Business Immigration of Canada 

Home / Business Immigration of Canada 

Business Immigration to Canada

Canada offers exceptional opportunities for entrepreneurs, investors, and skilled business professionals looking to establish or expand their businesses. With a strong economy, business-friendly policies, and pathways to permanent residency, Canada is the perfect destination for business immigrants.

Popular Business Immigration Programs

  • Start-Up Visa Program
  • Self-Employed Persons Program
  • Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)
  • Investor and Entrepreneur Programs
Book Your Consultation Today!
Business Immigration to Canada

Start-up Visa Program

The Start-up Visa Program in Canada is a unique and exciting immigration pathway designed to attract foreign entrepreneurs who want to start innovative businesses in Canada. This program is aimed at individuals who have the ability to create high-growth, innovative businesses that can contribute to Canada’s economy, create jobs for Canadians, and bring new technologies or services to the country.

Overview of the Start-up Visa Program

The Start-up Visa (SUV) allows entrepreneurs to immigrate to Canada by establishing a business that is:

  • Innovative: The business must introduce new ideas, services, or products.
  • Scalable: It must have potential for growth and create new job opportunities.
  • Able to compete globally: It should have the ability to reach international markets and potentially expand globally.

Key Features of the Start-up Visa Program

  1. Permanent Residency:
    • Successful applicants to the Start-up Visa Program are granted permanent residency in Canada. Once permanent residency is obtained, applicants can live, work, and study anywhere in Canada and access its health care and social benefits.
  2. Support from Designated Organizations:
    • To qualify for the Start-up Visa Program, applicants must have the support of a designated organization. These organizations can be: 
      • Venture capital funds
      • Angel investor groups
      • Business incubators

These organizations help by providing the financial backing, guidance, and mentorship needed to grow your business. The support of these organizations is essential for the application process.

  1. No Need for Prior Work Experience:
    • Unlike some other immigration streams, the Start-up Visa Program does not require prior work experience in the same field. The focus is more on the potential of the business and the innovation it can bring.
  2. Eligible for Partners:
    • Entrepreneurs can apply together with their business partners. Each partner must also meet the program’s requirements, but they may collectively contribute to the business’s success.

Eligibility Requirements for the Start-up Visa Program

To apply for the Start-up Visa, you must meet the following eligibility criteria:

  1. Have a Qualifying Business Idea

You must have an innovative business idea that meets the following requirements:

  • Ownership: You must hold at least 10% of the voting rights in the business.
  • Control: You and the designated organization must collectively hold more than 50% of the voting rights in the business.
  • Active Role: You must be actively involved in the day-to-day management of the business in Canada.
  1. Support from a Designated Organization

You must secure a letter of support from one of the following designated organizations:

  • Venture Capital Fund: This is a company that invests in start-ups or early-stage businesses. The fund must commit to investing a minimum of CAD 200,000 in your business.
  • Angel Investor Group: A group of investors who individually invest in start-up businesses. The group must commit to investing a minimum of CAD 75,000 in your business.
  • Business Incubator: These are organizations that help new businesses grow by providing resources such as office space, mentorship, and access to networks. To qualify, your business must be accepted into one of the approved incubators.

The letter of support from the designated organization confirms their investment or support in your business idea.

  1. Language Proficiency

You must meet the language requirements in either English or French. The minimum requirement is a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level 5 in speaking, listening, reading, and writing.

You will need to submit the results of an approved language test, such as:

  • IELTS (International English Language Testing System) for English
  • TEF Canada (Test d’évaluation de français) for French
  1. Sufficient Settlement Funds

You must show that you have enough money to support yourself and your dependents after arriving in Canada. The amount of money you need depends on the size of your family. This ensures you can support yourself while you establish your business in Canada.

The funds must be unencumbered (i.e., not borrowed) and must be available for use once you arrive in Canada.

  1. Intent to Live in Canada

You must intend to live in Canada (outside of the province of Quebec). Quebec has its own immigration programs, so applicants who plan to settle there must apply under Quebec’s Entrepreneur Program.

