Federal Programs
Canada offers several Federal Business Immigration Programs to attract and retain international entrepreneurs, investors, and self-employed individuals. These programs are designed to stimulate economic development and job creation in Canada.
1. Federal Business Immigration Programs
Federal Business Immigration Programs are designed to help Canadian business persons who want to start or grow their own company. The programs have been developed with the skills and experience that successful entrepreneurs need in mind, so it’s no wonder they’re being used more often than ever before!
The programs will allow successful business people worldwide to come to settle down with their knowledge and experience that could benefit any province across Canada!
Find out if you are eligible to get in Canada →
Federal Startup Visa Program (SUV)
Read about the Startup Visa Program requirements and process if you’re ready to establish an innovative business in Canada. A team of up to five people (not more) can apply for permanent residence under this program which supports new entrepreneurs who bring their projects. They start working onsite at Innovation Boniface offices while waiting for approval from immigration authorities.
SEPP – Federal Self-Employed Persons Program
Entrepreneurs who want to start their businesses in Canada can apply for the Self-Employed Persons Program. You must have experience and show that you are capable enough with your work ethic alone by intention or ability!
The requirements are that you have at least two years of experience working in an arts, cultural activities or athletics industry, which will credibility your creative skills with potential employers here!
From Intra-Company Transfers To Permanent Residency
The Canadian ICT Program is an excellent opportunity for company owners who want to establish themselves in Canada and take advantage of all it offers. The possibilities for multinational corporations to develop and manage an office in Canada are limitless!
Federal Programs (Transfer from Intra-Company Transfers to Permanent Residency)
- You could start your company’s Canadian subsidiary, which will be eligible for permanent residence once fully operational.
- When the Canadian subsidiary is launched and made fully operational, it may be eligible for permanent residence.
- The owner/transferee of this business can then extend a job offer that will allow them to continue managing their successful company in Canada.
On average, immigrants with a business background can expect to spend several years in Canada before becoming permanent residents and another three applying for citizenship.
It’s important to note that while these are federal programs, individual provinces in Canada also have their own Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) with streams for entrepreneurs and investors. These PNPs cater to the specific needs and priorities of each province.
2. Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)
Many provinces and territories in Canada have their business immigration streams under their respective PNPs. Here are some examples:
- British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) Entrepreneur Immigration Stream: This stream is for experienced entrepreneurs who want to establish and operate a new business or purchase an existing business in BC.
- Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) Entrepreneur Stream: This is for entrepreneurs from outside of Canada who want to start a business or buy an already existing business in Ontario.
- Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) Business Investor Stream: This stream allows Manitoba to recruit and nominate qualified business investors and entrepreneurs from around the world.
- Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) Entrepreneur and Farm Category: This is for individuals who wish to start a business or buy an existing one in Saskatchewan. The Farm Category is for experienced farmers who plan to buy and operate a farm in the province.
- Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP) Self-Employed Farmer Stream: This stream allows individuals with farming experience and personal funds to purchase and develop a farm in Alberta.
Quebec Immigrant Investor Program (QIIP):
This program is for individuals who can invest a significant amount in Quebec and meet other criteria.
Quebec Entrepreneur Program:
This is for entrepreneurs who want to start a business or buy an existing one in Quebec.
Quebec Self-Employed Worker Program:
This is for individuals who intend to practice a profession or business activity on their own account in Quebec.
4. Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program (AIPP)
While not exclusively a business program, the AIPP is a partnership between the federal government and the Atlantic provinces (Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick) to attract skilled workers and international graduates to work and live in the region.
It’s essential to note that immigration programs and criteria can change over time based on the needs and policies of the Canadian government and individual provinces. If you’re considering immigrating to Canada under a business program, contact us now!