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 labor force and a stable government. If you would like to Immigrate to Canada as an Entrepreneur or Investor, you have several Entrepreneur and Canada 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 application, you and your family can move to Canada together.
Canada is continuously on the lookout for newcomers to apply for Canada investor Visa who have the entrepreneurial experience to start, manage or buy a business in the country. With the new foreign investment, Canada can ensure the continued success of its economy through diversification and development.
Start-Up Visa Program
The Start-up Visa Program for Canada is a general 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 in Canada 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.
PNP Entrepreneur & Canada Investor Visa
The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) gives every province and territory of Canada the power to invite applicants to come and live in their borders if they have the right skills and work experience. Most of the PNPs have at least one entrepreneurship visa or canada 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? Consult Now !
Where do you want to Invest / Start your Business with Canada Investor Visa?
Alberta
Alberta is a great place to start a business and apply for Canada Investor Visa. 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 it’s 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.
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 Canada 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 and apply for Canada Investor Visa. Check them out below.
Entrepreneur Immigration Stream:-
| Personal requirements |
You must:
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| Business requirements |
You must:
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Regional Pilot Program:-
- You must start a new business and settle in a regional community with a population of fewer than 75,000 people.
- You must complete an exploratory visit to the community.
- You need to make a minimum investment of $100,000 CAD in a qualifying business.
- You must have a personal net worth of at least $300,000 CAD.
- You must own at least 51% of the company.
- Your business must create at least one new job.
Manitoba
Not too big and not too small sums up Manitoba quite accurately. If you are looking to apply for Canada Investor Visa and 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 Canada 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:-
| Business experience |
You must have three years of full-time work experience in the last five years as an active business owner or senior manager of a successful business. Business owners score more points than senior managers. You must own at least a third of the business to qualify for points as a business owner. |
| Language ability | You must score at least level 5 on the Canadian Language Benchmark test. |
| Education | You must have completed high school. |
| Age | There is no age requirement, but you will score extra points if you are between 25 and 49. |
| Business investment |
If your business is located in the Manitoba Capital Region, you need to invest at least $250,000. If your business is located outside of the Manitoba Capital Region, you need to invest at least $150,000. Your investment must be made in a qualifying Manitoban business. Your business must create at least one job for permanent residents or citizens of Canada. |
| Business research visit | You must hold your business research visit no longer than one year before you submit your application. |
| Adaptability |
You will score adaptability points if:
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| Net worth | You must have a net worth of at least $500,000 CAD. |
| Business performance agreement | Once your application is approved, you must sign a Business Performance Agreement. |
Manitoba Farm Investor Pathway:-
| Farming experience | You must have at least three years of farm ownership and operation experience. |
| Language ability | You need to be proficient in either French or English. |
| Investment requirements |
Your farm business must be established in rural Manitoba. You must invest at least $300,000 CAD in the farm business. Your investments must be intangible assets. You must accompany your application with a farm business plan. |
| Farm research visit | You must conduct a farm business research visit to the province. |
| Farm business activities |
Your farm business must have ongoing and recurring activities in rural Manitoba. You must live on the farm and be an active participant in the management of the farm. The Farm business must be in primary agriculture production. You must conduct value-added farm business activities in the province. |
| Economic adaptability | You must show that your practical farming skills, technical knowledge, and experience in technological farming practices can adapt to Manitoba’s primary farm production industry. |
| Net worth | You must have a minimum net worth of at least $500,000. |
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 us do not know is that New Brunswick has some of the best business opportunities in all of Canada.
A skilled labor 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 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:-
- Your business must have a real eligible connection to the province.
- You must be between 22 and 55 years old.
- You must have reached the Canadian Language Benchmark level 5 or higher in all four categories of the test in either French or English.
- You must have finished at least two years of tertiary education after completing high school.
- Your personal net worth must be verified and it should be a minimum of $600,000 CAD.
- During the past 5 years, you must have at least 3 years of work experience in managing and owning at least 33.3% of a business or you must have 5 consecutive years of work experience in a senior business management role.
- You need to have the intention of living in the province permanently while owning and managing your local business.
- You must be able to make a minimum investment of at least $250,000 CAD in beginning your business.