  1. Medical and Criminal Background Checks

As with any immigration program, you must undergo medical examinations and submit police certificates to prove you do not have any criminal convictions. This ensures you meet health and security standards to enter Canada.

How to Apply for the Start-up Visa Program

  1. Secure a Letter of Support:
    • You must first connect with a designated organization (venture capital fund, angel investor group, or business incubator) to get their commitment to support your business idea. Once you have the support, you will receive a Letter of Support, which is crucial for your application.
  2. Create an Express Entry Profile:
    • After obtaining the letter of support, you will need to create an Express Entry profile online. The Start-up Visa Program is part of the Express Entry system, and you will need to submit your profile and be entered into the pool of candidates.
  3. Submit Your Application:
    • If you receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA), you will have 60 days to submit a complete application for permanent residence. This includes: 
      • Your Letter of Support from the designated organization
      • Proof of language proficiency (IELTS, TEF)
      • Evidence of funds to support yourself and your family
      • Police certificates and medical exams
      • Other required documents
  4. Wait for Processing:
    • The processing time for the Start-up Visa Program can vary, but it typically takes about 12 to 16 months from the date you submit your complete application.
  5. Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR):
    • If your application is approved, you will receive your Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) and can proceed with landing in Canada as a permanent resident.

Advantages of the Start-up Visa Program

  • Permanent Residency: Successful applicants are granted permanent residency in Canada, which includes the ability to live and work anywhere in the country and access social benefits such as healthcare.
  • Support for Innovation: The Start-up Visa Program specifically targets entrepreneurs with innovative business ideas, providing a dedicated path to permanent residence for individuals who are willing to contribute new technologies or services to Canada.
  • Support from Designated Organizations: Through the program, applicants gain access to valuable support from designated organizations such as venture capital funds, angel investors, and business incubators, which can help guide and grow their businesses.
  • Pathway to Business Growth: Entrepreneurs benefit from being in Canada, with access to a large and diverse market, a robust economy, and various opportunities for business expansion.

Conclusion

The Start-up Visa Program offers an exciting opportunity for foreign entrepreneurs and business owners to immigrate to Canada and contribute to the country’s innovation and economic growth. If you have an innovative business idea and the backing of a designated organization, this program can provide a clear pathway to permanent residency in Canada.

Key benefits include the potential for your business to scale, the support from investors and incubators, and the chance to build a new life in one of the world’s most welcoming countries for entrepreneurs.

If you’re considering the Start-up Visa, be sure to connect with a designated organization and gather all the required documentation to increase your chances of success!

Entrepreneur Immigration PNP

Entrepreneur Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) is a pathway for individuals who want to establish or invest in a business in Canada, and it is designed for those who wish to immigrate to Canada as entrepreneurs. The Entrepreneur PNP is part of Canada’s Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), which allows provinces and territories to nominate individuals for permanent residence based on their ability to contribute to the local economy.

Each Canadian province and territory has its own version of the Entrepreneur PNP, and the eligibility criteria and requirements can vary from one jurisdiction to another. However, the core focus of the program remains consistent: to attract entrepreneurs who can create jobs, invest in the economy, and contribute to the development of local businesses.

Overview of the Entrepreneur PNP

The Entrepreneur PNP is a business immigration program aimed at experienced business owners or managers who have the skills and resources to invest in or establish a new business in a specific Canadian province or territory. In return, they are nominated for permanent residence in Canada, giving them the right to live, work, and establish a business in that province or territory.

Key Features of the Entrepreneur PNP

  1. Permanent Residency:
    • The Entrepreneur PNP offers a direct path to permanent residency in Canada. Once nominated by the province, successful applicants can apply for permanent residence, allowing them to settle in Canada long-term.
  2. Provincial Nomination:
    • The program is based on provincial and territorial needs. Each province or territory has its own criteria for selecting applicants, and the applicants must meet the specific needs of that region’s economy. Nominated individuals are granted Provincial Nominee status and can then apply to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for permanent residency.
  3. Business Ownership:
    • Entrepreneurs must either invest in an existing business or start a new business in the province they are applying to. The business must be viable, contributing to the local economy, and creating job opportunities for Canadians.
  4. Experience and Investment:
    • Entrepreneurs are typically required to demonstrate their experience in managing a business or running a company. They must also meet a minimum investment requirement, which varies depending on the province.
  5. Language Proficiency:
    • Most provinces require a minimum level of language proficiency in either English or French. The language requirements can vary by province but generally require applicants to meet a minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) score in speaking, listening, reading, and writing.

