Frequently asked questions:
Investors, entrepreneurs and self‑employed persons

Entrepreneurs

Investors

Self-employed persons

Business Immigration Program

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Entrepreneurs

1. What are the requirements for qualifying as an entrepreneur?
2. What is the procedure to become an entrepreneur?
3. What are the business experience requirements?
4. Does the business experience have to be recent?
5. What is meant by “business”?
6. How do I satisfy Citizenship and Immigration Canada that my net worth was obtained legally?
7. Who do I contact for more information about meeting my business conditions in Canada?
8. Where do most entrepreneurs come from?

Investors

1. What are the requirements for qualifying as an investor?
2. What is the procedure for becoming an investor?
3. What are the business experience requirements?
4. Does the business experience have to be recent?
5. What is meant by “business”?
6. How do I satisfy Citizenship and Immigration Canada that my net worth was obtained legally?
7. Who is responsible for the investment operations of the program?
8. What documents do I receive after I make my investment?
9. Why do you recommend that I make my investment through a Citizenship and Immigration Canada-approved facilitator?
10. Where do most immigrant investors come from?

Self-employed persons

1. What are the requirements for qualifying as a self-employed person?
2. What is the procedure for becoming a self-employed person?
3. What is meant by “relevant experience”?
4. Does the relevant experience have to be recent?
5. What is meant by “cultural activities”?
6. What are specified economic activities?
7. What is meant by a “significant contribution”?
8. Are there any reporting requirements once I arrive in Canada?
9. Is there a net worth requirement?

Business Immigration Program

1. Why does Canada have a business immigration program?
2. How does Canada benefit from business immigrants?
3. What are the principal differences between investors, entrepreneurs and self-employed persons?
4. What type of documents do I have to submit to support my application?
5. Where can I get application forms?
6. Where do I apply?
7. How long will it take for my application to be processed?