As a foreign entrepreneur or investor, you can benefit from securing a visa through investment immigration options just like Canada’s Investor Visa programs. The Government of Canada has created various immigrant investor programs that lead to permanent residency. On this page, you will learn about what business immigration programs are available to you and which one will suit you best!

What are Canada’s Investor Visa and Investment Immigration Programs?

Various immigration programs in Canada are tailored to foreign entrepreneurs, investors, and companies which make applicants eligible for permanent residency. As a result, there is no single Canada Investor program; instead, there are numerous options for investor immigration. These options can be divided into federal and provincial programs, described below.

Choosing the right immigration program, federal or provincial, will play a big role in the success of your immigration strategy. It is essential to select the program that is the most suitable for your business and your personal background. Our free instant assessment tool will certainly help you make the right decision, and if you need further guidance, you can always rely on valuable advice during our 60-minute strategy meeting with our top business immigration lawyers.

Canada’s Federal Investor Programs

The following are business immigration programs that are created on the federal level.

Provincial Investor Immigration Programs 

On the provincial level, Canadian provinces offer various immigration programs to invest and settle permanently in various parts of the country. These Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP) are listed below.

Federal Immigration Programs vs Provincial Immigration Programs

As a business immigrant, you have a wide selection of possible pathways. Depending on your business goals, some immigration schemes may suit you better than others. It is important to compare and see whether a federal or provincial program would be the best for you, your business, and your family.

Who Should Apply to Investor Programs?

Every one of the above programs has its own eligibility requirements and application process, but most share some common elements:

• Operate a successful business or have enough funds to buy or start one in Canada;
• Have at least $250,000 that you can invest in your Canadian business;
• Possess necessary skills for business development and business management; and
• Have the ability to use your business experience to build a business in Canada.

You can use our instant assessment tool to see if you fulfill the requirements for investor immigration, as well as receive personalized advice during our 1-hour strategy meeting with you.

If you find yourself falling within the requirements of business immigration and you are from the United States, the United Kingdom, the United Arab Emirates, Australia, India, or any other country in the world – you are likely to receive approval for your business immigration application. In particular, if you are any of the below, you should consider Canada’s residence by investment programs:

• Investor
• Entrepreneur
• Self-employed person
• Executive or senior manager
• Skilled worker and professional

If you are unsure what kind of business or investment you’d like to do in Canada, then you should research some investment immigration ideas to find suitable opportunities and inspiration.

From Work Permit to Permanent Residency to Citizenship

Every business immigrant who comes to Canada through business immigration is eligible for permanent residency. When you first receive approval for your business immigration application, you will obtain a work permit as your Canadian company will employ you. After operating your business for at least a year, you will become eligible for permanent residency. After receiving permanent residence, you can eventually qualify for Canadian citizenship.

The entire process can be summarized as follows:

1. 1. Establish or buy a Canadian company;
   2. Your Canadian company employs you;
   3. Apply for a work permit through a business immigration program;
   4. Operate your business in Canada for one year;
   5. Apply for permanent residency; and
   6. Become eligible for Canadian citizenship.

Family Members

Many business owners want to immigrate to Canada with their families. You should note that your family members will be eligible to come with you through business immigration. Usually, your spouse or a common-law partner would receive an open work permit. Also, your children would obtain study permits or temporary residence permits, depending on their age. As the main applicant, the family members will also be eligible for permanent residency.

Advantages of Canada’s Citizenship by Investment Programs

There are numerous reasons you want to make Canada a new home for you, your business, and your family. For instance:

• Canada has one of the fastest-growing economies in the world;
• You can qualify for permanent residence much faster than in other countries;
• Canada is multicultural and diverse;
• Society is highly acceptive of all nationalities and cultures;
• Canada supports new businesses, and often the government will provide subsidies and rebates for certain industry sectors;
• Canada has a free healthcare system; and
• Education in Canada is highly affordable and is of a very high standard.

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are some of the most asked questions based on our experience.

How much do you need to invest to immigrate to Canada and get a permanent residence? 

In our experience, foreign entrepreneurs, investors, and companies will generally need at least $250,000 to invest in their Canadian businesses through Canada’s investment immigration programs.

Can I immigrate to Canada by investment? 

Yes, you can! Canada has a variety of investment immigration programs for you to choose from. See the above list of federal and provincial programs.

What countries offer citizenship for investment? 

Many countries offer immigration schemes that can lead to citizenship which are often referred to as golden visas. For example, America’s EB-5 program is similar to Canada’s Entrepreneur C11 pathway. Both offer the same result, a Work Permit, then PR (green card), and eventually citizenship, but the process varies dramatically.

What are the benefits of federal investment programs? 

There are various benefits of the federal programs, such as:

• There are no mobility restrictions, and you can build businesses in any province and expand across different provinces as well;
• No provincial residency requirements and more freedom to explore and adjust your business without breaching a business activity commitment list;
• They are more focused on attracting foreign investments and encouraging innovation/economic stimulus rather than mandating business success. You are not punished if your business fails, as long as you genuinely work on and try executing your plan;
• There are no industry restrictions. Some provincial programs are specifically geared towards fostering growth in specific industries. It may limit your access to them if you don’t fit into a particular sector/category;
• There is no minimum net worth or investment requirement for most programs – you need to show that you have sufficient liquid funds to execute your business plan.