Eligibility Requirements for Entrepreneur PNP

While the specific requirements can differ by province, the general eligibility criteria include the following:

  1. Business Experience:
    • Applicants must have relevant business experience, usually at least 3 to 5 years of experience in business ownership, management, or a senior role in a company. The experience can be as a business owner or senior manager in an established company.
  2. Investment Requirements:
    • Applicants must be willing to make a minimum investment in a business in the province or territory. The required investment amount varies by province and the nature of the business but typically ranges from CAD 150,000 to CAD 1,000,000 or more.
    • The investment must be used for the establishment of a business or the purchase of an existing business in the province.
  3. Net Worth:
    • Applicants must have a minimum net worth (personal assets) to support the business investment. The amount varies by province, with the general range being between CAD 300,000 and CAD 800,000.
  4. Business Plan:
    • A comprehensive business plan is usually required to demonstrate how the business will succeed in the local economy. This should include details such as market research, business structure, marketing strategies, financial projections, and hiring plans for Canadian employees.
  5. Job Creation:
    • Entrepreneurs must demonstrate that their business will create jobs for Canadians. Many provinces have requirements around the number of jobs an entrepreneur must create, with typical expectations being at least one to three full-time jobs for Canadian citizens or permanent residents.
  6. Language Requirements:
    • Most provinces require entrepreneurs to have a minimum level of proficiency in English or French. The language requirement can differ based on the province but often requires a CLB level 5 or higher.
  7. Intention to Reside in the Province:
    • Applicants must express the intention to settle and operate the business in the province that nominates them. They are expected to contribute to the local economy by establishing or investing in businesses that will thrive within that province.

Popular Entrepreneur PNP Programs in Canada

Different provinces in Canada have tailored programs for entrepreneurs. Here are some of the major Entrepreneur PNP programs:

  1. Ontario Entrepreneur Stream
  • Ontario offers the Entrepreneur Stream through the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP). Applicants must invest in a business in Ontario, and the business must meet certain criteria for job creation and economic impact. The minimum investment required is typically CAD 200,000, but it can be higher in some areas of Ontario.
  1. British Columbia Entrepreneur Immigration
  • The British Columbia Entrepreneur Immigration Program targets entrepreneurs who can start or invest in a business in BC. Applicants must have a minimum investment of CAD 200,000 and create at least one full-time job for a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
  1. Manitoba Business Investor Stream
  • Manitoba’s Business Investor Stream targets experienced entrepreneurs and business owners. Applicants must invest in a business in Manitoba and create at least one full-time job. The minimum net worth requirement for this stream is CAD 500,000.
  1. Saskatchewan Entrepreneur Program
  • Saskatchewan offers the Entrepreneur Program for individuals who can invest in or buy a business in the province. The minimum investment is CAD 300,000, and the applicant must create at least two jobs for Canadians.
  1. Nova Scotia Entrepreneur Stream
  • Nova Scotia’s Entrepreneur Stream requires individuals to invest in a business in the province. The minimum investment is CAD 150,000, and the applicant must create at least one job for a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
  1. New Brunswick Entrepreneurial Stream
  • New Brunswick offers the Entrepreneurial Stream for individuals looking to invest in a business in the province. Applicants must invest at least CAD 150,000, and the business must generate employment opportunities for Canadians.
  1. Prince Edward Island (PEI) Business Impact Category
  • PEI’s Business Impact Category targets entrepreneurs looking to operate a business on the island. The minimum investment is CAD 150,000.

