Business immigrants can invest in or start businesses in Canada. Through their business investment, they support the development of a strong Canadian economy.
All business immigrants must apply at the visa office nearest them.
There are three classes of business immigrants:
- Investor
- Entrepreneur
- Self-employed Person
The following section explains the profile and application process of all three types of business immigrants. You can also download the application forms.
This information comes directly from Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC).
What is the Business Immigration Program?
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.
Applications can be made for only one class, even if the applicant fulfils
the requirements of the other classes. Once an 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.
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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.
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>> Learn
more about the Immigrant Investor Program |
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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. |
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>> Learn
more about the Entrepreneur Program |
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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. |
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>> Learn
more about the Self-Employed
Immigrant Program |
Transitional Provisions
If you applied before January 1, 2002, or have made an application
as a member
of the transitional class, please read about the transitional
provisions as your application may be assessed under the selection criteria
of the previous
regulations.
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.