% ownership OR outside Yellowknife: CAD $150,000 & at least 33.3% ownership OR CAD $1,000,000 investment
Experience Relevant business experience required
Expression Of Interest System No
Managerial Role Required
Business Plan Required
Exploratory Visit Required
Interview Required
Refundable Deposit CAD $75,000
PR/Work permit 2-year work permit; PR contingent on meeting program requirements
Additional Requirements CLB 4 in English or French

Business must generate significant benefits for the Northwest Territories, including jobs for local residents.

Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) — Corporate Stream

Program Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP)  

 

 Corporate Stream

Minimum Net Worth None
Minimum Investment CAD $5,000,000 OR CAD $10,000,000 if the proposed business is a land development or a leasehold company
Experience The international corporation must have been established for at least 36 months at the time of application
Expression Of Interest System No
Managerial Role Required
Business Plan Required
Exploratory Visit Encouraged
Interview Required
Refundable Deposit Not required
PR/Work permit Applicant & key staff first obtain work permits; PR contingent on meeting program requirements
Additional Requirements Create 5 new jobs for a Canadian citizen or permanent resident per key staff member seeking nomination

Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) — Entrepreneur Stream

Program Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP)  

 

 Entrepreneur Stream

Minimum Net Worth Businesses in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA): CAD $1,500,000.

Businesses outside the GTA: CAD $800,000

Businesses in the ICT/Digital Communications sector (regardless of location): CAD $800,000

Minimum Investment In the GTA: CAD $1,000,000 and ownership of 33.3% of the business OR Outside the GTA: $500,000 and ownership of 33.3% of the business OR In the ICT/Digital Communications sector: $500,000 and ownership of 33.3% of the business
Experience At least 36 months of full-time business experience in the last five years as business owner or senior manager
Expression of Interest Yes
Managerial Role Required
Business Plan Required
Exploratory Visit Required for business succession only
Interview Required upon request of OINP
Refundable Deposit Not required
PR/Work permit Temporary work permit; PR contingent on meeting program requirements
Additional Requirements Sign a Performance Agreement with Ontario
English/French minimum CLB 4
Create at least 2 permanent, full-time jobs for a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident

Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program (PEI-PNP) – Work Permit Stream

Program Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program (PEI-PNP) – Work Permit Stream
Minimum Net Worth CAD $600,000
Minimum Investment N/A
Experience Management experience required
Expression Of Interest Yes
Managerial Role Required
Business Plan Required
Exploratory Visit Recommended
Interview Required
Refundable Deposit CAD $7,500 of $10,000 application fee is refunded if application is declined or withdrawn.
PR/Work permit Letter of support from the province to apply for a work permit.

Obtain nomination once all of the terms and conditions of Performance Agreement are met.

Additional Requirements CLB 4 in English or French; minimum education of secondary school equivalent

21-59 years old

Refundable Deposit CAD $200,000
PR/Work permit PR after obtaining provincial nomination certificate
Additional Requirements CLB 4 in English or French
21-59 years old

Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) – Entrepreneur Category

Program Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) – Entrepreneur Category
Minimum Net Worth CAD $500,000
Minimum Investment CAD $300,000 in Regina or Saskatoon and at least 33.3% ownership OR $200,000 in any other Saskatchewan community and at least 33.3% ownership OR CAD $1,000,000 investment or more
Experience At least 3 years’ experience as an entrepreneur or managing a business in the past 10 years
Expression of Interest Yes
Managerial Role Required
Business Plan Required
Exploratory Visit Required for business succession, joint ventures, and regional business opportunities
Interview Upon request by SINP
Refundable Deposit Not required
PR/Work permit 2-year work permit; PR contingent upon meeting program requirements
Additional Requirements Sign a Performance Agreement
Create 2+ employment opportunities if establishing a business in Regina or Saskatoon

Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) – Farm Owner/Operator Category

Program Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) – Farm Owner/Operator Category
Minimum Net Worth CAD $500,000
Minimum Investment N/A
Experience Farming operation ownership experience using agricultural practices similar to those used in Saskatchewan-based farming
Expression of Interest No
Managerial Role Required
Business Plan Farm Establishment Plan (FEP) required
Exploratory Visit Required
Interview Upon request
Refundable Deposit CAD $75,000
PR/Work permit PR after obtaining nomination certificate
Additional Requirements Submit a Farm Establishment Plan
Sign a Performance Agreement

Yukon Business Nominee Program (YBNP)

Program Yukon Business Nominee Program (YBNP)
Minimum Net Worth CAD $500,000 (including CAD $300,000 in liquid assets)
Minimum Investment CAD $300,000 and at least 1/3 ownership with a Canadian citizen or permanent resident partner
Experience Minimum of 3 years entrepreneurial/business management experience & minimum of 5 years relevant work experience
EOI System Yes
Managerial Role Required
Business Plan Required
Exploratory Visit Recommended, applicants are awarded points for past visits
Interview Required
Refundable Deposit Not required
PR/Work permit 2-year work permit; PR contingent on meeting program requirements
Additional Requirements Business must be in a strategic sector, as identified by the territory
Must score 65+ points on assessment grid

 

Fill out the Canada Visa Business & Investment immigration Assessment form, and we will get back to you with the next steps