Investor Visa
It is widely believed that Canada is one of the top 10 easiest countries to start a business in. This is due to the country being extremely rich in natural resources, having an immensely skilled labour force, and a stable government. If you would like to invest in your future and immigrate to Canada with your business venture, you have several Entrepreneur and Investor Visa options available to you, including the general Start-up Visa Program and the provincial-specific Nominee Program. If you are successful with your business immigration application, you and your family can move to Canada together.
Canada is on the lookout for newcomers who have the entrepreneurial experience, the talent, and the innovation to start, manage, or buy a business in the country. With new foreign investments, Canada can ensure the continued success of its economy through diversification and development. Let’s take a close look at the several Entrepreneur and Investor Visa options available for those who want to immigrate to Canada.
Start-up Visa Program
The Start-up Visa Program is a general Business Immigration or “Investor” Visa option that allows you to immigrate to Canada by starting a business anywhere in the country. You and your business will have to meet a set of requirements in order to be successful with your application. In general, your business must be innovative, create jobs for Canadians, and be able to compete internationally. While you wait for your application’s approval, you can also apply for a temporary work permit to keep you busy in Canada.
| Start-up Visa Program Requirements | |
|---|---|
| Business requirements | Once a designated organization commits to your business:
Once you receive permanent residence, you must make sure that:
|
| Letter of support | You must get a letter of support from a designated organization that proves they are willing to invest in and support your start-up. These organizations include:
|
| Language requirements | You must score a minimum of Canadian Language Benchmark level 5 in speaking, reading, listening, and writing in either English or French. |
| Settlement money | Because the Canadian government doesn’t give financial support to this “investor” visa, you will have to be able to prove that you have enough money to settle yourself and your family in Canada. |
Provincial Nominee Program Entrepreneur and Investor Visa Options
The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) gives every province and territory of Canada the power to invite applicants to come and live within their borders if they have the right skills and work experience. Most of the PNPs have at least one entrepreneur or investor visa category dedicated to people who want to who would like to expand or start their business in Canada. Want to know more about each province’s requirements? Check out our table below.
| Where do you want to start your business? | ||
|---|---|---|
| Alberta | British Columbia | Manitoba |
| New Brunswick | Nova Scotia | Northwest Territories |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | Ontario | Prince Edward Island |
| Saskatchewan | Yukon | |
Alberta
Alberta is a great place to start a business. Though it is home to the world’s 3rd most liveable city, Calgary, Alberta’s farmlands are where your investment options truly lie. The province is Canada’s second-largest agricultural producer and its diverse landscapes make the land perfect for crop production, livestock production, and much more. Currently, there is only one Investment Visa option available in Alberta – the Self Employed Farmer Stream.
Alberta Self Employed Farmer Stream
British Columbia
British Columbia has one of Canada’s most flexible, diverse, and competitive economies, making it a prime destination for your new or expanded business. The province’s capital, Vancouver is conveniently located to assist with global trade routes including the U.S., Asia, and Mexico. Businesses are also heavily supported by our fiscally responsible government, making it easier and cheaper to start a business in our province. Lastly, British Columbia is rich in business resources, including a well-educated workforce of over 2,4 million.
British Columbia currently has two Investor Visa options, the provincial nominee Entrepreneur Immigration Stream and the Regional Pilot Program. Both options have a unique set of criteria you will have to meet in order to start a business in Canada. Check them out below.
British Columbia Entrepreneur Immigration
British Columbia – Regional Pilot
Manitoba
Not too big and not too small sums up Manitoba quite accurately. If you are looking to start your business in smaller, welcoming communities, this is the province for you. Manitoba is a land of natural beauty filled with safe, clean, and friendly towns. The capital city, Winnipeg, is becoming known throughout the world for its strong economy, low cost of living, and opportunities for quality careers.
The cost of living in Manitoba is so low that 76% of immigrants become homeowners within the first five years of living in the province. This is surely one of many reasons why 95% of them permanently settle in Manitoba after immigrating to Canada.
The ever-popular Business Investor Stream currently has two investor visa pathways, the Entrepreneur Pathway, and the Farm Investor Pathway. Learn what you need to know to start your business in Manitoba below.
