INVESTORS AND ENTREPRENEURS
Canada offers opportunities for individuals looking to invest or establish a business while contributing to the country's economic growth. The pathways to permanent residence and work permits for investors and entrepreneurs are specific and require meeting certain criteria. Below are the key options for those interested in investing or starting a business in Canada.
START-UP VISA PROGRAM
The Start-Up Visa Program is Canada’s only direct pathway to permanent residence for entrepreneurs. It is designed for individuals or groups (up to five owners) with innovative and globally competitive business ideas. To qualify, applicants must meet specific requirements.
Key Requirements:
·Qualifying Business:
Applicants must demonstrate active and ongoing management of their business in Canada. Each applicant must hold at least 10% of the total voting rights, and the combined ownership between applicants and a designated organization must exceed 50%. Essential business operations must also take place within Canada.
·Letter of Support:
A letter of support from a designated organization is required. Designated organizations are approved business groups, such as venture capital funds, angel investors, or business incubators. Applicants must convince the organization of their business’s potential and receive its formal backing.
·Language Proficiency:
Applicants must achieve a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level of 5 in listening, reading, writing, and speaking in either English or French.
·Settlement Funds:
Applicants must prove they have sufficient funds to support themselves and their dependents upon arrival. The required amount varies based on family size and is updated annually.
Open Work Permit Option:
After applying for permanent residence, applicants can apply for a temporary work permit (up to three years) to start building their business in Canada.
The Start-Up Visa Program is a unique opportunity for innovative entrepreneurs to bring their ideas to life while securing permanent residence in Canada.
PROVINCIAL NOMINEE PROGRAM(PNP) ENTREPRENEUR STREAMS
Most Canadian provinces offer entrepreneur immigration streams under their Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs). These programs are designed to attract business owners and investors who are committed to starting or managing businesses in specific regions. Some streams focus on bringing candidates to smaller communities or areas outside major cities to boost local economies.
Not all provinces have entrepreneur streams, and the requirements vary widely. Typically, applicants must:
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Establish and actively manage a business in the province.
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Meet investment and job creation criteria.
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Operate the business for a set period before becoming eligible for nomination.
Applicants who successfully meet the program criteria receive a Provincial Nominee Certificate, which allows them to apply to the Federal government for permanent residence.
For those willing to commit to a province and its economic growth, PNP entrepreneur streams can be a rewarding pathway.
WORK PERMITS FOR INVESTORS AND ENTREPRENEURS
Intra-Company Transferee – Start-up
The Intra-Company Transferee – Start-up route allows employees of established multinational corporations (MNCs) to launch a new branch, subsidiary, or affiliate in Canada. Although this work permit does not directly grant permanent residence, it can open the door to other immigration pathways if the Canadian enterprise becomes fully operational.
Who Can Apply
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Employees of a Multinational Corporation
Applicants must work for a company with genuine business operations in at least one other country besides Canada. -
Executive, Managerial, or Specialized Knowledge Role
The applicant should have held a senior or specialized position for at least one continuous year in the three years before applying. -
New Canadian Enterprise
The foreign enterprise must be expanding into Canada, rather than using this route as its first-ever operation outside its home country.
Key Requirements
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Qualifying Relationship
The foreign and Canadian entities must be connected as parent, branch, subsidiary, or affiliate. -
Viable Business Plan
Applicants need to show clear steps for establishing the new Canadian operation, including securing commercial premises and detailing projected growth or job creation. -
Temporary Intent
While the goal is to set up a lasting business, the applicant must hold a position in the foreign entity and plan to return once their assignment ends.
Duration of Stay
An initial work permit is typically granted for one year, during which the applicant is expected to establish the Canadian business.
In most cases, if the business is successfully operational, the applicant would transition to a different intra-company transferee category, such as executive or managerial roles or specialized knowledge positions, which allow longer stays in Canada.
What This Program Isn’t
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It does not apply if your foreign business operates solely in one location and isn’t an established multinational.
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It’s not meant for entrepreneurs who do not have an existing employer-employee relationship with a multinational firm. Other work permit categories (such as those for entrepreneurs or self-employed individuals) may be more appropriate in such cases.
Potential Next Steps
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Transition to Other ICT Categories: Once the new Canadian enterprise becomes active, applicants may qualify for longer-term ICT work permits under executive, managerial, or specialized knowledge streams.
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Permanent Residence Pathways: Although the ICT – Start-up route itself doesn’t automatically lead to permanent residence, successfully operating the new Canadian business may help applicants meet provincial or federal business immigration criteria later on.
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This program offers a practical solution for multinational companies to bring key personnel to Canada while establishing a local presence. If set up and managed properly, it can provide long-term benefits for both the Canadian economy and the expanding company.
Entrepreneur / Self-Employed Work Permit
Canada offers a unique pathway for entrepreneurs and self-employed individuals seeking temporary residence to establish or manage a business. These work permits focus on individuals whose ventures can bring significant cultural, social, or economic benefits to the country. While they do not directly lead to permanent residence, they can create opportunities for future pathways, such as provincial nomination.
What Are the Requirements?
To qualify for an entrepreneur or self-employed work permit, applicants must demonstrate:
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Significant Benefits to Canada
The proposed business must create economic, social, or cultural benefits for Canadian citizens or permanent residents. Examples include offering unique services, contributing to regional development, or generating jobs in rural or underserved areas.
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Temporary Intent
Applicants must prove that their stay in Canada is temporary. This includes providing evidence of strong ties to their home country and clear plans to leave Canada after their authorized stay. Seasonal or time-limited businesses are particularly suited to this category.
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Ownership and Control
Applicants must control at least 50% of the business. If there are multiple owners, only one is typically eligible for a work permit unless each owner contributes unique expertise essential to the business.
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Comprehensive Business Plan
A detailed plan outlining the nature of the business, financial viability, and the potential benefits to the local economy is essential. Supporting documentation, such as letters of support from local economic development organizations, chambers of commerce, or industry associations, can strengthen the application.
Work permits under this category are generally issued for up to 12 months to underscore the temporary nature of the applicant's intent. Extensions may be granted in exceptional cases, provided the applicant demonstrates ongoing compliance and continued benefits to Canada.
How We Can Help
Navigating the investor and entrepreneur pathways in Canada requires in-depth knowledge of the programs and their specific requirements.
Our team provides tailored support to help you identify the most suitable program for your goals, prepare a strong application, while ensuring your application aligns with the program's specific criteria and legal requirements. Whether you’re applying for the Start-Up Visa, a provincial entrepreneur stream, or a specialized work permit, we are committed to helping you achieve success.
Contact us today to learn how we can help you turn your business vision into reality in Canada.