Application Process for Entrepreneur PNP

  1. Research Provincial Programs:
    • Begin by researching the specific Entrepreneur PNP program of the province where you intend to establish or invest in a business. Each province has different eligibility criteria, so it’s important to understand the requirements specific to the region.
  2. Create a Business Plan:
    • Develop a comprehensive business plan to submit with your application. The business plan should include your goals, financial projections, and a clear strategy for success.
  3. Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI):
    • Some provinces, like Ontario and Saskatchewan, use an Expression of Interest (EOI) system where applicants are required to submit an EOI. If your EOI is selected, you will be invited to submit a full application.
  4. Get a Provincial Nomination:
    • If your application is successful, you will receive a nomination from the province. This allows you to apply to the Federal government for permanent residency.
  5. Apply for Permanent Residency:
    • After receiving the nomination, you can apply for permanent residency through IRCC. You will need to submit additional documents, including proof of your investment and your business activities.

Conclusion

The Entrepreneur Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) offers a promising immigration pathway for individuals who wish to establish or invest in businesses in Canada. Each province offers unique opportunities and requirements, allowing entrepreneurs to contribute to the local economy and create jobs.

If you are an experienced business person with the resources to invest, the Entrepreneur PNP may be an ideal way to start a new chapter in Canada and benefit from its robust economy, high standard of living, and opportunities for business growth.

Entrepreneur Work Permit – C11

The C11 Work Permit refers to a specific category under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) that allows certain foreign workers to apply for a work permit to come to Canada. It is typically used by individuals who are entering Canada under the “Self-Employed” or “Entrepreneur” category, or for individuals whose work does not fall under the typical requirements of other work permits.

Overview of the C11 Work Permit

The C11 work permit is designed for individuals who are:

  • Coming to Canada to work in a self-employed capacity, typically as entrepreneurs, business owners, or those in similar roles where they will be providing services in Canada.
  • Seeking to work in specific situations that would benefit Canada’s economy, such as cultural workers, artists, athletes, or those with specialized expertise in areas that require foreign experience or knowledge.

Key Features of the C11 Work Permit

  • Self-Employed or Entrepreneurial Work: The C11 work permit is available to individuals who are planning to enter Canada as self-employed persons, including business owners, independent contractors, or people who intend to provide services as entrepreneurs.
  • Cultural or Artistic Work: The C11 permit can also apply to individuals involved in cultural or artistic endeavors (e.g., artists, performers, and those in the creative industries) who wish to work temporarily in Canada.
  • No Need for a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA): In most cases, a person applying for a C11 work permit does not need to provide an LMIA, which is usually required for many work permits. This makes the process faster and more efficient for certain applicants.
  • Employer-specific: Typically, the C11 work permit is employer-specific, meaning that it is issued for a specific employer or group of employers. If the worker wants to change employers, they would need to apply for a new work permit.
  • Temporary: As with other work permits, the C11 work permit is typically issued for a temporary period. The length of the permit depends on the nature of the work and the business plan.

Eligibility for the C11 Work Permit

To be eligible for a C11 work permit, applicants must meet the following criteria:

  1. Self-Employment or Entrepreneurial Intent:
    The individual must prove that they will be working in a self-employed or entrepreneurial capacity, such as owning and operating a business in Canada, or engaging in creative industries like arts or sports.
  2. Sufficient Financial Resources:
    The applicant must be able to demonstrate that they have the financial resources to support themselves while in Canada, and possibly their family, without needing to rely on government assistance.
  3. Intended Benefit to Canada:
    The applicant must show that their work will contribute to the Canadian economy in a positive way, such as providing employment opportunities or offering expertise in a niche field. If they are an entrepreneur, they must demonstrate how their business will benefit the Canadian market.
  4. Temporary Nature of Employment:
    The applicant must prove that their work is temporary in nature. The work they do should not be seen as leading to permanent residence, and they should plan to leave Canada once their work permit expires.
  5. Valid Passport or Travel Document:
    As with other work permits, the applicant must hold a valid passport or travel document.
  6. No Criminal Record:
    Applicants must not have any serious criminal convictions and must be able to pass security and background checks.