Manitoba Entrepreneur Pathway
Manitoba Farm Investor Pathway
New Brunswick
New Brunswick provides a backdrop of lush forests, clear lakes, majestic mountain ranges, and beautiful beaches to your new business. The world may know the province for the Bay of Fundy which has the world’s highest tides, but what many of us do not know is that New Brunswick has some of the best business opportunities in all of Canada.
A skilled labour force awaits your business in New Brunswick. The province has the highest graduation rate and the fastest internet in the country making it a prime spot for productivity. New businesses flourish in the province due to having the lowest operating costs in Canada and the U.S. For this reason, and many others, New Brunswick’s capital city, Fredericton, won the startup community of the year in 2016.
To start your business in New Brunswick, you will have to meet the requirements for either the Entrepreneurial Stream or the Post-Graduate Entrepreneurial Stream.
New Brunswick Entrepreneurial Stream
New Brunswick Post-Graduate Entrepreneurial Stream
Nova Scotia
It is important to keep sight of the important things in life like family when you plan your new business in Canada. For the ultimate balance between work, family, and relaxation, look no further than Nova Scotia. As one of Canada’s Atlantic provinces, Nova Scotia is in great need of innovative newcomers to start businesses in the province.
Nova Scotia has an abundance of natural resources which has created lucrative industries in agriculture, fishing, mining, forestry, and natural gas extraction. With so many resources at your disposal and a low cost of living, your business in the province will surely succeed. There are currently two Entrepreneur Visa options available in Nova Scotia.
Nova Scotia Entrepreneur
Nova Scotia International Graduate
Northwest Territories
Did you know the Northwest Territories is the world’s third-largest producer of diamonds? Way up north in Canada you will find this secret-filled territory famous for its aurora borealis sightings. Not only is this territory a marvel of nature but it’s also a prime spot for business. In the last few years, we have seen growth and success in the sectors of Agriculture, Fishery, and Manufacturing and with one of the lowest business tax rates and fastest-growing GDP’s in Canada, we will surely see continued success.
The Northwest Territories is home to an eager and well-trained workforce, in fact, the territory has the lowest unemployment rate in all of Canada. The government here recognizes the importance of business investment and has since created several incentive programs for business and investment.
If you want to start your business in Northwest Territories, you will need to qualify for the Business Stream.
Northwest Territories Business Stream
Newfoundland and Labrador
Small business enterprises run Newfoundland and Labrador’s economy, in fact, 40% of the entire population is employed by these businesses. Despite the many startups in the province, the region’s potential for business is still largely untapped.
Newfoundland and Labrador have developing tech industries and the landscape lends itself to adventure and ecotourism opportunities. Seeing as the province is in great need of a larger food supply, there is plenty of room to invest in the agricultural sector.
There are currently two new Entrepreneur and Investor Visa options available to those hoping to start a business in Newfoundland and Labrador, the International Entrepreneur and International Graduate Entrepreneur streams.
Newfoundland and Labrador International Entrepreneur
Newfoundland and Labrador International Graduate Entrepreneur
Ontario
Do you want access to the world’s most skilled labour force? Look no further than Ontario. 68% of adults living in Ontario have a post-secondary education, making it the most educated population in the world. Starting a business here will ensure that your employees come backed with some serious qualifications.
In Ontario, your business will also enjoy lower business costs compared to other business centers in the U.S. You will pay less corporate tax and your spending will be significantly lower on healthcare and housing. For this reason, and many others, two of Ontario’s biggest cities, Toronto and Ottawa, rank among the best places to live and work in the world.
If you would like to earn Canadian permanent residency by starting, investing, or purchasing a business in Ontario, you will have two options to choose from – the Ontario Corporate Stream and the Ontario Entrepreneur Stream.
Ontario Corporate Stream
Ontario Entrepreneur Stream
Prince Edward Island
Prince Edward Island (PEI) may be Canada’s smallest province, but its potential for business and economic growth knows no bounds. As one of the Maritime provinces, PEI is largely affected by the aging workforce that is sweeping the nation. For this reason, the province has turned to immigrants, specifically foreign entrepreneurs and investors, to help build the already growing economy.
