Business Immigration

Business immigration to Canada offers numerous opportunities for investors, entrepreneurs, and self-employed individuals. Canada’s economy is strong, its political environment is stable, and the country offers excellent resources for new businesses. 

Canada has both federal and provincial programs designed to attract business-minded individuals who want to contribute to the economy. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most important business immigration programs available in Canada.

Federal Business Immigration Programs

Canada’s federal government offers business immigration programs such as the Start-up Visa Program, the Self-Employed Persons Program, and investment opportunities through various investor programs. Each of these programs has its own requirements, but they all share a common goal: to encourage economic growth by bringing in foreign businesspeople and innovators.

Here are the three key federal programs:

• Start-up Visa Program: This program is designed for entrepreneurs who want to start a business in Canada. 

To qualify, you must secure an investment from a designated Canadian venture capital fund (minimum CAD 200,000) or an angel investor group (minimum CAD 75,000). Alternatively, you can be accepted into a Canadian business incubator program, which doesn’t require a financial investment.

If you’re considering applying, the Start-Up visa program is one of the best options for innovative entrepreneurs.

• Self-Employed Persons Program: This program is tailored for individuals with experience in cultural or athletic activities or those with significant farming experience. It’s a great option for people who can show they will make a substantial contribution to these fields in Canada. Unlike other programs, this doesn’t require a set net worth or investment.

This program is also referred to as the Self-Employed visa, which focuses on unique contributions to Canadian culture and athletics.

• Immigrant Investor Venture Capital (IIVC) Pilot Program: Although currently on hold, this program requires a significant non-guaranteed investment of CAD 2 million, which is intended to help spur innovation and economic growth in Canada.

Investor Programs in Canada

Canada offers attractive investor programs that allow individuals to contribute to the country’s economy by making financial investments. 

The Canadian Investor Visa Program requires an investment of CAD 800,000 for five years, and applicants must have a personal net worth of at least CAD 1.6 million. 

This program is available across all provinces except Quebec and allows investors to bring their families to Canada. The investment is guaranteed by the Canadian government and will be refunded after five years, though no interest will be paid.

Key requirements for the Canadian Investor Visa:

• Minimum investment: CAD 800,000 (refundable after five years)
• Minimum net worth: CAD 1.6 million
• Must not intend to live in Quebec
• Must have two years of business or management experience in the last five years

Entrepreneur Programs in Canada

Canada’s entrepreneur programs are aimed at individuals who want to start a new business or invest in an existing one. 

The most well-known program is the federal Start-up Visa Program, which is designed for innovative entrepreneurs who have the potential to create jobs for Canadians and compete on a global scale. In this program, you must secure a letter of support from a designated organization, such as:

• A venture capital firm (CAD 200,000 minimum investment)
• An angel investor group (CAD 75,000 minimum investment)
• A business incubator (no investment required, but acceptance into the program is mandatory)

If you’re aiming to start a new business, the entrepreneurs program offers pathways through both federal and provincial options.

Other entrepreneurial streams exist under Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), which allow provinces to nominate businesspeople for permanent residency. Each province has its own criteria for entrepreneur programs, with varying requirements for minimum investments and business plans.

Self-Employed Programs in Canada

The Self-Employed Persons Program is ideal for those who have experience in cultural or athletic activities, or who are involved in farming. 

To qualify, applicants must show that they have been self-employed for at least two years in the last five years and can contribute to Canada’s cultural or athletic landscape.

Key highlights of the Self-Employed Persons Program:

• No specific investment required
• Experience in the arts, sports, or farming required
• Must meet certain medical, security, and financial criteria
• Applicants are assessed based on experience, education, age, language abilities, and adaptability

Temporary Pause on New Applications:

• Application Intake Suspension: IRCC has temporarily halted the acceptance of new applications for the Self-Employed Persons Program. This pause is expected to remain in effect until the end of 2026, allowing the department to focus on processing existing applications and reforming the program to enhance its efficiency and integrity.

Provincial Nominee Programs for Business

Canada’s Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) are tailored for individuals who want to start or invest in a business in a specific province. Each province has its own requirements and streams designed to meet local economic needs. For example, some provinces may prioritize sectors like technology or agriculture, while others focus on traditional business industries.

The PNPs for business often require:

• A detailed business plan
• A minimum investment, which varies by province
• A net worth requirement, depending on the province
• The creation of jobs for Canadian citizens or permanent residents

Examples of provincial business immigration programs include:

• British Columbia PNP Entrepreneur Immigration: Requires a minimum investment of CAD 200,000, with a focus on entrepreneurs looking to start or purchase a business in BC.
• Ontario PNP Entrepreneur Stream: Requires a minimum investment of CAD 500,000 to CAD 1,000,000, depending on the business sector and location.
• Manitoba Business Investor Stream: Requires a minimum investment of CAD 150,000 to CAD 250,000, with an emphasis on the economic development of rural regions.

If you’re an international student looking to start a business, you may also need a Study Permit before beginning your business immigration process. Canada’s Study Permit allows you to study and pursue entrepreneurial activities in parallel while gaining residency eligibility in the future.

Are you ready to explore Canada’s business immigration opportunities? Whether you’re an investor, entrepreneur, or self-employed, SEP Immigration can guide you through the process. Contact us today to start your journey toward permanent residency and business success in Canada!

What Types of Business or Investment Activities Make Me Eligible for the Investor Venture Capital Program?

Eligible investments must align with venture capital activities such as technology, research, and innovation sectors.

Do I Need to Invest My Own Money for a Canadian Investor Visa?

Yes, you must invest your own funds. The Immigrant Investor Venture Capital Program requires a personal investment of CAD 2 million for 15 years.

Will My Visa Be Affected if My Business Fails?

If your business fails, it usually won’t affect your visa status, provided you met all immigration requirements initially.

What Is the Minimum Investment I Would Need to Secure for a Start-up Visa?

You need a minimum investment of CAD 200,000 from a venture capital firm or CAD 75,000 from an angel investor group. If you’re accepted into a business incubator, no investment is required.

Can I Move to Canada if I Am Self-Employed?

Yes, Canada’s Self-Employed Persons Program allows qualified individuals to immigrate if they have relevant experience in cultural, athletic, or farming activities and can make a significant contribution.