Start-Up Visa and Business Immigration Canada Guide

At the federal level, there are several business immigration programs:

Start-Up Visa

The Start-Up Visa Program was established in 2013 and grants permanent residency and work permits to qualified business immigrants. 

The program aims to recruit entrepreneurs and link them with private sector business in Canada.

After spending some time in Canada, candidates and their families can transition to permanent residency.

Federal Self-Employed Visa Canada

The federal Self-Employed Visa Canada is designed for individuals with relevant self-employment experience who wish to become permanent residents after setting up a business in Canada.

To qualify, applicants must demonstrate both the intention and the ability to create their own employment, significantly contributing to Canada’s cultural, artistic, or athletic sectors.

Successful business immigrants typically have at least two years of relevant experience within the five years preceding their application, either through self-employment in cultural or athletic fields or by participating at a world-class level in these activities.

Buy a Business and Move to Canada

Although not a formal business program, Buy a Business and Move to Canada allows wealthy immigrants to move to Canada via Ottawa’s temporary work permit. Previous LMIA exemptions for this pathway have been abolished.

However, candidates can still buy an established business and qualify for a work permit via the Temporary Foreign Worker Program.

Quebec Immigrant Investor Program 

The Quebec Immigrant Investor visa is passive in nature, meaning that candidates are not required to establish or actively manage a business in the province.

Rather, the program requires an investment of $1.2 million into a prescribed (government guaranteed) investment, hence the name investor visa. Applicants for this investor visa must have the intention of settling in the French-speaking province of Quebec.

Successful investor visa applicants are issued a selection certificate from Quebec for Canada immigration, which allows them to obtain Canadian permanent residency following health and criminality examinations by federal immigration authorities.

The primary requirements are:

• French language proficiency;
• Legally acquired personal net worth of $2 million;
• Two years of suitable management or business experience within the five years preceding the application;
• Mandatory residency;
• Minimum investment of $1.2 million into a passive government-guaranteed investment for a period of five years bearing no interest;
• Minimum high school diploma;
• Intention to settle in the province of Quebec after getting the investor visa.

Quebec Immigrant Entrepreneur Program

The Quebec Immigrant Entrepreneur Program aims to recruit individuals who have the skills and experience to operate a business in the province. The conditions to apply are different depending on the chosen stream.

Stream 1

This stream consists of managing a business in Quebec that the candidate created alone or with other partners (of which only 3 can be foreign nationals), with support from a business accelerator, a business incubator or a university entrepreneurship centre. 

Stream 2

To apply under this stream, the entrepreneur must control at least 25% of the shares of a new enterprise, or at least 51% of an acquired enterprise, which must have a value equivalent or higher than the funds needed to start the business project. 

The candidate must prove that they have legally acquired a net worth of $900,000, alone or with their spouse if applicable.

Quebec Self-Employed Program

To qualify under the Quebec Self-Employed Program, applicants must meet the following conditions:

• Have two years of applicable experience in the profession they intend to exercise in Quebec.
• Possess a personal net worth of $100,000.
• Have sufficient settlement funds to support themselves and their family.
• Provide a start-up deposit of at least $50,000 if the self-employed candidate is based in the metropolitan area of Montreal, and $25,000 if the candidate is located outside of Montreal.

British Columbia operates three business streams:

• Entrepreneur Immigration
• Entrepreneur Immigration – Regional Stream
• Entrepreneur Immigration – Strategic Projects

Entrepreneur Immigration

Requirements

• Establish an eligible new business or purchase and improve an existing business in B.C.
• Minimum investment of $200,000 in the new or existing business.
• Create at least one new full-time job for a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
• Net worth of minimum of $600,000.
• Canadian Language Benchmark Level 4 In English or French in each of the four competencies: listening, speaking, reading and writing, BY THE TIME OF NOMINATION.
• Business and/or management experience.
• Have, or be eligible for, legal immigration status in Canada.
• Have been lawfully admitted in the country where you currently reside.
• Pay a $300 registration fee, $3,500 application fee and $1,000 fee for each key staff application.

Process

1) Registration

Complete an online registration including a short business in Canada concept and pay a non-refundable fee of $300. Candidates are scored on the information they provide and are placed in a pool for six months or 180 days, or until they receive an invitation.

