Overview of Canada Business Immigration Programs.

Canada business immigration programs

Many provinces have business immigration options that are part of their Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs). In addition, Quebec and the Government of Canada operate popular business immigration programs.

Provinces can nominate eligible business immigration candidates for permanent residence. If you are interested in business immigration options in one of the provinces listed below or are considering applying to Quebec or through the federal government’s Start-Up Visa Program, you can review and compare the eligibility requirements and application processes below in order to learn which is best suited to your circumstances.

Quebec Immigrant Investor Program

Program Quebec Immigrant Investor Program – The Investor Program has been suspended until April 1, 2023, in order to be reviewed. 
Minimum Net Worth CAD $2,000,000
Minimum Investment CAD $1,200,000 risk-free through an approved financial intermediary or by financing that investment.
Experience 2 years of business management experience in the past 5 years prior to the submission of an application in a specific enterprise (agricultural, commercial, or industrial, OR management experience in a governmental or international organization) and in a position defined as full-time.
EOI System No
Managerial Role No active managerial role is required to apply
Business Plan None
Exploratory Visit Recommended
Interview May be required as part of the application review.
Refundable Deposit Not required
PR/Work permit PR after first obtaining Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ)
Additional Requirements Background check and medical examination

Quebec Entrepreneur Program

Program Quebec Entrepreneur Program — A new application intake period began on November 1, 2020, and is scheduled to run until September 30, 2021, for Stream 1. The intake of permanent selection applications for Stream 2 of the program has been suspended
Minimum Net Worth* CAD $900,000 of financial resources.
Business ownership/operation* Holds and controls, alone or with the accompanying spouse or common-law partner at minimum 25% of the equity of the enterprise he or she creates or at least 51% of the equity of the enterprise he or she acquires.
EOI System No
Managerial Role Required
Business Project Required
Exploratory Visit Recommended
Interview Required as a final step in the application process
Start-up deposit* CAD $300,000 for a business in the metropolitan area of Montreal or CAD $200,000 for a business outside the metropolitan area of Montreal.
PR/Work permit PR after first obtaining Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ)
Additional Requirements Submit a contract to prove financial self-sufficiency and demonstrate a secondary school general diploma level of education.

Provide a performance guarantee deposit of $200,000 that is refundable if certain conditions are met.*

* This requirement applies only to Stream Two of the Entrepreneur program.

Quebec Self-Employed Worker Program

Program Quebec Self-Employed Worker Program — Application intake period from November 1, 2020, to September 30, 2021.
Minimum Net Worth CAD $100,000
Minimum Investment Not required
Experience 2 years of self-employed experience in the profession or trade the applicant intends to practice in Quebec
EOI System No
Managerial Role Required
Business Plan None
Exploratory Visit Recommended
Interview It may be required as part of the application review
Start-up deposit Register a start-up deposit of at least CAD $50,000 at a local financial institution if based in the metropolitan area of Montreal or at least CAD $25,000 if based outside of Montreal.
PR/Work permit PR after first obtaining Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ)
Additional Requirements Submit a contract to prove financial self-sufficiency and demonstrate a secondary school general diploma level of education.

Federal Start-Up Visa Program

Program Start-Up Visa Program
Minimum Net Worth N/A
Minimum Investment CAD $200,000 if the investment comes from a designated Canadian venture capital fund or designated incubators OR CAD $75,000 if it comes from a designated Canadian angel investor group
Experience No specific requirement
EOI System No
Managerial Role Required
Business Plan None
Exploratory Visit Not required
Interview Upon request by IRCC
Refundable Deposit Not required
PR/Work permit PR immediately
Additional Requirements Have the support of a designated organization that will provide the applicant with a Letter of Support.

Start-up visa applicants must give proof that they have sufficient funds to support themselves and their dependants after they arrive in Canada. The amount required depends on the size of the family.

Federal Self-Employed Persons Program

Program Self-Employed Person Program
Minimum Net Worth N/A
Minimum Investment Not required
Experience At least 2 years of relevant cultural or athletic experience in the past 5 years
EOI System No
Managerial Role Required
Business Plan None
Exploratory Visit Not required
Interview Upon request by IRCC
Refundable Deposit Not required
PR/Work permit PR immediately
Additional Requirements English/French ability and work experience in a designated occupation

All self-employed persons must establish that they have sufficient funds to support themselves and their family members for at least one year after they arrive in Canada.

