There are ways to immigrate to Canada as a business person/entrepreneur at the Federal or provincial level. Below are some of the paths to permanent residency through business/entrepreneur program.
At the Federal level there are two streams:
- Start-up Visa (for immigrant entrepreneurs with the skills to build innovative business in Canada)
- Self-employed person (in cultural activities or athletics at a world-class level). Cultural activities include jobs in artistic and cultural fields, for example: authors and writers, creative and performing artists, musicians, painters, sculptors and other visual artists, technical support and other jobs in motion pictures, creative designers, and craftspeople.
At the provincial level, each province has its own stream – some examples are below:
- Entrepreneur Immigration
- For example in British Columbia there are two streams of Entrepreneur Immigration, i.e. Entrepreneur Immigration – Base Category which requires a personal net worth of at least CAD$600,000; and Entrepreneur Immigration – Regional Pilot which requires a personal net worth of at least CAD$300,000, plus other requirements (personal and business requirements)
- Business Investor Stream
- For example, under the New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program, Business Investor Stream requires a personal net worth of at least CAD$500,000, plus other requirements
- International Graduate Entrepreneur
- For example, under the Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP), this program is for foreign students who graduate from Alberta post-secondary institution who want to establish or operate a business in Alberta. Must have completed at least 2 years of full-time education in Alberta resulting in a degree or diploma which in turn resulting in a Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP) with a validity of 2+ years.
- Self-Employed Farmer Stream
- This stream is being offered under the Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP) for individuals who have the financial resources and farm management experience to purchase and establish a farm in Alberta. Applicants must show a minimum net worth of CAD$500,000.
There are other business/entrepreneur streams in other provinces that may be more suitable for you. Still unsure which path to choose from? We offer a free assessment – simply fill out this questionnaire here.