Application Process for the C11 Work Permit

The process for applying for a C11 work permit generally follows these steps:

  1. Complete the Application:
    You must fill out the appropriate application form for a work permit. This can be done either online or via paper application. You will need to provide relevant documents such as your passport, evidence of self-employment or business ownership, and proof of your financial situation.
  2. Provide Supporting Documents:
    The supporting documents will vary depending on the specific nature of your work. Some examples may include:
    • A detailed business plan (if applying as an entrepreneur)
    • Letters from clients or employers (if applying as a contractor or service provider)
    • Proof of artistic or cultural qualifications (if applying as an artist or performer)
  3. Submit the Application:
    After completing the application and gathering the necessary documents, you can submit the application online or at a local visa office, depending on your country of residence.
  4. Await a Decision:
    After submission, the application will be reviewed by Canadian immigration officials. If additional documentation or clarification is required, you may be asked to provide it.
  5. Receive Work Permit Approval:
    If your application is approved, you will receive a C11 work permit that allows you to work for the specified employer or in the specified self-employed capacity for a temporary period.

Advantages of the C11 Work Permit

  • No LMIA Required: The major advantage of the C11 work permit is that you do not need a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) in most cases. This streamlines the application process and reduces time delays for applicants.
  • Self-Employed Flexibility: It offers flexibility for self-employed individuals, artists, and entrepreneurs who want to establish or work in their own businesses, or work as independent contractors, in Canada.
  • Potential to Renew: The C11 work permit may be renewable depending on the specific nature of the work and the employer’s needs.

Conclusion

The C11 Work Permit is a specialized visa designed for individuals who are planning to work in Canada in a self-employed or entrepreneurial capacity, as well as for those working in artistic, cultural, or sports fields. The key benefits include the ability to apply without an LMIA and the flexibility to work independently or as an entrepreneur.

This work permit provides a pathway for individuals with the necessary qualifications and expertise to come to Canada temporarily and contribute to the country’s economy. However, applicants must prove that their work will be beneficial to Canada and that they are financially self-sufficient during their stay.

If you’re considering applying for a C11 work permit, ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria and provide detailed documentation that supports your application.

Intra Company Transfer

The Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) program in Canada is an immigration pathway that allows multinational companies to transfer key employees from their overseas operations to their Canadian branches, subsidiaries, or affiliates. This program is especially beneficial for companies looking to expand or streamline their operations in Canada while facilitating the movement of skilled workers into the country.

The Intra-Company Transfer program is managed under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP), but it has a specific stream for employees who are transferring to Canada within a company’s global network.

Key Features of the Intra-Company Transfer Program

  1. Temporary Work Permit:
    • The ICT program allows individuals to work in Canada on a temporary work permit, typically for a duration of up to 7 years, depending on the position and the employee’s nationality. However, the duration can vary by job and category.
  2. No Need for a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA):
    • One of the significant advantages of the ICT program is that no Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is required. An LMIA is a process where employers demonstrate that hiring a foreign worker will not negatively affect the Canadian labor market. For Intra-Company Transfers, companies are exempt from this requirement, making the process faster and more streamlined.
  3. Key Employee Categories:
    • The program is intended for executives, senior managers, and specialized knowledge workers. These are the three key categories under the ICT: 
      • Executives: Employees who are responsible for managing the company’s overall direction, strategy, and key decision-making. They typically hold top-level positions such as CEO, COO, or President.
      • Senior Managers: Employees who manage the company’s operations or major divisions and who report directly to executives. These managers are in charge of substantial organizational responsibilities.
      • Specialized Knowledge Workers: Employees who have advanced knowledge of the company’s products, services, processes, or technologies, and whose expertise is essential to the operation of the company in Canada. This category includes employees with specialized technical skills, unique knowledge of the company’s operations, or expertise in specific fields.
  4. Open to Multinational Companies:
    • The ICT program is specifically designed for multinational companies that have a parent company, subsidiary, affiliate, or branch in Canada. The company must have an existing operation in Canada that is related to the foreign operation of the company.
  5. Work and Study Rights:
    • In addition to working for the company in Canada, spouses or common-law partners of intra-company transferees can also apply for an open work permit, which allows them to work for any employer in Canada.
    • Dependent children of ICT workers can attend school in Canada without the need for a study permit.