2) Invitation

British Columbia carries out regular draws, on average one each month for the Entrepreneur stream. Candidates who are invited to apply have four months to submit a complete application. The score takes into account English language ability, age and Canadian work experience. Candidates can improve their score while in the pool, including by submitting a new business in Canada concept.

3) Net Worth Review

Candidates receiving an invitation to apply will have their net worth reviewed by a qualified supplier, who is a professional chartered accountant. The review includes the amount and source of funds and supporting documents. The candidate is responsible for all costs.

4) Application

Candidates have four months, or 120 days, to submit an application once an invitation is received. Candidates may be required to attend an interview. Approved applicants must sign a performance agreement with B.C. They then have 20 months, or 610 days to implement their business proposal.

5) Building the Business

Candidates get a letter of support from B.C. to apply to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada for a two-year work permit. Candidates and their dependents must arrive in B.C. with a valid work permit within 12 months, or 365 days, of receiving a letter of confirmation. The 20 months to implement the business starts when the candidate lands. At the end of the period, candidates must submit a final report to the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program.

6) Nomination for Permanent Residency

Candidates who meet the terms of their performance agreement are nominated for Canadian permanent residency by B.C.

Dependents (if applicable) will also receive nominations.

B.C. Entrepreneur Immigration – Regional Stream

The British Columbia Entrepreneur Immigration – Regional Stream aims to attract entrepreneurs to rural parts of the province.

Key Features

1) Community Involvement

Participation communities are actively involved in attracting foreign entrepreneurs and helping them settle after arrival.

2) BC PNP Referrals

Communities can refer foreign entrepreneurs to the BC PNP. The candidates must have visited the community and have a business proposal aligned with its economic priorities.

3) Community Concierge

Participating communities have access to the services of a dedicated BC PNP Community Concierge.

4) Invitations and Prioritization

Referred candidates register is a separate BC PNP pool. Monthly invitations are issued to the best scoring candidates. Those invited received priority processing.

Community Requirements

• Population of less than 75,000.
• Located beyond 30km from a municipality of more than 75,000 population.
• Demonstrated capacity to support foreign entrepreneurs with a network of settlement and business support agencies.
• Immigration and pilot-specific training must be completed by community representatives.

Candidate Requirements

• Desire to start a business and settle in a B.C. regional community.
• Complete an exploratory visit.
• Minimum investment of $100,000 in eligible business.
• Minimum personal net worth of $300,000.
• Minimum of 51 percent ownership.
• Minimum of one new job created.
• Canadian Language Benchmark Level 4 In English or French in each of the four competencies: listening, speaking, reading and writing.

B.C. Entrepreneur Immigration – Strategic Projects

The B.C. Entrepreneur Immigration – Strategic Projects stream assists foreign-controlled companies establishing an eligible business in B.C. with the timely entry of foreign key managerial, professional or technical staff who intend to become permanent residents of Canada and settle in B.C. 

Company Requirements

• Make a minimum equity investment of $500,000 to establish or purchase and expand an eligible business in B.C.
• Create at least three new jobs for Canadian citizens or permanent residents for each foreign key staff member proposed (to a maximum of five key staff).
• Establish or purchase and expand a company in B.C.

Application Process

1. Exploratory visit
2. Discuss proposal with BC PNP officials and register the company’s interest to apply
3. Apply

Alberta Farm Stream 

The Farm Stream is managed by the AAIP in close collaboration with the Alberta Agriculture and Forestry, and targets applicants with farm management skills and sufficient financial resources to invest in a farming business in Alberta.

Alberta Foreign Graduate Entrepreneur Stream

The Foreign Graduate Entrepreneur Stream is aimed at qualified foreign-educated graduates from outside Canada, who wish to receive permanent residency upon launching start-up enterprises in Alberta.

Alberta Graduate Entrepreneur Stream 

The Graduate Entrepreneur Stream is aimed at international graduates from Alberta post-secondary institutions who want to establish or operate a business in the province.

Alberta Rural Entrepreneur Stream

The Rural Entrepreneur Stream is aimed at entrepreneurs who want to start a business or buy an existing business in a rural Alberta community.

The Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program has two main business categories: the Entrepreneur stream and the International Graduate Entrepreneur Stream.

Entrepreneur Stream

Under the Entrepreneur Stream, successful candidates initially come to Canada on a temporary work permit.

