How to Get a Business Visa in Canada.

Canada has positioned itself as an attractive destination for many foreign nationals, entrepreneurs, investors, and start-ups. For this reason, the Canadian government has created various business visa pathways through which foreign residents can gain permanent residence in Canada. The Canadian business visa is intended for foreign nationals who aim to engage in activities such as business and trade within Canada. On this page, you will learn all the up-to-date information about Canadian business visa programs, requirements, costs, how to apply, processing times, and much more.

This page should not be confused with the business visitor visa allowing both foreign citizens and foreign entrepreneurs to visit Canada on a business trip.

What is a Canadian Business Visa in 2024?

Canada offers several business visa programs that were created to attract different types of foreign investors. There is no one-fit-all program. Instead, various federal and provincial programs can be used to gain permanent residence for yourself and your family in Canada. Each program is tailored to attract a specific type of foreign investment and respond to the particular needs of business immigrants as well as the country.

Holders of a Canadian business visa can attend business meetings, conferences, and training sessions as part of their temporary business-related stay in Canada.

Once approved for a suitable program, you can operate your business in Canada on a work permit, while your family will obtain open work permits (for spouses) and study permits (for school-age children). Then, depending on your country of origin and business visa program, you and your family may become eligible for permanent residence in about 1 to 2 years.

To increase your chances of approval, ensure you submit a complete application that meets all the specific checklists and eligibility requirements set by Canadian immigration authorities.

List of the Best Canadian Business Visa Programs

Currently, Canada has 3 federal and numerous provincial business visa programs. Below is a summary of each program:

When applying for these programs, note it is crucial to demonstrate strong ties to your home country to persuade immigration officers of your intent to return after your temporary stay in Canada.

Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) Program – this visa program is tailored toward businesses with existing operational foundations abroad that want to expand to Canada. Although the program’s name refers to “a transfer,” you are actually expanding your business to Canada while transferring yourself as an employee from your home country’s operations to your business’s new Canadian operations.

The Start-Up Visa Program is ideal for owners of established start-up companies with working concepts and some existing financial backing. This immigration program requires start-ups to obtain a letter of support or investment funds from a Designated Organization in Canada. For this reason, your start-up must already generate revenue and have a clear business plan, amongst many other requirements. This program is available to start-ups, and up to 5 founders and their families may become permanent residents through this program.

Entrepreneur Visa (C11) – if you want to purchase or invest in an existing Canadian business, this program is for you. This program is also suitable for foreign investors who want to start a new company in Canada. As with other programs, you and your family could become eligible for permanent residency later, subject to specific requirements of the applicable PR program.

Provincial Nominee Program (PNPs) – provinces in Canada also have immigration programs for foreign entrepreneurs. There are over 17 business immigration streams available to choose from. Regarding business visas, PNPs are unsuitable for all business immigrants. Some may find it easier and more efficient business visa pathways through one of the above federal programs. Consult with an experienced lawyer before making your final decision.

Quebec Immigrant Investor Program – To qualify for the Quebec investment program, you must have a net worth of CAD 2 million, invest CAD 1.2 million in a government-approved investment for five years, have managerial experience, a good knowledge of French, and intend to settle in Quebec. If you qualify, you must also fulfil a 12-month residency requirement within the first two years of receiving your three-year work permit.

The Main 5 Canada Business Visa Requirements

Each business visa program has its requirements because each was developed to cater to a specific type of foreign investment. However, in general, there are top 5 common requirements:

1. You should have anywhere between CAD $100,000 to CAD $350,000 to start your Canadian business;

2. You must have experience and skills to be able to operate your business successfully;

3. You must have an existing successful business or be willing to start or invest in one in Canada;

4. You must have a well-thought-out, practical, and realistic business plan for your Canadian business;

5. You must have extensive knowledge of immigration regulations and the Canadian immigration framework.

It is essential to convince the immigration officer about your ties to your home country and your intent to leave Canada after your visit.

How to Apply for Business Visa in Canada

The application process for a business visa will vary depending on your business immigration program. It is crucial to consult with an experienced business immigration lawyer to select the most suitable pathway for you and your business. The general business visa application process can be broken down into the following steps:

Step 1: Create or purchase a Canadian company;

The application process may vary for Canadian nationals and non Canadian nationals, with different requirements and processing times based on nationality and residency status.

