Business Class
Federal Start-up Visa Program
The federal program known as the Start-up Visa Program requires applicants to meet certain criteria. In order to be eligible, applicants must have a qualifying business, obtain a letter of support from a designated organization, meet language requirements, and bring sufficient funds to settle in Canada.
A qualifying business is defined as one in which the applicant holds at least 10% of the voting rights attached to all shares of the corporation, and the designated organization and applicants jointly hold more than 50% of the total voting rights. The business must also be managed actively and ongoing from within Canada, an essential part of its operations must occur in Canada, and it must be incorporated in Canada.
Applicants must also obtain a letter of support from a designated organization, which can be achieved by convincing the organization that their business idea is worth supporting. Each organization has its own requirements for pitching ideas, such as presenting the concept in person or submitting a detailed business plan. If the investment comes from a designated Canadian venture capital fund, you must secure a minimum investment of $200,000. If the investment comes from a designated Canadian angel investor group, you must secure a minimum investment of $75,000. You don’t need to secure a financial investment from a business incubator. You must be accepted into a Canadian business incubator program.
Language requirements must also be met, with a language test from an approved agency showing a minimum level of the Canadian Language Benchmark 5 in speaking, reading, listening, and writing in either English or French.
Finally, applicants must have the funds to support themselves and their dependents upon arrival in Canada, with proof of sufficient funds required upon application. The government does not provide financial support to new start-up visa immigrants.
Federal Self-employed Program
The Self-Employed Program is part of Canada’s immigration system and is specifically designed for individuals who are self-employed in cultural or athletic field. To be eligible for the program, applicants must have relevant experience in one of these fields and intend to continue their self-employment activities in Canada.
You may be eligible if you
- have participated in cultural activities or athletics at a world-class level, or
- have been self-employed in cultural activities or athletics.
This can include having at least two years of experience as a self-employed person in cultural activities or athletics, or participating at a world-class level in these fields. Examples of cultural activities can include music, arts, writing, dance, photography, while athletics can include sports such as soccer, basketball, hockey, or other competitive sports. Meeting these criteria, along with other program requirements, can make you eligible for the Self-Employed Program in Canada.
In addition to meeting the experience and intent requirements, applicants must get get a minimum of 35 points out of 100 to be eligible for this program. They also need to demonstrate their ability to support themselves and any accompanying family members in Canada. This includes having sufficient funds to establish themselves in Canada, as well as meeting other immigration requirements such as health and security checks.
Successful applicants under the Self-Employed Program are granted permanent residency in Canada, which allows them to live and work in the country indefinitely. However, it’s important to note that the program has specific eligibility criteria and a competitive application process, and meeting the requirements does not guarantee approval. Applicants are advised to thoroughly review the program requirements and seek professional assistance if needed to ensure a successful application.
Selection Criteria and Scoring System:
| Selection Criteria | Maximum Points |
| Education | 25 |
| Experience | 35 |
| Age | 10 |
| Ability in English/French | 24 |
| Adaptability | 6 |
| Total: 100 |
Provincial Entrepreneur Immigration
Canadian provincial entrepreneur immigration programs are immigration programs that allow foreign
entrepreneurs to settle and establish a business in a specific Canadian province. Each province in Canada has its own entrepreneur immigration program, with unique eligibility criteria and requirements.
These programs aim to attract entrepreneurs who can contribute to the economic growth of the province by creating jobs and increasing productivity. They are designed to help foreign entrepreneurs start or acquire an existing business, and to obtain permanent residency in Canada.
The provincial entrepreneur immigration programs require applicants to submit a business plan that demonstrates their experience, expertise, and financial resources. Applicants may also be required to make an investment in the business or meet other financial requirements.
Once an application is approved, the entrepreneur is usually granted a temporary work permit and given a set period of time to establish the business in the province. If the business meets the program’s requirements and generates the expected economic benefits, the entrepreneur can then apply for permanent residency.