Self-employed immigrants must obtain a minimum of 35 points out of 100 based on the five selection criteria and the program’s unique point system.

Alberta Self-Employed Farmer Stream

Program Alberta Self-Employed Farmer Stream
Minimum Net Worth CAD $500,000
Minimum Investment CAD $500,000 in a primary production farming business
Experience Farm management experience in an existing farm business
EOI System No
Managerial Role Required
Business Plan Required
Exploratory Visit Recommended
Interview Required
Refundable Deposit Not required
PR/Work permit PR after obtaining provincial nomination certificate
Additional Requirements Canadian financial institution must finance the proposed Alberta farming business

British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) — Entrepreneur Immigration Stream

Program BC PNP Entrepreneur Immigration
Minimum Net Worth CAD $600,000
Minimum Investment CAD $200,000 OR CAD $400,000 if proposing a Key Staff Member
Experience 3 + years of business ownership or management experience OR 4 + years of senior management experience OR 1+ years of business ownership & management experience and 2+ years of senior management experience within the last 10 years.
EOI System Yes (province publishes info on previous draws)
Managerial Role Required
Business Plan Required
Exploratory Visit Recommended
Interview Upon request of BC PNP
Refundable Deposit Not required
PR/Work permit 2-year work period before Letter of Acceptance to apply for Permanent Residence (PR); PR contingent on the implementation of the business proposal
Additional Requirements Create at least one permanent, full-time job for a Canadian citizen or permanent resident with the proposed business

British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) — Entrepreneur Immigration — Regional Pilot

Program BC PNP Entrepreneur Immigration — Regional Pilot
Minimum Net Worth CAD $300,000
Minimum Investment CAD $100,000
Experience 3 + years of business ownership or management experience OR 4 + years of senior management experience OR 1+ years of business ownership & management experience and 2+ years of senior management experience within the last 10 years.
EOI System Yes (province publishes info on previous draws)
Managerial Role Required
Business Plan Required
Exploratory Visit Strongly Recommended
Interview Upon request of BC PNP
Refundable Deposit Not required
PR/Work permit Minimum 12-month work permit period before nomination; PR contingent on the implementation of business proposal
Additional Requirements Community referral required to register; Must create at least one permanent, full-time job for a Canadian citizen or permanent resident

Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program — Business Investor Stream (Entrepreneur Pathway)

Program Manitoba Business Investor Stream — Entrepreneur Pathway
Minimum Net Worth CAD $500,000
Minimum Investment CAD $250,000 for businesses in the Manitoba Capital Region. OR CAD $150,000 if a business is outside of the Manitoba Capital Region AND must be made in an eligible business AND must create or maintain at least one job for a Canadian citizen or a Permanent Resident in Manitoba (excluding owners of the business and/ or their close relatives).
Experience Business ownership and management experience or executive-level experience in 3 of the past 5 years. AND Business owners are given higher points in comparison to senior managers. AND Business owners must have at least 33 1/3% ownership to qualify for points.
EOI System Yes
Managerial Role Required
Business Plan Required
Exploratory Visit Business research visits must be conducted no more than one year prior to the submission of an EOI.
Interview Required
Refundable Deposit Not Required
PR/Work permit Temporary work permit; PR contingent on meeting program requirements
Additional Requirements Score 60+ points on the assessment grid
CAD $100,000 refundable deposit is not a requirement anymore.

Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program — Business Investor Stream (Farm Investor Pathway)

Program Manitoba Business Investor Stream — Farm Investor Pathway
Minimum Net Worth CAD $500,000
Minimum Investment CAD $300,000 tangible assets to establish a farming business in rural Manitoba AND investments in a farm business operated primarily for the purposes of deriving passive investment income or speculative purposes are not eligible.
Experience Minimum of three years of farm business management or farm ownership and operation experience supported by verifiable documents.
EOI System Yes
Managerial Role Required
Business Plan Required
Exploratory Visit Farm Business Research Visit required.
Interview Required
Refundable Deposit CAD $75,000
PR/Work permit Temporary work permit; PR contingent on meeting program requirements
Additional Requirements CAD $100,000 refundable deposit is no longer required.