New Brunswick Post-Graduate Entrepreneurial Stream:-
- You must be between 22 and 40 years old.
- You must have reached the Canadian Language Benchmark level 7 or higher in all four categories of the test in either French or English.
- You must have completed a full-time tertiary degree or diploma of two years length at a recognized university or community college in New Brunswick.
- You must have lived in the province while studying for the qualification mentioned above.
- You must have managed and owned 100% of a business in the province for a minimum of one year.
- You need to have a valid post-graduation work permit.
- You must be able to show your intention and ability to settle in the province.
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 and to apply for Canada Investor Visa.
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:-
- You need to be at least 21 years old.
- You must have the intention to live in the province permanently while actively managing and owning your business.
- Your personal net worth must be $600,000 CAD minimum.
- You need to be able to make a $150,000 CAD investment in your intended business.
- You must have a minimum of three years of experience in managing and owning at least one-third of a business or you must have at least five years of experience in a senior management position.
- You must have reached the Canadian Language Benchmark level 5 or higher in all four categories of the test in either French or English.
- You need to complete your online Expression of Interest in the province.
- You must receive an Invitation to Apply from Nova Scotia Immigration.
Nova Scotia International Graduate:-
- You must have the intention to live in the province permanently while actively managing and owning your business.
- You must have managed and owned 100% of a business in the province for a minimum of one year.
- You must have completed a full-time tertiary degree or diploma of two years length at a recognized university or community college in Nova Scotia.
- You must have reached the Canadian Language Benchmark level 7 or higher in all four categories of the test in either French or English.
- You need to have a valid post-graduation work permit.
- You need to complete your online Expression of Interest in the province.
- You must receive an Invitation to Apply from Nova Scotia Immigration.
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 and to apply for Canada Investor Visa.
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:-
- You need to be at least 21 years old.
- You must have the intention to live in the province permanently while actively managing and owning your business.
- Your personal net worth must be $600,000 CAD minimum.
- You need to be able to make a $150,000 CAD investment in your intended business.
- You must have a minimum of three years of experience in managing and owning at least one-third of a business or you must have at least five years of experience in a senior management position.
- You must have reached the Canadian Language Benchmark level 5 or higher in all four categories of the test in either French or English.
- You need to complete your online Expression of Interest in the province.
- You must receive an Invitation to Apply from Nova Scotia Immigration.
Nova Scotia International Graduate:-
- You must have the intention to live in the province permanently while actively managing and owning your business.
- You must have managed and owned 100% of a business in the province for a minimum of one year.
- You must have completed a full-time tertiary degree or diploma of two years length at a recognized university or community college in Nova Scotia.
- You must have reached the Canadian Language Benchmark level 7 or higher in all four categories of the test in either French or English.
- You need to have a valid post-graduation work permit.
- You need to complete your online Expression of Interest in the province.
- You must receive an Invitation to Apply from Nova Scotia Immigration.
Ontario
Do you want to access to the world’s most skilled labor 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 with Canada Investor Visa , you will have two options to choose from – the Ontario Corporate Stream and the Ontario Entrepreneur Stream.
Ontario Corporate Stream:-
| Business applicant requirements |
The applicant business must:
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| Job creation requirements |
The business must create 5 full-time positions for permanent residents or citizens of Canada per key staff position. The positions must:
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| Business requirements |
The new business must:
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| Key staff requirements |
Your business may request a maximum of five key staff members to start the business and these staff members may be considered for Canadian permanent residence if they meet the requirements. The key staff must:
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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 manufacture 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:-
- You must have a personal net worth of $500,000 CAD or more.
- You must sign a performance agreement showing your commitment to buying and actively operating a farm in Saskatchewan.
- You must complete an exploratory visit to the province for at least five working days.
- You need to be able to prove that you have farm operation knowledge and experience.
- You need to have a proposal for a commercial farming opportunity.
Saskatchewan Farm Owners and Operators – Young Farmer Stream:-
- You must have a personal net worth of $300,000 CAD or more.
- You must be younger than 40.
- You must have a minimum of three years of experience in farm ownership, farm management or practical farming experience.
- You must submit a proposal for a commercial farming opportunity in Saskatchewan.
- You or your spouse must be employable so that you can supplement your farming income.