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Application for Permanent Residence – Business Immigration Program – Start-up Business Class (IMM 5759)
You now need to apply online.
As of October 14, 2022, it is now mandatory to apply online.
If you can’t apply online, and require accommodations, including for a disability, you can ask for the application in another format (paper, braille or large print).
If you, your sponsor (if being sponsored by a family member) or representative cannot apply online and require accommodations, including for a disability, you may ask for an alternative format. After we review your request, we’ll send you the application package in one of these formats:
- large print
To request another format:
- Open a new email
- the format you need (paper, braille, or large print), and
- the application package you want
- your full name (principal applicant) as shown on your passport
- the full name of your sponsor , if you’re being sponsored by a family member
- a statement explaining that you’re asking for an alternate format
- if you want the application in English or French
- Include your email address if you want us to send it electronically so you can print it yourself. This option will save you the time it would take to mail it to you.
- Include your mailing address if you want it mailed to you.
- Send your email to: [email protected]
We will only reply to requests for alternative formats. We won't reply to any other emails.
After we get your request, we’ll reply with instructions and tell you where to send your application.
To submit your application
- fill out and sign any paper forms
- return the application by mail or courier to the mailing address provided in our instructions
For more information about applying with an alternate format, call 1-888-242-2100 (from inside Canada only).
Table of Contents
Before you apply, step 1. gather documents, step 2. complete the application, step 3. pay the fees, step 4. submit the application.
- What Happens Next
- Appendix A: Photo Specifications
Application package
This application package has:
- an instruction guide, and
- the forms you need to fill out.
The instruction guide :
- has information you must know before you submit your application, and
- explains how to fill out the forms and gather your supporting documents.
Read the instruction guide completely and then fill out each of the applicable forms.
For an application to be considered complete, the principal applicant must fill out the forms listed below and must submit them all together in the Permanent Residence Online Application Portal for the principal applicant and each of their dependants. Incomplete applications will be returned.
The forms are designed with questions that will help the processing of your application.
Symbols used in this guide
This guide uses these symbols to draw your attention to important information:
Important information that you need to know to avoid delays or other problems.
Where to get more information.
Note: Tips that will help you with this application.
Permanent Residence under the Business Immigration Program
The Business Immigration Program
Canada welcomes successful business people who are seeking new opportunities and challenges. The Business Immigration Program is designed to encourage and facilitate the admission of these individuals. Both the federal and provincial/territorial governments welcome business immigrants and offer services to help immigrants start a business and settle in Canada.
This guide will help you to apply under the Start-up Business Class. Please read carefully the definitions and the instructions below.
Note: You cannot apply under the Start-up Business Class if you intend to reside in Quebec.
Using a representative
Note: If a paid representative is submitting your application online on your behalf, they must sign in to their Representative Portal account to do so. You, as the Primary Applicant, need to electronically sign your application and your representative must also provide their declaration before submitting the application.
If you (the principal applicant) want to authorize a representative to act on your behalf (paid or unpaid) you must
- submit a Use of a Representative [IMM 5476] (PDF, 648.31 KB) form
- sign it digitally or by hand and get your immigration representative to do so also
- upload it with your application
If you (the principal applicant) want to allow us to release information from your application to someone other than yourself who will not act as your representative you must
- submit an Authority to Release Personal Information to a Designated Individual [IMM 5475] (PDF, 593.57 KB) form
- sign it digitally or by hand and get your designated individual to do so also
Definitions
Start-up business.
A start-up business must be a new business intended to be operated in Canada which meets the criteria of a qualifying business, meaning that the new start-up business has received a commitment from:
- a designated angel investor group confirming that it is investing at least $75,000 in a qualifying business or two or more designated angel investor groups confirming that they are together investing a total of at least $75,000 in such a business;
- a designated venture capital fund confirming that it is investing at least $200,000 in a qualifying business or two or more designated venture capital funds confirming that they are together investing a total of at least $200,000 in such a business; or
- a designated business incubator confirming that it is accepting the applicant into its business incubator program.
Note: An investment is defined as “buying shares or other forms of equity in the applicant’s business” and therefore, convertible debt or convertible debenture is not permitted.
Designated Entity
An angel investor group/venture capital fund/business incubator designated by the Minister and eligible to issue commitments under the Start-up Business program.
Qualifying Business
A qualifying business meets the following requirements:
- Each applicant holds 10% or more of the voting rights attached to all shares of the corporation outstanding at that time
- Applicants and the designated entity jointly hold more than 50% of the total voting rights attached to all shares of the corporation outstanding at that time
In order to qualify for the Start-up Business Class, a business should be incorporated and carrying on business in Canada at the time the commitment is made. However, consideration will be made for a qualifying business whose incorporation is conditional upon the attainment of permanent residence by the applicant(s).
A "commitment" is an agreement between the applicant and the designated entity to establish and incorporate a qualifying business in Canada. The designated entity must be one which appears in the list of designated private sector businesses. Proof and details of this agreement will be submitted in the form of a term sheet/client agreement along with the Commitment Certificate for the purposes of processing.
Qualified Participant
A person who has been issued a permanent residence document based on their application as a member of the Start-up Business class Or
A designated angel investor group Or
A designated venture capital fund.
Essential Person
A person who is considered to be essential to the business and who has been identified as essential by the designated angel investor group, venture capital fund or business incubator on the commitment certificate and Letter of Support. If the application for an essential person is refused for any reason, all other applications related to that commitment will also be refused.
A term sheet/client agreement (Signed by the designated entity) in combination with a Commitment Certificate completed by an authorized member of the designated entity, binding the applicant to a designated entity. (See angel investor network, venture capital fund or business incubator above).
Commitment Certificate
A commitment sent electronically to IRCC from the designated angel investor group, venture capital fund or business incubator along with the term sheet/client agreement.
Letter of Support
A letter given to the applicant by the designated angel investor group, venture capital fund or business incubator which the applicant must include with their application.
Do you intend to reside in Quebec?
Individuals who intend to reside in Quebec are not eligible to apply under the Start-up Business Class. Under the Canada-Quebec Accord on Immigration, Quebec establishes its own immigration requirements and selects immigrants who will adapt well to living in Quebec. If you intend to come to Canada as a Quebec-selected permanent resident, you must first contact the Ministère de l’Immigration, de la Francisation et de l’Intégration (MIFI) .
You may also consult the Quebec-selected skilled workers page for more information.
Stay informed
Selection criteria, requirements and other information for applicants can sometimes change. Please note that:
- Applications will be processed according to the rules and regulations in effect at the time of the application. These may change at any time.
- Our Apply to immigrate to Canada page contains the latest news, selection criteria updates and applications links. Check periodically for updated information.
Eligibility criteria
For your application to be eligible for processing, you must:
- have received a Letter of Support from a designated entity and
- meet the language requirements and
- have sufficient settlement funds (transferable and available funds, free of debts or other obligations and excluding any investment made by a designated entity into their business)
Note: No more than five persons may be part of a single commitment from a designated business entity. If your commitment has more than one person related to the business proposal, an application for each person named in the Commitment Certificate must be received before final decisions will be made on any of the applications. The following information will help you determine if you meet the eligibility criteria indicated above.
The following information will help you determine if you meet the eligibility criteria indicated above.
Note: If you do not meet all of the criteria described above, do not submit an application under the Start-up Business Class, as your application will be refused. Check the other classes to see if you satisfy their eligibility criteria.
Important information. It is important that you make a careful assessment before you apply because certain fees, such as the processing fee, are non-refundable, even if your application is refused.
What are the requirements for applicants under the Start-up Business Class?
Your application to come to Canada under the Start-up Business Class will be assessed on a pass/fail basis against three requirements. The three requirements are:
- Requirement 1: Commitment from a Designated Entity
- Requirement 2: Ability in English, in French or both
- Requirement 3: Settlement Funds
If you meet all three requirements indicated above, then you may qualify to immigrate to Canada under the Start-up Business Class.
Below are detailed descriptions of all the requirements that are to be assessed. Carefully review the following information and then decide if you want to apply under this class.
Requirement 1: Commitment from a Designated Entity
Private sector organizations demonstrate their support of your business idea by providing you with a Letter of Support which details the commitment they are willing to make towards your new business. They will send further details in the form of a Commitment Certificate directly to IRCC for assessment.
For your application to be eligible for processing, you must have received a Letter of Support from:
- a designated angel investor group confirming that it is investing at least $75,000 in a qualifying business or two or more designated angel investor groups confirming that they are together investing a total of at least $75,000 in such a business, or
- a designated venture capital fund confirming that it is investing at least $200,000 in a qualifying business or two or more designated venture capital funds confirming that they are together investing a total of at least $200,000 in such a business, or
- a designated business incubator which confirms that it accepting a qualifying business into its program.
What to do with the Letter of Support once you have it?
You must include your Letter of Support with your application. If you do not, your application will be returned to you as incomplete.
