If you are a business person or manager wanting to immigrate to Canada, the Canadian Federal Provincial Government offers a number of options that may allow you to fast track the Canadian Immigration process.
Business Immigration To Canada
Canada strives to attract individuals that have a significant ability to contribute to the Canadian economy. Canada's Business Class Immigration Programs are offered with the goal of promoting economic development and improving the job market in Canada by attracting investors, entrepreneurs and self employed individuals from outside of Canada with available venture capital, business skills and entrepreneurial skills. Business Class Immigration also seeks access to growing foreign markets by welcoming international applicants who are familiar with those markets.
Which Canadian Business Class Immigration Program Is Best For You?
Business PNP Programs
British Columbia
Manitoba
New Brunswick
Ontario
Prince Edward Island (PEI)
Saskatchewan
Yukon
North West Territories (NWT)
British Columbia
Manitoba
New Brunswick
Ontario
Prince Edward Island (PEI)
Saskatchewan
Yukon
North West Territories (NWT)
British Columbia Nominee - Regional Entrepreneur
To get started, applicants will need to register with the Entrepreneur Immigration Registration. Applicants will be assigned a score based on experience, net worth, personal investment, jobs, adaptability and business concept. The maximum score is 200, and only the top applicants will receive an Invitation to apply under the BCPNP Entrepreneur Immigration Stream.
To be eligible to register for the BCPNP - Entrepreneur Stream, applicants must meet the below minimum criteria;
In addition to the above there are also personal requirements to apply to the nomination program, as well as requirements on the proposed business activities of the applicant. The BCPNP will only consider the applications for registration of applicants seeking to establish or purchase and improve a business that contributes to the economic growth of the province. Therefore an applicant must decide on the type of business they intend to establish, and once the application is filed, there is no opportunity to change the proposal.
In reviewing an applicants business proposal for nomination, the BCPNP will consider the following factors;
If the applicant has proposed to take over an existing business, there are two additional factors the BCPNP will consider;
The BCPNP will also examine whether an applicant's skill set is transferable into their proposed business venture as well as the economic benefit of the business on the province and award it points accordingly.
Assuming that the applicant's proposed business activities meet the BCPNP criteria, the applicant must demonstrate that they will be able to make a minimum eligible personal investment of $200,000. If an applicant proposes having a key staff member, they must make an eligible personal investment of at least $400,000.
If a registered applicant is invited to apply to the nomination program, they will have 4 months to complete and submit the required documentation. If the application is approved by the BCPNP, the applicant will then be required to sign a performance agreement and they will receive a letter supporting them for a 2 year Temporary Work Permit. After signing the performance agreement the applicant must arrive in BC with a Work Permit within 12 months. The applicant must then file an arrival report within 2 months of arriving, and set up their business within 20 months of that time. At the end of the 20 months, the BCPNP will review the applicant's file and decide whether it will nominate them for Permanent Residence.
To be eligible to register for the BCPNP - Entrepreneur Stream, applicants must meet the below minimum criteria;
- Have $600,000 in personal net worth which includes your spouse or common law partners assets as well as your own.
- Have more than 3 years of experience as an owner or manager or more than 4 years as a senior manager. In order to be considered as a senior manager you must have at least 3 employees under your supervision.
- Demonstrate 2 years of post secondary education, or have experience as a Business Owner with 100% ownership for at least 3 of the last 5 years. It is important to note that having 100% ownership can include ownership shared with a spouse.
In addition to the above there are also personal requirements to apply to the nomination program, as well as requirements on the proposed business activities of the applicant. The BCPNP will only consider the applications for registration of applicants seeking to establish or purchase and improve a business that contributes to the economic growth of the province. Therefore an applicant must decide on the type of business they intend to establish, and once the application is filed, there is no opportunity to change the proposal.
In reviewing an applicants business proposal for nomination, the BCPNP will consider the following factors;
- Does the business model demonstrate realistic potential for growth and profit?
- Does it meet the minimum ownership percentage of 33.3%? - This criteria is waived if the applicants personal equity investment is greater then $1 million.
