Canada's Business Immigration program

Investors, entrepreneurs and self-employed persons

Canada’s Business Immigration Program offers the opportunity for permanent residency on the basis of an applicant’s ability to become economically established in Canada. The program was developed in order to attract experienced business people who are able to support the development of the Canadian economy.

Business Immigration Program classes:

  • Investors
  • Entrepreneurs
  • Self-employed persons
All applicants under the Business Class categories must earn enough points in the five factors (business experience, education, language ability, age and adaptability) to meet the pass mark and meet the minimum financial requirements.

Each application must be made for one class only and may not be changed once the application is submitted. Even if you meet the requirements of two or all categories, you may apply only under the most appropriate one.

Investors

The Immigrant Investor Program seeks to attract experienced business people to invest in Canada’s economy.

Investors must:

  • Prove their business experience
  • Possess a legally obtained net worth of C$800,000
  • Invest at least C$400,000
To qualify as an investor you must have a minimum of two years’ experience managing or controlling a percentage of equity of a qualifying business or show evidence that you have managed at least five full-time job equivalents per year in a business for at least two years in the period beginning five years before the date of application.

Applicants also need to have a net worth of at least C$800,000 that was legally obtained, and be willing and able to invest C$400,000. Additionally, you must provide evidence that you have enough money to support yourself and your dependants after your arrival in Canada.

You also need to have a minimum of 35 points in the selection grid, and meet the medical and security requirements that apply to other immigrants.

The full amount of the investment (not including interest) is guaranteed to be repaid to the investor after five years and two months of receipt by Citizenship and Immigration Canada. Participating provinces and territories control the investment during the five year lock-in period.

Investor applicants enjoy some perks not shared by entrepreneur applicants, including the fact that they are not required to start a business in Canada and no immigration conditions are imposed upon them following admission to Canada.

Entrepreneurs

The Entrepreneur Program is geared to attract experienced business people who will own and manage businesses that contribute to the Canadian economy and create jobs. Entrepreneurs must:

  • Prove their business experience
  • Possess a legally obtained net worth of C$300,000
  • Honour the visa conditions once in Canada
To qualify as an entrepreneur you must have a minimum of two years’ experience managing or controlling a percentage of equity of a qualifying business, and the experience must be no more than five years’ old at the time of application. In order to qualify, you must meet the definition of an entrepreneur.

Entrepreneur applicants are expected to have a net worth of at least CA$300,000 and must prove that the whole amount was obtained legally.

Entrepreneurs are required to sign a statement that they will adhere to the above requirements, and additionally that any family members named on the application must also adhere to any conditions placed on the entrepreneur. These conditions are removed after they have been satisfied.

Self-employed persons

The Self-Employed Persons Program was created to attract talented applicants who have the intention and ability to be self-employed in Canada.

Self-employed persons are required to have either:

  • Cultural or athletic talent that will make a significant contribution to Canada or
  • Experience in farm management and the intention and ability to purchase and manage a farm in Canada
Self-employed applicants are expected to establish a business that will, at minimum, create an employment opportunity that makes a significant contribution to cultural activities or athletics in Canada or must purchase and manage a Canadian farm.

Applicants under the self-employed category must show proof of relevant experience, with points being awarded only for experience within the five year period immediately preceding the dates of application.

No immigration conditions are imposed on self-employed Business Class visa holders.