Where to obtain a Letter of Support?
Consult the list of designated venture capital funds, angel investor groups and business incubators.
How long is the Letter of Support valid for?
Each Letter of Support is valid for a period of six months from the date it was issued. This means that we must receive your application for permanent residence under the Start-up Business Class within six months of the Letter of Support being issued.
Requirement 2: Ability in English, in French or both
The ability to communicate and work in one or both of Canada’s official languages is very important to you as a business immigrant. Proficiency in English, French or both will help you in the Canadian labour market.
You meet the language proficiency requirement for the Start-up Business Class if you have a level of proficiency of at least benchmark level 5 in either official language for all four language skill areas, as set out in the Canadian Language Benchmarks and the Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens .
You will be assessed on the following language skill areas:
- reading, and
You must provide proof of your language proficiency with your application.
Proof of language proficiency
For your application to be eligible for processing, you must include a copy of the results of one of the following language tests from a testing agency designated by IRCC with your application:
- CELPIP: Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program ( General test only )
- IELTS: International English Language Testing System ( General Training test only )
- TEF Canada: Test d’évaluation de français
- TCF Canada: Test de connaissance du français
Note : If you do not submit a copy of the results of your official language proficiency test with your application to the Central Intake Office (CIO), your application will not be processed and will be returned to you as incomplete.
Your test results must not be more than two years old at the time that you submit your application.
Official language testing
To prove your language skills, you must take a language test given by an agency that is approved by IRCC, and include the results with your application.
In order to know which language tests we accept, please refer to the Language testing - Start-up Business page .
Requirement 3: Settlement funds (money required to settle in Canada)
The Government of Canada does not provide financial support to business immigrants.
You must also show that you have enough money to support yourself and your family after you arrive in Canada.
The money must be available to support the costs of living for yourself and your family. The amount is an estimate of what you would require to support yourself and your family without employment or other income. The funds must be :
- available and transferable
- free of debts or other obligations.
You cannot borrow this money from another person.
The amount of money you need to support your family is determined by the size of your family. These amounts are updated every year. Check the Proof of funds page to make sure you have the most recent information.
You must submit proof of settlement funds with your application. If you do not, your application will not be processed and will be returned to you as incomplete.
For proof of funds, you must get official letters from any banks or financial institutions where you are keeping money.
Letter(s) must:
- be printed on the financial institution’s letterhead
- include their contact information (address, telephone number and email address)
- include your name
- list outstanding debts such as credit card debts and loans
- account numbers
- the date each account was opened
- the current balance of each account
- the average balance for the past six months
Sufficient funds are determined according to the applicant’s family size, including both accompanying and non-accompanying family members, using 50% of the current low income cut-off (LICO) for urban areas with populations of 500,000 or more.
We strongly recommend that you research the cost of living in the region of Canada where you intend to live. To make your establishment in Canada easier, bring as much money as possible with you to Canada.
You should be aware that Canadian legislation requires persons entering Canada to declare cash funds of $10,000 CDN or more. You will have to disclose these funds to a Canadian official upon arrival. Cash funds means:
- money (coins or bank notes),
- securities in bearer form (stocks, bonds, debentures, treasury bills, etc.), and
- negotiable instruments in bearer form (bank drafts, travellers’ cheques, money orders, etc.).
Biometric (fingerprints and photo) requirements
You and your family members may need to appear in person to have fingerprints and a photograph (biometric information) taken at a biometric collection service point.
Canadian citizens and existing permanent residents of Canada are exempt from giving biometrics.
As of December 3, 2019, you need to give biometrics when you apply from within Canada . You can go to a designated Service Canada location .
Find out if you need to give biometrics .
If you have to give biometrics, you can give them after you:
- pay for and submit your application and biometric fees, and
- get a Biometric Instruction Letter (BIL) which will direct you to a list of biometric collection service points you may choose from
You must bring the BIL with you to the biometric collection service point to give your biometrics.
We encourage you to give your biometrics as soon as possible after getting the BIL. We’ll start processing your application after we get your biometrics.
Where to give your biometrics
You need to book an appointment to give your biometrics at one of these official biometric collection service points .
What documents are required?
Use the Document Checklist [IMM 5760] (PDF, 371.86 KB) which you can find in this package to assist you gathering the necessary documentation.
Important information: Incomplete applications will be returned by email. For your application to be considered complete, you must include
- all the information asked for, on the online forms from you
- the forms completed by the principal applicant, and
- all supporting documents we ask for
If you do not provide all the requested information or documents, the processing of your application could be delayed.
If you can’t provide one or more documents required on the document checklist, you must provide a written explanation for each missing document so your application is not delayed in processing or returned to you as incomplete. You must also provide any other evidence or documents you have available to satisfy the requirement. Upload them as the document type that was asked for.
It’s helpful to include any proof that you applied to get supporting documents (for example, a marriage certificate payment receipt). The officer processing your application will contact you if they need more information.
Medical requirements
You and your family members must undergo an immigration medical exam (IME)in order to become a permanent resident of Canada. You and your family members must not have a health condition that:
- is a danger to public health or safety, or
- would cause excessive demand on health or social services in Canada.
Examples of “excessive demand” include ongoing hospitalization or institutional care for a physical or mental illness.
Find out more about immigration medical exams .
Instructions
Information on medical instructions will be provided to you by the IRCC office . When you receive your assessment notice you will also receive medical forms for yourself (and any dependants, if applicable ) and instructions on how to access a list of doctors in your area who are authorized to conduct IMEs (see below). You are not required to have an IME before you submit your application forms.
Exam validity
Medical results are valid for twelve months from the date of the IME. If your application is not finalized during this time, you may be required to do another medical exam.
Authorized doctors
The IME must be performed by a doctor from the IRCC list of Panel Physicians. You cannot choose your family doctor if their name is not on this list. See the list of Panel Physicians to find a doctor in your area.
Note that the doctor is only responsible for conducting the IME and cannot give you any advice on the immigration process.
Police certificates
If you and your family members are 18 years of age and older and aren’t permanent residents or Canadian citizens, you must provide a valid police certificate for any country other than Canada in which you spent 6 or more months in a row since the age of 18.
Note: You do not need to provide a police certificate from a country if you or your family members were under 18 years of age the entire time you lived in that country.
If the original certificate isn’t in English or French, you must get an accredited translator to translate it. You must include both the police certificate and the translation.
We’ll also do our own background checks to see if there are reasons why you or your family members may not be admissible to Canada.
For specific and up-to-date information, see our guide on where to get a police certificate .
Translation of documents
You must include the following along with any document that is not in English or French:
- the English or French translation; and
- an affidavit from the person who completed the translation (if they are not a certified translator )
Translations may be done by:
- a person who is fluent in both languages (English or French, and the unofficial language); or
- a Canadian certified translator (a member in good standing of a provincial or territorial organization of translators and interpreters in Canada).
If the translation isn’t done by a Canadian certified translator, the person who completed the translation must provide an affidavit swearing to their language proficiency and the accuracy of the translation.
The affidavit must be sworn in the presence of:
- a notary public ;
- a commissioner of oaths ; or
- a commissioner of taking affidavits .
Authority to certify varies by province and territory. Consult your local provincial or territorial authorities.
Outside of Canada:
- a notary public
Authority to administer oaths varies by country. Consult your local authorities.
Note: An affidavit is a document on which the translator has sworn, in the presence of a person authorized to administer oaths in the country where the translator is living, that the contents of their translation are a true translation and representation of the contents of the original document. Translators who are certified in Canada don’t need to supply an affidavit.
Certified true copies
To have a photocopy of a document certified, an authorized person must compare the original document to the photocopy and must print all of the following on the photocopy:
- “I certify that this is a true copy of the original document”;
- the name of the original document;
- the date of the certification;
- the name of the authorized person;
- their official position or title; and
- their signature.
Who can certify copies?
Only authorized people can certify copies.
Important information: Certifying of copies must not be done by the applicants themselves nor by an applicant’s parent, guardian, sibling, spouse, common-law partner, conjugal partner, grandparent, child, aunt, uncle, niece, nephew or first cousin.
People authorized to certify copies include the following:
Authority to certify varies by province and territory. Check with your local provincial or territorial authorities to learn who has the authority to certify.
Outside Canada:
Authority to certify international documents varies by country. Check with your local authorities to learn who has the authority to certify in your country.
Follow the step-by-step instructions below to complete the application forms.
Filling out the application
Sign in or create a Permanent residence online application portal account.
You must fill out these digital forms online
You’ll fill out these digital forms online (for yourself, and any family members 18 or older)
Generic Application Form for Canada (IMM 0008)
Schedule a – background/declaration (imm 5669), additional family information (imm 5406).
- Supplementary Information - Your travels (IMM 5562)
You must also fill out these PDF forms
- you don’t need to sign them
- upload them to your online application
- Use your checklist to make sure you include all the forms and documents you need.
