Canadian Business Immigration Programs
Business immigration to Canada exists both at the federal level and at the provincial level. Quebec also has separate business immigration programs. Among the many programs for immigration to Canada for entrepreneurs, there are several types:
Programs for Start-Ups
Foreign start-ups can get permission to immigrate with funding and support from investors, as well as a unique business plan.
Programs for Investors
These immigration programs are designed for people who have the investment funds, which they are willing to invest in the Canadian economy in return for acquiring Canadian residency.
Programs for Entrepreneurs
Such programs are designed for enterprising foreigners who have their own capital and experience in managing a business. Such entrepreneurs may apply to open a business in Canada.
Programs for Self-Employed
These programs allow self-employed individuals with significant experience in certain cultural activities and professional sport to apply for immigration to Canada.
Federal Business Immigration Programs
The goal of Canadian business immigration programs is to promote the development of the Canadian economy and increase employment by attracting investors, entrepreneurs and innovative technologies. Canadian business immigration programs also aim to develop new business opportunities and improve access to growing overseas markets, welcoming people who are familiar with these markets.
To immigrate under the federal Start-Up Visa Program, you must have $200,000 CAD if the investment comes from a recognized Canadian venture fund or incubator, or have $75,000 CAD from Canadian angel investors. Alternatively, you can graduate from a business incubator program. Obtaining a permanent residence under this program occurs immediately after arriving in Canada.
Owner/Operator Immigration Pathway is not an immigration program. It is a combination of legal regulations that allows foreign businessmen to become permanent residents of Canada! To immigrate, you must acquire an existing or create a new business, obtain a positive LMIA decision, and obtain a work permit to work as a director of the business.
In order to immigrate under the Self-Employed Persons Program, you must have at least 2 years of relevant experience over the past 5 years as a professional artist or professional athlete. Your professional activity in culture or sport must be your main source of income. Obtaining a permanent residence under this program occurs immediately after arriving in Canada.
Provincial Business Immigration Programs
Most Provincial Business Immigration Programs are aimed at foreign entrepreneurs who are willing to open a new or purchase an existing business within a specific province. There are over a dozen different provincial programs for entrepreneurs, and the requirements of those programs, as well as investments amount, ownership parts, or net worth, vary from province to province.
Most Provincial Business Immigration Programs are aimed at foreign entrepreneurs who are willing to open a new or purchase an existing business within a specific province. There are over a dozen different provincial programs for entrepreneurs, and the requirements of those programs vary from province to province.
Some provinces promote business immigration streams for farmers and agri-food specialists. In these programs, you will need to demonstrate the ability to operate a farm and invest enough funds in your farm business.
In some provinces, there are programs for International Graduate Entrepreneurs. Such streams have been created to encourage the business initiatives of international students graduating from academic programs in those provinces.