Canadian PNP Business Immigration for Investors 2022
Being invited by a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) opens ample opportunities. Most PNPs have categories specifically for entrepreneurs or investors. Here is everything you need to know about the different Canada Provincial Investor Programs and how to get started.
The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) allows individuals to be nominated by a province based on a number of factors. Most PNPs have an entrepreneur or investor program within. Each province has instituted various net worth, investment, and business requirements, and interested applicants are encouraged to apply. The provinces each have their own selection criteria in order to best fulfill the immediate and long-term needs of their respective region. Following that nomination, qualified applicants can apply for permanent residency granted by the Canadian government.
Click below to learn more about the available PNP-specific programs for investors and entrepreneurs!
- Alberta Provincial Nominee Program (AINP)
- British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BCPNP)
- Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP)
- New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP)
- Newfoundland & Labrador Provincial Nominee Program (NLPNP)
- Northwest Territories Provincial Nominee Program (NTNP)
- Nova Scotia Provincial Nominee Program (NSPNP)
- Ontario Provincial Nominee Program (OINP)
- Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program (PEI PNP)
- Saskatchewan Provincial Nominee Program (SINP)
- Yukon Provincial Nominee Program (YNP)
Self-Employed Farmer Stream
Self-Employed Farmer Stream
Farming Skills
You must be able to prove that you have farm management skills through:
- financial documentation of your existing farm business
- documentation proving your work experience, training and education
- a detailed business plan
- evidence showing that a Canadian financial institution will invest in your business plan
Requirements
- Invest a minimum of $500,000 CAD in a primary production farming business in the province
- You must provide a detailed business plan highlighting your investment plans. Business plans that are believed to have the best chance to grow Alberta’ agri-food targets’ will be considered first
Learn more about the Alberta Provincial Nominee Program (AINP)!
British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BCPNP)
British Columbia Entrepreneur Immigration
Regional Pilot
British Columbia Entrepreneur Immigration
Personal Requirements
- have a minimum net worth of $600,000 CAD
- show your business or management experience
- meet the legal requirements for immigration to Canada
Business Requirements
- start a new qualifying business or purchase and improve a business that already exists
- invest a minimum of $200,000 CAD in the business
- start a business that creates at least one full-time job for a permanent resident or citizen of Canada
Regional Pilot
Requirements
- 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
Learn more about the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BCPNP)!
Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP)
Entrepreneur Pathway
Farm Investor Pathway
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
- You must own at least a third of the business to qualify for points as a business owner
Language Requirements
You must score at least level 5 on the Canadian Language Benchmark test
Education Requirements
You must have completed high school
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 Requirements
You must hold your business research visit no longer than one year before you submit your application
Net Worth Requirement
You must have a net worth of at least $500,000 CAD
Farm Investor Pathway
Farming Experience
You must have at least three years of farm ownership and operation experience
Language Requirements
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 in tangible assets
- You must accompany your application with a farm business plan
Farmer Research Visit
You must conduct a farm business research visit in 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
Learn more about the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP)!
New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP)
Entrepreneurial Stream
Entrepreneurial Stream
Requirements
- Your business must have a real eligible connection to the province
- You must be between 22 and 55 years old
- You must have reached 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 starting your business
Learn more about the New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP)!