- Schedule 13 – Business Immigration Programs – Start Up Business [IMM 0008 SCHEDULE 13] (PDF, 1.43 MB)
Complete and sign these PDF forms, if they apply to you
- print and complete it
- sign it by hand
- get the third party to sign it by hand
- Statutory Declaration of Common-law Union [IMM 5409] (PDF, 0.78 MB) , if this applies
- Separation Declaration for Minors Travelling to Canada [IMM 5604] (PDF, 1.99 MB) , if this applies
Important information. It is a serious offence to give false or misleading information on these forms. The information you provide on your application may be subject to verification.
Be complete and accurate
Complete all sections on the forms. If a section does not apply to you, write “Not Applicable” or “NA”.
If you need more space for any section, include an additional page containing the appropriate section, complete it and upload it with your application. For the document type, choose “other.”
Uploading additional documents to your online application
To submit supporting documentation with your online application (e.g. your Curriculum Vitae (CV)/Resume, a copy of the exact status in Canada document you submitted with your 2020 interest to sponsor form, etc.) select “Other” from the drop-down menu (Document type) and upload your documents or other additional information which can be in any of the following formats: JPG, JPEG or PDF.
If signatures are missing (when this applies), we will return the application by email without processing it.
As the principal applicant, you’ll electronically sign for the entire application, including your family members by typing your full name exactly as it is shown on your passport.
- Remember to check for signature requirements and sign when needed, either by hand or electronically. If forms are not signed in the correct places, and by the correct people, we will return your application without processing it.
- Signatures may be required in more than one place or from more than one person on some forms.
- Where a date is needed, make sure you fill it in.
- A parent or legal guardian must sign on behalf of a dependent child under the age of 18 when a signature for this person is required.
Who must fill out this application form?
This form must be completed by :
- you, the principal applicant
Completing the form
You’ll fill out and submit the Generic Application Form for Canada (IMM 0008) online. You don’t need to print and sign by hand. Please follow the instructions below to ensure the form is properly completed.
You must answer all questions on this application form unless otherwise indicated.
You also have the option of saving your form and completing it later.
Read and follow the steps below to help you fill out the form.
Application Details
Language preference.
From the list, select your preferred language for:
- correspondence (any letters or emails we send you)
- interview: if your native language is not in this list, select “other”
- interpreter requested: you must select “yes” if you do not select English or French for the interview
Where do you plan to live in Canada?
If you plan to live in the Province of Quebec and haven’t received your Certificat de Sélection du Québec (CSQ), enter the date when you applied for it. If you haven’t applied yet, you must do so before applying for permanent residence.
Personal Details
Family name.
Family name is also known as last name or surname .
Note: If you are a parent of a child to be adopted in Canada whose details you don’t know yet (and you’re filling this form out on their behalf), enter your family name(s).
Given names are also known as first name and middle name. Do not use initials.
Note: If you are a parent of a child to be adopted in Canada whose details you don’t know yet (and you’re filling this form out on their behalf), enter your family name(s). For given name(s) enter “Child” or leave the given name field blank.
Physical characteristics - sex
If you choose “X” for gender, you need to complete the Request for a Change of Sex or Gender Identifier (PDF, 1.6 MB) form and send it with your application if
- your foreign travel document or passport does not have the X gender identifier (or an equivalent non-binary option)
- electronic travel authorization
- work permit or
- study permit
You don’t need any supporting documents.
Note: If you are a parent of a child to be adopted in Canada whose details you don’t know yet, select U – Unknown.
Physical characteristics - Eye colour
If you are a parent of a child to be adopted in Canada whose details you don’t know yet, select “Other.”
Birth information - Date of birth
If you don’t know your complete date of birth, write 1901/01/01 in the fields fill in the spaces for the unknown year, month or day. Include a letter of explanation saying why you used this date.
Birth information - Place of birth
As shown in your passport or your travel document.
Note: If you are a parent of a child to be adopted in Canada whose details you don’t know yet, indicate “Unknown” for the city or town and select the country where you plan to adopt a child.
Citizenship(s)
If you aren’t a citizen of any country, choose “stateless.”
If you are a citizen of more than one country, choose your other country of citizenship in the second field.
Note: If you are a parent of a child to be adopted in Canada whose details you don’t know yet, select the country where you intend to adopt a child.
Current country of residence
You must be in this country legally.
For refugee claimants in Canada only: select Canada whether you have been lawfully admitted or not.
If you’ve lost your status
- for “Status,” choose “Other”
- in the details field, enter “Out of status, requires restoration”
- leave the “From” and “To” fields blank
Note: If you are a parent of a child to be adopted in Canada whose details you don’t know yet, select the country where you plan to adopt a child and “Citizen” as the immigration status in that country.
Previous countries of residence
This means you lived in the country for 6 months total, not just in a row.
If you chose “Other” as a status, try to provide as much detail and an explanation as to why you are out of status.
Marital and relationship status
You’re single if you’ve never been married and are not in a common-law relationship.
You’re married if you and your spouse have had a ceremony that legally binds you to each other. Your marriage must be legally recognized in the country where it was performed and in Canada.
You’re common-law if you’ve lived continuously with your partner in a marital-type relationship for 1 year or more.
You’re divorced if you are officially separated and have legally ended your marriage.
You’re legally separated if you’re still legally married but no longer living with your spouse.
You’re widowed if your spouse has died and you have not re-married or entered into a common-law relationship.
An annulled marriage has been legally declared as not valid. An annulment can also be a declaration by the Catholic Church that the marriage was not binding.
- Given names are also known as first name and middle name . Do not use initials.
- If you’re in a common-law relationship, enter the date (year, month and day) you began living together.
- If you’re legally separated or divorced, enter the date you were no longer living together.
Note: If you are a parent of a child to be adopted in Canada whose details you don’t know yet, select “Single.”
Contact Information
Current mailing address
- Post office box (P.O. box) number: If you don’t enter a post office box, you must enter your street number
- Street number (no.): The number on your house or apartment building. You must enter a street number if you didn’t enter a P.O. box
All correspondence will be mailed to this address unless you include your email address.
If you want a representative to do business with us on your behalf, you must provide their address in this section and on the Use of a Representative (IMM 5476) form.
For more information, read the Use of a Representative guide.
Email address
Use this format: [email protected]
By entering your email address, you authorize IRCC to transmit your file and personal information to this specific email.
Passport/travel document number (exactly as shown on your passport or travel document)
If you have more than one passport, choose the one you’ll use to travel to Canada.
Most people will need a passport to travel to Canada. If you’re approved to come here, you’ll need to get one.
A travel document is an identity document issued by a government or international organization (like the United Nations). It has a photo and personal information, and let the holder travel between countries. If you have a passport, you don’t need a travel document.
Issue/expiry dates
You can find this information on the page in your passport that shows your photo and date of birth (also called the biodata page)
National Identity Document
A national identity document is an identity card with a photo which is issued by a government or official authority, and can be used as identification inside the country that issued it. It may also be known as "ID," "ID card," "identity card," "citizen card" or "passport card."
Document number
Enter your national identity document number exactly as shown on the identity document. Make sure there is no space between each number or letter.
Education/Occupation Details
Highest level of education
- None: No education.
- Secondary or less: High school diploma obtained after elementary school and before college, university, or other formal training.
- Trade/apprenticeship certificate/diploma: Diploma completed in a specific trade, such as carpentry or auto mechanics.
- Non-university certificate/diploma: Training in a profession that requires formal education but not at the university level (for example, dental technician or engineering technician).
- Post-secondary – no degree: Post-secondary studies at a college or university but no degree earned.
- Bachelor’s degree: Academic degree awarded by a college or university to those who have completed an undergraduate curriculum. Also called a baccalaureate. Examples include a Bachelor of Arts, Science or Education.
- Post graduate – no degree: Post-graduate studies at a college or university but no degree earned (Master or PhD).
- Master’s degree: Academic degree awarded by a graduate school of a college or university. You must have completed a Bachelor’s degree before you can earn a Master’s degree.
- Doctorate – PhD: Highest university degree, usually based on at least 3 years of graduate studies and a thesis. Normally, you must have completed a Master’s degree before you can earn a PhD.
Current occupation
If you don’t work, enter “not employed.”
Intended occupation
If you aren’t planning to work in Canada (for example, if you’re retired), enter “none.”
Language Details
Native language/mother tongue
This is the language that you learned at home during your childhood and that you still understand. If your native language is not in this list, choose “Other.”
Note: If you are a parent of a child to be adopted in Canada whose details you don’t know yet, choose the native language of the country where you plan to adopt a child.
Test from a designated testing agency to assess English or French
Approved testing agencies include:
Dependant’s Personal Details
Select the box to tell us if your dependant will accompany you to Canada.
If you answered “ No ,” explain why your dependant is non-accompanying.
