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 C$800,000 investment or to own and manage businesses in Canada, and must meet certain experience and/or net worth criteria. The Business Immigration Program pursues economic development and employment objectives in Canada by attracting people with capital and strong business and entrepreneurial skills. The Program also seeks to develop new commercial opportunities and to venture into foreign markets by encouraging immigrants who are familiar with foreign markets.
The Business Immigration Program currently has two categories Investors and the Self-employed category. Generally Applicants fall within one of these two categories, depending on their business plans for Canada. Provincial Nominee Programs are also now being used to facilitate the entry of business persons into Canada.
The Business Immigration Program is different from the Independent Immigrant Category in that substantial net worth and business-related experience is required. Certain documentation must be provided to the visa office, to establish a strong business background along with a solid and liquid asset base.
The Immigrant Investor Program seeks experienced business people to invest C$800,000 into Canada’s economy and become permanent residents. Investors must:
Your investment is managed by Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) and is guaranteed by the Canadian provinces that use it to create jobs and help their economies grow.
If your application is approved, you must make your investment before a permanent resident visa will be issued. You must usually do this within 30 days. The visa office will send you a letter with instructions.
CIC will return your C$800,000 investment, without interest, about five years and two months after payment.
The Self-Employed Persons Program seeks to attract applicants who intend and are able to become self-employed in Canada. Self-employed persons must have either:
relevant experience that will make a significant contribution to the cultural or athletic life of Canada or
experience in farm management and the intention and ability to purchase and manage a farm in Canada.
participation at a world-class level in cultural activities or athletics
farm management experience or
self-employment in cultural activities or athletics.
To be eligible as a self-employed person, you must:
Relevant experience is defined as:
Consult the lists of Qualifying activities for self-employed persons and Definitions for self-employed persons for more information.
You will be assessed on selection criteria that include your experience, education, age, language abilities and adaptability.
You and your family members must have a medical exam and obtain police certificates.
You must also show that you have enough money to support yourself and your dependants after you arrive in Canada.