- Does the applicant have a market entry strategy?
- Is the proposed product or service one that would succeed in the proposed market?
- Is the proposed investment and job creation reasonable? The proposal must account for at least one job being created or an applicant cannot register. The business must create 3 new jobs if the applicant proposes having a key staff member.
- Are the risk factors acceptable?
If the applicant has proposed to take over an existing business, there are two additional factors the BCPNP will consider;
- Does the applicant have an expansion plan for the current business and is it feasable?
- Is the purchase and expansion of the ongoing business financially stable?
The BCPNP will also examine whether an applicant's skill set is transferable into their proposed business venture as well as the economic benefit of the business on the province and award it points accordingly.
Assuming that the applicant's proposed business activities meet the BCPNP criteria, the applicant must demonstrate that they will be able to make a minimum eligible personal investment of $200,000. If an applicant proposes having a key staff member, they must make an eligible personal investment of at least $400,000.
If a registered applicant is invited to apply to the nomination program, they will have 4 months to complete and submit the required documentation. If the application is approved by the BCPNP, the applicant will then be required to sign a performance agreement and they will receive a letter supporting them for a 2 year Temporary Work Permit. After signing the performance agreement the applicant must arrive in BC with a Work Permit within 12 months. The applicant must then file an arrival report within 2 months of arriving, and set up their business within 20 months of that time. At the end of the 20 months, the BCPNP will review the applicant's file and decide whether it will nominate them for Permanent Residence.
Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program - Business Applicant
If an applicant is interested in operating a business in Manitoba, they must first file an Expression of Interest (EOI) in conjunction with an Exploratory Visit and the visit cannot be more than a year before the EOI is filed, and a summary if business intent. This set up must be completed in order to be invited to apply for nomination.
To be eligible for the Business Applicant Program, a candidate must:
The province will identify top candidates from the EOI pool to apply for nomination and then select top nomination applicants for nomination. There is no guarantee that an application will lead to a nomination, nor is there a guarantee that Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will approve a nominated applicant for Permanent Residency.
To be eligible for the Business Applicant Program, a candidate must:
- Have a minimum, verifiable, personal net worth of $350,000
- Have a minimum of 3 years of successful business ownership and management experience or a minimum of 3 years of executive level experience as a senior manager of a business.
- Obtain a score of 60 on the Adaptability Assessment Matrix - This matrix provides an applicant with a range of scores based on their age, business knowledge, business experience, net worth, english or french speaking fluency - IELTS scores are required to confirm language abilities and lastly enhanced settlement factors such the applicants connections to the province and the skills of an applicants dependents such as their spouse.
- Commit to make $150,000 minimum investment
- Commit to make a $100,000 good faith Deposit Agreement that is refundable if the terms of the agreement are met b the applicant.
The province will identify top candidates from the EOI pool to apply for nomination and then select top nomination applicants for nomination. There is no guarantee that an application will lead to a nomination, nor is there a guarantee that Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will approve a nominated applicant for Permanent Residency.
New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP) - Business Applicant
The purpose of this program is to identify and nominate qualified business people internationally who will own and actively manage a business that contributes to New Brunswick's economy. The first step for any interested applicant is to file an Expression Of Interest (EOI). Interested parties must be selected from the EOI pool to be eligible to apply to this nomination program. Applicants to the EOI pool are evaluated on the criteria listed below and assigned a score based on that evaluation. The minimum score that an applicant must achieve is 50, however that is not a guarantee for an invitation to apply to the nominee program as only the highest ranked candidates are invited to apply.
To be eligible for the Business Applicant Program, a candidate must:
If a candidate is invited to apply for the NBPNP they will be required to schedule a visit to New Brunswick where they will have an in person interview and provide a detailed business plan. At this stage if New Brunswick chooses to nominate the applicant, both parties will sign the Deposit Agreement and the nominated applicant will apply to Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for Permanent Residency.
To be eligible for the Business Applicant Program, a candidate must:
- Be between the age of 22 and 55
- Have sufficient English or French to manage a business. Candidates may be asked to provide IELTS test scores as proof of this ability.
