PR by Investment
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 significant role in the success of your immigration strategy. It is essential to select the program most suitable for your business and your background. Our free instant assessment tool will certainly help you make the right decision. If you need further guidance, you can always rely on valuable advice during our 60-minute strategy meeting with our top business immigration lawyers. During this meeting, you will get an honest and unbiased assessment of the immigration possibilities available to you.
Canada’s Federal Investor Programs
The ICT program is ideal for foreign companies with a Canadian office or a subsidiary or looking to expand their operations in Canada. This business immigration program allows you to transfer employees from your foreign office to your Canadian office. These employees would be issued a temporary work permit and would generally be eligible for permanent residency after 1 year of employment in Canada.
Under Canada’s Start-Up Visa program, up to 5 founding partners of an innovative foreign company could be eligible for an open work permit for up to 3 years. Additionally, the applicants can also become eligible for permanent residency in Canada. The SUV program requires a Letter of Support or investment commitment from one of the Designated Organizations in Canada.
The C11 Entrepreneur Stream is perfect for foreign entrepreneurs who want to invest in an existing Canadian business or start a new one. First, the entrepreneur would receive a temporary work permit which would allow them to operate their business in Canada. Then, after 1 year of operating the business in Canada, you will become eligible for permanent residency.
Entrepreneurs and investors can receive a work permit through the LMIA pathway and eventually permanent residency after 2 years of employment in Canada. However, this program is tailored more toward hiring foreign workers. Other above-mentioned programs are usually preferred over this one for investor immigration to Canada.
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.
Alberta’s PNP program is known as the Alberta Immigration Program (AAIP). It is one of the most popular programs in the Canadian prairies due to Alberta’s ever-growing economy in the region. Each program allows foreign entrepreneurs to first receive a work permit and, after 1 to 2 years of operating their business in Alberta allows them to apply for permanent residency.
Alberta Farm Stream:
- Managed by AAIP in collaboration with Alberta Agriculture and Forestry.
- Targets individuals with farm management skills and financial resources for investing in farming businesses in Alberta.
- Encourages the growth and development of the agricultural industry in the province.
Alberta Foreign Graduate Entrepreneur Stream:
- Designed for foreign-educated graduates from outside Canada.
- Allows graduates to launch start-up enterprises in Alberta and obtain permanent residence.
- Fosters innovation and entrepreneurial talent from around the world.
Alberta Graduate Entrepreneur Stream:
- Specifically tailored for international graduates from Alberta post-secondary institutions.
- Enables graduates to establish and operate businesses within the province.
- Supports the retention of talented individuals who have already studied in Alberta.
Alberta Rural Entrepreneur Stream:
- Geared towards entrepreneurs interested in starting or purchasing a business in a rural Alberta community.
- Aims to promote economic growth and opportunities in rural areas.
- Encourages entrepreneurial investment outside urban centers.
In this province, you could be eligible for the BC PNP immigration pathway. This province’s PNP pathway is one of the most popular ones in Canada, along with Ontario’s program. There are 3 main streams within the program: Entrepreneur Immigration, Regional Pilot, and Strategic Projects. All 3 allow applicants to eventually become eligible for permanent residency in Canada. Learn more about British Columbia PNP programs in our exclusive video.
Entrepreneur Immigration- Base Category:
Requirements:
- Establish or improve a new or existing business in B.C.
- Minimum investment of $200,000 in the business.
- Create at least one new full-time job for a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
- Minimum net worth of $600,000.
- Canadian Language Benchmark Level 4 proficiency in English or French.
- Business and/or management experience.
- Legal immigration status in Canada.
B.C. Entrepreneur Immigration – Regional Pilot:
Key Features:
- Community Involvement: Communities actively participate in attracting and supporting foreign entrepreneurs.
- BC PNP Referrals: Communities can refer entrepreneurs aligned with their economic priorities.
- Community Concierge: Participating communities have access to dedicated BC PNP support.
- Invitations and Prioritization: Referred candidates register separately and receive priority processing.
Community Requirements:
- Population of less than 75,000.
- Located more than 30km from a municipality with a population of over 75,000.
- Capacity to support entrepreneurs with settlement and business support agencies.
- Completion of immigration and pilot-specific training by community representatives.
Requirements:
- Desire to start a business and settle in a B.C. regional community.
- Complete an exploratory visit.
- Minimum $100,000 investment in the business.
- Minimum personal net worth of $300,000.
- Ownership of at least 51%.
- Creation of at least one new job.
- Canadian Language Benchmark Level 4 proficiency in English or French.
B.C. Entrepreneur Immigration – Strategic Projects:
Requirements:
- Foreign-controlled companies establishing an eligible business in B.C.
- Minimum equity investment of $500,000.
- Creation of at least three new jobs per proposed foreign key staff member.
- Establishment or purchase and expansion of a company in B.C.
In this province, you could be eligible for the BC PNP immigration pathway. This province’s PNP pathway is one of the most popular ones in Canada, along with Ontario’s program. There are 3 main streams within the program: Entrepreneur Immigration, Regional Pilot, and Strategic Projects. All 3 allow applicants to eventually become eligible for permanent residency in Canada. Learn more about British Columbia PNP programs in our exclusive video.
