Canada Business Visas

The Federal Government’s Start-Up Visa Program

CAD $200,000 if the investment comes from a recognized Canadian venture capital fund or designated incubators OR CAD $75,000 if the investment comes from a designated Canadian angel investor group for the purposes of the Start-Up Visa Programme.

Experience

There isn’t any particular necessity.

There is no managerial or exploratory role required in the EOI System, and no business plan is necessary.

Deposit Refundable Interview Requested by IRCC

Permission to Enter and Work in the U.S.

Requirements for the Additional

A Letter of Support from an officially recognized entity is required for this application.

Applicants for a startup visa must show that they have the financial means to sustain themselves and any dependents they want to bring to Canada. The amount needed depends on the size of the household.

Program for Federally Self-Employed Individuals

Program for Self-Employers

Money needed to start a business: N/A

It isn’t necessary to do this.

Experience

Experience in the arts or athletics for at least the last five years

There is no managerial or exploratory role required in the EOI System, and no business plan is necessary.

IRCC requested an interview.

The Deposit Is Refundable

It isn’t necessary to do this.

Permission to Enter and Work in the U.S.

Requirements for the Additional

Ability to communicate in English and French, as well as job experience in a certain field

Upon arrival in Canada, all self-employed individuals must demonstrate that they will be able to support themselves and their families for at least one year.

Based on the five selection criteria and the unique point system, self-employed immigrants must get at least 35 points out of 100.

Self-Employed Farmer Program in Alberta

An investment in a main production agricultural enterprise of at least $500,000 is required to be eligible for the Alberta Self-Employed Farmer Stream.

A business plan is required, but no managerial role is required. An exploratory visit and an interview are required, but the deposit is not required.

After getting a provincial nomination certificate, additional requirements for obtaining a work permit or a visa are not necessary.

The prospective Alberta farming firm must be financed by a Canadian financial institution.

Entrepreneur Immigration Stream Program under the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP)

British Columbia’s PNP Entrepreneurship Immigrant Visa

To be eligible, you must have a minimum net worth of CAD $600,000

CAD $200,000 or CAD $400,000 if offering an experience for a key staff member.

3 + years of business ownership or management experience OR 4 + years of senior management experience OR 1+ year of business ownership & management experience and 2+ years of senior management experience within the previous 10 years.

Is there an EOI system? (province publishes info on previous draws)

Business plan is required, as is an exploratory visit, and an interview with a manager is recommended only if the BC PNP requests it.

The Deposit Is Refundable

Neither a work permit nor a work visa is necessary.

Prior to submitting a Letter of Acceptance for the purpose of applying for permanent residence (PR), applicants must work for a minimum of two years.

Requirements for the Additional

With the planned business, provide at least one full-time employment for a Canadian national or permanent resident.

Provincial Nominee Program of British Columbia (BC PNP): Regional Pilot Program for Entrepreneur Immigration

Minimum net worth of $300,000; minimum investment of $100,000; experience of at least two years

Having at least three years of business ownership and management experience, or four years of senior management experience, within the past 10 years is required.

Is there an EOI system? (province publishes info on previous draws)

A managerial position is required, as well as a business plan, an exploratory visit, and an interview with BC PNP.

The Deposit Is Refundable

Neither a work permit nor a work visa is necessary.

There must be a 12-month work permit term before a candidate may be nominated; the PR is reliant on the business plan being implemented.

Requirements for the Additional

Registration requires a community referral and the creation of a minimum of one full-time, permanent employment for a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.

 

Investor Stream (Entrepreneur Pathway) of the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program for Businesses

Businesses in the Manitoba Capital Region must have a net worth of at least CAD $500,000 and an investment of at least CAD $250,000. A firm must generate or sustain at least one employment for a Canadian citizen or a Manitoba Permanent Resident in order to receive up to CAD $150,000 if it is located outside of the Manitoba Capital Region.