The Government of PEI, recognizing the importance of new business development, offers many supportive initiatives, like the Ignition Fund, to entrepreneurs looking to start a new business in the province. With plenty of resources at your disposal and the relaxed atmosphere of the coastal towns, your business in PEI will surely flourish. The Prince Edward Island Work Permit is currently the only business visa option in the province.
Prince Edward Island Work Permit Stream
Saskatchewan
Saskatchewan is conveniently located in the center of Canada, two days journey from the United States. Thanks to its solid road, rail, and air transport infrastructure, the province is well suited to the manufacturing and distribution industries. With the lowest provincial tax in Canada and large reserves of resources in forestry, mining, agriculture, and energy sectors, your business will enjoy lower operating costs in Saskatchewan.
You should also consider starting a business in this prairie province because it has the third-largest percentage of young workers in Canada. Unlike other provinces that are suffering heavily from an aging workforce, in Saskatchewan, you will have your pick of skilled workers to help your business succeed.
Saskatchewan Entrepreneur Category
Saskatchewan Farm Owner and Operator Category
Saskatchewan Farm Owners and Operators – Young Farmer Stream
Yukon
Yukon is a truly unique region of Northern America. Many people refer to the territory as the last frontier due to its pristine natural landscape. Communities in Yukon are deeply connected to nature and you will most likely find them to be a group of friendly, active individuals who love to participate in outdoor activities.
Starting a business in Yukon gives you access to an abundance of resources and a terrain that is still largely untapped for business innovation. The Government of Yukon has identified the film, forestry, technology, mining, oil, gas, and tourism sectors as the primary business sectors of the province. A business targeting one of these sectors will have a great chance of success, especially with Yukoners (the population with the most holders of degrees per capita in Canada) in your workforce.
Yukon Business Nominee Program
Immigrant Investor Visa Program (Permanently Closed)
The Federal Immigrant Investor Program is no longer in operation. On June 19, 2014, this immigration program has ended and all applications that were left in the backlog have also been terminated.
To Be Eligible and Considered for Qualification as an Investor, an Individual Must Have:
- A net worth of at least $1.6 million;
- Managerial experience;
- Must be willing to make a government-secured investment of $800,000; and
- Financing of this investment is available through Canadian financial institutions
As an immigrant investor, you and your immediate family can obtain Canadian Immigration (Permanent Resident) Visas by investing $800,000 for a minimum of five years under the Federal Program. This is for applicants intending to reside anywhere in Canada, except for Quebec. The program is government-guaranteed, which means that your $800,000 will be reimbursed in full without interest at the end of the five years.
The investor visa applicant must have experience in management in an international agency, farming, commercial, industrial, or professional business.
FAQ 1: What is the minimum investment needed to apply through the Start-up Visa Program?
If the investment comes from a designated Canadian venture capital fund, you must secure a minimum investment of $200,000.
FAQ 2: How can I get support from a designated organization?
You’ll need to contact the designated organizations and find out how to get their support as each has its own requirements and process of how to pitch your idea. Once you’ve come to an agreement with an organization they will send you a letter of support.
FAQ 3: If I immigrate through the Start-up Visa Program, what happens if my business fails?
The Canadian government does understand that not all businesses will be a success and therefore the program is designed to share the risk between the public and private sectors. It’s good to note that your Canadian permanent residency won’t be affected if your business fails.
FAQ 4: Can I receive support from more than one organization?
Yes, you can receive support from multiple designated venture capital funds or angel investor groups, this is known as syndication. However, only one letter of commitment will be provided to the Canadian government from a designated organization as well as one letter of support.
If you want to earn permanent residence for you and your family through one of Canada’s entrepreneur and investor visa programs, our professional Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants (RCICs) and account managers will ensure that your visa documentation is submitted correctly and on time. Our consultants will also advise you on the visa options best suited to your individual profile. Contact us today to begin your investor visa application process.
Immigration FAQ’s
Your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) is based on the following factors:
- Provincial Nomination;
- Offer of employment;
- Core capital factors;
- Your common-law partner or spouse;
- Skill transferability;
- Previous Canadian study experience;
- Siblings in Canada; and
- French and English Ability
Provincial Nomination (600 Points)
600 points are awarded for an enhanced Nominee certificate from a province in Canada through the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).