Dependant’s relationship to the principal applicant
Select your dependant’s relationship to you, the principal applicant:
- Adopted Child
- Common-Law Partner
- Step-Grandchild
Dependant type
The dependant is under the age of 22 and single (not married and not in a common-law relationship).
Type B (Important: This dependant type applies only if your child’s age was locked in before August 1, 2014 )
The dependant has been continuously enrolled in and in attendance as a full-time student at a post-secondary institution accredited by the relevant government authority and has depended substantially on the financial support of a parent since before the age of 22.
The dependant is 22 years of age or older, has depended substantially on the financial support of a parent since before the age of 22, and is unable to provide for themselves because of a medical condition.
Not sure which type of dependant your child is? Check if your child qualifies as a dependant by answering a few questions.
If you don’t know your complete date of birth, enter 1901/01/01 to fill in the spaces for the unknown year, month or day. Include a letter of explanation.
You’re legally separated if you’re married but no longer living with your spouse.
Enter their national identity document number exactly as shown on the document. Make sure there is no space between each number or letter.
If your dependant doesn’t work, enter “not employed.”
If your dependant isn’t planning to work in Canada (for example, if they are younger than working age), enter “none.”
This is the language that they learned at home during their childhood and they still understand. If their native language does not appear in this list, select “Other.”
Consent and Declaration of Applicant
- Follow the instructions at the bottom of the online application to view the declaration.
- check the yes/no buttons to show if you agree that the information in this application about your intended occupation, education and work experience may be shared with prospective employers to help them hire workers
- type your name in the blue field
By typing your name, you’re signing the application electronically. By doing so, you certify that you fully understand the questions asked, and the information you provided is complete, truthful, and correct. You can’t submit your application online unless you sign it.
For refugee claimants in Canada: Only family members included in your application for refugee protection who are with you in Canada must be included using this form.
Personal details
Family and given names.
Enter your names exactly as they appear on your passport, travel document or identity document.
Questionnaire
If you answered “ Yes ” to one or more of these questions, you must enter an explanation in the details field.
If you didn’t earn a diploma, leave the “Type of certificate or diploma issued” field blank.
Personal history
Important: do not leave any gaps in time.
If you don’t account for all time periods, it may delay the processing of your application.
Personal history - Activity
Examples of activity types
- employment (please specify)
- educational activity
Personal history - Status in country or territory
Examples of status
- visitor visa
Exception: If you have not worked in the past 10 years (for example, you’re retired), you must provide details of your personal history since the age of 18. The resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV) that you provide with your application will help verify the information in this question.
Membership and association with organizations
Examples of organizations
- political organizations
- social organizations
- youth or student organizations
- trade unions
- professional associations
Don’t use abbreviations.
Government positions
Examples of government positions
- civil servant
- police officer
- employee in a security organization
Military and paramilitary service
Write out addresses in full without using any abbreviations. Use the apartment or unit number, if this applies.
Example: 999 Family Street, Unit #3, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, K3J 9T5
Authority to disclose personal information
Declaration of applicant.
Read all of the statements in all sections carefully and type your full name into the blue field (this is your digital signature).
By signing, you certify that you fully understand the questions asked, and that the information you provided is complete, truthful, and correct.
Schedule 13 – Business Immigration Program Start-up Business Class
This form must be completed by you, the principal applicant.
Write your full last name (surname/family name) as it appears on your passport or on the official documents that you will use to obtain your passport.
Write all of your given names (first, second, etc.) as they appear on your passport or official documents. Do not use initials.
Write your date of birth (Year/Month/Day).
Provide information about the Financial Commitment by giving the name of the designated angel investor group, venture capital fund or business incubator who is investing in the qualifying business.
Indicate the date of issue for the Letter of Support.
You must indicate the number of persons, including yourself, identified on the Letter of Support.
If essential persons, other than yourself, have been identified on the Letter of Support, please complete the table indicated on the form.
Note: You must include your Letter of Support with your application.
Explain how your past experiences (work, education, etc) assisted in developing the idea for the proposal.
Indicate if anyone in the designated entity(ties), which has issued a letter of support to you, is related to you, either through birth or marriage.
Indicate how you first met or got to know the designated entity(ties) which issued the letter of support to you.
Provide details on the history of any relationship related to business or any persons related to the entity investing in your business, including any business meetings you may have had.
Check “yes” or “no” to indicate if you have ever presented a proposal for the same or similar business idea to an investor outside of Canada.
If you check “yes”, please provide the outcome.
Relationship - Applicant
Marital status
- If you’re married and you were physically present at the marriage, choose “married – physically present” under “marital status”
- If you’re married and you were not physically present at the marriage, choose “married – not physically present” under “marital status”
Relationship - Spouse, common-law partner or conjugal partner (if this applies)
- If you’re married and your spouse was physically present at the marriage, choose “married – physically present” under “marital status”
- If you’re married and your spouse was not physically present at the marriage, choose “married – not physically present” under “marital status”
- married children,
- adopted children,
- children of your spouse(step-children) or common-law partner,
- any of your children who have been adopted by others,
- any of your children who are in the custody of an ex-spouse, former common-law partner or other guardian.
You must answer all questions. If any sections don’t apply to you, enter “ Not Applicable ”.
Write personal details about your:
- brother(s),
- half-brother(s) and half-sister(s),
- step-brother(s) and step-sister(s).
Read all of the statements in all sections carefully.
By clicking the “Complete and return to application” button, you certify that
- you fully understand the questions asked and
- the information you provided is complete, truthful, and correct
Statutory Declaration of Common-Law Union (IMM 5409)
Who must complete this form.
This form must be completed and signed with handwritten signatures.
Submitting an application to sponsor a family member
- the sponsor and their common-law partner must complete this form.
- the person being sponsored and their common-law partner must complete this form.
Write the following information in the space provided:
- Country of current residence
- Province/state/territory of current residence
- Name of the declarant
- Name of the declarant’s partner
- Name of city, town, village
- Name of county (if applicable)
- Name of province/state/territory
- Name of the country
- Number of continuous year(s) in a conjugal relationship
- Date of the relationship (from-to)
Check the box to indicate if you have jointly signed a residential lease, mortgage or purchase agreement relating to a residence in which you both live.
Check the box to indicate if you jointly own property other than your residence.
Check the box to indicate if you have a joint bank, trust credit union or charge card accounts.
Check the box to indicate if you have declared your common-law union under the Canadian Income Tax Act (T-1 “General individual income Tax Return”).
Check the box to indicate if you have life insurance on yourself which names your common-law partner as a beneficiary.
Check the box to indicate if your common-law partner has life insurance on themselves which names you as a beneficiary.
If you answered “ no ” to questions 1 to 3 , indicate other documentary evidence you have that would indicate your relationship as common-law partners.
solemn declaration Write the following information in the space provided:
- Name of the city, town, village
- Name of the county
- Name of the province/state/territory
- Date (day, month, year)
- Signature of the declarant
- Signature of the declarant’s partner
- Name of the person who administered the declaration
- Select the person’s title from the choices provided
- Signature of the person who administered the declaration
Use of a Representative (IMM 5476)
Who may use this form.
Fill out this form only if you:
- are appointing a representative;
- need to update contact information for your previously appointed representative; or
- are cancelling a representative’s appointment.
If you have dependent children aged 18 years or older, they must fill out their own copy of this form if a representative is also conducting business on their behalf.
Who is a representative?
A representative is someone who:
- you have appointed by completing the IMM 5476 form;
- gives advice, consultation, or guidance to you at any stage of the application process; and
- has your consent to conduct business on your behalf with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA).
You are not obliged to hire a representative. We treat everyone equally, whether they use the service of a representative or not.
For more information, see: Use of a Representative .
Calculating your fees
Use the table below to calculate the total amount of fees to be paid. The processing fee must be included with your application.
We recommend you pay the right of permanent residence fee ($515) now to avoid delays. You will have to pay it before you become a permanent resident.
For applicants who started an immigration process before August 1 st , 2014, see the Definition of Dependent Children Before August 1 st , 2014 .
Note: The following persons are exempt from paying the Right of Permanent Residence Fee of $515:
- Your dependent children;
- You, if you are the principal applicant and the dependent child of a permanent resident or Canadian citizen. You must meet the definition of “dependent child” at the time of the application;
- You and your family member, if you are a protected person.
Payment Issues
No fee included or insufficient fees.
If you do not pay the full fees for your application(s) we will return your application(s). We will only start processing your application after you return it with the correct fees.
Overpayment
If you pay more than the fees needed for your application(s) we will start processing your application, and send you a refund as soon as possible.
Note: You don’t have to ask for a refund. It will be done automatically.
Note: If you’re eligible for a refund, we will issue the refund to the person indicated on the Payer Information section of the receipt (If a receipt is attached to a paper application or uploaded as part of an online application). If you paid directly within an online application (no receipt attached), or if there is no name indicated on the receipt, we will send the refund to the applicant.