New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP) — Entrepreneurial Stream

Program New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP) — Entrepreneurial Stream
Minimum Net Worth CAD $600,000
Minimum Investment CAD $250,000
Experience 3 out of 5 years or more in owning a business OR 5 out of 5 years or more in a senior business management role
EOI System Yes
Managerial Role Required
Business Plan Required, must be of economic benefit to the province
Exploratory Visit Required
Interview Required
Refundable Deposit CAD $100,000
PR/Work permit PR after obtaining provincial nomination certificate
Additional Requirements 22-55 years old
CLB 5 in English or French in reading, writing, listening, and speaking

New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP) — Post-Graduate Entrepreneurial Stream

Program New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP) — Post-Graduate Entrepreneurial Stream
Minimum Net Worth N/A
Minimum Investment The applicant must have 100% ownership of the equity of the eligible business
Experience 6 or more years in the last 10 years in NOC O, A or B OR 1-5 years in the last 10 years in the NOC O, A or B
EOI System Yes
Managerial Role Required
Business Plan May be requested (business must be of economic benefit to the province)
Exploratory Visit Not specified
Interview Required
Refundable Deposit Not specified
PR/Work permit PR after obtaining provincial nomination certificate
Additional Requirements 22-40 years old
CLB 7 in English or French in reading, writing, listening, and speaking
Have a valid Post-Graduation Work Permit

Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP) — Entrepreneur Stream

Program Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP) — Entrepreneur Stream
Minimum Net Worth CAD $600,000
Minimum Investment CAD $150,000
Experience At least 3 years of business ownership experience including 33.3% ownership in the last 10 years OR
+5 years as a senior manager in the last 10 years
EOI System Yes (province publishes info on previous draws)
Managerial Role Required
Business Plan Required
Exploratory Visit Required for business succession only
Interview Required
Refundable Deposit Not required
PR/Work permit Must operate a business for at least 1 year on work permit following nomination; PR contingent on meeting program requirements
Additional Requirements Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI)
The business must meet additional criteria
English/French minimum CLB 5

Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP) — International Graduate Entrepreneur Stream

Program Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP) — International Graduate Entrepreneur Stream
Minimum Net Worth N/A
Minimum Investment 100% ownership of the equity of the eligible business
Experience At least 1 continuous year of business ownership experience in Nova Scotia prior to EOI submission
Completed a degree of at least 2 years’ duration at a university/college in Nova Scotia
EOI System Yes (province may publish info on draws after future draws are made; EOI must be submitted while on a valid work permit)
Managerial Role Required
Business Plan None
Exploratory Visit Required
Interview Required
Refundable Deposit Not required
PR/Work permit PR after obtaining provincial nomination certificate
Additional Requirements The business must meet additional criteria
English/French minimum CLB 7

Northwest Territories Nominee Program — Entrepreneur Business Stream

Program Northwest Territories Nominee Program (NTNP) — Entrepreneur Business Stream
Minimum Net Worth For businesses in Yellowknife: CAD $500,000 OR for businesses outside Yellowknife: CAD $250,000
Minimum Investment In Yellowknife: CAD $300,000 & at least 33.3% ownership OR outside Yellowknife: CAD $150,000 & at least 33.3% ownership OR CAD $1,000,000 investment
Experience Relevant business experience required
EOI System No
Managerial Role Required
Business Plan Required
Exploratory Visit Required
Interview Required
Refundable Deposit CAD $75,000
PR/Work permit 2-year work permit; PR contingent on meeting program requirements
Additional Requirements CLB 4 in English or French

Business must generate significant benefits for the Northwest Territories, including jobs for local residents.

Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) — Entrepreneur Stream

Program Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) —  Entrepreneur Stream
Minimum Net Worth For businesses in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA): CAD $800,000 OR for businesses outside the GTA: CAD $400,000 OR for businesses in the ICT/Digital Communications sector (regardless of location): CAD $400,000
Minimum Investment In the GTA: CAD $600,000 and ownership of 33.3% of the business OR Outside the GTA: $200,000 and ownership of 33.3% of the business OR In the ICT/Digital Communications sector: $200,000 and ownership of 33.3% of the business
Experience At least 24 months of full-time business experience in the last five years as a business owner or senior manager
EOI System Yes (province publishes info on previous draws)
Managerial Role Required
Business Plan Required
Exploratory Visit Required for business succession only
Interview Required upon request of OINP
Refundable Deposit Not required
PR/Work permit Temporary work permit; PR contingent on meeting program requirements
Additional Requirements Sign a Performance Agreement with Ontario
English/French minimum CLB 4
Create at least 2 permanent, full-time jobs for a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident

Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program (PEI-PNP) – Work Permit Stream

Program Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program (PEI-PNP) – Work Permit Stream
Minimum Net Worth CAD $600,000
Minimum Investment N/A
Experience Management experience required
EOI System Yes
Managerial Role Required
Business Plan Required
Exploratory Visit Recommended
Interview Required
Refundable Deposit CAD $7,500 of the $10,000 application fee is refunded if the application is declined or withdrawn.
PR/Work permit Letter of support from the province to apply for a work permit; Obtain nomination once all of the terms and conditions of Performance Agreement are met.
Additional Requirements CLB 4 in English or French; minimum education of secondary school equivalent

21-59 years old

Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program (PEI-PNP) – Partial Ownership

Program Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program (PEI-PNP) – Partial Ownership (terminated)
Minimum Net Worth CAD $600,000
Minimum Investment CAD $150,000 and own a percentage of equity in an existing business of at least 1/3 ownership OR $1,000,000 investment
Experience Management experience required
EOI System Yes
Managerial Role Required
Business Plan Required, must fall within an eligible sector of business set out by the provincial govt
Exploratory Visit Required
Interview Required
Refundable Deposit CAD $200,000
PR/Work permit PR after obtaining nomination certificate
Additional Requirements Submit an investment agreement
Minimum IELTS band score of 4.0 within the last 2 years
Score 50+ points on the assessment grid

Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program (PEI-PNP) — 100% Ownership

Program Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program (PEI-PNP) — 100% Ownership (terminated)
Minimum Net Worth CAD $600,000
Minimum Investment CAD $150,000
Experience Management experience required
EOI System Yes
Managerial Role Required
Business Plan Required
Exploratory Visit Not specified
Interview Required
Refundable Deposit CAD $200,000
PR/Work permit PR after obtaining provincial nomination certificate
Additional Requirements CLB 4 in English or French
21-59 years old

Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) – Entrepreneur Category

Program Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) – Entrepreneur Category
Minimum Net Worth CAD $500,000
Minimum Investment CAD $300,000 in Regina or Saskatoon and at least 33.3% ownership OR $200,000 in any other Saskatchewan community and at least 33.3% ownership OR CAD $1,000,000 investment or more
Experience At least 3 years experience as an entrepreneur or managing a business in the past 10 years
EOI System Yes
Managerial Role Required
Business Plan Required
Exploratory Visit Required for business succession, joint ventures, and regional business opportunities
Interview Upon request by SINP
Refundable Deposit Not required
PR/Work permit 2-year work permit; PR contingent upon meeting program requirements
Additional Requirements Sign a Performance Agreement
Create 2+ employment opportunities if establishing a business in Regina or Saskatoon

Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) – Farm Owner/Operator Category

Program Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) – Farm Owner/Operator Category
Minimum Net Worth CAD $500,000
Minimum Investment N/A
Experience Farming operation ownership experience using agricultural practices similar to those used in Saskatchewan-based farming
EOI System No
Managerial Role Required
Business Plan Farm Establishment Plan (FEP) required
Exploratory Visit Required
Interview Upon request
Refundable Deposit CAD $75,000
PR/Work permit PR after obtaining nomination certificate
Additional Requirements Submit a Farm Establishment Plan
Sign a Performance Agreement

Yukon Business Nominee Program (YBNP)

Program Yukon Business Nominee Program (YBNP)
Minimum Net Worth CAD $500,000 (including CAD $300,000 in liquid assets)
Minimum Investment CAD $300,000 and at least 1/3 ownership with a Canadian citizen or permanent resident partner
Experience Minimum of 3 years entrepreneurial/business management experience & minimum of 5 years relevant work experience
EOI System Yes
Managerial Role Required
Business Plan Required
Exploratory Visit Recommended, applicants are awarded points for past visits
Interview Required
Refundable Deposit Not required
PR/Work permit 2-year work permit; PR contingent on meeting program requirements
Additional Requirements Business must be in a strategic sector, as identified by the territory
Must score 65+ points on the assessment grid

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