Job Offers (50-600 Points)
A Canadian job offer will also earn you points; the number of points is based on the NOC level of the particular job.
Core Human Capital Factors (600 Points)
These take into account your level of education, for example:
- Certificate;
- Diploma; or
- Degree
If you intend to gain higher qualifications, your score will increase. This same point system applies to your legal partner or spouse if you applied together.
Language (150 Points)
Improving your language skills in either English or French through a recognized Canadian institution can also raise your CRS score.
Work Experience
The more experience you have, the more points you earn. This also applies to your legal partner or spouse.
You must:
- Meet all the requirements of the:
- Federal Skilled Worker Class (FSWC);
- Federal Skilled Trades Class; or
- Canadian Experience Class
You must register with the Canadian Job Bank within 30 days unless:
- You have arranged employment from a Canadian employer; or
- You have received a nomination through the Provincial Nominee Program
You must have a Labour Market Impact Assessment in order to earn Comprehensive Ranking System points, unless you:
- Have worked full time for an employer with a work permit for a least one year (or a part-time job for an equal amount of time);
- Have a valid job offer from a Canadian employer that is for at least one year in duration; or
- Have a valid employer specific temporary work permit exempt under code R204 (a), (c) or R205
If you qualify for any of the Federal Programs, you have 30 days from when you submit your profile to complete the rest of the requirements like registering with the Job Bank. If you do not, your Express Entry profile cannot be activated.
There are three programs to apply for under Express Entry:
- Skilled Federal Worker Program (SFWP);
- Skilled Federal Trades Program (SFTP); or
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
The following factors affect your eligibility:
Work Experience
You must:
- Have gained relevant work experience for a job listed in the National Occupation Classification (NOC). Note: Work experience gained in another occupation you have not applied for does not apply;
- Have gained work experience in the past 10 years;
- Have received payment for your work;
- Have a job at skill level 0, A or B;
- Have a year’s worth of work experience (minimum 1,560 hours); and
- Prove that your work experience fits the requirements of the NOC
Language Ability
You must:
- Meet the minimum language level set by the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB);
- Take a language proficiency test That is approved by IRCC;
- You must meet the language requirements for either French or English; and
- Your language test results must not be more than two years old when you apply
Education
You must:
- Have completed canadian secondary education; and a tertiary certificate, diploma or degree;
- Have completed foreign credentials; or
- Have an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) approved by IRCC
Proof of Funds
You must prove you can support yourself and your family financially, unless:
- You are working in Canada; or
- You have a valid job offer from a Canadian employer
Additional Factors to Be Considered
- Age;
- Valid job offers; and
- Adaptability
This program is aimed at people who wish to become permanent residents (PR) of Canada. This only applies to people who qualify in a skilled trade.
Minimum Requirements
You must:
- Plan to live outside of Quebec (The province has its own Quebec Skilled Worker Program);
- Meet the language requirements for English and French;
- Have two years’ work experience in a skilled trade (or equal amount of experience in a part time position;
- Have work experience within the past 5 years;
- Meet the job requirements in the National Occupational Classifications;
- Have a full-time job offer from a Canadian employer for a minimum of one year; or
- A certificate of qualification for that skilled trade that is confirmed from the Canadian provincial or territorial government authority
Skilled Work Experience
These skilled trades are involved in the Federal Skilled Trades Program as ranked by the National Occupational Classification.
| Group Number | Job Description |
|---|---|
| 72 | Industrial, construction or electrical trades |
| 73 | Equipment operation and maintenance |
| 82 | Technical and supervisors in:
|
| 92 | Processing, manufacturing and utilities supervisor Central control operators |
| 632 | Cooks and chefs |
| 633 | Bakers and butchers |
Education
You do not need a specific qualification for this program, but you can earn more CRS points if you have:
- Foreign qualifications;
- An Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) approved by IRCC;or
- A Canadian certificate, diploma or degree
Language Ability
- Pass the Canadian Language Benchmark test at minimum language level;
- The language test must be approved by IRCC; and
- Your test results must not be older than two years when you apply.
Be assessed by the province or territory
Each of the provinces or territories have different requirements for the skilled trade industry.