Newfoundland & Labrador Provincial Nominee Program (NLPNP)
International Entreprenuer
International Graduate Entrepreneur
International Entreprenuer
Personal Requirements
- be between 21 and 59 years old
- submit a verified business plan
- have completed high school
- intend to live in the province permanently while owning and managing a local business with the potential of bringing economic benefit to the local communities
- participate in the active and ongoing management of the business
- have a personal net worth of $600,000 CAD
- be able to invest a minimum of $200,000 CAD in establishing your business that you earn at least a third of
- create at least one job for a permanent resident or citizen of Canada
- show your business is for profit with the primary purpose of making a profit through providing services or selling goods
- have a minimum of two years’ experience in managing and owning a business during the past five years or five years of experience in a senior management role during the past five years
- have at least level five in all four categories of the Canadian Language Benchmark Test in either French or English
- complete an Expression of Interest (EOI)
- receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) from Newfoundland and Labrador immigration
Business Requirements
- meet legal standards
- be seen as a permanent establishment as defined by the Canadian Income Tax Regulations
- be able to bring economic growth to the province
When Starting A Business
- be in addition to your own position
- be directly related to the business
- be in line with the wage standards of the community
When Buying A Business
- buy a business that has been in continuous operation by the same owner for the past five years
- complete an exploratory visit to meet the current owners of the business
- buy a business that is in active operation
- offer similar employment conditions to the existing staff
- show that effort was made to provide a fair market value for the business
Partnership Requirements
- invest a minimum of $200,000 CAD in the partnership and own at least one-third of the company
- invest a minimum of $1,000,000 CAD
International Graduate Entrepreneur
Personal Requirements
- be at least 21
- submit a verified business plan
- have earned a tertiary qualification after two years of studying at Memorial University or College of the North Atlantic
- have a valid post-graduation work permit
- intend to live in the province permanently while owning and managing a local business with the potential of bringing economic benefit to the local communities
- have at least one year’s experience in actively managing and owning the current business (at least one-third of the business)
- create at least one job for a permanent resident or citizen of Canada
- show your business is for profit with the primary purpose of making a profit through providing services or selling goods
- have at least level seven in all four categories of the Canadian Language Benchmark Test in either French or English
- complete an Expression of Interest (EOI)
- receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) from Newfoundland and Labrador immigration
Business Requirements
- be created as a career objective, not for the sole purpose of immigration
- meet legal standards
- be seen as a permanent establishment as defined by the Canadian Income Tax Regulations
- be able to bring economic growth to the province
When Starting A Business
- be in addition to your own position
- be directly related to the business
- be in line with the wage standards of the community
When Buying A Business
- buy a business that has been in continuous operation by the same owner for the past five years
- complete an exploratory visit to meet the current owners of the business
- buy a business that is in active operation
- offer similar employment conditions to the existing staff
- show that effort was made to provide a fair market value for the business
Learn more about the Newfoundland & Labrador Provincial Nominee Program (NLPNP)!
Northwest Territories Provincial Nominee Program (NTNP)
Business Stream
Business Stream
Investment Requirements
- at least $300,000 CAD in buying or starting a business within the corporate boundaries of Yellowknife
- at least $150,000 CAD in buying or starting a business outside of the corporate boundaries of Yellowknife
Net Worth Requirements
- $500,000 minimum to start or buy a business within the corporate boundaries of Yellowknife
- $250,000 minimum to start or buy a business outside of the corporate boundaries of Yellowknife
- $75,000 for a deposit of good faith to the Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment once your application has been accepted
Personal Requirements
- own at least one-third of the business or if you own less than that, you must have invested at least $1,000,000 CAD in the business
- have Canadian Language Benchmark level 5 in either English or French
- have demonstrable knowledge and understanding of the territory’s economy to ensure that your business brings growth to the region
- be able to complete at least one business trip to the territory to research its business environment
- have the experience and qualifications to successfully implement your business plan
- have the intention to settle in the Northwest Territories full-time
Learn more about the Northwest Territories Provincial Nominee Program (NTNP)!
Nova Scotia Provincial Nominee Program (NSPNP)
Business Stream
International Graduate
Business Stream
Requirements
- 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 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
International Graduate
Requirements
- 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 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
Learn more about the Nova Scotia Provincial Nominee Program (NSPNP)!
Ontario Provincial Nominee Program (OINP)
Corporate Stream
Entreprenuer Stream
Corporate Stream
Business Applicant Requirements
- have been established at least three years before the application is submitted
- be of a qualifying structure (public corporation, sole proprietorship or partnership)
- invest at least $5 million CAD in expanding into Ontario or buy a business that already exists in the province
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:
- be permanent, full-time positions
- be paid above or at the average wage level for the type of work
Business Requirements
- be clearly linked to the parent company as a subsidiary, branch or affiliate
- be a for-profit business through the sale of goods and services
- have a primary income source from active, earned income
- meet the legal standards and regulations of the area
- be considered as a permanent business in the province
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:
- play an essential role in starting the business
- all be in a senior, executive, management or specialized knowledge position in your company
- have a minimum of three years of experience in the intended occupation in your company within the last five years
- have been working in that position continuously for a year immediately before you submitted your application
- not have a family connection with anyone who has more than 10% equity in the company
- not hold any equity in your company unless it is less than 10% and part of the remuneration package of their employment contract
- have full-time, permanent jobs that follow the wage standard of Ontario
Entreprenuer Stream
Experience
- You must have 3 years of business experience within the last 5 years
- Your business experience must be as a senior manager or business owner with an active role in the business
Net Worth
- in the Greater Toronto Area, you must have a net worth of at least $1,500,000 CAD
- anywhere else in Ontario, you must have a net worth of at least $800,000 CAD
- in the information and communications sector, you must have a net worth of at least $800,000 CAD regardless of its location
Investment Requirements
- in the Greater Toronto Area, you must control at least a third of the company and you need to invest a minimum of $1,000,000 CAD in it;
- anywhere else in Ontario, you must control at least a third of the company and you need to invest a minimum of $500,000 CAD in it; or
- the information and communications sector, you must control at least a third of the company and you need to invest a minimum of $500,000 CAD in it regardless of its location
Involvement
You must be actively involved in the daily management of the business
Business Requirements
- be a for-profit business that generates income through the sale of goods and services
- meet all the legal requirements of Canada and Ontario
- be a permanent business
- be located in the province at all times; and
- create a minimum of two permanent full-time jobs for permanent residents or citizens of Canada within its first 20 months and they must be paid according to wage standards of Ontario
Additional Requirements When Buying An Existing Business
- make a business visit to the province within a year of submitting your expression of interest
- buy a business that has been owned by the same owner(s) for the past five years
- ensure that the business is completely transferred to you or any other business partner
- use some of your personal investment in improving and expanding your business in the province
- continue to employ all the employees who worked in the business before you bought it
Learn more about the Ontario Provincial Nominee Program (OINP)!
Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program (PEI PNP)
Work Permit Stream
Work Permit Stream
Requirements
- You must have a net worth of at least $600,000 CAD
- You must have graduated from high school or some other secondary school equivalent
- You must be between 21 and 59 years old
- You must be able to transfer your management skills, past employment or business ownership experience to your new business in Prince Edward Island
- You must have at least Canadian Language Benchmark level 4 in either English or French
- You must have the intention to live and work in the province permanently
- You must play an active role in the daily activities and ongoing management of the business
Learn more about the Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program (PEI PNP)!
Saskatchewan Provincial Nominee Program (SINP)
Entrepreneur Category
Farm Owner and Operator
Farm Owner and Operator - Young Farmer Stream
Entrepreneur Category
Minimum Entry Criteria
- have a minimum net worth of $500,000 CAD
- have at least three years of business management or entrepreneurial experience gained within the past 10 years
- have the intention to invest at least $300,000 CAD if your business is located in Regina or Saskatoon. If it is located anyhwere else, you only need to make a $200,000 investment
Business Establishment Plan Requirements
- your plan to start a business in Saskatchewan
- your ownership of minimum one-third of the business unless you invest at least $1,000,000 CAD in the business
- your commitment to play an active and ongoing role in the daily management of the business
- the creation of two jobs for permanent residents or citizens of Canada in Saskatchewan if your new business is in Regina or Saskatoon
Farm Owner and Operator
Requirements
- 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
Farm Owner and Operator - Young Farmer Stream
Requirements
- 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
Learn more about the Saskatchewan Provincial Nominee Program (SINP)!
Yukon Provincial Nominee Program (YNP)
Business Nominee Program
Business Nominee Program
Personal Requirements
- score at least 65 on the points assessment grid
- have graduated from high school
- have three years of experience as an entrepreneur or business manager
- have five years of relevant work experience
- not be a refugee
- no pending applications for any other provincial or territorial nominee program
- you must have a minimum net worth of $500,000 CAD, at least $300,000 needs to be in liquid assets
- have the intention to permanently settle in Yukon
- hold a position in your company that is listed under National Occupational level 0 or A
- be able to show that you can make a minimum $300,000 investment in capital
Business Requirements
- be new or purchased from previous owners
- be managed by you
- not be a passive investment
- be part of one of the following sectors:
- information technology
- manufacturing;
- value-added processing
- forestry
- tourism products, attractions, services and facilities
- energy
- mining or mineral development
- agriculture
- cultural industries
- film and video production
Learn more about the Yukon Provincial Nominee Program (YNP)!
Why Seeking Professional Help with Canada’s Provincial Investor Programs is Important
The Canada Provincial Investor Program is a great opportunity for foreign nationals to gain permanent residence in Canada. However, since the criteria for this program differs in every province or territory, an applicant cannot afford to make a single error. Consulting with a legal expert from Canada will help you understand what province might be the best option for your application bid, and what specific requirements are necessary.
Immigrate to Canada Fast and Easy
Getting started is easy. All you need to do is fill out our free eligibility online assessment form here and then one of our immigration professionals will get back to you with your results within one business day.