Compare entrepreneur program in different provinces:
Province | Job Creation Requirement | Investment Requirement | Language Requirement | Net Asset Requirement |
British Columbia | At least one new job or business purchase | At least CAD $300,000 | CLB 4 or equivalent | Minimum personal net worth of CAD $600,000 |
Alberta （rural stream) | Create at least one full-time job for Canadian citizens or permanent residents for at least 6 months | Minimum investment of CAD $100,000 in equity； Ownership requirements vary based on new business (51% ownership) or succession (100% ownership). Job creation is mandatory for new businesses but not for succession. | CLB 4 for English or NCLC 4 for French | Net worth of CAD $300,000; Investment of $100,000 |
Saskatchewan | Create at least two jobs | Minimum CAD $300,000 investment | CLB 4 or equivalent | Minimum net worth of CAD $500,000 |
Manitoba | Create at least one job | Minimum CAD $250,000 investment | CLB 4 or equivalent | Minimum net worth of CAD $500,000 |
Ontario | Create at least one or two jobs | Minimum personal investment of CAD $600,000 or CAD $200,000 | CLB 4 or equivalent | Minimum personal net worth of CAD $800,000 or CAD $400,000 |
Quebec | Create at least one job | Invest at least CAD $200,000 or acquire a business of at least CAD $300,000 | Intermediate proficiency in oral French | Minimum net worth of CAD $100,000 |
Prince Edward Island | Create at least one job | Invest at least CAD $150,000 | CLB 4 or equivalent | Minimum personal net worth of CAD $600,000 |
Nova Scotia | Create at least one job | Invest at least CAD $150,000 | CLB 5 or equivalent | Minimum personal net worth of CAD $600,000 |
Nova Scotia Entrepreneur Program
Entrepreneur Program
The Nova Scotia Entrepreneur Program requires applicants to be at least 21 years old, have a net worth of at least $600,000 CAD, invest at least $150,000 CAD to establish a business in Nova Scotia, and have at least 3 years of experience actively managing and owning a business. Applicants must also have a score of at least 5 on the Canadian Language Benchmark in English or French and receive an Invitation to Apply from the Nova Scotia Office of Immigration.
International Graduate Entrepreneur Stream
The International Graduate Entrepreneur Stream is a program designed for recent graduates from a Nova Scotia university or the Nova Scotia Community College who have started or purchased a Nova Scotia-based business and have actively managed it for at least one year. Candidates must meet certain requirements such as having at least one year of continuous experience actively managing and owning their current Nova Scotia-based business, completing a degree or diploma after at least two academic years of full-time, in-person study at a university in Nova Scotia or the Nova Scotia Community College, Applicants must also have a score of at least 5 on the Canadian Language Benchmark in English or French and receive an Invitation to Apply from the Nova Scotia Office of Immigration, and having a valid post-graduation work permit, among others.
Requirements for the Nova Scotia Entrepreneur Program and the International Graduate Entrepreneur Stream:
| Requirement | Nova Scotia Entrepreneur Program | International Graduate Entrepreneur Stream |
|---|---|---|
| Age | At least 21 years old | 2-year NS diploma holder or higher |
| Net worth | At least $600,000 CAD | N/A (assumed to be lower than Entrepreneur Program) |
| Investment | At least $150,000 CAD | N/A (assumed to be lower than Entrepreneur Program) |
| Business ownership/management | At least 3 years | At least 1 year |
| Education | N/A (assumed to have completed some form of post-secondary education) | Completed a degree or diploma after at least two academic years of full-time, in-person study at a university in Nova Scotia or the Nova Scotia Community College |
| Language proficiency | At least 5 on the Canadian Language Benchmark in English or French | At least 5 on the Canadian Language Benchmark in English or French |
| Post-graduation work permit | N/A (not required for Entrepreneur Program) | Must have a valid post-graduation work permit |
| Expression of Interest (EOI) | Required | Required |
| Provincial point system evaluation | Yes | Yes |
| Job creation potential | Evaluated | Evaluated |
| Nomination from province | Required | Required |
| Application to IRCC for PR | Required | Required |
If you submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) and your score is high enough in the provincial point system, you may be invited to apply for permanent residency through the provincial entrepreneur immigration program.You will need to submit a complete application, including all required documents and fees, within a specified period of time.
The provincial point system evaluates your eligibility based on factors such as your age, education, language proficiency, work experience, net worth, business investment, and job creation potential.
