Canada Business and Investment Immigration
The Government of Canada is seeking investors, business managers, and entrepreneurs of all backgrounds and capacities who are interested in settling in Canada with their family, and seeking Canadian permanent residency. Under the Canadian model, business immigrants can enjoy the benefits of a national health care program, affordable first-class education and a national pension system that provides measurable annual income upon retirement.
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 business persons who want to settle in any province except Quebec.
At the federal level, there are several business-related programs, but the most known programs that we recommend to our clients are;
- Start-Up Visa Program
- Self-employed Program (Artist, Athletes, farmers)
- Buy a Business and Move to Canada (Owner/Operator Program)
Not sure which program fits your qualification? Feel free to Contact Us, or fill our Free Immigration Assessment form and let our experts help you.
Mid-range net worth individuals with suitable entrepreneurial experience may be eligible to apply under the one of many Provincial Entrepreneur programs. There are a number of provinces which manage their own business immigration programs which require active participation in the management of a business based on a specified investment and job creation. The programs vary in the requirements to qualify but generally refer to a minimum net worth in the area of $350,000 up to $2,000,000 with relevant management experience.
Quebec 
- Quebec Immigrant Investor Program ( Min. Investment C$1,200,000, financing is acceptable)
- Quebec Immigrant Entrepreneur Program (Min. Investment C$200,000 to C$300,000)
- Quebec Self-employed Program
British Colombia 
- BC Entrepreneur Immigration Stream (Min. Investment C$ 200,000)
- BC Entrepreneur Immigration Stream – Regional Pilot Program (Min. Investment C$100,000)
- BC Entrepreneur Immigration Stream – Strategic Projects
Ontario 
- Ontario Entrepreneur Stream (Min. Investment C$500,000 to C$1,000,000 )
- Ontario Corporate Stream (Min. Investment C$500,000 to C$1,000,000 )
Alberta 
- Alberta Self-employed Farmer Stream (Min. Investment C$500,000)
Nova Scotia 
- Nova Scotia Entrepreneur Stream (Min. Investment C$150,000)
- Nova Scotia International Graduate Entrepreneur Stream
Manitoba 
- Manitoba Business Investor Stream – Entrepreneur Pathway (Min. Investment C$150,000 to C$250,000)
- Manitoba Business Investor Stream – Farm Investor Pathway (Min. Investment C$300,000)
Saskatchewan 
- Saskatchewan Entrepreneur Category (Min. Investment C$200,000 to C$300,000)
- Saskatchewan Farm Owner/Operator Category
Prince Edward Island 
- PEI Work Permit Stream (Min. Investment C$150,000)
New Brunswick 
- New Brunswick Entrepreneurial Stream (Min. Investment C$250,000)
Not sure which program fits your qualifications? Feel free to Contact Us, or fill our Free Business Assessment form and let our experts help you.
For many business investors, the pathway to Canada is divided in two stages, beginning with a temporary work permit under the federal owner-operator rules.
These policies will apply for the sale and transfer of a significant portion of ownership in a Canadian business to a foreign national (50% of the ownership or more). Once admitted on a work permit, successful candidates can at a later stage, apply for permanent residence to Canada under one of the programs serviced by the Express Entry system or under a suitable provincial business immigration stream.
The owner-operator policy is not a formal immigration program. Rather, it is a work permit issued under the federal Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP). There is no annual quota on the number of work-permits that can be issued.
Who is an ideal candidate?
To qualify for an Owner-Operator work permit based on a LMIA, a foreign national must demonstrate that they:
- Own at least 50% of the business and hold a position where they cannot be terminated;
- Will have a wage that is equal or greater than the median wage for the position;
- Will operate a business that will result in the creation or retention of employment opportunities for Canadians or permanent residents, or that it will provide the transfer of skills or knowledge to Canadians or permanent residents;
- Have a viable business plan and have taken measures to put their business plan in place – such as financing, leasing office space, and obtaining a business number with Canada Revenue Agency
- Have a skill set or experience that will improve the feasibility of the business; and
- Will hire at least one Canadian or permanent resident in the first year of operating or opening the business in Canada.
Unlike most LMIA categories, there are no advertisement or recruitment requirements for the Owner-Operator LMIA.
An additional benefit of the Owner-Operator work permit based on a LMIA is that a foreign national can gain additional points under the Express Entry Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) matrix. A foreign national who holds an Owner-Operator work permit based on a LMIA in a senior manager position (NOC 00) can gain 200 additional points. In most cases, gaining these additional 200 points will ensure that a foreign national will be selected from the Express Entry pool of candidates.
Start a new business or Buy an existing business?
Start-up issues:
It may be difficult for a start-up business to qualify, as it would not be “actively engaged in the business”. It is possible to get Owner Operator LMIA for a start-up, but the clients should have made some investments in leasehold improvements or equipment and shows some operations before the application for LMIA is made.Business Purchases:
It would thus be easier to purchase a business rather than start up a new Enterprise, as applicant could show that the business is running, and he is “actively engaged” in the business.
What is the process?
- The foreign investor identifies a Canadian business to purchase.
- A Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is submitted along with a suitable business plan.
- Once a positive LMIA opinion is issued, the foreign investor applies for a 12-24 months, renewable temporary work permit at the management level.
How long does this process take?
Once a suitable business is found, it will take 2-3 months to complete the LMIA application process. It will take less than 3-months in most jurisdictions to receive a work permit.
When can the work permit holder apply for Canadian permanent residence?
During the first year of working in Canada, the foreign investor along with immediate family members can apply for permanent residence if they qualify under a suitable program, either the federal Express Entry or a provincial nomination program. In most cases, the process can be completed in less than 12 months.
How can we help?
- We start by getting to know you and your business idea.
- We consider options for you to start up or acquire a business in the region of Canada you choose. Check our updated list of available businesses for sale in Canada.
- We do our research and make sure that your needs on a personal, social family and economic basis are taken care of in our planning with you.
- Your business plan, and all other legal documentations and registrations will be managed by our team from start to end.
- After coming to Canada, you and your family will be eligible for have health and your children can attend school for FREE.
- You may find yourself to be fortunate compared with other newcomers to Canada because you are coming prepared for resettlement in Canada with a business and the tools you and your family need to be successful.
Are you interested in this program but you need more details? Feel free to Contact Us, and let our experts help you.