Only online payments are accepted in Canada. If any other forms of payment are received, IRCC will return your application.
How to pay the fees for your application
To pay your fees for your application you’ll need:
- a valid email address;
- a credit card, Debit MasterCard ® or Visa ® Debit card.
Follow these instructions to pay your fees online.
- At the end , click on the “Save” button to save a PDF copy of the IRCC official receipt.
- Upload a copy of this receipt to your online application when asked.
Additional fees
You must also pay for the following for yourself and your family members (if applicable):
- medical examinations;
- police certificates;
- language assessments.
Now that you’ve prepared your application, you must submit it online for processing. To help make sure the application can be processed as quickly as possible:
- answer all questions
- electronically sign your application (type your full name exactly as shown on your passport)
- include your processing fee receipt
- upload all the supporting documents
What Happens Next?
The application process.
Completion check: Once you have submitted your application, we will check to determine that all required application forms have been properly completed and submitted, the application processing fee has been paid, and that all requested supporting documentation has been provided.
If your application package does not meet these requirements, we will return it to you. No file will be created or record kept until a complete application has been submitted.
Acknowledgment of receipt: If your application is complete, we will begin to process it. You will be sent a letter that:
- notifies you of this fact and provides you with your visa office file number,
- sets out some basic instructions for contacting us,
- gives you a brief outline of future processing steps.
Review for decision
Your application will undergo a detailed review by an IRCC Officer. The Officer will consider all the information and documentation you have provided, and will assess it against current selection standards.
What you can do to help processing
There are certain things you can do to help make sure your application is processed as fast as possible:
- submit all documents and information we have asked for with your application
- pay your application and biometric fees (if required)
- provide your biometrics as soon as possible (if required)
- mailing address;
- telephone numbers;
- facsimile number (fax);
- e-mail address.
Things that delay processing
The following may delay processing:
- unclear photocopies of documents;
- verification of your information and documents;
- a medical condition that may need more tests or consultations;
- a criminal or security issue;
- consultation is needed with other offices in Canada or abroad.
Current processing times
You can check current processing times on the Application processing times webpage.
Checking application status
You can receive instant email updates and a more detailed, up-to-date case status by creating an online account. Find out how .
In Canada and the United States
You may also Contact Us or go online to see the current status of your application:
- Click on Check application status , and
- Follow the instructions provided.
For details about how to remove your application status information from the Internet, visit the “ Frequently Asked Questions ” (FAQ) section.
If you are outside Canada and the United States:
Contact the Canadian embassy, high commission or consulate responsible for your region.
Protecting your information
Your personal information is:
- available to IRCC and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) employees who need to see it to provide the services to you, and
- not disclosed to other organizations except as permitted under the provisions of the Privacy Act or the Citizenship Regulations .
Quality Assurance Program
Our quality assurance program randomly chooses applications for a special review. If chosen, we will ask you to attend an interview with an IRCC official to:
- verify that the documentation and any other information you submitted is accurate,
- verify that your application has been completed properly.
Note: We will notify you in writing if your application is chosen.
If you need help, you can find answers to your questions by visiting the Help Centre .
Appendix A: Photo specifications
Photograph specifications, notes to the applicant.
Take this information with you to the photographer
- Photos may be in colour or in black and white.
- Photos must be original and not altered in any way or taken from an existing photo.
- Photos must reflect your current appearance (taken within the past six (6) months).
Applying online
- You need one (1) photo.
- Follow the instructions in the online application to scan and upload both sides of your photo to your application.
Notes to the photographer
The photo must be:
- taken by a commercial photographer;
- 50 mm x 70 mm (2 inches wide x 2 3/4 inches long) and sized so the height of the face measures between 31 mm and 36 mm (1 1/4 inches and 1 7/16 inches) from chin to crown of head (natural top of head);
- clear, sharp and in focus;
- taken with a neutral facial expression (eyes open and clearly visible, mouth closed, no smiling) ;
- taken with uniform lighting and not show shadows, glare or flash reflections;
- taken straight on, with face and shoulders centred and squared to the camera (i.e. the photos must show the full front view of the person’s head and shoulders, showing the full face centered in the middle of the photo);
- taken in front of a plain white background with a clear difference between the person’s face and the background. Photos must reflect and represent natural skin tones and not be altered.
The back of the photo must include:
- the name and date of birth of the person in the photo
- the name and complete address of the photography studio
- the date the photo was taken;
The photographer may use a stamp or handwrite this information. Stick-on labels are not accepted.
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What is the minimum investment that I need to apply through the Start-up Visa Program?
If the investment comes from a designated Canadian venture capital fund, you must secure a minimum investment of $200,000.
If the investment comes from a designated Canadian angel investor group, you must secure a minimum investment of $75,000.
You don’t need to secure a financial investment from a business incubator. You must be accepted into a Canadian business incubator program.
See the list of designated organizations for more information.
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Canada Investor Visa: Learn How Investment Immigration Can Lead to PR and Citizenship
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 and potential citizenship. 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.
Intra Company Transfer (ICT)
Start-up visa program, entrepreneur visa, lmia work permit program, 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.
British Columbia
New brunswick, nova scotia, prince edward island, saskatchewan, 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:
- 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 how to get an investor visa for Canada can be summarized as follows:
- 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 one 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 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.
How Much Do You Need to Invest to Immigrate to Canada and Get Permanent Residence?
In our experience, you will need to invest between CAD $250,000 to $350,000+ to gain permanent residence in Canada as a foreign entrepreneur or investor. With such an investment, you could apply for one of Canada’s investment immigration programs, under which you could become eligible for permanent residency after operating your business in Canada on a work permit for some time. The amount that you invest will largely depend on various factors such as:
- Type of Business – The amount you would invest during your business immigration may be lower or higher than CAD $250,000 to $350,000 simply because of the needs of your business. Some businesses require a significant upfront investment, as is the case with manufacturing or industrial production. On the other hand, some businesses may be easier to set up compared to others, for example, buying a convenience store franchise or a nail salon. Some business immigrants choose to expand their foreign business to Canada, while others prefer to purchase or invest in an existing Canadian business.
- Location – Canada is a vast country with a huge market disparity from region to region. Bigger cities tend to require an investment that is on the higher end of the spectrum. While, for example, it may cost you CAD $180,000 to immigrate to Saskatoon by buying a business, in Toronto or Vancouver, it could add up to CAD $300,000. The difference in investment costs due to the location would be visible in real estate, staff, products, and service costs, to name a few.
- Competition – Understanding your competition will allow you to gauge the costs of your business immigration more precisely. Our lawyers have extensive experience helping foreign entrepreneurs immigrate to Canada and accurately estimating the costs. We have exclusive knowledge of Canadian markets and can help you more efficiently understand the competition you might face as a foreign entrepreneur. Book a 1-hour consultation to gain tailored insights about how business immigration can work for you.
Once you are in Canada on a work permit operating your business, keeping your business viable is essential to switch to permanent residency. Only business owners whose companies are viable and successful are able to apply for permanent residency. Thus, for some to keep or make their business profitable and viable may take more investment compared to other business immigrants. Again, this will depend on numerous factors. However, even if your business is not successful and you are ineligible for PR, you can apply to extend your work permit and continue working on your business.
How to Succeed in Your Canada Investor Visa Application
There isn’t one particular thing that you must focus on that will make you successful in obtaining your investor visa. Each business immigration program’s requirements are different. This means that your application must be tailored toward the program that you are applying for. However, some general guidelines could increase the chances of a successful application , such as:
Documentation . The entire application process for any of Canada’s Investor Visas involves showing evidence to support your claims. For example, you will be required to show evidence of your finances and/or your company’s financial statements to show that you have funds required for business immigration. For a successful application, you will have to provide documents for almost everything ranging from your education to the projected revenue of your Canadian company. Although the government provides a list of mandatory documents, it is always advisable to go above and beyond and provide immigration officials with all the additional documentation.
Commitment . One of the critical elements of a successful business immigration application is having evidence that you have already committed to executing your business plan. This means that you must invest in your Canadian business before submitting your application. This poses a risk to some foreign entrepreneurs because you are investing your money even before knowing whether you can move to Canada or not. However, immigration officials want to see that you have already started investing in Canada and not just promising to do so in the future. Evidence of your investment commitment can be securing a lease for your business, buying a business, buying essential equipment, or even hiring staff.
Professional Advice. Securing one of Canada’s Investment Visas through business immigration is not easy. Your immigration application will be subject to a highly detailed assessment by immigration officials. Thus, your application must be pristine. For business immigrants, the stakes are high because you are investing your hard-earned money in a Canadian business with hopes of immigrating to operate that business. This is why it is crucial to have an experienced legal team to help you create an excellent case for your business immigration. You can schedule a 1-hour consultation with our lawyers, who will help you create the best immigration strategy for you and for your business.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are some of the most asked questions based on our experience.