Entrepreneur Immigration- Base Category:
Requirements:
- Establish or improve a new or existing business in B.C.
- Minimum investment of $200,000 in the business.
- Create at least one new full-time job for a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
- Minimum net worth of $600,000.
- Canadian Language Benchmark Level 4 proficiency in English or French.
- Business and/or management experience.
- Legal immigration status in Canada.
B.C. Entrepreneur Immigration – Regional Pilot:
Key Features:
- Community Involvement: Communities actively participate in attracting and supporting foreign entrepreneurs.
- BC PNP Referrals: Communities can refer entrepreneurs aligned with their economic priorities.
- Community Concierge: Participating communities have access to dedicated BC PNP support.
- Invitations and Prioritization: Referred candidates register separately and receive priority processing.
Community Requirements:
- Population of less than 75,000.
- Located more than 30km from a municipality with a population of over 75,000.
- Capacity to support entrepreneurs with settlement and business support agencies.
- Completion of immigration and pilot-specific training by community representatives.
Requirements:
- Desire to start a business and settle in a B.C. regional community.
- Complete an exploratory visit.
- Minimum $100,000 investment in the business.
- Minimum personal net worth of $300,000.
- Ownership of at least 51%.
- Creation of at least one new job.
- Canadian Language Benchmark Level 4 proficiency in English or French.
B.C. Entrepreneur Immigration – Strategic Projects:
Requirements:
- Foreign-controlled companies establishing an eligible business in B.C.
- Minimum equity investment of $500,000.
- Creation of at least three new jobs per proposed foreign key staff member.
- Establishment or purchase and expansion of a company in B.C.
In this province, you could be eligible for the BC PNP immigration pathway. This province’s PNP pathway is one of the most popular ones in Canada, along with Ontario’s program. There are 3 main streams within the program: Entrepreneur Immigration, Regional Pilot, and Strategic Projects. All 3 allow applicants to eventually become eligible for permanent residency in Canada. Learn more about British Columbia PNP programs in our exclusive video.
Entrepreneur Immigration- Base Category:
Requirements:
- Establish or improve a new or existing business in B.C.
- Minimum investment of $200,000 in the business.
- Create at least one new full-time job for a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
- Minimum net worth of $600,000.
- Canadian Language Benchmark Level 4 proficiency in English or French.
- Business and/or management experience.
- Legal immigration status in Canada.
B.C. Entrepreneur Immigration – Regional Pilot:
Key Features:
- Community Involvement: Communities actively participate in attracting and supporting foreign entrepreneurs.
- BC PNP Referrals: Communities can refer entrepreneurs aligned with their economic priorities.
- Community Concierge: Participating communities have access to dedicated BC PNP support.
- Invitations and Prioritization: Referred candidates register separately and receive priority processing.
Community Requirements:
- Population of less than 75,000.
- Located more than 30km from a municipality with a population of over 75,000.
- Capacity to support entrepreneurs with settlement and business support agencies.
- Completion of immigration and pilot-specific training by community representatives.
Requirements:
- Desire to start a business and settle in a B.C. regional community.
- Complete an exploratory visit.
- Minimum $100,000 investment in the business.
- Minimum personal net worth of $300,000.
- Ownership of at least 51%.
- Creation of at least one new job.
- Canadian Language Benchmark Level 4 proficiency in English or French.
B.C. Entrepreneur Immigration – Strategic Projects:
Requirements:
- Foreign-controlled companies establishing an eligible business in B.C.
- Minimum equity investment of $500,000.
- Creation of at least three new jobs per proposed foreign key staff member.
- Establishment or purchase and expansion of a company in B.C.
In this province, you could be eligible for the BC PNP immigration pathway. This province’s PNP pathway is one of the most popular ones in Canada, along with Ontario’s program. There are 3 main streams within the program: Entrepreneur Immigration, Regional Pilot, and Strategic Projects. All 3 allow applicants to eventually become eligible for permanent residency in Canada. Learn more about British Columbia PNP programs in our exclusive video.
Entrepreneur Immigration- Base Category:
Requirements:
- Establish or improve a new or existing business in B.C.
- Minimum investment of $200,000 in the business.
- Create at least one new full-time job for a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
- Minimum net worth of $600,000.
- Canadian Language Benchmark Level 4 proficiency in English or French.
- Business and/or management experience.
- Legal immigration status in Canada.
B.C. Entrepreneur Immigration – Regional Pilot:
Key Features:
- Community Involvement: Communities actively participate in attracting and supporting foreign entrepreneurs.
- BC PNP Referrals: Communities can refer entrepreneurs aligned with their economic priorities.
- Community Concierge: Participating communities have access to dedicated BC PNP support.
- Invitations and Prioritization: Referred candidates register separately and receive priority processing.
Community Requirements:
- Population of less than 75,000.
- Located more than 30km from a municipality with a population of over 75,000.
- Capacity to support entrepreneurs with settlement and business support agencies.
- Completion of immigration and pilot-specific training by community representatives.
Requirements:
- Desire to start a business and settle in a B.C. regional community.
