What is the Business
Immigration Program?
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 $400,000 investment or to own and manage
businesses in Canada.
Canada has three classes of business
immigrants, each with separate eligibility
criteria: investors,
entrepreneurs and
self-employed persons. Each
application can be made for only one class
and once the application is submitted, the
class cannot be changed.
Who Qualifies as a Business Immigrant?
Business immigrants are selected based on
their ability to become economically
established in Canada. The detailed
requirements of each program are as follows.
 |
Investors
The Immigrant Investor Program (IIP)
seeks to attract experienced
business persons and their capital
to Canada. Investors must
demonstrate business experience and
a legally obtained minimum net worth
of CAN $800,000, and must make an
investment of CAN $400,000. |
| |
|
|
Entrepreneurs
The Entrepreneur Program seeks to
attract experienced business persons
who will own and actively manage
businesses in Canada that contribute
to the economy and create jobs.
Entrepreneurs must demonstrate
business experience and a minimum
legally obtained net worth of
CAN $300,000, and are subject to
conditions upon arrival in Canada. |
| |
|
|
Self-employed persons
The Self-Employed Persons Program
seeks to attract applicants who have
the intention and ability to become
self-employed in Canada.
Self-employed persons are required
to have either (a) relevant
experience that will enable them to
make a significant contribution to
the cultural or athletic life of
Canada, or (b) experience in farm
management and the intention and
ability to purchase and manage a
farm in Canada. |
Once you have decided that you want to
bring your skills to Canada, ensure that you
follow the right steps to apply.
Provincial Business Immigration Links
Under the Canada-Quebec Accord, the
province of Quebec operates its own
immigrant investor program. All investors in
the Quebec program must both be destined to
live in Quebec and selected by Quebec.
Applicants for all business classes may
wish to consult with government
representatives in the Canadian province or
territory of their intended destination.
For business immigration information and
contacts for Canadian provinces and
territories, please consult the list of
Provincial and Territorial Government
Contacts.
Some provinces also have business
immigration programs as part of the
Provincial Nominee Program.
For more information about starting and
doing business in Canada, please visit the
Canadian Business Information section of
this site.
|