Can I get Canadian Citizenship By Investment?
The short answer is no. There are no immigration programs that allow you to buy Canadian citizenship . The long answer is yes, however, you are not investing in citizenship but instead investing in a Canadian business. Once you have a business in Canada, you will be eligible for a work permit to operate that business. After operating it for 1 – 2 years, you will become eligible for permanent residency , and after you fulfill the requirements, you will become eligible for Canadian citizenship .
It is crucial to understand that the investment alone will not grant you Canadian citizenship. The immigration programs that cater to business immigrants will put you on track to becoming Canadian if you fulfill numerous requirements. Do not be misled by any claims that you might see that offer Canadian citizenship for sale. Canada has never had such programs, and under the current immigration plan, there are no intentions of creating such 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.
Can You Get Canadian Citizenship by Buying Property?
No, current Canadian immigration laws do not allow foreign investors to gain citizenship by buying property. However, under federal and provincial investment immigration programs, the purchase of a property can contribute to your immigration as an entrepreneur.
If you are a foreign entrepreneur and decide to start a business in Canada, the property that you purchase can become part of your investment in the Canadian economy and your business. By no means will this land you Canadian citizenship. Instead, the investment in property may contribute to making your business more viable which would allow you to gain permanent residency in Canada, which then could lead to citizenship.
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Canadian PNP Business Immigration for Investors 2023
Being invited by a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) opens ample opportunities. Most PNPs have categories specifically for entrepreneurs or investors. Here is everything you need to know about the different Canada Provincial Investor Programs and how to get started.
Interested in moving to Canada?
The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) allows individuals to be nominated by a province based on a number of factors. Most PNPs have an entrepreneur or investor program within. Each province has instituted various net worth, investment, and business requirements, and interested applicants are encouraged to apply. The provinces each have their own selection criteria in order to best fulfill the immediate and long-term needs of their respective region. Following that nomination, qualified applicants can apply for permanent residency granted by the Canadian government.
Click below to learn more about the available PNP-specific programs for investors and entrepreneurs!
Alberta Provincial Nominee Program (AINP)
British columbia provincial nominee program (bcpnp), manitoba provincial nominee program (mpnp), new brunswick provincial nominee program (nbpnp).
- Newfoundland & Labrador Provincial Nominee Program (NLPNP)
Northwest Territories Provincial Nominee Program (NTNP)
Nova scotia provincial nominee program (nspnp), ontario provincial nominee program (oinp), prince edward island provincial nominee program (pei pnp), saskatchewan provincial nominee program (sinp), yukon provincial nominee program (ynp), farming skills .
You must be able to prove that you have farm management skills through:
- financial documentation of your existing farm business
- documentation proving your work experience, training and education
- a detailed business plan
- evidence showing that a Canadian financial institution will invest in your business plan
Requirements
- Invest a minimum of $500,000 CAD in a primary production farming business in the province
- You must provide a detailed business plan highlighting your investment plans. Business plans that are believed to have the best chance to grow Alberta’ agri-food targets’ will be considered first
Learn more about the Alberta Provincial Nominee Program (AINP) !
Personal Requirements
- have a minimum net worth of $600,000 CAD
- show your business or management experience
- meet the legal requirements for immigration to Canada
Business Requirements
- start a new qualifying business or purchase and improve a business that already exists
- invest a minimum of $200,000 CAD in the business
- start a business that creates at least one full-time job for a permanent resident or citizen of Canada
Requirements
- You must start a new business and settle in a regional community with a population of fewer than 75,000 people
- You must complete an exploratory visit to the community
- You need to make a minimum investment of $100,000 CAD in a qualifying business
- You must have a personal net worth of at least $300,000 CAD
- You must own at least 51% of the company
- Your business must create at least one new job
Learn more about the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BCPNP) !
Business Experience
- You must have three years of full-time work experience in the last five years as an active business owner or senior manager of a successful business
- You must own at least a third of the business to qualify for points as a business owner
Language Requirements
You must score at least level 5 on the Canadian Language Benchmark test
Education Requirements
You must have completed high school
Business Investment
- If your business is located in the Manitoba Capital Region, you need to invest at least $250,000
- If your business is located outside of the Manitoba Capital Region, you need to invest at least $150,000
- Your investment must be made in a qualifying Manitoban business
- Your business must create at least one job for permanent residents or citizens of Canada
You must hold your business research visit no longer than one year before you submit your application
Net Worth Requirement
You must have a net worth of at least $500,000 CAD
Farming Experience
You must have at least three years of farm ownership and operation experience
You need to be proficient in either French or English
Investment Requirements
- Your farm business must be established in rural Manitoba
- You must invest at least $300,000 CAD in the farm business
- Your investments must be in tangible assets
- You must accompany your application with a farm business plan
Farmer Research Visit
You must conduct a farm business research visit in the province
Farm Business Activities
- Your farm business must have ongoing and recurring activities in rural Manitoba
- You must live on the farm and be an active participant in the management of the farm
- The Farm business must be in primary agriculture production
- You must conduct value-added farm business activities in the province
Economic Adaptability
You must show that your practical farming skills, technical knowledge and experience in technological farming practices can adapt to Manitoba’s primary farm production industry
You must have a minimum net worth of at least $500,000
Learn more about the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) !
- Your business must have a real eligible connection to the province
- You must be between 22 and 55 years old
- You must have reached Canadian Language Benchmark level 5 or higher in all four categories of the test in either French or English
- You must have finished at least two years of tertiary education after completing high school
- Your personal net worth must be verified and it should be a minimum of $600,000 CAD
- During the past 5 years you must have at least 3 years of work experience in managing and owning at least 33.3% of a business or you must have 5 consecutive years of work experience in a senior business management role
- You need to have the intention of living in the province permanently while owning and managing your local business
- You must be able to make a minimum investment of at least $250,000 CAD in starting your business
Learn more about the New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP) !
Newfoundland & Labrador Provincial Nominee Program (NLPNP)
Personal requirements.
- be between 21 and 59 years old
- submit a verified business plan
- have completed high school
- intend to live in the province permanently while owning and managing a local business with the potential of bringing economic benefit to the local communities
- participate in the active and ongoing management of the business
- have a personal net worth of $600,000 CAD
- be able to invest a minimum of $200,000 CAD in establishing your business that you earn at least a third of
- create at least one job for a permanent resident or citizen of Canada
- show your business is for profit with the primary purpose of making a profit through providing services or selling goods
- have a minimum of two years’ experience in managing and owning a business during the past five years or five years of experience in a senior management role during the past five years
- have at least level five in all four categories of the Canadian Language Benchmark Test in either French or English
- complete an Expression of Interest (EOI)
- receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) from Newfoundland and Labrador immigration
- meet legal standards
- be seen as a permanent establishment as defined by the Canadian Income Tax Regulations
- be able to bring economic growth to the province
When Starting A Business
- be in addition to your own position
- be directly related to the business
- be in line with the wage standards of the community
When Buying A Business
- buy a business that has been in continuous operation by the same owner for the past five years
- complete an exploratory visit to meet the current owners of the business
- buy a business that is in active operation
- offer similar employment conditions to the existing staff
- show that effort was made to provide a fair market value for the business
Partnership Requirements
- invest a minimum of $200,000 CAD in the partnership and own at least one-third of the company
- invest a minimum of $1,000,000 CAD
- be at least 21
- have earned a tertiary qualification after two years of studying at Memorial University or College of the North Atlantic
- have a valid post-graduation work permit
- have at least one year’s experience in actively managing and owning the current business (at least one-third of the business)
- have at least level seven in all four categories of the Canadian Language Benchmark Test in either French or English
- be created as a career objective, not for the sole purpose of immigration
Learn more about the Newfoundland & Labrador Provincial Nominee Program (NLPNP) !
- at least $300,000 CAD in buying or starting a business within the corporate boundaries of Yellowknife
- at least $150,000 CAD in buying or starting a business outside of the corporate boundaries of Yellowknife
Net Worth Requirements
- $500,000 minimum to start or buy a business within the corporate boundaries of Yellowknife
- $250,000 minimum to start or buy a business outside of the corporate boundaries of Yellowknife
- $75,000 for a deposit of good faith to the Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment once your application has been accepted
- own at least one-third of the business or if you own less than that, you must have invested at least $1,000,000 CAD in the business
- have Canadian Language Benchmark level 5 in either English or French
- have demonstrable knowledge and understanding of the territory’s economy to ensure that your business brings growth to the region
- be able to complete at least one business trip to the territory to research its business environment
- have the experience and qualifications to successfully implement your business plan
- have the intention to settle in the Northwest Territories full-time
Learn more about the Northwest Territories Provincial Nominee Program (NTNP) !
