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?
There are various immigration programs in Canada that are tailored to foreign entrepreneurs, investors, and companies, that 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 separated into federal programs and provincial programs, which are described below.
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.
Federal Investor Programs | Provincial Investor Programs | |
---|---|---|
Minimum Investment | CAD $250,000 to CAD $350,000 recommended | $350,000 recommended CAD $250,000* - $1,000,000 Plus additional net worth requirements in each province *Some industry-specific programs don’t have qualifying investment requirements |
Processing Times | 1 – 3 months | 6 – 8 months |
Time to Permanent Residency | 2+ years | 2+ years |
Family Members | Yes | Yes for some |
Program Limit | No | Yes |
Restrictions and Commitment | You need to that you have sufficient liquid funds to execute your business plan. | Keep an eye out for restricted and preferred businesses in each provincial program! Most provinces restrict franchise businesses or prohibit certain automated businesses. Make sure to review the residency requirements and business commitment requirements for provincial programs to understand what your short- and long-term commitments will be |
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 CAD $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.
If you find yourself falling within the requirements of business immigration and you are from the United States, United Kingdom, United Arab Emirates, Australia, India, or any other country in the world – you are likely to receive approval on 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
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 receive a work permit as you will be employed by your Canadian company. After operating your business for at least a year, you will become eligible for permanent residency. After receiving permanent residency, you can eventually qualify for Canadian citizenship.
The entire process can be summarized as follows:
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- Establish or buy a Canadian company;
- Your Canadian company employs you;
- Apply for a work permit through a business immigration program;
- Operate your business in Canada for 1 year;
- Apply for permanent residency; and
- 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 receive study permits or temporary residence permits, depending on their age. Just like 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 why you would 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 PR?
In our experience, foreign entrepreneurs, investors, and companies will generally need at least CAD $250,000 to invest in their Canadian businesses through any of 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 certain industries. This may limit your access to them if you don’t fit into a specific sector/category;
- No minimum net worth or investment requirement for most programs – just need to show that you have sufficient liquid funds to execute your business plan.