Eligibility Requirements for the Intra-Company Transfer Program

To qualify for an Intra-Company Transfer to Canada, the following eligibility requirements must be met:

  1. Employment with a Multinational Company
  • The applicant must be employed by a multinational company that has a qualifying business in both their home country and in Canada. The company must have a parent company, subsidiary, branch, or affiliate in Canada.
  • The employee must have been working for the company outside of Canada for at least one continuous year in the last three years in a similar role.
  1. Qualifying Position
  • The employee must be transferring to a qualifying position in Canada. This typically includes executives, senior managers, or employees with specialized knowledge.
  • The position in Canada should be equivalent to the position the employee held at the overseas operation.
  1. Work Experience
  • For executives and senior managers, the applicant must have a significant amount of experience in a managerial or leadership role within the company.
  • For specialized knowledge workers, the applicant must possess specialized knowledge in areas such as company processes, products, technology, or services that are essential to the operations in Canada.
  1. Employment Continuity
  • The applicant must have been continuously employed by the foreign company for at least 12 months before applying for the transfer to Canada. The employment must be full-time and in a similar role to the one they will perform in Canada.
  1. Evidence of Relationship Between the Companies
  • The applicant must demonstrate that the Canadian company is related to the foreign company (i.e., it must be a parent company, subsidiary, branch, or affiliate). This requires providing evidence of the corporate structure and ownership.

Process for Applying for the Intra-Company Transfer Work Permit

  1. Employer Applies for a Work Permit
  • The employer in Canada must submit a work permit application on behalf of the foreign employee. The application will be assessed by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
  1. Documentation Submission
  • Key documents must be submitted along with the work permit application: 
    • Proof of employment with the foreign company for at least 12 months.
    • Corporate documents showing the relationship between the Canadian and foreign companies.
    • Job description and evidence that the employee meets the eligibility criteria (executive, senior manager, or specialized knowledge worker).
    • Evidence of the employee’s qualifications (educational background, work experience, and skills).
  1. Processing Time
  • The processing time for an Intra-Company Transfer work permit can vary but generally takes a few weeks to a couple of months, depending on the country of residence and the complexity of the application.
  1. Approval and Issuance of Work Permit
  • If the application is approved, the employee will be issued a work permit to work for the Canadian branch, affiliate, subsidiary, or parent company. The permit will specify the duration of employment, which is typically up to 7 years depending on the job category.
  1. Applying for Permanent Residence (if applicable)
  • While the Intra-Company Transfer is initially a temporary work permit, employees may apply for permanent residency under other immigration programs such as Express Entry or Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) if they meet the requirements for permanent residency.

Advantages of the Intra-Company Transfer Program

  1. No Need for an LMIA:
    • The LMIA exemption is one of the key advantages, as employers do not need to prove that there are no qualified Canadians available to fill the position. This speeds up the process significantly.
  2. Family Benefits:
    • The spouse or common-law partner of the Intra-Company Transferee can apply for an open work permit, allowing them to work for any employer in Canada. Dependent children can attend school without the need for a study permit.
  3. Longer Duration of Stay:
    • Executives and senior managers can stay in Canada for up to 7 years, and specialized knowledge workers can stay for up to 5 years. This allows employees to gain valuable Canadian work experience.
  4. Pathway to Permanent Residence:
    • The ICT program provides a stepping stone toward permanent residence. Many Intra-Company Transferees can apply for permanent residency after gaining Canadian work experience, potentially through Express Entry or other immigration programs.

Conclusion

The Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) program offers a significant opportunity for multinational companies to move key employees to Canada to contribute to the growth and development of their Canadian operations. It simplifies the immigration process for businesses and their employees by eliminating the need for an LMIA and offering a temporary work permit with the potential for long-term stay.

If you are an executive, senior manager, or specialized knowledge worker with an employer who has a Canadian branch, affiliate, subsidiary, or parent company, the Intra-Company Transfer program could be an excellent option to work in Canada and potentially build a long-term career in the country.

contact us

Get Initial Consultation today 💬

Ready to take the next step? Whether you have questions, need advice, or want expert guidance, our team is here to help! Book your initial consultation now and get the answers you need to move forward with confidence.

(+92) 322-9046050