Whether you are self-employed, are looking to grow or start a business in Canada, or simply would like to leverage your personal net worth to help drive the Canadian economy, there are several Federal Business Immigration Programs designed to fit the skills and experience of successful businesspersons who want to settle in any province except Quebec.
Provincial Nominee Programs for Business
Each province and territory operate its own Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), many of which have a stream for candidates with entrepreneurial or management experience.
The eligibility criteria and application procedure for each PNP stream varies, but successful applicants will invariably receive a provincial nomination.
This provincial nomination then generally permits the applicant to apply for permanent residence at the federal level.
What Is Canada Start-Up Visa (SUV)?
Canada’s start-up visa program gives entrepreneurs the opportunity to immigrate to Canada to establish a new business. Immigrant entrepreneurs must demonstrate that their business is innovative, will create new jobs for Canadians, and can compete on a global scale. If you are an entrepreneur with an innovative business idea, you may be eligible to immigrate to Canada through the start-up visa program. If you are a non-Canadian and want to start a new business or company in Canada, then you can use the country’s startup visa program. Successful applicants can tie up with private companies in Canada and receive help on funding and guidance on running their business.
The Requirements to be Eligible for Canadian Start-Up Visa:
Canada’s start-up visa program gives entrepreneurs the opportunity to immigrate to Canada to establish a new business. Immigrant entrepreneurs must demonstrate that their business is innovative, will create new jobs for Canadians, and can compete on a global scale. If you are an entrepreneur with an innovative business idea, you may be eligible to immigrate to Canada through the start-up visa program. If you are a non-Canadian and want to start a new business or company in Canada, then you can use the country’s startup visa program. Successful applicants can tie up with private companies in Canada and receive help on funding and guidance on running their business.
With a wealth of opportunities waiting for experienced, business individuals to help propel the growing Canadian economy, our team of experts are ready to help you take the next step in your business immigration endeavors. Guiding you step by step through the immigration process from eligibility to permanent residency, our business immigration team provide first-class support, so you can get back to focusing on your business.
What Is Canada Start-Up Visa (SUV)?
Canada’s start-up visa program gives entrepreneurs the opportunity to immigrate to Canada to establish a new business. Immigrant entrepreneurs must demonstrate that their business is innovative, will create new jobs for Canadians, and can compete on a global scale. If you are an entrepreneur with an innovative business idea, you may be eligible to immigrate to Canada through the start-up visa program. If you are a non-Canadian and want to start a new business or company in Canada, then you can use the country’s startup visa program. Successful applicants can tie up with private companies in Canada and receive help on funding and guidance on running their business.
How to apply for a Start-Up Visa
Put all documents in a 9” x 12” envelope, write ‘start-up visa’ on the outside of the envelope, and mail to the appropriate address
FAQ
If you have a net worth of at least $10 million CAD acquired through legal business investment activities such as a commercial, for-profit business or private sector activities, you could be eligible for the Investor Venture Capital Pilot Program.
The current processing time for the start-up visa is between 12 and 16 months.
No. Your permanent residence will not be jeopardized in the event your business fails.
Entrepreneurs wishing to immigrate to Canada with a startup visa must secure a minimum investment of $200,000 from an approved organization or at least $75,000 from a designated angel investor.
If your business is accepted into a business incubator program, you are not required to secure an investment.
Yes. If you have at least two years of relevant experience as an artisan, professional athlete or farmer, you could be eligible to come to Canada with a self-employed visa.
As part of the eligibility requirements,
you will need to provide proof (Commitment Certificate and Letter of Support) that your business is in fact supported by a designated organization.
These documents will cover the relevant details of your arrangement with one or multiple designated organizations, and are paramount to your startup visa application.
Unlike federal and provincial investor programs, where applicants must invest their own capital, no investment of their own funds will be required.
Instead, those who meet the eligibility requirements must secure a minimum of $75,000 from a Canadian angel investor, or a minimum of $200,000 from a Canadian venture capital fund recognized by the government of Canada.