Canada welcomes successful business people who are seeking new opportunities and challenges. The Business Immigration Program is designed to encourage and facilitate the admission of these individuals. Both the federal and provincial/territorial governments welcome business immigrants and offer services to help immigrants start a business and settle in Canada.
There are several ways for individuals and/or businesses to come to Canada. It created numerous attractive programs for high net-worth individuals who wish to immigrate through a very dynamic immigration process, business or investment program. This is varied with investment capital ranges and allows the person to be actively associated in the business or as a passive investor.
5 Main Categories to Business Visas in Canada
Individuals with business/managerial experience and relatively high net-worth may apply for a Canadian permanent residence under the Canada Business Immigration Program in one of the following four sub-categories:
- Investors
- Entrepreneurs
- Self Employed Persons
- PNP Business Programs
- Corporate Immigration
1. Start-Up Visa Investor Program
When looking to immigrate to Canada as an investor, the best option available is to apply for the general Start-up Visa Program. You will have to meet specific requirements for your application to be successful by being innovative, creating jobs for Canadians, and competing internationally.
Requirements for Investors
To qualify for the Start-up Visa, applicants must:
- Have a qualifying business
- Demonstrate intermediate knowledge in both English and French (CBL5)
- Get a letter of support from a designated institution (Receive a minimum funding commitment of $200,000 CDN from a designated Venture Capital Organization, $75,000 from an approved Angel Investor, or Business Incubator)
- Bring enough money to settle in Canada.
2. Entrepreneur Program
Because they create employment opportunities and contribute to the Canadian economy, entrepreneurs are encouraged to apply for this immigration stream. Successful applicants are able to open a business in Canada, as well as gain permanent residence status in the country.
Requirements for Entrepreneurs
To qualify for the Entrepreneur Program, applicants must:
- Establish, purchase or make a substantial investment in a business in Canada within 2 years of landing in Canada, which will result in a significant contribution to the economy
- Engage in active and ongoing participation in the management of the business
- Employ at least one Canadian citizen or permanent resident other than the entrepreneur and his dependents.
To ensure that these conditions are met, entrepreneurs must report to immigration officials their progress regularly within these two years.
3. Self-Employed Persons Program
This business immigration stream is for those who will either establish or purchase a business in Canada that will make a “significant” contribution to the economy or Canada’s cultural or artistic life.
Eligibility under Self-employed person program:
- have relevant experience (at least 2 years experience in the last 5 years)
- be willing and able to be self-employed in Canada
- meet the program’s selection criteria (minimum 35 points) and
- meet medical, security and other conditions
Selection criteria are based on:
- experience
- education
- age
- language abilities
- adaptability
4. Business PNP Programs
There are several business investment avenues through PNP programs across Canada:
- British Columbia PNP
- Manitoba PNP
- New Brunswick PNP
- Northwest Territories PNP
- Nova Scotia PNP
- Ontario PNP
- Prince Edward Island PNP
- Quebec PNP
- Saskatchewan PNP
*All of the successful PNP program applicants will get a work permit and will need to invest the monetary amount above within 1-2 years. Once job creation is completed, then the applicant can apply for Permanent Residence.
5. Corporate Immigration
Corporate Immigration is the perfect option for those who have started a business and are looking to expand their business to Canada. This immigration category was specifically designed for large, medium, and small companies that need to transfer their employees seamlessly across borders. There are vital legal steps to take when transferring employees to Canada.
Through various services, we help coordinate the logistics of your travellers so that every employee arrives at their destination without any complications.
Why Seeking Professional Immigration Help is Essential
Obtaining Canadian Immigration under the “Business Class” has its advantages. If you apply, you will not necessarily require a working level of English or French nor have to meet stringent educational requirements.
Also, in some cases, as a business immigrant, your permanent residence status in Canada will be unconditional, meaning that you do not have to meet harsh terms and conditions requiring you to manage a business to maintain your status actively. However, to take advantage of these opportunities, you must know how to represent yourself when applying correctly. This is best achieved with the help of a legal expert who has experience with each business person’s unique situation.
Why Hire Us to Help with Your Business Visa Application?
Canada is rich with opportunities for budding businesses, and it can be an excellent place for you to realize your potential. The Canadian market is thriving thanks, in large part, to foreign companies, and you too can count yourself among them, but only through the proper immigration channels. We have helped thousands of business owners and investors successfully immigrate to Canada. Our experienced immigration lawyers will be able to assess your case and recommend a course of action to serve your needs best.
Mahil Immigration has competitive licensed consultants who are skilled in this field, ready to support you with all file preparations. Send us a message so we can help put together your immigration plan today! Please complete our contact form or call us at +1 (604) 585-2444.