- Have, at a minimum, been awarded a High School diploma
- Demonstrate that they will live and operate their business in New Brunswick
- Demonstrate that they have ownership or senior management experience in at least 3 out of the last 5 years
- Have a general understanding of the business climate in New Brunswick
- Have a minimum net worth of $300,000 and commit to a minimum if $125,000 investment in the business. Must also provide evidence that they can make a $75,000 deposit in accordance with the Provinces Deposit Agreement and this is refunded once the candidate meets the provinces requirements.
If a candidate is invited to apply for the NBPNP they will be required to schedule a visit to New Brunswick where they will have an in person interview and provide a detailed business plan. At this stage if New Brunswick chooses to nominate the applicant, both parties will sign the Deposit Agreement and the nominated applicant will apply to Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for Permanent Residency.
Ontario Immigration Nominee Program - Investment Stream
To receive a nomination from the Ontario Ministry of Citizenship, Immigration and International Trade (MCIIT), the first step is to submit an Investment Referral Form to MCIIT to be reviewed by a secondary Ontario Ministry. MCIIT will assign referral forms based on which ministry would be impacted by the business plan. These registration applications are reviewed and ranked.
For MCIIT to nominate an applicant, investment must be of significant importance to Ontario and must create jobs for Ontarian's. Both new investments and expansions to current operations are eligible.
Investments need to meet with the following criteria;
In addition, Investment Nominee Positions being considered for approval by the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program must:
If the ministry approves the investment plan, they will provide the applicant with instructions on how to apply. The application is then reviewed again by the assigned ministry and also by the MCIIT. If the MCIIT and the secondary ministry approves the application, the applicant will receive a Nominee Application Package and have 60 days to complete the application and file it for assessment. There is a $3,500 non refundable fee to file the application. If MCIIT nominates the applicant then the applicant has 6 months to apply to Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for Permanent Residence and the applicant can request a temporary Work Permit while the IRCC is processing their application.
For MCIIT to nominate an applicant, investment must be of significant importance to Ontario and must create jobs for Ontarian's. Both new investments and expansions to current operations are eligible.
Investments need to meet with the following criteria;
- The investment must receive an official endorsement from another Ontario Ministry at the Deputy Minister level for the investment and the number of key positions requested.
- The amount of the investment must be at least $3,000,000
- The investment must create at least 5 percent full time jobs for Canadian Citizens or Permanent Residents in Ontario. If there is more than 1 requested nominee position, the requested number of full time jobs created increases.
In addition, Investment Nominee Positions being considered for approval by the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program must:
- Be necessary for the long term success of the investment
- Be in a skilled occupation
- Be permanent full time positions
- Meet prevailing wage levels
- Not affect the settlement of any labour dispute or employment of a person involved in a dispute, or adversely affect employment or training opportunities for Canadian Citizens or Permanent Residents of Ontario.
If the ministry approves the investment plan, they will provide the applicant with instructions on how to apply. The application is then reviewed again by the assigned ministry and also by the MCIIT. If the MCIIT and the secondary ministry approves the application, the applicant will receive a Nominee Application Package and have 60 days to complete the application and file it for assessment. There is a $3,500 non refundable fee to file the application. If MCIIT nominates the applicant then the applicant has 6 months to apply to Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for Permanent Residence and the applicant can request a temporary Work Permit while the IRCC is processing their application.
Prince Edward Island Business Impact Stream for 100% Ownership
Under the 100% Ownership Stream, the first step that an applicant must make is to fill out and submit a self assessment form and a business proposal. If the PEIPNP approves the applicants file, there will be an in person interview and the applicant must submit a Settlement Plan and a business plan for approval. If the PEIPNP accepts the business and settlement plan then the applicant will be nominated for Permanent Residency.
For an applicant to be eligible for this process they must:
Due to Prince Edward Island's unique economy and the current demands facing it, the province will give priority to businesses involved in the following areas;
According to the PEI PNP, if an applicant meets with all program criteria in place at the time of application and is approved a nomination certificate will be issued.