Your application will be reviewed by the provincial government, which will consider factors such as the viability and economic benefits of your proposed business. If your application is approved, you will receive a nomination from the province, which will allow you to apply for permanent residency with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
New Brunswick Entrepreneur Program
The New Brunswick Entrepreneur Program is designed for experienced entrepreneurs who want to immigrate to New Brunswick and actively manage a business. To be eligible, candidates must meet the following criteria:
| Requirement | New Brunswick Entrepreneur Program |
|---|---|
| Ownership and management | At least 33.33% ownership and assume an active senior management role in the business |
| Investment | Make an eligible business investment of not less than CAD $250,000 before tax |
| Business establishment/purchase | Establish a new business or purchase an existing private-sector, for-profit business with the primary purpose of earning profits through the sale of goods and/or services on a permanent basis |
| Business focus | The business should create value-added manufacturing or processing for New Brunswick exports, enhance research and development, develop new products/services or innovative approaches to traditional businesses, and/or use new technologies |
| Job creation | Create at least two full-time jobs for permanent residents or citizens of Canada living in New Brunswick |
| Exploratory visit | Make an exploratory visit to the province for a minimum of five full business days to assess the viability of the business |
Note: There may be additional requirements or criteria that are not mentioned in the prompt.
Saskatchewan Entrepreneur Program
Entrepreneur Category
The Entrepreneur Category is designed for foreign nationals who want to start or partner in a business in Saskatchewan and be actively involved in its management while residing in the province. The nomination process involves four steps: submitting an Expression of Interest (EOI) to the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP), being selected and invited to submit an application, establishing a business, and ultimately receiving a nomination.
International Graduate Entrepreneur Category
The International Graduate Entrepreneur Category is for international students who have graduated from a Saskatchewan institution and want to become entrepreneurs. The process is the same, with candidates submitting an EOI and going through a selection process based on points. If invited to apply, they can start, obtain or partner in a business in Saskatchewan and be actively involved in managing it while living in the province.
Newfoundland Labrador
There are two entrepreneur categories under NLPNP: International Graduate Entrepreneur category and the International Entrepreneur category:
| Category | International Graduate Entrepreneur | International Entrepreneur |
|---|---|---|
| Eligibility | Graduated from a Memorial University or College of the North Atlantic | No education requirement |
| Age requirement | At least 21 years old | At least 21 years old |
| Business plan requirement | Yes, with supporting financial documentation verified by a recognized third-party professional service | Yes, with supporting financial documentation verified by a recognized third-party professional service |
| Degree requirement | Yes, completed a degree or diploma after at least two academic years of full-time, in-person study at Memorial University or College of the North Atlantic | No degree requirement |
| Work permit requirement | Yes, must have a valid post-graduate work permit | No work permit requirement |
| Ownership requirement | Must currently actively own and manage a business with at least 33.3% ownership for at least one year | Must own and manage a business or have at least 33.3% ownership for at least three years |
| Job creation requirement | Must create at least one full-time equivalent job for a Canadian citizen or permanent resident in Newfoundland and Labrador | Must create at least two full-time equivalent jobs for Canadian citizens or permanent residents in Canada |
| Language requirement | Must have a score of at least 7 on the Canadian Language Benchmark in speaking, listening, reading and writing in English or French | Must demonstrate proficiency in English or French |
| Priority consideration | Applicants intending to support regional economic development or focus on high-demand industries or sectors will receive priority consideration | Applicants intending to support regional economic development or focus on high-demand industries or sectors will receive priority consideration |
| Streams | Starting a new business and Purchasing an existing business | Starting a new business and Purchasing an existing business |
| Ineligible businesses | Same | Same |
| Ineligible applicants | Same | Same |
Overall, the International Graduate Entrepreneur category has more specific eligibility requirements and a lower job creation requirement, as well as a specific degree requirement. The International Entrepreneur category, on the other hand, has no education requirement but a higher job creation requirement and a longer ownership requirement.
Ontario Entrepreneur Program
Stage 1: Register an expression of interest; submit an online application after being invited; attend a mandatory interview; and sign a performance agreement.
Stage 2: Apply for a temporary work permit; Establish your business with 20 months from the date you arrive in Ontario to implement your business plan and submit a final report; submit documentaions for nomination.
