Business Immigration

Purpose: This program is designed for individuals who have relevant experience in cultural activities, athletics, or farm management and who intend and are able to be self-employed in Canada.

Who is Eligible?

• Cultural Activities: Artists, musicians, writers, performers, or other cultural professionals with relevant experience.
• Athletics: Athletes, coaches, or officials with a history of participation at a competitive level.
• Farm Management: Individuals with experience managing a farm (available only in some provincial streams, but part of federal program too).

Key Eligibility Criteria

• 1. Relevant Experience
  • You must have at least 2 years of experience in cultural activities or athletics, either as self-employed or participating at a high level.
• 2. Intention and Ability
  • You must intend and be able to become self-employed in Canada in the cultural or athletic field.
  • This means creating your own employment and contributing significantly to the cultural or athletic life of Canada.
• 3. Selection Factors

  Candidates are assessed based on:

  • Experience
  • Education
  • Age
  • Language ability (English/French)
  • Adaptability (e.g., family connections, previous work or study in Canada)
• 4. Medical and Security Checks
  • Applicants must pass medical exams and security background checks.

Application Process

• Prepare and submit application to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) with:
• Proof of relevant experience (letters, contracts, portfolio, awards).
• Language test results.
• Proof of funds to support yourself and family.
• Other required documents (IDs, medical exams, police certificates).
• Processing Time: It may take 12–24 months, depending on the volume and specifics.

Benefits

• Direct permanent residence pathway for self-employed cultural or athletic professionals.
• Flexibility to create your own work and contribute to Canadian cultural or sports sectors.
• Family members (spouse and children) can also apply for permanent residence.

Important Notes

• The program is competitive; strong documentation of your experience and ability is crucial.
• You need to convincingly show that you can support yourself through self-employment in Canada.
• Unlike the Start-Up Visa, this program does not require business investment or a designated organization’s support.

Purpose: These programs target experienced business owners or entrepreneurs who want to invest in and actively manage a business in a specific Canadian province or territory.

How They Work

• Each province/territory runs its own Entrepreneur stream with unique eligibility criteria and application processes tailored to local economic needs.
• Successful applicants receive a provincial nomination, which can be used to apply for permanent residence through the provincial nominee system.

Common Requirements Across Provinces

• 1. Business Experience
  • Proven experience as a business owner or senior manager, typically several years.
• 2. Net Worth & Investment
  • Minimum personal net worth (often CAD 300,000 to 800,000+ depending on the province).
  • Required minimum investment in a new or existing business (can range from CAD 150,000 to 1 million+).
• 3. Business Plan
  • Submit a detailed business plan showing how you will create jobs and contribute to the local economy.
• 4. Active Management
  • You must intend to actively manage the business and be involved in day-to-day operations.
• 5. Settlement Funds
  • Proof of funds to support yourself and family during the initial period.
• 6. Residency Requirement
  • You typically must live in the province where your business is established.

Examples of Provincial Entrepreneur Streams

Application Process (Typical)

• 1. Expression of Interest (EOI):
  • Submit an initial profile showing your business background and interest.
• 2. Invitation to Apply:
  • If you meet criteria and scores, you receive an invitation to submit a full application.
• 3. Application & Interview:
  • Submit a detailed business plan and documents. Some provinces require an interview.
• 4. Conditional Nomination:
  • If approved, you get a conditional nomination and must start or buy the business.
• 5. Permanent Residency Application:
  • After meeting business operation requirements (often 1–2 years), you apply for permanent residence.

Benefits

• Provincial nomination often speeds up permanent residence processing.
• Opportunity to start or buy a business with provincial support and resources.
• Live, work, and settle in the province of your choice.