Canada is looking for skilled business owners with recent business experience, seeking to invest in Canada. In exchange for the foreign capital into its economy, Canada offers many advantages for families of foreign entrepreneurs seeking to establish a new home.
Federal Entrepreneur Visa Basic Requirements
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:
- Show that they have at least 2 years of business experience;
- Have a minimum net worth of CDN $300,000 that was obtained legally;
- Obtain at least 35 points on a points-based assessment; and
- Respect the conditions placed upon them as entrepreneurs once they arrive in Canada.
Successful applicants of the Federal Entrepreneur program will be granted conditional permanent residence in Canada. Once the application is approved, entrepreneurs must commit to managing and owning a qualifying Canadian business for at least one year after becoming a permanent and within three years of arriving in Canada and the business must have created the equivalent of at least one full-time job for a Canadian citizen or permanent resident. Upon successful completion of the conditions, entrepreneurs can apply for the removal of all conditions and for the granting of permanent residence.
The Federal Entrepreneur visa provides applicants with the opportunity to invest in or establish a business anywhere in Canada (except Quebec), and great flexibility with regards to the nature of business venture, subject to meeting the requirements for the category. Other benefits of holding permanent residence include access to government-subsidized health care, subsidized education and the ability to apply for citizenship once eligible.
Quick Facts -
| Government Fees and Processing Times | |
|---|---|
| Application Fee | C$1540 |
| Partner Application Fee | C$1040 |
| Dependents Application Fee | C$150 - C$550 |
| Processing Time | 42 to 97 months |
Quebec -
Quebec welcomes foreign investment into its economy, and it offers many advantages for families of foreign entrepreneurs seeking to establish a new home. The exciting Quebec Entrepreneur Program is similar in aim to the Federal Entrepreneur Program. The program is specifically designed to encourage newcomers to invest in Quebec's local economy. Applicants must be experienced business persons, and have the required amount of legally acquired funds.
Once granted, applicants will have the opportunity to invest in and manage a business venture within the historic province of Quebec and obtain conditional permanent residence to Canada.
Quebec Entrepreneur Visa Basic Requirements
To be eligible for the Quebec Entrepreneur program, applicants must:
- Have net assets of at least CDN $300,000 that have been legally obtained;
- Have at least two years' experience business experience within the last five years;
- Submit a business project with the purpose of creating or acquiring a business (agricultural, industrial or commercial) in Quebec that they will manage with a value of at least C$100,000, OR acquire a business in Quebec with a value of at least C$100,000;
- Actively participate in the management and daily operations of the intended business in Canada;
- Meet a points-based assessment.
In addition, upon their arrival in Quebec, applicants must for at least one year during the three years after obtaining permanent resident status, satisfy the following conditions:
- Create or acquire, in whole or in part, an agricultural, commercial or industrial business established in Quebec which will employ, on a permanent basis and for a minimum of 30 hours a week, a Quebec resident other than yourself and accompanying family members; and
- Participate in the daily management and operations of the business.
The Quebec Entrepreneur visa provides applicants with the opportunity to invest in or establish a business anywhere in Quebec. Quebec Entrepreneurs will have access to Canada's first rate communication facilitates, a highly trained workforce, special taxation incentives for business investment. Other benefits of holding permanent residence include access to government-subsidized health care, subsidized education and the ability to apply for citizenship once applicants satisfy the residency requirements.
Quick Facts -
| Government Fees and Processing Times | |
|---|---|
| Application Fee | C$2528 |
| Partner Application Fee | C$1192 |
| Dependents Application Fee | C$150 - C$706 |
| Processing Time | 20 to 26 Months |
Provincial Nominee Entrepreneur Visa Basic Requirements
The specific requirements for the British Columbia, New Brunswick, North West Territories, Prince Edward Island, Saskatchewan, Newfoundland & Labrador, and Yukon provincial nominee entrepreneur programs are outlined below. Generally, additional conditions also apply to each program such as the requirement to engage in exploratory trips, the submission of performance agreements, cash deposits and business plans.
Generally, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- make a personal investment of at least $150,000 to $400,000 CAD to establish or to purchase and expand an eligible business
- create new jobs for locals,
- provide active and on-going participation management of the business,
- possess a personal net worth as required by the Province
- possess previous management or business experience relevant to the business intended to pursue
Provincial Nominee Entrepreneur Visa Entitlements
Provincial Nominee Entrepreneurs will have access to Canada's first rate communication facilitates, a highly trained workforce, special taxation incentives for business investment, close geographical access to the wider North American market. Other benefits of holding permanent residence include access to government-subsidized health care, subsidized education and the ability to apply for citizenship once eligible.
Quick Facts -
| Government Fees and Processing Times | |
|---|---|
| Application Fee | C$1040 - C$4040 |
| Partner Application Fee | C$1040 |
| Dependents Application Fee | C$150 - C$550 |
| Processing Time | 5 to 31 months |