- You need to be at least 21 years old
- You must have the intention to live in the province permanently while actively managing and owning your business
- Your personal net worth must be $600,000 CAD minimum
- You need to be able to make a $150,000 CAD investment in your intended business
- You must have a minimum of three years of experience in managing and owning at least one-third of a business or you must have at least five years of experience in a senior management position
- You need to complete your online Expression of Interest in the province
- You must receive an Invitation to Apply from Nova Scotia Immigration
- You must have managed and owned 100% of a business in the province for a minimum of one year
- You must have completed a full-time tertiary degree or diploma of two years length at a recognized university or community college in Nova Scotia
- You must have reached Canadian Language Benchmark level 7 or higher in all four categories of the test in either French or English
- You need to have a valid post-graduation work permit
Learn more about the Nova Scotia Provincial Nominee Program (NSPNP )!
Business Applicant Requirements
- have been established at least three years before the application is submitted
- be of a qualifying structure (public corporation, sole proprietorship or partnership)
- invest at least $5 million CAD in expanding into Ontario or buy a business that already exists in the province
Job Creation Requirements
The business must create 5 full-time positions for permanent residents or citizens of Canada per key staff position. The positions must:
- be permanent, full-time positions
- be paid above or at the average wage level for the type of work
- be clearly linked to the parent company as a subsidiary, branch or affiliate
- be a for-profit business through the sale of goods and services
- have a primary income source from active, earned income
- meet the legal standards and regulations of the area
- be considered as a permanent business in the province
Key Staff Requirements
Your business may request a maximum of five key staff members to start the business and these staff members may be considered for Canadian permanent residence if they meet the requirements. The key staff must:
- play an essential role in starting the business
- all be in a senior, executive, management or specialized knowledge position in your company
- have a minimum of three years of experience in the intended occupation in your company within the last five years
- have been working in that position continuously for a year immediately before you submitted your application
- not have a family connection with anyone who has more than 10% equity in the company
- not hold any equity in your company unless it is less than 10% and part of the remuneration package of their employment contract
- have full-time, permanent jobs that follow the wage standard of Ontario
- You must have 3 years of business experience within the last 5 years
- Your business experience must be as a senior manager or business owner with an active role in the business
- in the Greater Toronto Area, you must have a net worth of at least $1,500,000 CAD
- anywhere else in Ontario, you must have a net worth of at least $800,000 CAD
- in the information and communications sector, you must have a net worth of at least $800,000 CAD regardless of its location
Investment Requirements
- in the Greater Toronto Area, you must control at least a third of the company and you need to invest a minimum of $1,000,000 CAD in it;
- anywhere else in Ontario, you must control at least a third of the company and you need to invest a minimum of $500,000 CAD in it; or
- the information and communications sector, you must control at least a third of the company and you need to invest a minimum of $500,000 CAD in it regardless of its location
Involvement
You must be actively involved in the daily management of the business
- be a for-profit business that generates income through the sale of goods and services
- meet all the legal requirements of Canada and Ontario
- be a permanent business
- be located in the province at all times; and
- create a minimum of two permanent full-time jobs for permanent residents or citizens of Canada within its first 20 months and they must be paid according to wage standards of Ontario
Additional Requirements When Buying An Existing Business
- make a business visit to the province within a year of submitting your expression of interest
- buy a business that has been owned by the same owner(s) for the past five years
- ensure that the business is completely transferred to you or any other business partner
- use some of your personal investment in improving and expanding your business in the province
- continue to employ all the employees who worked in the business before you bought it
Learn more about the Ontario Provincial Nominee Program (OINP) !
- You must have a net worth of at least $600,000 CAD
- You must have graduated from high school or some other secondary school equivalent
- You must be between 21 and 59 years old
- You must be able to transfer your management skills, past employment or business ownership experience to your new business in Prince Edward Island
- You must have at least Canadian Language Benchmark level 4 in either English or French
- You must have the intention to live and work in the province permanently
- You must play an active role in the daily activities and ongoing management of the business
Learn more about the Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program (PEI PNP) !
Minimum Entry Criteria
- have a minimum net worth of $500,000 CAD
- have at least three years of business management or entrepreneurial experience gained within the past 10 years
- have the intention to invest at least $300,000 CAD if your business is located in Regina or Saskatoon. If it is located anyhwere else, you only need to make a $200,000 investment
Business Establishment Plan Requirements
- your plan to start a business in Saskatchewan
- your ownership of minimum one-third of the business unless you invest at least $1,000,000 CAD in the business
- your commitment to play an active and ongoing role in the daily management of the business
- the creation of two jobs for permanent residents or citizens of Canada in Saskatchewan if your new business is in Regina or Saskatoon
- You must have a personal net worth of $500,000 CAD or more
- You must sign a performance agreement showing your commitment to buying and actively operating a farm in Saskatchewan
- You must complete an exploratory visit to the province for at least five working days
- You need to be able to prove that you have farm operation knowledge and experience
- You need to have a proposal for a commercial farming opportunity
- You must have a personal net worth of $300,000 CAD or more
- You must be younger than 40
- You must have a minimum of three years of experience in farm ownership, farm management or practical farming experience
- You must submit a proposal for a commercial farming opportunity in Saskatchewan
- You or your spouse must be employable so that you can supplement your farming income
Learn more about the Saskatchewan Provincial Nominee Program (SINP) !
- score at least 65 on the points assessment grid
- have graduated from high school
- have three years of experience as an entrepreneur or business manager
- have five years of relevant work experience
- not be a refugee
- no pending applications for any other provincial or territorial nominee program
- you must have a minimum net worth of $500,000 CAD, at least $300,000 needs to be in liquid assets
- have the intention to permanently settle in Yukon
- hold a position in your company that is listed under National Occupational level 0 or A
- be able to show that you can make a minimum $300,000 investment in capital
- be new or purchased from previous owners
- be managed by you
- not be a passive investment
- information technology
- manufacturing;
- value-added processing
- tourism products, attractions, services and facilities
- mining or mineral development
- agriculture
- cultural industries
- film and video production
Learn more about the Yukon Provincial Nominee Program (YNP) !
Why Seeking Professional Help with Canada’s Provincial Investor Programs is Important
The Canada Provincial Investor Program is a great opportunity for foreign nationals to gain permanent residence in Canada. However, since the criteria for this program differs in every province or territory, an applicant cannot afford to make a single error. Consulting with a legal expert from Canada will help you understand what province might be the best option for your application bid, and what specific requirements are necessary.
Immigrate to Canada Fast and Easy
Getting started is easy. All you need to do is fill out our free eligibility online assessment form here and then one of our immigration professionals will get back to you with your results within one business day.
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Canada is frequently voted one of the best countries in the world to live in. It is well known for its high standard of living, clean environment, low crime rate, and outstanding infrastructure.
- About Canada
Residence by Investment Overview
The Canada Start-Up Visa Program allows foreign entrepreneurs the opportunity to create an innovative business in Canada and apply for permanent residence.
Innovative start-up business
Processing time
12–31 months
Key benefit
Eligibility for citizenship after three years (or 1,095 days) of physical presence out of a five-year period
The Canada Start-Up Visa Program
Canada is among the world's wealthiest countries, with a high per-capita income and a leading trade market. The Canada Start-Up Visa Program is aimed at providing permanent residence to entrepreneurs and active investors in companies and expanding businesses that seek to establish a presence in Canada.
Benefits of residence by investment in Canada
- High standard of living
- Affordable, high-quality education and healthcare
- Family included in the application
- Multicultural, tolerant, and vibrant cities
- Excellent place to do business, with access to the entire North American market
- Minimal application requirements, with no age restriction, no net worth, and no higher education needed
Requirements of the Canada Start-Up Visa Program
To obtain permanent residence in Canada, foreign entrepreneurs must propose an innovative, scaling start-up business, approved by a designated organization.
Choose one of following options:
- Business incubation : No minimum investment required
- Angel investment : Raise CAD 75,000 from an angel investment group, depending on a certain stage of the business
- Venture capital fund : Raise CAD 200,000 from a venture capital fund, depending on a certain stage of the business
For all three options, additional fees apply for optional consulting, government fees, business structure, document processing, and immigration filing.
Investors are also required to:
- Have English or French language proficiency at the CLB/IELTS 5 level
- Be in good health
- Have no criminal record
Procedures and time frame of Canadian residence by investment
Clients are required to prepare and submit a business proposal, which needs to be approved by a designated government business organization. Once approved by a business incubator, an angel investment group, or a venture capital fund (depending on the investment option chosen), the client receives a letter of support, allowing them and their family to apply for permanent residence. In order to maintain permanent resident status, physical presence for two out of five years (or 730 days) in Canada is required.
The process takes 12 to 31 months.
Acquiring Canadian citizenship following the Start-Up Visa Program
After three years (or 1,095 days) of permanent residence in Canada within a five-year period, successful applicants can apply for citizenship.
