International entrepreneurs and investors interested in immigrating to Canada have several options to choose from. Almost every province in Canada offers specific immigration streams for international entrepreneurs interested in establishing or acquiring a business in the province.
Canada is the leading country in providing the most widely established and widely used entrepreneurial investment immigration programs. The federal government and the provincial governments provide their tailored immigration streams for international businesspeople.
International entrepreneurs may also be eligible for a work permit under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) under some immigration streams.
What are the Options Available at the Federal Level for International Entrepreneurs and Investors?
At the federal level, applicants can apply for the Start-Up Visa program. The Start-up Visa program was created by the Canadian government to attract international entrepreneurs to set up a new business.
The Start-up Visa program is for foreign entrepreneurs who wish to establish a new business in Canada. No minimum personal investment amount is required. You must attain a letter of support or commitment certificate from a designated Canadian organization.
What are the Options Available at the Provincial Level for Foreign Entrepreneurs and Investors?
Canadian provinces and territories offer specific immigration streams for foreign entrepreneurs and investors under each of their own Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP).
These immigration streams differ on several factors such as investment requirements, connections to the province, education level, etc. Based on your eligibility, you can choose the best-suited immigration stream and apply accordingly. They are also known as Provincial Business Programs.
Usually, these immigration streams require the applicants to have recent business ownership or management experience, invest a certain amount of their funds, and have the required language skills.
Here is an overview of the available options under different provincial programs:
Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP):
The OINP operates the Business Category (OINP) for foreign business owners and investors who want to own, acquire, and manage a business in Ontario. It has 2 streams:
- Entrepreneur Stream (OINP)
- Corporate Stream (OINP)
British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP):
The BC PNP offers the BC PNP Entrepreneur Immigration for foreign business owners, investors and institutions who have experience in owning and operating a business. It has 3 streams:
Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP):
The SINP offers the Entrepreneur and Farm Category (SINP) which are 3 immigration pathways for international entrepreneurs, graduates, investors, and farm operators who want to establish a business in Saskatchewan. These applicants need to have experience owning and operating a business and want to establish a new business venture in the province.
The 3 pathways are:
