Home » Applications and Forms » Outside Canada

Applying as a Business Immigrant — Investor, Entrepreneur or Self-Employed Person

Simplified Application Process

As of September 1, 2006, Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) has introduced a new simplified application process for most business immigrants.

Under this process, you submit only a basic application form and fee. This guarantees your place in the processing queue, meaning that the regulations in effect on that date will apply to your application. When the visa office is ready to assess your application, you will be asked to send the required supporting documentation.

Who should use the simplified application process?

To apply for permanent residence as a Federal Skilled Worker, you must use the Simplified Application Process if you meet the selection criteria of this class (see the section on Selection Criteria for details).

Do not use the Simplified Application Process if you:

• are a provincial nominee; or
• have been selected by Quebec; or
• are eligible for points for arranged employment (see Factor 5); or
• have a legal temporary resident status in Canada as a worker or a student and are submitting your application at the Canadian visa office in Buffalo; or
• have a legal status in the United States and are submitting your application through the Canadian visa office in Buffalo.

I do not qualify for the simplified application process.

Learn more about the simplified application process for business immigrants…

Complete these steps to apply for immigration as a business immigrant (simplified application process): 1. Read the general information Instruction Guide [IMM 4000ESAP] >>> also in HTML format 2. Fill out the forms Application for Permanent Residence in Canada [IMM 0008BU] Use of a Representative [IMM 5476], if applicable 3. Visa office-specific instructions Obtain the instructions for the visa office where you must apply. Visa office-specific instructions   next page >>