Canada Investor Immigrants
If you are interested in Canada investor immigration as an investor or entrepreneur, you have a few options and programs available to you. Fill out our immigration assessment form and we’ll get back to you within 24 hours to discuss your eligibility and options.
The Canadian government has always welcomed those who will be a great asset to Canada as investors and entrepreneurs. There are a few Canada investor immigration options available for these individuals through business immigration!
Why Canada is a Great Place to Start a Business!
- Strong economic growth: Canada is rated the best country in the G-20 with which to do business. Canada has the strongest fiscal position in the G-7 and among the best fiscal prospects in the G-20
- Low taxes and low business costs: Canada offers a low-cost and low-tax environment so your business can thrive
- Excellence in research and innovation: Canada offers a winning environment for research and innovation, including world-leading research and development infrastructure, scientific talent and innovation incentives
- Top quality of life: Canada’s top quality of life provides a great backdrop for the success of individuals, families and globally engaged companies
The two main options for those looking to immigrate to Canada as an Investor or Entrepreneur is through Canada’s Start-Up Visa Program or Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs):
Start-Up Visa Program
When looking to immigrate to Canada as an investor, the best option available is to apply for the general Start-up Visa Program. You will have to meet certain requirements for your application to be successful by being innovative, creating jobs for Canadians and being able to compete internationally.
Requirements for Investors
To qualify for the Start-up Visa, applicants must:
- Have a qualifying business
- Demonstrate intermediate knowledge in both English and French (CBL5)
- Get a letter of support from a designated institution (Receive a minimum funding commitment of $200,000 CDN from a designated Venture Capital Organization, $75,000 from an approved Angel Investor, or Business Incubator)
- Bring enough money to settle in Canada
Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)
There are several investment avenues through PNP programs across Canada:
Entrepreneur
- Requirements: $600,000 CAD net worth, 3 years experience being a business owner/manager, invest $200,000 & create at least 1 full time job for Canadian citizens or PR.
Entrepreneur Regional Pilot
- Requirements: $100,000 investment, personal net worth of $300,000, have minimum 51% ownership & create 1 full time job in the local community.
- Criteria: The business must be located in a community in BC with a population less than 75,000
Learn more about the British Columbia PNP Business Programs
Entrepreneur pathway
- Requirements: Minimum investment of $250,000, networth of $500,000 & have 3 years of work experience as business owner/manager
Farm Investor
- Requirements: $300,000 investment, $500,000 net worth, 3 years experience of farm ownership or operation
Learn more about the Manitoba PNP Business Program.
Entrepreneur
- Requirements: Net worth $600,000 & must invest $250,000, 3 years of work experience as business owner/manager
Learn more about the New Brunswick PNP Business Progarm.
Northwest Territory Business Stream
- Requirements: $500,000 net worth (if you want to live outside of Yellowknife than req is only $250,000), $300,000 minimum investment (outside yellowknife is only 150k), 3 years of work experience as business owner/manager
Learn more about the Northwest PNP Business Program.
Entrepreneur
- Requirements: Net worth of $600,000, $150,000 minimum investment, 3 years of work experience as business owner/manager
Learn more about the Nova Scotia PNP Business Program.
Entrepreneur
- Requirements: Net worth $800,000 (outside GTA is only $400,000), minimum investment of $600,000 (outside GTA is only $200,000) & must create 2 full time positions (If outside GTA than only 1 full time position)
- If the proposed business is ICT / Digital Communications Sector than networth can be min. $400,000 and investment min $200,000
- Requirements: Net worth $800,000 (outside GTA is only $400,000), minimum investment of $600,000 (outside GTA is only $200,000) & must create 2 full time positions (If outside GTA than only 1 full time position)
Corporate
- Requirements: International corporation must be established for at least 36 months, must be linked to parent corporation abroad and new business in Ontario, primary income source must be from active earned income from the business
- Corporation must make an investment of 5 million dollars to expand into Ontario
- Must create 5 new jobs for Canadian citizens or PR’s for every “key staff” being nominated at the company
- Requirements: International corporation must be established for at least 36 months, must be linked to parent corporation abroad and new business in Ontario, primary income source must be from active earned income from the business
Learn more about the Ontario PNP Business Program.
Business Work Permit Stream
- Requirements: Net worth $600,000
- Must get endorsed by the community (Known as “community endorsement”)
Learn more about the Prince Edward Island PNP Business Program.
Quebec Entrepreneur Program
- Requirements: Net worth $900,000, minimum start-up deposit is $200,000 (In Montreal is $300,000)
Quebec Investor Program
- Currently closed from November 2019 until July 2020
- Requirements: Net assets worth 2 million dollars & must make a 1.2 million, 5-year term investment
Learn more about the Quebec PNP Business Program
Entrepreneur Farm Program
- Requirements: Net worth $500,000 (If under 40 than $300,000), agreement cash deposit of $75,000 (Once the agreement finishes you get this money back), 3 years experience managing a farm
Entrepreneur Program
- Requirements: Net worth $500,000, 3 years of business management or entrepreneurial experience, invest $300,000 in Regina & Saskatoon area (in all other communities only $200,000)
Learn more about Saskatchewan PNP Business Program
*All of the successful PNP program applicants will get a work permit and will need to invest the monetary amount above within 1-2 years. Once job creation is completed then the applicant can apply for PR*
Have Questions About the Canadian Investor Programs?
There are many investor programs that allow foreign natioanls to immigrate to Canada. Each program has specific requirements and eligibility measures. Visit our page on the Frequently Asked Questions about Canadian Investor Programs.
Federal Investor Visa Program and Entrepreneur Program (Permanently Closed)
The Federal Immigrant Investor Program and Entrepreneur Programs has been cancelled. On June 19, 2014, this immigration program has ended and all applications that were left in the backlog have also been terminated.
Why Seeking Professional Immigration Help is Essential
Obtaining Canadian immigration under the “Business Class” through investing has its advantages. If you apply, you will not necessarily require a working level of English or French nor have to meet stringent educational requirements.
Also in some cases, as a business immigrant, your permanent residence status in Canada will be unconditional, meaning that you do not have to meet harsh terms and conditions requiring you to actively manage a business in order to maintain your status. However, to take advantage of these opportunities, you must know how to properly represent yourself when applying. This is best achieved with the help of a legal expert who has experience with each businessperson”s unique situation.
Why Hire Us to Help with Your Investor/Entrepreneur Immigration Application?
Canada is rich with opportunity for investors, and it can be a great place for you to realize your potential. The Canadian market is thriving thanks, in large part, to foreign businesses, and you too can count yourself among them, but only through the proper immigration channels. We have helped thousands of business owners and investors successfully immigrate to Canada. Our experienced immigration lawyers will be able to assess your case and recommend a course of action to best serve your needs.
Need Business Immigration Help?
The first step towards moving to Canada is to get an assessment of your specific situation. Call us today at +1.647.792.3035 for an assessment to see if you are eligible to move to Canada, or fill out our online assessment form.