They become eligible to apply for nomination after a minimum of 6 months spent establishing their business.

The expression of interest must meet the following minimum entry requirements:

• Minimum net worth of $500,000 legally acquired.
• Minimum of three years of entrepreneurial or relevant management experience.
• Minimum investment of at least $300,000 in Regina or Saskatoon, or $200,000 is any other Saskatchewan area.

Candidates enter a pool where they receive a score. The top-scoring candidates are invited to submit an application.

Applications must include:

• Business Establishment Plan confirming figures in expression of interest, and including at least one-third ownership of a company in Saskatchewan, unless investment is $1 million or higher.
• Commitment to be active in the day-to-day management of the business.
• Creation of two or more jobs for Canadian citizens or permanent residents if the business is located in Regina or Saskatoon.

International Graduate Entrepreneur Stream

Requirements To Submit an EOI

• Be at least 21 years of age.
• Have completed a full-time Saskatchewan post-secondary degree or diploma of at least two years in length from a recognized and eligible Saskatchewan institution.
• Have a valid Post-Graduate Work Permit with no less than 24 months of eligibility remaining.
• Have lived in Saskatchewan during their academic program.
• Have a minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level of 7.

Requirements For Business Establishment

• Live in Saskatchewan.
• Actively own and operate an eligible business in Saskatchewan for at least one year prior to applying for nomination.
• Own at least one-third of the equity of the business.
• Demonstrate that the business is generating the minimum required revenue amount after one year of operation, dependent on the number of employees.
• Sign a Business Performance Agreement with the Government of Saskatchewan, which will be provided to you by the SINP after your application is approved.

Business Investor Stream

The Manitoba Business Investor Stream is aimed at qualified international business investors and entrepreneurs. Candidates are initially issued with a temporary work permit and must have the intent and ability to start or purchase a business in Manitoba within two years of arrival. There are pathways for entrepreneurs and for farm investors.

a) Entrepreneur Pathway

For applicants wanting to open a business in Manitoba. Candidates are initially issued with a temporary work permit. They are nominated for permanent residency after establishing a business meeting the conditions of a Business Performance Agreement. Priority is given to candidates starting businesses outside Winnipeg.

b) Farm Investor Pathway

For applicants wanting to open and operate a farm in rural Manitoba. Candidates are initially issued with a temporary work permit. They are nominated for permanent residency after establishing a business meeting the conditions of a Business Performance Agreement.

After suspending the operation of its Entrepreneur Stream in 2024, Ontario no longer operates a business immigration program. Here are more Ontario immigration options.

The New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program operates business immigration program streams for entrepreneurs and post-graduate entrepreneurs aimed at professionals and graduates from New Brunswick institutions.

Entrepreneurial Stream 

Requirements:

• Have an eligible connection to New Brunswick.
• Be aged between 22 and 55.
• Minimum two years post-secondary education degree or diploma.
• Score at least level 5 on the Canadian Language Benchmark exam for speaking, listening, reading and writing in English or French.
• Have completed at least two years of full-time post-secondary education.
• The legally-acquired personal net worth of at least $600,000, of which $300,000 must be available in unencumbered liquidity.
• Invest at least $250,000 in a New Brunswick business, taking ownership of at least 33 percent.
• Sign a Business Performance Agreement with the New Brunswick provincial government and pay a deposit of $100,000.
• Show business experience – either three years of ownership or five years of senior management experience in the last five years.
• Submit a business concept
• Conduct an exploratory visit to New Brunswick, or participate in an information session offered by the New Brunswick provincial government.
• Intend to live permanently in New Brunswick.

Post-Graduate Entrepreneurial Stream

Requirements:

• Be aged between 22 and 40.
• Score at least level 7 on the Canadian Language Benchmark for speaking, listening, reading and writing in English or French.
• Have completed at least two years full-time post-secondary education at a recognized New Brunswick university or community college.
• Have lived in New Brunswick for the duration of the course (distance-learning courses do not qualify).
• Have 100 percent owned and operated a business for one full year.
• Have a valid Post-Graduation Work Permit.
• Intend to live permanently in New Brunswick.

Work Permit Stream

Individuals applying under the P.E.I. Work Permit Stream must obtain a Canadian work permit and work for a P.E.I. business for a certain amount of time as designated in a Performance Agreement.