The Canadian passport holds one of the top 10 ranks on the Henley Passport Index, with visa-free or visa-on arrival access to over 180 destinations worldwide.
Contact us today
Should you have any questions, or if you would like a detailed breakdown of the exact costs for your family, kindly contact us and we will be delighted to help you.
Have one of our qualified advisors contact you today.
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Opportunity Lives Here
Immigrant investor program – business immigration to canada.
This Program Has Been Permanently Closed
The Immigrant Investor Program is designed to attract qualified business people who are able to contribute to Canada’s growth by making a significant investment into Canada’s economy. Investors who meet all the requirements of this Canadian immigration program, along with their immediate family members, may obtain their Canadian permanent resident visas (so long as they are not found inadmissible for medical or security reasons).
The Requirements
Investors must meet the following requirements to qualify for this Canadian immigration investor program:
The investor must not intend to live in Quebec (see Quebec Investor Program if Quebec is your desired destination);
The investor must be able to demonstrate that he or she has the necessary business experience. This can be done by having owned and operated a qualifying business or by managing a staff of at least 5 employees;
The investor must have a minimum net worth of $1,600,000 CAD (such money must have been legally obtained); and
The investor must make a $800,000 CAD investment to the Government of Canada (which will be returned to the investor 5 years later, without interest).
The investor (and family members) are not found inadmissible on grounds such as health and security.
The Investment
The $800,000 CAD investment to be made by the investor will be administered by Citizenship and Immigration Canada. Citizenship and Immigration Canada will return the $800,000 investment approximately five years and three months after payment, without interest. The investment is guaranteed by the Canadian provinces, which will use the investment to create jobs and help grow the economy.
Applicants are normally required to make the investment within 30 days of the application being approved. Once the application is approved and the investment is made, the applicant (and his or her immediate family, if applicable) may apply for their permanent resident visas.
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Investor Programs
Your skills, experience, and personal net worth may make you eligible for one of Canada’s immigrant investor programs granting fast-tracked investor visas for an applicant’s contributions to developing the Canadian economy.
Federal Investor Program
*This program has been terminated. There are currently no plans to resume this program. The Federal Investment Immigrant Program permits eligible immigrant investors to acquire Permanent Resident Status in Canada by making a guaranteed, five-year investment of $800,000 CAD of their own funds via an authorized agent.
Federal Venture Capital Program
If you are savvy business owner or manager with a personal net worth that exceeds $10 million, you may be qualified to apply under the Federal Venture Capital Pilot Program. Eligible applicants will be required to make a non-guaranteed investment of $2 million for up to 15 years in order to secure an investor visa (Permanent Residency).
Immigrant investors who are looking to plant roots in the province of Quebec may do so by applying for a Quebec Investor Visa. The province is seeking applicants with a minimum personal net worth of $2 million and managerial experience within legal farming, commercial, industrial, or professional industries. Eligible investors will be required to make a five year, guaranteed investment of $1.2 million.
Provincial Nominee Programs for Investors
Certain provinces offer the opportunity to immigrate to Canada with an investor visa by applying under their own investor stream of the Provincial Nominee Program . Each province will establish their own set of rules and eligibility requirements based on its own economy, opportunities and market gaps. If you are interested in living and investing in one particular province, you could be nominated through their provincial immigration program to begin your journey to a Canadian investment immigration visa.
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If you are an entrepreneur or an investor, we can help you immigrate to Canada. Simply complete our free assessment for business immigration and a business associate of Attorney Dery will review your eligibility and contact you to discuss your options.
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Entrepreneur programs, self-employed programs.
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Discover your Canadian Business Immigration Options
Canada offers a variety of immigration pathways for entrepreneurs, investors, and self-employed persons. these pathways are operated by the canadian government, as well as by provincial and territorial governments..
This comprehensive CanadaVisa pages provides you with an overview of Canada's various business immigration options.
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Table of Contents
Overview of canadian business immigration, available business immigration programs, frequently asked questions, contact canadavisa and cohen immigration law for business immigration assistance.
Through its various business immigration programs, Canada aims to attract individuals that have a significant ability to contribute to the economy. These programs are offered with the goal of promoting economic development by attracting investors, entrepreneurs, and self-employed individuals with available venture capital, significant business acumen, and entrepreneurial skills.
These programs also seek to develop new commercial opportunities in Canada and to improve Canada's access to growing international markets by welcoming immigrants who are familiar with those markets and their unique requirements and customs.
If business immigration sounds well-suited to your experience and goals, there are numerous pathways from which to choose. Depending on where you plan to reside, you may choose to apply through one of the programs offered by a particular province, such as the Quebec business immigration programs, or by the federal government.
The Quebec Immigrant Investor Program (QIIP) is for individuals with a certain net worth and enough capital to make an investment in the Quebec economy.
Entrepreneurs
The Canadian government, province of Quebec, and other provinces and territories offer immigration pathways to those who want to start a business in Canada.
- Self-Employed
These programs allow self-employed individuals with significant experience in certain trades and professions to make an application for Canadian immigration.
Start-Up Visas
Entrepreneurs with an idea for a high potential business may be able to immigrate under Start-up Visa programs.
Provincial Nomination
The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) enables provinces and territories across Canada to welcome business immigrants.
Work Permits
Canada offers temporary work permits to eligible individuals looking to start or operate a business.
1) I have a significant net worth and am ready to invest in a Canadian business.
Depending on the amount of funds that you have available to invest in Canada, there may be a number of options available to you. For instance, the Quebec Immigrant Investor program allows individuals to immigrate to Canada by making a government-secured, passive investment. If you are looking for a more active investment, there are a number of Entrepreneur and Provincial Nominee programs available for immigration, which will require you to invest in and operate a business in Canada. You may also wish to explore the Entrepreneur Start-Up Visa Program . Since there are so many options available to you, we encourage you to fill out a free assessment to take advantage of our extensive experience and discuss your options with a specialist.
2) I am looking to operate a business in Canada.
Your business management and ownership experience may make you eligible for a number of entrepreneur categories within the Provincial Nominee Programs and at the federal level, or for the business immigration programs offered by Quebec. Take advantage of our intimate knowledge of these programs by starting a free assessment .
4) I would like to move to one of the other provinces in Canada.
Each province encourages the immigration of entrepreneurs and business managers through their Provincial Nominee Programs . These programs require that you make an active investment of either your capital or management abilities in a business located in one of Canada's provinces. There are a number of programs available depending on which province you are considering for your new Canadian home. We welcome you to start your free assessment so that we can determine the best option for you.
5) I am self-employed and well-established in my field.
Canada welcomes self-employed individuals in a variety of fields based on their success and the reputation that they have established in their field. These fields range from farming to athletics to the arts. Start your free assessment today to find out if your self-employed experience would make you eligible for one of the Self-Employed Immigration Programs .
6) How can I prove that my net worth has been lawfully obtained?
You must demonstrate the origin and accumulation of your wealth through reliable, third-party documentary evidence: tax returns, pay stubs, deeds of purchase/sale, statements from stockbrokers, business/real estate valuations, etc. You must be able to demonstrate that your assets were gained through means, which are considered legal, including gifts or inheritances.
Cohen Immigration Law is a leading Canadian immigration law firm with over 45 years of experience. Cohen Immigration Law features over 60 immigration lawyers, paralegals, and professionals who are dedicated to helping you immigrate to Canada.
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Latest News
Canada's express entry draw results from march 1, 2023.
Here are the results of Canada's most recent Express Entry draw on March 1, 2023.
IRCC: Immigration backlog remains at 2.1 million people
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is reporting increases in the backlog of citizenship and permanent residence (PR) applications but decreases in the country's total temporary residence (TR) application inventory.
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IMAGES
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COMMENTS
In order to qualify for the Start-up Business Class, a business should be incorporated and carrying on business in Canada at the time the
... youth programs · Cultural trade and investment; Most requested. Visit the Canadian Virtual War Memorial · Anthems and symbols of Canada
If the investment comes from a designated Canadian angel investor group ... You must be accepted into a Canadian business incubator program.
Who Should Apply to Investor Programs? · Operate a successful business or have enough funds to buy or start one in Canada; · Have at least $250,000 that you can
Canadian Immigrant Investor Program (IIP) was created to help experienced business nationals invest in Canada in exchange for a Permanent Resident Visa.
Read More About: Canadian Business Immigration · Alberta Provincial Nominee Program (AINP) · British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BCPNP) · Manitoba
Requirements of the Canada Start-Up Visa Program · Business incubation: No minimum investment required · Angel investment: Raise CAD 75,000 from an angel
The Immigrant Investor Program is designed to attract qualified business people who are able to contribute to Canada's growth by making a significant
Your skills, experience, and personal net worth may make you eligible for one of Canada's immigrant investor programs granting fast-tracked investor visas for
If you are looking for a more active investment, there are a number of Entrepreneur and Provincial Nominee programs available for immigration