Mexico and Canada have a longstanding relationship, and many Mexicans have moved to Canada for a better quality of life, new business opportunities, and a new start. If you are considering business immigration from Mexico to Canada, this guide is for you.
Business Immigration Options
If you are a Mexican entrepreneur or investor, you may be able to come to Canada under one of the business immigration programs. The programs are designed to encourage economic growth and development in Canada while also allowing entrepreneurs to gain permanent residency in Canada. You may be eligible for the following options:
- Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) â Mexican entrepreneurs with established businesses can use this immigration pathway to expand their business to Canada. Once approved, you can become eligible for permanent residency after 1 year of employment under the ICT work permit.
- Start-Up Visa Program (SUV)Â â under this program, up to 5 founders of a start-up can gain permanent residency if they meet program requirements. SUV was designed to attract start-up growth in Canada by attracting foreign founders to bring their start-up ventures to Canada.
- Entrepreneur Work Permits (C11) â as a foreign investor, you can buy or start a new business in Canada, making you eligible for permanent residency after holding this work permit and operating your business for 1 year.
- Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) â this program paves the way for individuals who want to immigrate to a specific Canadian province or territory. Ontario PNP and BC PNP are the most popular provincial immigration programs for Mexican entrepreneurs wishing to immigrate to Canada.
- Owner-Operator LMIA Program â previously a popular option among entrepreneurs and investors from Mexico, the Canadian government heavily modified the program in April 2021. Alternatively, individuals can pursue the regular LMIA pathway or opt for the Entrepreneur Work Permit option (outlined above) for potentially better outcomes.
Expert Tips for Successful Canada Visa Application in Mexico
Business immigration from Mexico to Canada can be complex, depending on your background and situation. To help increase your chances of success, we have compiled some pro tips for immigration to Canadian from Mexico:
Best Business in Canada for Immigrants from Mexico
Starting a business in Canada can be an exciting and rewarding opportunity for immigrants from Mexico. Canada is known for its diverse economy, which offers a range of options for entrepreneurs to explore. While many industries could be a good fit for Mexican business immigrants, three are particularly well-suited for those seeking to start a business in Canada:
Construction Industry
The construction industry is one of the most promising industries for business immigrants who are considering starting a business in Canada. Canada is experiencing a significant shortage of skilled construction workers, and the demand for construction services is high. This means there are many opportunities for entrepreneurs with experience in construction-related fields. Whether it’s in residential or commercial construction or other construction-supporting services – there are ample opportunities for Mexican immigrants to capitalize on the demand in this industry.
Retail Industry
The retail industry is another sector that offers significant opportunities for immigrant entrepreneurs from Mexico. Canada has a strong and diverse retail market, with many small businesses thriving nationwide. Mexican immigrants with experience in retail could consider opening a small business in a niche market, such as clothing or food. This could allow them to tap into the growing demand for unique, high-quality products in Canada’s retail sector.
Trades
Finally, the trades industry is a third industry that offers excellent potential for Mexican immigrants seeking to start a business in Canada. Canada is experiencing a boom in commercial and residential construction and various supporting services. Business immigrants with relevant experience in the construction field can capitalize on this opportunity and start a profitable business in Canada.
Our Experience & Statistics for SMEs & Investors Entering Canada from Mexico
We have helped many Mexican entrepreneurs immigrate to Canada through business immigration programs. Whether you are a business owner, investor, start-up founder, or entrepreneur – we can help you move to Canada. Below you will see some of the facts about our experience in Mexico to Canada immigration:
- Average Investment Budget:Â Between CAD $150,000 â CAD $300,000
- Average Approval Rate: 96%
- Most Common Destinations:Â British Columbia, Ontario, Alberta
- Average Processing Times: 1-3 months
Types of business:
- Automotive (sales, repairs, import/export, etc.)
- Franchised businesses (retail, marketing, food industry and professional services)
- Trade (furniture, oil and gas, petroleum, textiles, cocoa, fake hair, medical supplies, ethnic food, etc.)
- Food industry
- Tech services & consulting
Top reasons for rejection:
- Insufficient funds
- The potential success of the business in Canada
Facts About Migrating to Canada from Mexico
Mexico and Canada share a long economic cooperation and trade history, largely thanks to their shared border with the United States. The North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), which came into force in 1994, further solidified this relationship by creating a free trade zone between the three countries.
Today, Mexico and Canada continue to work closely together to promote economic growth and cooperation. In 2019, bilateral trade between the two countries amounted to $42.8 billion, with Mexico being Canada’s third-largest trading partner. Mexico is also a popular destination for Canadian tourists, with over 1.9 million Canadians visiting Mexico in 2019.
One area where the two countries have particularly strong ties is in the automotive industry. Under NAFTA, automakers were encouraged to set up production facilities in Mexico to take advantage of lower labour costs while also maintaining a strong presence in Canada. As a result, Mexico has become a significant exporter of cars and car parts to Canada, while Canada supplies a wide range of automotive products and services to Mexican manufacturers.
Another area of growing economic cooperation between the two countries is in the field of renewable energy. Both Mexico and Canada are committed to reducing their greenhouse gas emissions and transitioning to a low-carbon economy. In recent years, there has been a significant increase in investment and collaboration between Mexican and Canadian companies in the renewable energy sector, particularly in areas such as wind and solar power.
Despite these strong economic ties, there are still challenges that need to be addressed. One issue that has been a source of tension in recent years is the ongoing dispute over the USMCA, which replaced NAFTA in 2020. The agreement includes provisions that require a higher percentage of North American-made content in automobiles, which has led to concerns among some Mexican officials that it could hurt their country’s auto industry.
Another area where there is room for improvement is in the area of labour standards. Mexico has long been criticized for its low wages and poor working conditions, which have led to a significant gap between the country’s wealthy and poor. As part of the USMCA, Mexico agreed to strengthen its labour laws and improve working conditions, but there are concerns that these reforms have not gone far enough.
Overall, however, the relationship between Mexico and Canada remains strong, with both countries working together to promote economic growth and cooperation. As the world becomes increasingly interconnected and globalized, it is likely that this relationship will continue to grow and evolve in the years to come.
Resources for Mexican Immigrants in Canada
Canada has become an increasingly popular destination for Mexicans looking for new opportunities and a better quality of life. The country is known for its welcoming culture and diverse communities, including a thriving Mexican community. If you’re a Mexican immigrant in Canada, you may find it helpful to know about some of the existing resources available to support you.
- Mexican Business Association of Canada – is an organization that provides support and resources to Mexican business people and other immigrants in Canada. The MBAC aims to promote and celebrate Mexican business while also addressing the needs of the community in areas such as housing, education, health, social services, and economic support.
- Mexican Embassy and Consulates – The Embassy of Mexico in Ottawa and consulates in Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver offer consular and visa services to Mexican citizens living in Canada. The embassy and consulates can also provide information and support on a range of issues, including legal assistance, travel advice, and emergency services.
As a Mexican immigrant in Canada, knowing you’re not alone is important. By connecting with the resources and communities available to you, you can find the support and guidance you need to succeed in your new home.
