Thinking of building your business in Canada? Whether you’re a seasoned entrepreneur, an ambitious start-up founder, or an investor looking for new opportunities, Canada—and especially Toronto—offers a wealth of options. From the bustling tech hubs to government-supported immigration programs, Canada has positioned itself as one of the top destinations for business-minded newcomers.
At Kurzfeld Law Firm, we’ve worked with clients from around the world for over 20 years. We know that moving your business—or starting one from scratch—in a new country is a big step. That’s why we’ve put together this guide to walk you through the business immigration process in Canada, and show you how we can support you along the way.
Business Immigration Options: Where Do You Start?
Canada doesn’t have a one-size-fits-all approach to business immigration. Instead, it offers a few different streams depending on what type of business you want to build—or how involved you want to be.
Here are the main options:
1. Start-Up Visa Program
This is a great choice if you’ve got a fresh, innovative business idea—especially in tech, health, sustainability, or digital services—and you’re looking for a permanent move to Canada.
How it works:
You’ll need to secure support from a designated Canadian organization (like a venture capital fund, angel investor, or business incubator). If your business idea gets approved, you and up to four co-founders can apply for permanent residency.
What’s great about it:
- You don’t need to invest your own money (funding comes from your sponsor)
- It’s a direct path to PR
- You can live anywhere in Canada—but many choose Toronto because of its strong start-up scene
2. Self-Employed Persons Program
Are you a freelance artist, musician, writer, or athlete? This program might be the right fit for you.
If you’ve built a career in the arts, culture, or sports—and you can show that you’ll continue that work in Canada—you may qualify for permanent residence through this stream.
3. Entrepreneur Immigration (Provincial Nominee Programs)
If you’re looking to start or buy a business and manage it hands-on, several provinces—including Ontario—offer business immigration streams.
For example, the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) lets entrepreneurs invest in or start a business, hire local employees, and settle in Ontario.
Basic requirements:
- Invest $600,000+ in a business in Toronto (or $200,000 outside of Toronto)
- Have a net worth of at least $800,000 ($400,000 outside Toronto)
- Create at least one full-time job for a Canadian
You’ll need to operate the business for a set period on a work permit, and then, once you meet your targets, you can apply for provincial nomination and PR.
What You’ll Need to Apply
Whichever route you choose, there are a few common requirements to be aware of:
A Strong Business Plan
You’ll need a solid business plan that outlines how your company will operate, how it will create jobs, and why it has the potential to succeed in Canada.
A vague or overly ambitious plan is a red flag for immigration officers—this is where professional guidance makes a big difference.
Language Proficiency
Most programs require at least CLB 4–5 (basic to intermediate English or French). You’ll need to take an approved test like IELTS or CELPIP.
Proof of Funds
You’ll be asked to show that:
- You can invest in the business
- You have enough money to support yourself and your family while setting up
- Your funds come from legitimate sources
Experience
You’ll typically need at least 2 years of business management or ownership experience. For some programs, like OINP, this experience must be recent.
Why Choose Toronto?
Toronto isn’t just Canada’s biggest city—it’s also its business heartbeat. It offers:
- A diverse, highly skilled workforce
- Access to investors, incubators, and accelerators
- A strong economy across sectors (tech, finance, education, healthcare)
- A vibrant multicultural community, making it easier to settle in
Whether you’re launching a start-up, opening a franchise, or expanding an international brand, Toronto is one of the best places to grow.
Real Talk: What Are the Challenges?
We won’t sugarcoat it—business immigration is not easy. It involves detailed paperwork, financial audits, business pitches, and sometimes multiple levels of government approvals.
Some common challenges include:
- Choosing the wrong immigration stream
- Underestimating investment or business costs
- Trouble getting support from a designated organization (for SUV)
- Issues proving your net worth or source of funds
That’s why working with an experienced immigration lawyer for business immigration can make a huge difference.
How We Help at Kurzfeld Law Firm
We’ve helped clients from over 40 countries start businesses in Canada—from restaurant owners to fintech entrepreneurs. Here’s what we do:
✅ Help You Pick the Right Program
Every situation is different. We’ll look at your business background, financial position, and goals to recommend the most realistic path.
✅ Craft a Strong Business Plan
We work with business experts to create a plan that meets immigration standards and supports your long-term vision.
✅ Connect You With Designated Organizations
For the Start-Up Visa, we can help you pitch to incubators, angel investors, and venture capital groups in our network.
✅ Manage Your Application End-to-End
We don’t just give advice—we handle everything from gathering documents to filing forms, monitoring deadlines, and communicating with IRCC or provincial authorities on your behalf.
✅ Support Your PR and Citizenship Journey
Once your business is up and running, we’ll guide you through your permanent residency and eventually your citizenship if that’s your goal.
➡️ Curious about the next step after PR? Check out our Canadian Citizenship page.
What’s New in 2025?
Business immigration policies evolve each year. Here are a few key updates for 2025:
- Start-Up Visa applications are under stricter review—businesses must show clear potential and real traction.
- OINP Entrepreneur Stream is prioritizing job creation in underserved communities and sectors like sustainability and healthcare.
- Quebec Investor Program is expected to relaunch later this year with new rules.
It’s more important than ever to stay ahead of policy changes and ensure your application is airtight.
Final Thoughts
Business immigration to Canada is full of opportunity—but it also requires planning, persistence, and legal precision. If you’re serious about launching your business in Toronto or anywhere in Canada, the right strategy and support are crucial.
At Kurzfeld Law Firm, we’re here to be your guide, your advocate, and your legal partner through every step of the journey—from business plan to permanent residency and beyond.
👉 Ready to get started? Visit our Business Immigration page or reach out to book a consultation.
We’re excited to help you turn your business dreams into a Canadian reality.
