The purpose of Canada's Entrepreneur Immigration Programs is to lure in persons with relevant business experience who will participate in developing the economy by setting up or acquiring companies and creating jobs. These programs exist at the federal and provincial levels, each with its own eligibility and application process. Prospective applicants will find it very useful to have a qualified immigration consultant help them steer these potential pathways.
Several streams exist for entrepreneurs in Canada: the Federal Start-Up Visa Program, the Self-Employed Persons Program, and a wide array of Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP) designed for business immigration. The common purpose among these programs is to drive investment and innovation while creating jobs through foreign entrepreneurial skills and capital.
The Start-Up Visa Program focuses on innovative entrepreneurs who have ideas with potential to build competitive companies in Canada and attract anywhere from 50,000 Canadian dollars for a new business proposal to 150,000 dollars for a more solid venture plan. It does require applicants to form a partnership with a designated Canadian venture capital fund, angel investor group, or business incubator for their project to be considered. Other than proving the viability of their business, applicants must also satisfy minimum language requirements and demonstrate having sufficient funds for settlement purposes.
The Self-Employed Persons Program aims at persons with relevant experience in cultural activities or athletics who, in the program's opinion, will make significant contributions to Canadian society. Applicants must demonstrate at least two years of relevant experience and intend to be self-employed in Canada.
Most provinces, including British Columbia and Saskatchewan, have entrepreneur immigration streams under their PNP. These usually involve establishing a business or purchasing an existing one, making a minimum investment, and creating jobs for Canadian citizens or permanent residents.
British Columbia Entrepreneur Immigration Base Stream, for instance, requires a personal net worth of BC $600,000, with a CAD200,000 investment and the creation of at least one full-time job. Moreover, candidates must have demonstrable business or management experience and meet language proficiency criteria. The Regional Stream for minor settlement areas, in turn, presents lower thresholds of CAD$300,000 as net worth and a minimum investment of CAD$100,000.
To qualify under the Saskatchewan Entrepreneur Program, applicants must submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) and score points. If successful, they will sign a Business performance agreement outlining the parameters of the investment and operating commitment. Once business activity has been observed for an allocated time and the agreement is met, the applicant may be nominated for permanent residency.
A typical procedure undertaken within entrepreneur immigration involves stages such as:
Business Concept Formulation: Investigate and pick a business that accords with the demands of the Canadian economy and your professional expertise.
Determining Eligibility and Selecting a Program: Assessing one's competence for federal or provincial programs, in many cases with the aid of a consultant.
Business Plan Layout: Laying out a business plan together with the possible aid of a business advisor.
Application: Applying with proper documentation.
Interview and Agreement: Depending on the program, interviews and agreements may include signing the Business Performance Agreement in Saskatchewan.
Work Permit and Setting Up Business: A Work permit grants the right to move to Canada and set up or acquire a business.
Nomination and Permanent Residency: Fulfilling program requirements such as investment, job creation, and business operation; applying for provincial nomination and thereafter for permanent residency.
Canada's Entrepreneur Immigration Programs provide good opportunities for those willing to invest; however, procedures are elaborate and need careful planning. An immigration consultant in Canada can emerge as a critical partner providing expertise, facilitating regulatory compliance, and guiding the immigration process from eligibility assessment to permanent residency. For optimum results, consider using an immigration consultant and a business advisor to increase your odds of success and establish a flourishing business in Canada.