| Qualification | Stage 1 | Stage 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Business Experience | At least 24 months of full-time business experience as a business owner or senior manager | Must be actively involved in the day-to-day management activities of their business |
| Personal Net Worth | $800,000 or $400,000 | N/A |
| Personal Investment | $600,000 or $200,000 | N/A |
| Job Creation | Create at least one or two permanent full-time jobs for Canadian citizens or permanent residents | Must meet the commitments in your performance agreement |
| Business Visit | If purchasing an existing business, must make at least one business-related visit to Ontario within 12 months of registering an expression of interest | N/A |
| Continuous Business Operation | Business being purchased must have been in continuous operation by the same owner(s) for the previous 60 months | N/A |
| Ownership Transfer | Ownership of the business must be completely transferred to the applicant or any business partner, the previous owner(s) cannot retain any shares of the business | N/A |
| Investment towards Business Improvement | Applicant must use at least 10% of their personal investment towards improving or expanding the business in Ontario | N/A |
| Job Retention | Must keep all permanent, full-time jobs in the business prior to the transfer of ownership | N/A |
| Business Ownership | The proposed business must not have been previously owned/operated by current or former OINP business stream nominees | N/A |
| Language Proficiency | N/A | Benchmark (CLB) Level 4 or above |
| Residency | N/A | Applicants must physically live in Ontario for 75% of the time during which they are establishing their business. They must also receive a temporary work permit and arrive in Ontario within 12 months of receiving approval at Stage 1, and inform the program of their arrival within seven days. |
| Active Management | N/A | Applicants must be actively involved in the day-to-day management activities of their business |
| Performance Agreement | N/A | Applicants must meet all the commitments agreed to in their performance agreement, which are based on information provided in their EOI and business plan. |
BC PNP Entrepreneurs Immigration (EI)
BC Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) Entrepreneur Immigration (EI) is a way for international entrepreneurs wishing to immigrate to British Columbia (B.C.) to set up businesses that support innovation and economic growth in the province.
Entrepreneur Immigration is a “temporary to permanent” immigration pathway. That means that if you are approved, you will initially come to B.C. as a temporary resident, and then apply to stay permanently once you have successfully started a business.
– EI Base stream
Personal requirements
- personal net worth of at least CAD$600,000
- business and/or management experience; if no business experience, must have the equivalent of a 2-year post-secondary diploma
- basic English or French language skill equal to Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level 4 or higher
- have been lawfully admitted in the country where you currently live
- have, or be eligible for, legal immigration status in Canada
Business, job and investment requirements
- establish an eligible new business or buy 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
– EI Regional Pilot
Open a business in one of B.C.’s smaller communities. Through the EI Regional Pilot, the Province offers an immigration pathway for enterprising individuals.
To be qualified, you must:
- establish an eligible new business aligned with the priorities of the referring community
- show business and/or management experience
- have a personal net worth of at least CAD$300,000
- make an eligible personal investment of at least CAD$100,000 in the business
- create at least one new full-time job for a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
- demonstrate a minimum language proficiency of Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 4
- have, or be eligible for, legal immigration status in Canada
- have been lawfully admitted in the country where you currently live
– EI Strategic Projects
This stream enables foreign corporations to permanently transfer key staff with the corporate knowledge and expertise to B.C. The foreign corporation may apply for provincial nomination to support the permanent residence of up to five of its current senior employees. These employees will actively manage the B.C. operation.
To be eligible, the foreign corporation must:
- make a minimum equity investment of at least $500,000 directed toward the corporation’s operations in B.C.
- establish new or purchase and expand an eligible business in B.C.
- create at least three new full-time equivalent jobs for Canadian citizens or permanent residents for each foreign key staff member proposed (to a maximum of five key staff)
- Not in the list of ineligible businesses under the BC PNP EI program
To be eligible as key staff, the individual(s) must meet the following requirements:
- be current senior employees of the foreign corporation who have the qualifications and experience that are essential to establish and operate the business in B.C.
- is being appointed to an executive or senior managerial position, or has specialized knowledge essential to the proposed B.C. operation
- will be employed in a permanent full-time capacity at the B.C. operation
- is offered a wage commensurate with his/her expertise and consistent with industry and corporate compensation structures
The business will make an exploratory visit to BC and need to submit a comprehensive business proposal. After fulfilling its obligations under the executed Performance Agreement, the foreign corporation must submit a final report to the BC PNP to demonstrate how the company has met the terms and conditions of the Performance Agreement. The key staff(s) may apply for work permit and if they are nominated, for Permanent Residence.
Alberta AAIP Entrepreneur Stream
The AAIP has 4 streams for entrepreneurs who plan to live in Alberta and buy or start a business in the province:
Rural Entrepreneur Stream
Entrepreneurs who want to start a business or buy an existing business in a rural Alberta community can submit an Expression of Interest.
Graduate Entrepreneur Stream
International graduates of approved Alberta post-secondary institutions who want to start a business or buy an existing business can submit an Expression of Interest.
Farm Stream
Experienced farmers who plan to buy or start a farm in Alberta can apply for nomination.
Foreign Graduate Entrepreneur Stream
Foreign graduates who have a degree from a post-secondary institution outside of Canada and want to launch a start-up enterprise and innovative business can work with a designated agency to submit an Expression of Interest.