For an applicant to be eligible for this process they must:
- Possess a minimum, verifiable, personal net worth of $600,000
- Have a minimum education of at least a High School diploma
- Be between the age of 21 and 59 years old at the time of application
- Have trasferibile management skills and past employment
- Have scored a minimum band score of 4.0 on the IELTS within the last 2 years
- Provide a detailed business plan for 100% business ownership that falls within an eligible sector and meets all program criterion in place at the time of application
- Provide active and ongoing management of the business from within Prince Edward Island (PEI)
- Sign an Escrow Agreement containing stipulations on a deposit of $200,000 to be held by the province until the terms of the agreement have been met. If the applicant fails to abide by the agreement then they could loose their $200,000 deposit in accordance with the terms.
- Make a minimum of $150,000 investment into a new or existing Prince Edward Island (PEI) owned and operated business.
- Provide a purchase and sale agreement, if the applicant is investing or buying out an existing business.
Due to Prince Edward Island's unique economy and the current demands facing it, the province will give priority to businesses involved in the following areas;
- The starting or expansion of an export oriented business
- Businesses that utilize primary sector resources such as agriculture, fishing and forestry
- Businesses that help economically diversify rural communities in PEI
- Businesses that develop the Province's emerging innovative sectors such as bioscience, information technology, aerospace and renewable energy.
According to the PEI PNP, if an applicant meets with all program criteria in place at the time of application and is approved a nomination certificate will be issued.
Saskatchewan Immigration Nominee Program - Entrepreneur (SINP-E)
The first step in the application process is filling an Expression Of Interest (EOI) with the SINP-E. It is through the EOI candidate pool that applications are reviewed and ranked. Successful candidates receive an invitation to apply to the Provincial Nominee Program.
Candidates are selected from the EOI system based on their score or points criteria grid. The criteria grid considers age, exploratory visits, official language ability, qualifications, net worth (The higher the net worth the higher the score), entrepreneur experience, innovation, investment amount and impact on the Saskatchewan economy.
At this stage an applicants file is reviewed and they receive an endorsement for a two year Temporary Work Permit which must be files with the Federal Government within 3 months of receiving it.
During that two year period, the applicant will be expected to enter into a Business Performance Agreement (BPA), and implement their Business Establishment Plan (BEP).
If the applicant fulfills his / her obligations under the BPA, then they can apply to be nominated for Permanent Residence.
To file an EOI an applicant must:
If the above criteria is met, the applicant receives a letter of recommendation for a Temporary Work Permit. Provided that the applicant adheres to the Business Performance Agreement then they will be permitted to apply to the SINP for nomination. With a nomination received the applicant is then able to apply to IRCC for Permanent Residency.
Candidates are selected from the EOI system based on their score or points criteria grid. The criteria grid considers age, exploratory visits, official language ability, qualifications, net worth (The higher the net worth the higher the score), entrepreneur experience, innovation, investment amount and impact on the Saskatchewan economy.
At this stage an applicants file is reviewed and they receive an endorsement for a two year Temporary Work Permit which must be files with the Federal Government within 3 months of receiving it.
During that two year period, the applicant will be expected to enter into a Business Performance Agreement (BPA), and implement their Business Establishment Plan (BEP).
If the applicant fulfills his / her obligations under the BPA, then they can apply to be nominated for Permanent Residence.
To file an EOI an applicant must:
- Have a minimum $500,000 in net business and personal assets.
- Have a minimum of 3 years in the last 10 years of business management or entrepreneur experience
- Intent to invest a minimum of $300,000 in Regina or Saskatoon or $200,000 in any other area of Saskatchewan
If the above criteria is met, the applicant receives a letter of recommendation for a Temporary Work Permit. Provided that the applicant adheres to the Business Performance Agreement then they will be permitted to apply to the SINP for nomination. With a nomination received the applicant is then able to apply to IRCC for Permanent Residency.
