Business Immigration
Here is a detailed breakdown of Canada’s active business immigration options, including eligibility criteria, requirements, step-by-step application procedures, processing times, and associated costs for each program.
Start-up Visa Program (Federal)
The Start-up Visa Program targets entrepreneurs with the potential to build innovative businesses in Canada, fostering job creation and global competitiveness.
Eligibility and Requirements
• Support from a Designated Organization: Applicants must secure a letter of support from a designated venture capital fund, angel investor group, or business incubator.
• Ownership: Applicants must hold at least 10% voting rights in the business.
• Language Proficiency: Minimum of Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 5 in either English or French.
• Settlement Funds: Sufficient funds to settle in Canada based on family size (approx. CAD 13,757 for a single person).
Application Steps
1. Secure Investment: Get a commitment certificate from a designated organization (CAD 75,000 from angel investors or CAD 200,000 from venture capital funds).
2. Prepare Documentation: Gather documents proving your business plan, ownership, and language proficiency.
3. Submit Application: Apply through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
4. Wait for Decision: Processing may take 12-16 months.
Costs
• Application Fee: CAD 2,140 for the primary applicant.
• Additional Fees: Biometrics and settlement funds are required.
Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) for Entrepreneurs
Each province has unique pathways for business immigration, varying by region and economic need.
British Columbia (BC) Entrepreneur Immigration
• Eligibility: Net worth of CAD 600,000, investment of CAD 200,000, and business management experience.
• Steps: Register through BC’s Entrepreneur Immigration Registration (EIR) system, submit a business proposal, and attend an in-person interview.
• Processing Time: Approx. 4-6 months.
• Cost: Registration fee CAD 300, application fee CAD 3,500.
Alberta Foreign Graduate Start-up Visa
• Eligibility: Must have graduated from an approved post-secondary institution outside Canada, CAD 100,000 minimum investment from an angel investor or VC, business plan, and CLB 7 language proficiency.
• Steps: Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI), and if selected, submit a business application.
• Processing Time: Varies by application completeness.
• Cost: CAD 3,500 for application.
Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) Entrepreneur Stream
• Eligibility: CAD 400,000 net worth (GTA) or CAD 200,000 (outside GTA), investment of CAD 200,000, CLB 4.
• Steps: Register an EOI, develop a business plan, and attend an interview.
• Processing Time: 12-18 months.
• Cost: Application fee CAD 3,500.
For more detailed requirements and application steps, see provincial websites or IRCC resources.
3. Quebec Immigrant Investor Program
Quebec’s program offers passive investment opportunities (currently under review). Previously required CAD 1.2 million investment for five years and CAD 2 million in net worth.
4. Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program (AIP)
The AIP supports skilled entrepreneurs and investors aiming to establish or manage businesses in Canada’s Atlantic provinces.
Eligibility and Requirements
• Investment: Generally lower thresholds compared to other provinces; specifics vary by province.
• Language: Generally CLB 5.
• Other Criteria: Each province (e.g., Nova Scotia, Newfoundland) may require exploratory visits and detailed business plans.
Processing Time and Costs
• Time: Processing typically ranges from 6-12 months, depending on provincial requirements.
• Cost: Around CAD 1,000 to 2,000 per application.
For each program, it’s crucial to follow specific steps and adhere to provincial requirements. Additionally, you may need exploratory visits and customized business plans for some provinces. Processing times vary significantly, with the Start-up Visa and PNPs being among the longer processes due to their comprehensive evaluation criteria.
Other Entrepreneurial Pathways
Apart from the Start-up Visa and Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), Canada has several other entrepreneurial pathways that welcome foreign entrepreneurs who wish to launch or expand businesses in Canada. Below are some of these programs, including eligibility requirements, step-by-step procedures, processing times, and costs.
1. Self-Employed Persons Program (Federal)
The Self-Employed Persons Program is tailored for individuals with relevant experience in cultural activities or athletics who can significantly contribute to Canada’s culture or sports sectors.
Eligibility and Requirements
• Relevant Experience: At least two years of self-employment or participation at a world-class level in cultural or athletic activities.
• Selection Criteria: Scored based on age, education, experience, language skills, and adaptability. A minimum of 35 points out of 100 is required.
• Settlement Funds: Sufficient to support yourself and your dependents.
Application Steps
1. Complete Application Package: Submit the self-employed application, providing proof of experience and qualifications.
2. Medical and Security Clearance: Complete required medical exams and background checks.
3. Submit Application: Mail the application package to IRCC.
4. Processing and Interview: Wait for processing; an interview may be requested to verify your credentials.
Processing Time and Costs
• Processing Time: Approx. 22 months.
• Cost: CAD 2,075 for the principal applicant, plus CAD 1,325 for each accompanying family member.
2. Global Talent Stream (GTS)
Though not strictly an entrepreneurial program, the Global Talent Stream (part of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program) allows innovative business owners to bring high-skilled foreign talent into Canada quickly. Some entrepreneurs also use this pathway to establish or expand Canadian operations, especially in tech and IT sectors.
Eligibility and Requirements
• Employer Eligibility: Requires a Canadian company to act as the employer, often for foreign tech founders looking to expand operations.
• Labour Market Benefits Plan: Develop a plan showing how hiring will benefit the Canadian labor market.
Application Steps
1. Submit Application through Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC).
2. Labour Market Benefits Plan: Submit a detailed plan outlining the impact of the hire on the Canadian economy.
3. Work Permit: Apply for a work permit after receiving approval.
Processing Time and Costs
• Processing Time: 2 weeks.
• Cost: CAD 1,000 per position requested.
3. Intra-Company Transfer Program
The Intra-Company Transfer Program is available to multinational companies looking to transfer senior executives or specialized knowledge employees to their Canadian branch. Business owners who want to expand their foreign company to Canada may qualify if they establish a Canadian subsidiary or affiliate.
Eligibility and Requirements
• Eligible Relationship: The Canadian and foreign entities must have a qualifying relationship (e.g., parent, branch, affiliate).
• Job Position: Applies to senior executives, managers, or employees with specialized knowledge.
• Employment: Minimum of one year of employment with the foreign entity before the transfer.
Application Steps
1. Establish Canadian Entity: Create a Canadian affiliate, subsidiary, or branch.
2. Submit Work Permit Application: Apply for a work permit under the Intra-Company Transfer provisions.
3. Provide Supporting Documents: Submit documents proving the company structure, employee qualifications, and the role.
Processing Time and Costs
• Processing Time: 1-2 months, depending on the country of origin.
• Cost: CAD 155 work permit fee, plus biometrics if applicable.