After the Performance Agreement is fulfilled, the applicant must make a minimum $150,000 investment in the business and commit to managing the business on a daily basis from within P.E.I.

Previously, Prince Edward Island operated direct permanent residency business streams, but these were closed in September 2018 over immigration fraud concerns.

The Northwest Territories Business Stream is aimed at entrepreneurs with business expertise and investment capital, who wish to purchase or start a business in the region.

Northwest Territories Business Stream

Requirements

Invest:

• A minimum of $300,000 equity into starting or buying a business within the corporate boundaries of Yellowknife, NWT, or
• A minimum of $150,000 equity into starting or buying a business outside of the corporate boundaries of Yellowknife, NWT.

Have a personal net worth of:

• At least $500,000 if starting or buying a business within the corporate boundaries of Yellowknife, NWT, or
• At least $250,000 if starting or buying a business outside the corporate boundaries of Yellowknife, NWT.

The Nova Scotia entrepreneur streams target candidates with business ownership or senior management experience. They must live in Nova Scotia, either start a new business or buy an existing business, and actively participate in the day-to-day management of that business.

Entrepreneur Stream

Under the Entrepreneur stream, candidates are first issued a temporary work permit before applying for permanent residency after operating the business for a year. The stream uses an Expression of Interest format, where candidates in a pool are invited to apply.

Candidate Requirements

• Be aged 21 or older.
• Want to live permanently in Nova Scotia while owning and actively managing a Nova Scotia business.
• Minimum net worth of $600,000 ($400,000 if their business is outside Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM)).
• Minimum investment of $150,000 of their own money to establish or purchase a business in Nova Scotia ($100,000 if their business is outside HRM).
• Minimum 3 years of experience actively managing and owning a business (33 percent ownership minimum) OR more than 5 years of experience in a senior business management role.
• Score minimum of 5 on the Canadian Language Benchmark in speaking, listening, reading and writing in English or French.

International Graduate Entrepreneur

The International Graduate Entrepreneur stream is similar to the Entrepreneur stream, only aimed at recent graduates from a Nova Scotia university or the Nova Scotia Community College.

International Graduate Entrepreneur Stream: Candidate Requirements

• Want to live permanently in Nova Scotia while owning and actively managing a Nova Scotia business.
• Minimum one year of continuous experience actively managing and owning your current Nova Scotia business (100 per cent ownership).
• Have completed a degree or diploma including minimum 2 academic years of full-time, in-person study at a Nova Scotia university or the Nova Scotia Community College.
• Valid post-graduation work permit.
• Minimum score of 7 on the Canadian Language Benchmark in speaking, listening, reading and writing in English or French.

The provincial government can now issue ITAs to strategically chosen candidates, in support of key sectors.

Newfoundland & Labrador operates immigration programs aimed at entrepreneurs and international graduate entrepreneurs.

International Entrepreneur Category

Basic requirements:

• Open to immigrants aged 21 to 59.
• Transfer $500,000 in net business and personal assets to the province.
• Have two years of experience managing a business.
• Candidates must establish themselves and their business on a temporary work permit, before being nominated for permanent residency after at least one year.

International Graduate Entrepreneur Category

Basic requirements:

• Open to immigrants wishing to start, join or manage a business in the province.
• Be a graduate of Memorial University or the College of the North Atlantic.
• Have completed a program at least two years in length.
• Have benchmark level 7 in one of Canada’s official languages.
• Have at least one year of experience in managing or owning a business in the province.
• Candidates must establish themselves and their business on a temporary work permit, before being nominated for permanent residency after at least one year.
• There is no up-front investment requirement.

The Yukon Business Nominee Program allows entrepreneurs to own and operate their business in Yukon.

Candidates initially come to Yukon on a two-year work permit, before being nominated for permanent residency if they successfully establish their business.

Yukon Business Nominee Program

Requirements:

• Legally-acquired net worth of at least $500,000, documented and verified by a Yukon accounting firm.
• Legally acquired minimum of $300,000 in liquid assets, documented and verified by a Yukon accounting firm.
• Minimum investment of at least $300,000 in capital for the business in the first 2 years.
  • This does not include any capital investments made before acceptance into the Yukon Business Nominee Program.
  • Capital investments include purchases such as property or equipment. It does not include purchases such as a house, vehicles that are only partially for the business and operational or maintenance expenses.