Business Stream

Business immigration to Canada offers several pathways for entrepreneurs, investors, and self-employed individuals who wish to establish or invest in a business in Canada. Here are some of the main business immigration programs in Canada:

​

1. Start-Up Visa Program: This program is designed for entrepreneurs who want to start a business in Canada that is innovative, can create jobs, and can compete internationally. To qualify, applicants must have a qualifying business idea and secure a commitment from a designated Canadian venture capital fund, angel investor group, or business incubator.

2. Self-Employed Persons Program: This program is for individuals who have relevant experience in cultural activities, athletics, or farm management and who intend to become self-employed in Canada. Applicants must demonstrate their ability to contribute to the cultural or athletic life of Canada or to contribute to the economy through farm management experience.

3. Entrepreneur Immigration Programs (Provincial Nominee Programs): Many provinces and territories in Canada have entrepreneur immigration streams under their Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs). These programs typically require individuals to make a minimum investment in a business in the province and create jobs for Canadian citizens or permanent residents.

4. Immigrant Investor Venture Capital (IIVC) Pilot Program: This program is for experienced investors with a high net worth who are willing to make a non-guaranteed investment in a venture capital fund in Canada. The IIVC pilot program aims to attract individuals who can contribute to Canada's economy by investing in innovative Canadian startups.

5. Quebec Immigrant Investor Program (QIIP): Quebec operates its own immigrant investor program, which allows investors to obtain permanent residence by making a passive investment in Quebec. Applicants must have a net worth of at least CAD $2 million and make a prescribed investment in Quebec.

6. Owner-Operator LMIA: While not a specific immigration program, the Owner-Operator Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) pathway allows foreign entrepreneurs to establish or purchase a business in Canada and apply for a work permit as a high-skilled worker to manage the business. This can potentially lead to permanent residence through other immigration streams.

​

Each of these programs has its own eligibility requirements, investment thresholds, and application processes. At Canada Migration Services Inc, we carefully review the requirements of each program to determine which one best suits your circumstances and goals.