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What is the Business Immigration Program?

Notice: CIC has introduced a new simplified application process for business immigrants.

The Business Immigration Program seeks to attract experienced business people to Canada who will support the development of a strong and prosperous Canadian economy.

Business immigrants are expected to make a $400,000 investment or to own and manage businesses in Canada.

Canada has three classes of business immigrants, each with separate eligibility criteria: investors, entrepreneurs and self-employed persons. Each application can be made for only one class and once the application is submitted, the class cannot be changed.

Who Qualifies as a Business Immigrant?

Business immigrants are selected based on their ability to become economically established in Canada. The detailed requirements of each program are as follows.

	Investors The Immigrant Investor Program (IIP) seeks to attract experienced business persons and their capital to Canada. Investors must demonstrate business experience and a legally obtained minimum net worth of CAN $800,000, and must make an investment of CAN $400,000.
	>> Learn more about the Immigrant Investor Program
	Entrepreneurs The Entrepreneur Program seeks to attract experienced business persons who will own and actively manage businesses in Canada that contribute to the economy and create jobs. Entrepreneurs must demonstrate business experience and a minimum legally obtained net worth of CAN $300,000, and are subject to conditions upon arrival in Canada.
	>> Learn more about the Entrepreneur Program
	Self-employed persons The Self-Employed Persons Program seeks to attract applicants who have the intention and ability to become self-employed in Canada. Self-employed persons are required to have either (a) relevant experience that will enable them to make a significant contribution to the cultural or athletic life of Canada, or (b) experience in farm management and the intention and ability to purchase and manage a farm in Canada.
	>> Learn more about the Self-Employed Immigrant Program

How to Apply?

Once you have decided that you want to bring your skills to Canada, ensure that you follow the right steps to apply.

Provincial Business Immigration Links

Under the Canada-Quebec Accord, the province of Quebec operates its own immigrant investor program. All investors in the Quebec program must both be destined to live in Quebec and selected by Quebec.

Applicants for all business classes may wish to consult with government representatives in the Canadian province or territory of their intended destination.

For business immigration information and contacts for Canadian provinces and territories, please consult the list of Provincial and Territorial Government Contacts.

Some provinces also have business immigration programs as part of the Provincial Nominee Program.

For more information about starting and doing business in Canada, please visit the Canadian Business Information section of this site.