Step 2: Develop a business plan (at any stage before work permit submission);

Step 3: Become employed by your Canadian company;

Step 4: Submit an application for a work permit along with documents with appropriate applications for your family members;

Step 5: Operate your business;

Step 6: Apply for permanent residency after 1 or 2 years of business operations (depending on your business immigration program); and

Step 7: Become eligible for Canadian citizenship.

Visa Processing Time

It can take 1 – 8 months for your business visa application to be approved. The processing time largely depends on your business immigration program. While some federal programs can take 3 months on average, provincial programs usually take around 8 months. Please note that this processing time refers with respect to processing the work permit, allowing you to work for your Canadian company.

Business Visa Costs

The business visa costs can range between CAD $2,140 to CAD $4,355. The low-end cost is if you are immigrating by yourself, and the higher-end one is if you are immigrating with your spouse and one child, then you pay about $230 per additional child. These costs only refer to application fees set by the government of Canada. In practice, you are likely to incur additional charges for legal services and procedural expenses, which can vary depending on your situation. You can estimate your total immigration cost using our Fee Calculator, specifically created to give you some certainty about the associated costs.

Frequently Asked Questions 

Below, you will find answers to the most asked questions about Canadian business visas:

Can I visit India for business purposes with a Canadian business visa?

No, a Canadian business visa does not allow you to visit India for business purposes. You will need to apply for a separate business visa to visit India, which allows foreign nationals to engage in activities such as meetings and trade fairs.

How can I get a business visa for Canada?

To get a Canadian business visa, you must choose and apply to one of the investment immigration programs. Each program has its requirements and is tailored to a specific type of business and trade purposes of foreign investment. For this reason, it is crucial to consult a knowledgeable business immigration lawyer. Once approved, you will gain a work permit, your spouse will gain an open work permit, and your children will receive open work permits. You may become eligible for permanent residency after operating your business for 1 – 2 years.

Can I get a business visa from India to Canada?

Yes, you can get a short-term visitor visa with no permanent residency option or a business visa through business immigration with a permanent residency option. Indian nationals are eligible to apply for business visa through various business immigration options, which allow them to expand their business from India to Canada, buy or invest in an existing Canadian business, or create a start-up, amongst other options. Remember that PR business visa requirements are more rigorous than visitor business visas because they are a long-term option for you and your family.

How much money is required for a business visa in Canada?

To get a business visa in Canada, you are not required to invest a specific minimum amount. Instead, the amount that will make you eligible for a business visa depends on your business type. One of the critical elements in determining whether your investment amount is sufficient is whether it will be enough to make your Canadian business viable and operations – and this depends mainly on the business you are in. Thus, an investment of $150,000 may be enough to start an e-commerce business; however, if you were to create a delivery business, then you might need an investment that is more than $350,000.

Does owning a business in Canada give you a visa?

No, owning a business does not give you a visa in Canada. You gain no residency rights if you do so. However, if you own a business in Canada, you could become eligible for a business visa through business immigration programs. Under these programs, you could gain a work permit to work for your company and reside in Canada with your family. Additionally, after operating your business anywhere between 1-2 years, you and your family could become eligible for permanent residency.

Can I immigrate to Canada if I buy a business?

Buying an existing business in Canada is a viable business immigration option for foreign investors and entrepreneurs. You can either invest in an existing business, purchase an existing business or even purchase a franchise. Depending on your business and background, various immigration options will be available. You can immigrate to Canada through the C11 Entrepreneur work permit, Intra-company transfer, or another program. It is always beneficial to consult a knowledgeable business immigration lawyer to handle your immigration professionally.

Can I come to Canada to explore business opportunities first?

Absolutely! Visiting Canada to research business prospects and understand the local goods and services market is a smart move. More importantly, connecting with successful individuals in your field can provide valuable insights. Aim to meet with at least three industry professionals. Their advice could save you years of effort and a significant amount of money.

Are you unsure how to make these connections? We can assist. We’ve guided hundreds of entrepreneurs and can introduce you to reliable professionals who can share their success stories and tips. Talk to us to begin your journey into the Canadian business landscape with our support.