Business Immigration & Investors

The Government of Canada welcomes and encourages international business people to invest their entrepreneurial expertise, technical skills and investment capital in Canada’s economy. This class of immigrant makes a positive contribution to Canada’s economic development by applying their capital and knowledge to Canadian business ventures, which in turn creates jobs for Canadians and permanent residents.

Canada’s Business Immigration Program seeks to promote economic development and employment by attracting people with venture capital, business acumen and entrepreneurial skills. The three (3) types of business immigrants are – Investors, Entrepreneurs and Self-Employed.

Investors:

The investors are persons who have operated, controlled or directed a successful business or commercial undertaking by their own endeavours.

The Immigrant Investor Program seeks experienced business people to invest C$800,000 into Canada’s economy and become permanent residents. Investors must:

• show that they have business experience
• have a minimum net worth of C$1,600,000 that was obtained legally and
• make a C$800,000 investment

Financing of this investment is available through Canadian financial institutions, contact us we can assist.

Note:  The annual Cap has been introduced as per the Ministerial instructions for the Federal Investor Program.  This program is now closed.

Entrepreneur:

The Entrepreneur Program seeks to attract people with business experience and they must have a net worth of at least $300,000 legally obtained.  Entrepreneurs must have the intention and ability to actively manage a business in Canada(anywhere in Canada except Quebec) that will positively impact the Canadian economy and create employment opportunities for Canadian residents.

Please note: Applications are no longer being accepted as of July 1, 2011. This category is on hold until further notice.

Self-employed Category:

“Self-Employed” class provides an avenue for applicants who are likely to be successful in Canada as artists, singers, musicians, actors, athletes or farmers.    The person must have the intention and ability to be self-employed in Canada and must make a significant contribution to cultural activities or artistic life or by purchasing and managing a farm.

Although conditions are not imposed the self-employed persons must have enough money to support himself/herself and his/her family after arriving in Canada.

Applicant must have at least two years of one of the following types of experience in the period beginning five years before the date of application:

• Self-employment in cultural activities or athletics;
• Participation at a world-class level in cultural activities or athletics; or
• Farm management experience.

Business immigration and Investor program is complicated and it is advisable to seek professional assistance.