Business Investment Immigration Options

Business investment visa opportunities are available to business owners who are worth in excess of $5 Million and have genuine intentions to invest and do business in Canada.

Start-up Visa Program

Canada’s Start-up Visa Program targets immigrant entrepreneurs with the skills and potential to build businesses in Canada that:

• are innovative
• can create jobs for Canadians
• can compete on a global scale

Eligibilties:

1. Have a Qualifying Business

A qualifying business means you created a business that meets the following conditions.

• • At the time you get a commitment from a designated organization:
    • each applicant holds 10% or more of the voting rights attached to all shares of the corporation outstanding at that time (up to 5 people can apply as owners)
AND
    • applicants and the designated organization jointly hold more than 50% of the total voting rights attached to all shares of the corporation outstanding at that time
  • At the time you receive your permanent residence:
    • you provide active and ongoing management of this business from within Canada
    • an essential part of the operations of the business happens in Canada

(this business is incorporated in Canada)

2. Get support from a designated organizations.

If you can get support for your idea from one of the designated organizations, you may be able to immigrate to Canada.

The designated organizations are business groups that are approved to invest in or support possible start-ups through the Start-up Visa Program.

Organizations choose which business proposals to review. Each organization has its own intake process for proposals and criteria used to assess them. For example, you may be asked to present your business concept in person or submit a detailed business plan.

If an organization decides to review your business idea, it’ll assess the potential of your proposal and whether or not it’ll succeed.

If an organization chooses to support your business idea, it’ll give you a Letter of Support.

Check the following links to find out more details on these organiztions:

• • Venture capital funds
  • Angel investor groups
  • Business incubators

3. Language Requirement: CLB 5

4. Bring Enough Money to Settle

The Government of Canada does not give financial support to new start-up visa immigrants.

When you apply, you’ll need to give proof that you have the money to support yourself and your dependants after you arrive in Canada. You can’t borrow this money from another person.

The amount you need depends on the size of your family. We update these amounts every year.