Entrepreneur (Business Immigrant)

Individuals able to establish a business venture in Canada and actively participate in the management of that business may apply for permanent residence in the "Entrepreneur" category. The applicant must possess sufficient business expertise and capital as defined by the IRPA Regulations to establish a qualified Canadian business. Immigration authorities will look at past business experience and net worth in assessing applicants. In addition, the Canadian business must significantly contribute to the Canadian economy and create employment for Canadians. Certain terms and conditions with respect to ownership and management are placed on entrepreneurs and must be met within three years of entering Canada.

For individuals who intend to establish a business in Québec, there are certain specific criteria.* The applicant must possess net assets of at least $200,000, have acquired at least three years of management experience in an agricultural, industrial or commercial business enterprise and submit a business project in which he/she will participate in the management, make an acceptable investment and create or maintain at least three jobs for Québec residents (other than themselves and the members of his/her immediate family).

Investor (Business Immigrant)

To qualify for the "Investor" category an individual must demonstrate previous successful operation, control or direction of a business, make a payment of $400,000 to the Receiver General for Canada, and have a net worth of at least $800,000 created through the applicant's own efforts. The $400,000 is returned, without interest, approximately five years after it is paid. Unlike the "Entrepreneur" class, the individual need not play an active role in the management of a business in Canada nor create any jobs.

For individuals who intend to invest in Québec, there are certain specific criteria.* The applicant must possess net assets of at least $800,000 acquired through legal economic activities and undertake, by signing an agreement, to invest, for five years, a minimum of $400,000 through a securities broker registered with the Québec Securities Commission or a trust company. Such amount will be invested through Investissement Québec or one of its subsidiaries for the purposes of financing a program to help Québec-based small or medium-size business, referred to as "SMB".

How to Apply

 
You can become a permanent resident of Canada by applying in the entrepreneur class. To apply, simply follow these four steps: