Business Immigration
Business Immigration
Foreign business owners looking to apply for permanent residence in Canada alongside their families may be able to do so through the Business Immigration route.
There are two federal business streams applicants can apply to:
Start-up Visa
Launched in 2013 as a pilot program and made permanent in 2018, the Start-Up Visa program has turned no fewer than 250 entrepreneurs to permanent residents in Canada.
Entrepreneurs with existing businesses that requires investors may be eligible should they meet other requirements.
How do you qualify?
- Have an eligible business: Eligible businesses must have at least 10% of the voting rights of the shares of corporation. The business must be active and incorporated within Canada.
- Investment commitment from Designated Organizations: A Letter of Support should be procured from any of the three categories of designated organizations:
- Angel Investors
- Venture Capital
- Funds Business Incubators
- Language Eligibility: Applicants must show proficiency in either English or French through approved language test result, CLB 5 being the minimum.
- Proof of Funds: Applicants are expected to show enough settlement funds for themselves and their families. This amount will vary per family size.
In addition to the above, applicants will have to show supporting documents to aid their application.
Self-Employed Program
This option is for persons who are self employed or has taken part in cultural activities or athletics. It requires an applicant to have at least two years work experience in the last five years before applying.
Applicants are considered based on the following criteria:
- Work Experience
- Education
- Age
- Language Abilities
- Adaptability
For each selection criteria, there is a maximum point, the highest is work experience. The maximum possible score for a single applicant after adding all selection criteria points is 100, with the pass mark at 34 however the pass mark changes from time to time.
What qualifies as Cultural Activities or Athletics?
The following are some of the cultural activities that are seen as part of Canada's artistic and cultural fields:
Applicants are considered based on the following criteria:
- 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.
A complete list of activities considered as cultural and athletic can be found here.
Expanding or moving your business to Canada?
You're right on track. If lower corporate taxes, a stable economy, and permanent residency status in Canada appeal to you, reach out to us. We can map out the best immigration option for you.