Experience

Three out of the last five years have seen the candidate have business ownership and management experience or executive-level expertise. AND In compared to top managers, owners of small businesses get more credit than those in similar positions at larger corporations. To be eligible for points, business owners must own at least 33 1/3 percent of the company.

Is there an EOI system?

Managerial Positions Are Necessary

There Must Be a Business Plan

Exploratory Visit

Before to submitting an EOI, a business research visit must be completed no more than one year prior.

Refundable Deposit Required for Interview

Non-Required PR/Work Permit

Permanent residency (PR) is predicated on the successful completion of this program.

Requirements for the Additional

A refundable deposit of CAD $100,000 is no longer required if you earn 60 or more points on the evaluation grid.

Nominee Program: Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program: Business Investor Stream (Farm Investor Pathway) Program

Investments in a farm company conducted largely for the purpose of obtaining passive investment income or speculative returns are not permitted if the net worth of the investor is less than CAD $500,000 or if the minimum investment is less than CAD $300,000 in physical assets.

Experience

Applicants must have a minimum of three years of documented management or ownership experience in a farm company.

Management Role Required Business Plan Required Visit to Explore Farm Business Research required EOI System Yes.

PR/Work Permit Requires an Interview and a CAD $75,000 Refundable Deposit

Permanent residency (PR) is predicated on the successful completion of this program.

Requirements for the Additional

The refundable deposit of CAD $100,000 has been abolished.

Business Stream of the New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP): Minimum Net Worth of $600,000 and Minimum Investment of $250,000 Canadian Dollars

Owning a business or working in a senior business management function for at least three out of the last five years is required.

Is an EOI System Required? Managerial Role Required? Business Plan Required?

Inquiry-Based Visit Essential

After receiving a provincial nomination certificate, an interview is required and a refundable deposit of CAD $100,000 is required.

Requirements for the Additional

Age range of 22 to 55

Level 5 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages

The Post-Graduate Entrepreneurial Stream of the New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP) requires a minimum net worth of N/A and an investment of N/A.

Ownership of the qualified firm must be 100% of the applicant’s equity

Experience in NOC O, A, or B for at least six years during the past decade OR for at least one to five years within the last decade in NOC O, A, or B

Managerial Roles Required, EOI System Yes, Business Plan

Could you please ask? (business must be of economic benefit to the province)

Unspecified Visit for Exploration

Refundable Deposit Required for Interview

Specified information is not available.

PR/Work Permit PR after getting the provincial nomination certificate for the province.

Requirements for the Additional

The age range is 22 to 40

CLB Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking all get a 7 in English or French

Obtained a current Post-Graduation Work Permit

As part of the Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP), there is an Entrepreneur Stream option.

To be eligible, you must have a minimum net worth of CAD $600,000

a minimum of CAD $150,000 in capital and expertise

Ownership experience of at least three years and 33.3 percent ownership in the previous 10 years, or senior management of at least five years.

Is there an EOI system? (province publishes info on previous draws)

Managerial Positions Are Necessary

There Must Be a Business Plan

For company succession, an exploratory visit is required.

Refundable Deposit Required for Interview

It isn’t necessary to do this.

Permission to enter the United States for the purpose of employment

After being nominated, a business must remain open for at least a year on a work visa before becoming eligible for permanent residency.

Requirements for the Additional

An EOI (Expression of Interest) must be submitted by the firm.

English and French are required as a bare minimum. In the CLB 5th place

Program: International Graduate Entrepreneur Stream of the Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP)

International Graduate Entrepreneur Stream of the Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP) Minimum Net Worth N/A Minimum Investment

100 percent of the qualified company’s stock ownership

Business ownership experience in Nova Scotia for at least one continuous year previous to submission of the EI

At least a two-year degree from a Nova Scotia institution or college

Managerial Role Necessary (province may publish information on future drawings after they are conducted; EOIs must be submitted while working with a valid permission).

There isn’t one.

An exploratory visit is necessary, as is an interview.

The Deposit Is Refundable

After getting a provincial nomination certificate, additional requirements for obtaining a work permit or a visa are not necessary.

Another set of standards have to be met by the company.

English and French are required as a bare minimum. The 7th C.L.B.

Northwest Territories Entrepreneurial Business Stream Nomination Program

The Entrepreneur Business Stream of the Northwest Territories Nominee Program (NTNP)

Minimum Net Worth: CAD $500,000 for firms in Yellowknife, or CAD $250,000 for businesses outside of Yellowknife

CAD $300,000 minimum investment in Yellowknife or CAD $150,000 minimum investment outside Yellowknife or CAD $1,000,000 investment in Yellowknife

Experience

Experience in the corporate world is a must.

There is no need for a managerial role in the EOI system, nor is a business plan or exploratory visit required.

A Refundable Deposit is Necessary.

The equivalent of $75,000 Canadian dollars

PR/Work Permit Two-year work permit; PR is based on achieving program specifications.

Requirements for the Additional

CLB 4 in either English or French translates to

The Northwest Territories must reap considerable economic advantages, including the creation of new jobs for the region’s population.

“Entrepreneurial Stream” of the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program

For businesses in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA): $800,000 OR for firms outside the GTA: $400,000 OR for businesses in the ICT/Digital Communications sector (regardless of location): $400,000 OR for businesses in the ICT/Digital Communications sector (regardless of location): $400,000

The Lowest Possible Cost

To hold 33.3% of the company in the Greater Toronto Area, you’ll need CAD 600,000; to do so outside the region, you’ll need CAD 200,000; $200,000 and a 33.3 percent stake in the company in the ICT/Digital Communications industry

Business owner or senior management with at least 24 months of full-time experience in the previous five years.

Is there an EOI system? (province publishes info on previous draws)

Managerial Positions Are Necessary

Only in the event of a business succession is an exploratory visit to the business plan necessary.

OINP must seek an interview.

The Deposit Is Refundable

It isn’t necessary to do this.

Permission to enter the United States for the purpose of employment

Permanent residency (PR) is predicated on the successful completion of this program.

Requirements for the Additional

Sign a Contract for Results with the Province of Ontario

English and French are required as a bare minimum. The fourth CLB

At least two full-time, permanent employment for Canadians or permanent residents must be created.

P.E.I. Provincial Nominee Program: Work Permits Stream Program

An applicant must have a net worth of at least CAD $600,000 and a minimum investment of N/A in order to be eligible for the Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program (PEI-PNP).

Is there an EOI system?

Managerial Positions Are Necessary

An exploratory visit was necessary for the business plan

Requires a Refundable Deposit at the Time of Interview.

Application fees are repaid in full if an applicant’s application is either rejected or withdrawn.

Permission to enter the United States for the purpose of employment

Support from the province to apply for a work visa; Once all Performance Agreement criteria have been completed, you will be nominated.

Requirements for the Additional

English or French CLB 4; secondary school equivalency as a bare minimum

At least 21 years old

Program for Quebec Immigrant Investors

As of April 1, 2023, the Quebec Immigrant Investor Program will no longer accept new applications.

a net worth of at least CAD $2,000,000.

$1,200,000 in risk-free investments through authorised financial intermediaries or by financing the investment. Minimum Investment CAD $1,200,000

For a post that is defined as full-time, you must have two years of managerial experience in the last five years before to applying (either in agriculture, commerce, or industry, OR in government or international organizations).

No Active Management Role Necessary for the EOI System

A Business Strategy

None

Recommendation for an exploratory visit

Application reviewers may demand it.

The Deposit Is Refundable

After getting a Quebec Selection Certificate, a work visa or permanent resident status is not necessary (CSQ)

Requirements for the Additional

Medical and criminal background checks

Program for Quebec’s Young Entrepreneurs

Entrepreneurship in Quebec — Stream 1 will have a new application period beginning on November 1, 2020 and running until September 30, 2021. The program’s Stream 2 has temporarily halted the acceptance of permanent selection applications.