Yukon Business Immigration Nominee Program
The first step in the application process is to submit an application for evaluation. The application will be evaluated against the assessment criteria. For a registered applicant to pass the assessment criteria, the applicant must:
All applicants who are approved for nomination receive a letter of recommendation which is submitted to the Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to obtain a 2 year Work Permit. Once the two year Work Permit is received, the applicant will be required to submit a business plan with detailed documentation demonstrating either;
At the end of the 2 year period, successful applicants will be notified whether the YBNP will support their Permanent Residence application to the IRCC.
- Have achieved a minimum score of 56 on the Nominee Assessment Grid. Points are awarded based on the size of an applicants proposed investment value, their personal net worth, their age (29-40 will earn the most points), length of prior visit, education and training, amount of ownership or senior management experience and language skills.
- Have achieved, at minimum either a level 6 in the IELTS english language test or a Level 4 in the TEF French language test
- Have relevant entrepreneurial or business management experience
- Have a minimum net worth of $250,000 CAD
- Have a minimum of $150,000 in liquid assets such as cash, bonds or cash derivatives
- Have documented proof that claimed net worth and liquid assets have been obtained through legal means
All applicants who are approved for nomination receive a letter of recommendation which is submitted to the Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to obtain a 2 year Work Permit. Once the two year Work Permit is received, the applicant will be required to submit a business plan with detailed documentation demonstrating either;
- A business plan that outlines how the Supported Applicant will establish a successful business venture in one of the industries listed on the Strategic Sector List. In this category the supported applicant must demonstrate a minimum $150,000 CAD investment in the business with no less than 1/3 ownership.
- OR, an equity in a business in one of the industries listed on Strategic List of at least $1,000,000 CAD
At the end of the 2 year period, successful applicants will be notified whether the YBNP will support their Permanent Residence application to the IRCC.
North West Territories Immigration Nominee Program - Entrepreneur Stream
To begin the process a candidate must take the self evaluation to see if they are eligible to apply to the program. If they are, the application is submitted and is reviewed by the territory.
All economic sectors are eligible for this program, however priority will be given to those applicants whose business product or service is new to the North West Territories (NWT) or would generate significant benefits for the North. The business plan may be for the establishment of a new business or the purchase of an existing business. It is most important to show the incremental benefits that will accrue to the NWT.
To be eligible for this program, applicant must have:
If all of these criteria are met, and the Assistant Deputy Minister approves the Business Plan, the NWT may choose to nominate the applicant for Temporary Residence so that they can establish their business according to the Business Performance Agreement. If the conditions of the agreement are satisfied the NWT will at that time nominate the applicant so that they can apply to Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for Permanent Residency.
All economic sectors are eligible for this program, however priority will be given to those applicants whose business product or service is new to the North West Territories (NWT) or would generate significant benefits for the North. The business plan may be for the establishment of a new business or the purchase of an existing business. It is most important to show the incremental benefits that will accrue to the NWT.
To be eligible for this program, applicant must have:
- A minimum of $300,000 in equity if they are starting or buying a business within the corporate boundary of Yellowknife; or at least $250,000 if they are starting or buying a business outside the corporate boundary of Yellowknife.
- A personal net worth of at least $500,000 if you are starting or buying a business within the corporate boundary of Yellowknife or at least $250,000 if you are starting or buying a business outside the corporate boundary of Yellowknife.
- An additional $75,000 to be kept in a trust account which will be released without interest upon the completion of a performance agreement.
- A reasonable understanding and knowledge of the Territory and its economy
- Reasonable communication skills
- The necessary education and experience to successfully implement the business plan
If all of these criteria are met, and the Assistant Deputy Minister approves the Business Plan, the NWT may choose to nominate the applicant for Temporary Residence so that they can establish their business according to the Business Performance Agreement. If the conditions of the agreement are satisfied the NWT will at that time nominate the applicant so that they can apply to Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for Permanent Residency.
Federal Government Requirements Applicable To All Provincial Nominations
Permanent Residency applications are subject to a final decision by Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and a nomination from a province is not a guarantee that the IRCC will approve the applicant for Permanent Residence. IRCC will review admissibility criteria such as an applicants criminal history and medical condition, and can refuse an application if they find the applicant inadmissible to Canada based on the requirements of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act.
