If you are a non-Canadian, then you must either file a Notification or an Application for Review of the investment, unless an exemption applies. Please contact the Investment Review Division for more information on Exemptions. (Please note that the Investment Review Division does not provide information on how to start a business in Canada, immigration, settlement or programs to stimulate investment.)
When do I have to file a Notification?
If you are a non-Canadian, then you must file a notification each and every time you begin a new business activity in Canada and each time you acquire control of an existing Canadian business where the establishment or acquisition of control is not a reviewable transaction. A Notification must be filed no later than thirty days after the implementation of the investment. An investor can request a Notification form by calling the Investment Review Division. Please refer to the national contact listed below.
When will an investment be reviewable?
An investment is reviewable if the asset value of the Canadian business being acquired exceeds certain thresholds or if it has been ordered for review. For more information on the threshold amounts please contact the Investment Review Division. Please refer to the national contact listed below.
Waiting Period
The legislation gives the Minister an initial 45 days to make a decision. Most cases are decided within this time frame. However, there are provisions in the legislation to extend the review period.
Fee
Not Applicable.
Forms
An investor can obtain an Application for Review or Notification form directly from the Web or by calling the Investment Review Division at the number listed below.
Web site
The site contains the Investment Canada Act, regulations, interpretation notes, guidelines, forms, answers to frequently-asked questions, as well as links to other sites which contain very useful information for non-Canadians wishing to invest in Canada.
DISCLAIMER
Information contained in this section is of a general nature only and is not intended to constitute advice for any specific fact situation. For particular questions, the users are invited to contact their lawyer. For additional information, see contact(s) listed below.
New Brunswick Contact(s):
See National Contact.