Minimum Requirements
Minimum Requirements
You must:
- Have skilled work experience for at least 12 months (either full time or part time for the same amount of time) within three years before you apply;
- Have the required language skills needed for your job;
- Have gained experience in Canada with proper authorization;
- Have the language proficiency needed for your job; and
- Have plans to live outside of Quebec
Skilled Work Experience
Work experience must be gained in the following job levels based on the National Occupational Classifications.
| Job Description | Skill Type |
|---|---|
| Technical jobs | B |
| Skilled trades | B |
| Professional jobs | A |
| Managerial jobs | 0 |
Education
You do not need an education to apply for this program, but you can score higher if you:
- Have a high school diploma, tertiary diploma or degree;
- Have an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) approved by IRCC; or
- Have completed foreign credentials
Language Ability
To qualify you must score well in the various language tests determined by the CEC.
| Canadian Language Benchmark Score Needed | Job Level (NOC) |
|---|---|
| 7 | 0 |
| 7 | A |
| 5 | B |
The language test must be approved by IRCC and must not be older than two years when you apply.
- Have skilled work experience for at least 12 months (either full time or part time for the same amount of time) within three years before you apply;
- Have the required language skills needed for your job;
- Have gained experience in Canada with proper authorization;
- Have language levels need for your job; and
- Have plans to live outside of Quebec
Note:work experience gained as a student or a self-employed individual does not count.
Skilled Work Experience
Work experience must be within three years of applying for the Canadian Experience Class. Work experience must be gained in the following job levels as based on National Occupational Classifications.
| Job description | Skill Type |
|---|---|
| Technical jobs | B |
| Skilled trades | B |
| Professional jobs | A |
| Managerial jobs | 0 |
Education
You do not need an education to apply for this program, but you can score higher if:
- have a high school diploma and/or tertiary diploma or degree;
- have an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) approved by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada; or have
- completed foreign credentials
Note: Only apply for an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) if your foreign education is either equal to, or higher than the Canadian education standard.
Language Ability
To qualify you must score well in:
- the Canadian Language Benchmark; and
- the language tests
| Canadian Language Benchmark score needed | Job level (NOC) |
|---|---|
| 7 | 0 |
| 7 | A |
| 5 | B |
The Language Test must be approved by the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada .These tests are based off your French and English ability to:
- Read;
- Speak;
- Listen; and
- Write
Your test results must be included if you are applying for this program through the Express Entry program. Note: these tests must not be older than two years when you apply.
Principal Applicant
When you apply for the Express Entry, and want to immigrate with your common law partner, you must choose who will be the principal applicant.
Note: a common law partner is a person who has been married to you for one year. This applies for same sex and opposite sex partners.
Choose the principal applicant by looking at who will score the highest points under the Express Entry program.
Inadmissibility
You may be inadmissible if you are:
- Considered a security risk;
- Lied about information in your application or interview;
- Have ties to organised crime;
- Can’t support yourself financially;
- Have terrible financial health;
- Committed a crime outside of Canada;
- Do not qualify under Canada’s immigration laws; and
- Have a family member that is not allowed in the country
Choosing Where To Live
Note:under the Express Entry you can apply to live in other provinces/territories in Canada, except Quebec. This province has its own set of requirements needed for you to enter.
These are the factors that are used to calculate CRS Points
- Age (max 110 points);
- Education (max 150 points);
- Language proficiency (max 160 points);
- Canadian Work Experience (max 80 points);
- Skills Transferability (max 100 points); and
- Additional Factors (max 600 points)
A legal agent is an authorized representative that must be:
- A paralegal or lawyer who has a good relationship with the provincial or territorial legal societies of Canada;
- A Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) who has a good relationship with the Immigration Consultants of Canada Regulatory Council; or
- A notary who has a good relationship with the Chambre des notaires du Québec
Note: An unauthorized agent will not be able to help you with your application.
If you want to ensure that your Registered Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) is an authorized consultant, you can check with the Immigration Consultants of Canada Regulatory Council (ICCRC).
The ICCRC’s website has a register of all the persons that are qualified to be Canadian Immigration Consultants. Any individual who claims to be a legal consultant will have a RCIC code. If there are no results for a person’s RCIC code, then they are not a legal Canadian Immigration Consultant.