A minimum of CAD 900,000 in financial resources is required for a Net Worth*.

operating a business as a sole proprietor

Ownership of at least 25 percent of the equity of the enterprise created by the entrepreneur or acquired by the entrepreneur, or at least 51 percent of the equity of the enterprise acquired by the entrepreneur.

EOI System Doesn’t Require a Managerial Role

Business project necessitates an exploratory visit; an interview is highly recommended.

This is the last step before submitting your application.

A CAD $300,000 or a CAD $200,000 start-up deposit is required for businesses located inside the greater Montreal metropolitan region.

A Quebec Selection Certificate is required to get a PR/Work Permit (CSQ)

Requirements for the Additional

Submit a contract as proof of financial independence and a general diploma from a secondary school.

Make a $200,000 performance guarantee deposit refundable if certain requirements are met.*

Stream Two of the Entrepreneur program has this prerequisite, but not Stream One.

The Quebec Program for Self-Employed Workers

From November 1, 2020, through September 30, 2021, the Quebec Self-Employed Worker Program will accept applications.

Net worth of CAD $100,000 or less is required.

The Lowest Possible Cost

It isn’t necessary to do this.

Experience

2-year record of self-employed work experience in Quebec-recognized professional or trade

The EOI Platform

The absence of a managerial role is not required in the business plan.

Application reviewers may ask for it.

Deposit for a new account

Deposit at least CAD $50,000 in a local financial institution if you are located in the Montreal metropolitan region, or at least CAD $25,000 outside the Montreal metropolitan area as a start-up deposit.

A Quebec Selection Certificate is required to get a PR/Work Permit (CSQ)

Requirements for the Additional

Submit a contract as proof of financial independence and a general diploma from a secondary school.

Saskatchewan’s Entrepreneurial Nominee Program for Immigrants

Entrepreneur Category – Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP)

CAD $500,000 in net worth

At least 33.3 percent ownership is required for investment in Regina or Saskatoon, or $200,000 in any other Saskatchewan municipality, or CAD $1,000,000 investment or more.

Experience

An entrepreneur or company manager with at least three years of experience during the last decade

A Managerial Role Is Required for the EOI System

For business succession, joint partnerships, and regional business potential, an exploratory visit is required.

Upon SINP’s request, an interview.

The Deposit Is Refundable

It isn’t necessary to do this.

Permission to enter the United States for the purpose of employment

A two-year work permit, with the possibility of a permanent residency visa (PR) if the conditions of the program are met.

Requirements for the Additional

Sign a Contract for Performance

Create at least two new jobs in Regina or Saskatoon by starting a business there.

 

Saskatchewan’s Immigrant Nomination Scheme (SINP) – Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program – Farm Owner/Operator Category (SINP) Owner/Operator of a farm

CAD $500,000 in net worth

Amount Required N/A Prior Knowledge

Owning an agricultural enterprise that employs methods comparable to those seen in Saskatchewan

The EOI Platform

Your Business Plan Doesn’t Have to Be Managed

Requires a Farm Establishment Plan (FEP) in addition to an exploratory visit and an interview.

Seventy-five thousand dollars in Canadian dollars for PR/Work Permit PR after getting the nomination certificate

Requirements for the Additional

Submission of a Farm Establishment Plan

Sign a Contract for Performance

Nominations for the Yukon Business Nominee Programme (YBNP) are now being accepted (YBNP)

Net Worth CAD $500,000 (which includes CAD $300,000 in liquid assets) is required to participate in the program

A minimum investment of CAD $300,000 is required, with at least one-third of the ownership held by a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.

Experience in running a firm for a minimum of three years, as well as a minimum of five years in a related field

A Managerial Role Is Required for the EOI System

A Business Strategy

A Mandatory Exploratory Trip

Applicants are given points based on previous visits.

Refundable Deposit Required for Interview

It isn’t necessary to do this.

Permission to enter the United States for the purpose of employment

2-year work permit; conditional green card if program conditions are met; PR is contingent on program requirements being met.

Requirements for the Additional

The business must be situated in an area designated as strategically important by the region.

On the evaluation grid, a score of 65 or more is required.