Want to set-up your own business in Canada or want to expand an existing business? Canada offers extremely lucrative opportunities for investors and entrepreneurs. Thousands of businesspeople invest in Canada every year in a variety of industries – Information technology (IT), agriculture, tourism, healthcare, and many others.
To encourage business investment, Canada has business-friendly immigration policies. More than that, the ease of doing business naturally makes it an attractive destination. As a businessperson you can take advantage of numerous provincial programs, and the federal Canada Business Immigration Program.
At Kurzfeld Law we help business owners and investors find the most cost-effective programs that achieve their goals. From filing the business proposal to guiding businesses during interviews/meetings with immigration officials, we take care of it all.
Apply for permanent residence in Canada under one of the four streams:
- Investors
- Entrepreneurs
- Self-employed
- Provincial Nominee Programs for Businesses
Schedule a consultation with a Toronto immigration lawyer today to discuss your best options.
Business Immigration - Investors
Investors are a highly sought after group of people because they can create jobs in the Canadian economy. The Start-up Visa Program is one of the best pathways for investors who don’t have investments/presence in the Canadian economy. Applicants under the investor pathway must meet certain criteria set out by IRCC:
- Must operate a qualifying business;
- Prove language skills in French and English (at least CLB 5);
- Show a letter of support from a designated institution demonstrating at least C$200,000 (Venture Capital Organization); or
- Show a letter of support from a designated institution demonstrating at least C$75,000 (Business Incubator or Angel Investor);
- Show sufficient funds to support themselves in Canada
If you need to travel to Canada in order to raise funding, there are several options available. Discuss your options with an immigration lawyer today.
Entrepreneurs and Self Employed Persons
Canada encourages entrepreneurs to apply for its business immigration programs because of the huge potential to create jobs in the economy. Applicants who are successful gain permanent resident status, and are able to establish their own business.
The eligibility requirements for the Entrepreneur Program are not completely defined. There is scope for interpretation, which is why it is essential you take the help of a Toronto immigration lawyer.
Eligibility requirements for the Canadian Entrepreneur Program:
- Make a substantial investment in an existing business, establish a new business, or purchase an existing business in Canada within two years of coming to the country;
- The financial investment must be a ‘significant’ contribution to the economy;
- Participate actively in the management of the business;
- Employ at least one Canadian permanent resident or citizen, other than the entrepreneur or his/her dependents.
Entrepreneurs must also regularly report to immigration authorities about the progress of their business in the initial two year period.
The Self-Employed Persons pathway is similar to the Entrepreneur pathway. It is open to those who will make a ‘significant’ contribution to the Canadian economy, or the artistic or cultural life of Canada.The eligibility requirements are as follows:
- Show relevant experience (at least two years of experience in the past five years);
- Must show they can be self-employed in Canada;
- Meet other program selection criteria (exceed a total of 35 points); and
- Meet security, medical, and language conditions.
The Self-Employed pathway is a tough one to navigate because many applicants don’t know how best to show what they can offer. Speak to an experienced immigration lawyer in Toronto and find out what the IRCC is looking for.
Provincial Nominee Programs - Business Programs
Other than the federal Business Immigration Program, there are a number of Provincial Nominee Programs operated by provinces and territories. These are typically geared around the province’s economy and offer a wider range of immigration options, including such things as seasonal migration.
- Ontario
- British Columbia
- Quebec
- Manitoba
- Nova Scotia
- New Brunswick
- Northwest Territories
- Prince Edward Island
- Saskatchewan
The list of provinces and territories that offer business immigration programs is subject to change.