- Complete an exploratory visit.
- Minimum $100,000 investment in the business.
- Minimum personal net worth of $300,000.
- Ownership of at least 51%.
- Creation of at least one new job.
- Canadian Language Benchmark Level 4 proficiency in English or French.
B.C. Entrepreneur Immigration – Strategic Projects:
Requirements:
- Foreign-controlled companies establishing an eligible business in B.C.
- Minimum equity investment of $500,000.
- Creation of at least three new jobs per proposed foreign key staff member.
- Establishment or purchase and expansion of a company in B.C.
In this province, you could be eligible for the BC PNP immigration pathway. This province’s PNP pathway is one of the most popular ones in Canada, along with Ontario’s program. There are 3 main streams within the program: Entrepreneur Immigration, Regional Pilot, and Strategic Projects. All 3 allow applicants to eventually become eligible for permanent residency in Canada. Learn more about British Columbia PNP programs in our exclusive video.
Entrepreneur Immigration- Base Category:
Requirements:
- Establish or improve a new or existing business in B.C.
- Minimum investment of $200,000 in the business.
- Create at least one new full-time job for a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
- Minimum net worth of $600,000.
- Canadian Language Benchmark Level 4 proficiency in English or French.
- Business and/or management experience.
- Legal immigration status in Canada.
B.C. Entrepreneur Immigration – Regional Pilot:
Key Features:
- Community Involvement: Communities actively participate in attracting and supporting foreign entrepreneurs.
- BC PNP Referrals: Communities can refer entrepreneurs aligned with their economic priorities.
- Community Concierge: Participating communities have access to dedicated BC PNP support.
- Invitations and Prioritization: Referred candidates register separately and receive priority processing.
Community Requirements:
- Population of less than 75,000.
- Located more than 30km from a municipality with a population of over 75,000.
- Capacity to support entrepreneurs with settlement and business support agencies.
- Completion of immigration and pilot-specific training by community representatives.
Requirements:
- Desire to start a business and settle in a B.C. regional community.
- Complete an exploratory visit.
- Minimum $100,000 investment in the business.
- Minimum personal net worth of $300,000.
- Ownership of at least 51%.
- Creation of at least one new job.
- Canadian Language Benchmark Level 4 proficiency in English or French.
B.C. Entrepreneur Immigration – Strategic Projects:
Requirements:
- Foreign-controlled companies establishing an eligible business in B.C.
- Minimum equity investment of $500,000.
- Creation of at least three new jobs per proposed foreign key staff member.
- Establishment or purchase and expansion of a company in B.C.
In this province, you could be eligible for the BC PNP immigration pathway. This province’s PNP pathway is one of the most popular ones in Canada, along with Ontario’s program. There are 3 main streams within the program: Entrepreneur Immigration, Regional Pilot, and Strategic Projects. All 3 allow applicants to eventually become eligible for permanent residency in Canada. Learn more about British Columbia PNP programs in our exclusive video.
Entrepreneur Immigration- Base Category:
Requirements:
- Establish or improve a new or existing business in B.C.
- Minimum investment of $200,000 in the business.
- Create at least one new full-time job for a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
- Minimum net worth of $600,000.
- Canadian Language Benchmark Level 4 proficiency in English or French.
- Business and/or management experience.
- Legal immigration status in Canada.
B.C. Entrepreneur Immigration – Regional Pilot:
Key Features:
- Community Involvement: Communities actively participate in attracting and supporting foreign entrepreneurs.
- BC PNP Referrals: Communities can refer entrepreneurs aligned with their economic priorities.
- Community Concierge: Participating communities have access to dedicated BC PNP support.
- Invitations and Prioritization: Referred candidates register separately and receive priority processing.
Community Requirements:
- Population of less than 75,000.
- Located more than 30km from a municipality with a population of over 75,000.
- Capacity to support entrepreneurs with settlement and business support agencies.
- Completion of immigration and pilot-specific training by community representatives.
Requirements:
- Desire to start a business and settle in a B.C. regional community.
- Complete an exploratory visit.
- Minimum $100,000 investment in the business.
- Minimum personal net worth of $300,000.
- Ownership of at least 51%.
- Creation of at least one new job.
- Canadian Language Benchmark Level 4 proficiency in English or French.
B.C. Entrepreneur Immigration – Strategic Projects:
Requirements:
- Foreign-controlled companies establishing an eligible business in B.C.
- Minimum equity investment of $500,000.
- Creation of at least three new jobs per proposed foreign key staff member.
- Establishment or purchase and expansion of a company in B.C.
In this province, you could be eligible for the BC PNP immigration pathway. This province’s PNP pathway is one of the most popular ones in Canada, along with Ontario’s program. There are 3 main streams within the program: Entrepreneur Immigration, Regional Pilot, and Strategic Projects. All 3 allow applicants to eventually become eligible for permanent residency in Canada. Learn more about British Columbia PNP programs in our exclusive video.
Entrepreneur Immigration- Base Category:
Requirements:
- Establish or improve a new or existing business in B.C.
- Minimum investment of $200,000 in the business.
- Create at least one new full-time job for a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
- Minimum net worth of $600,000.
- Canadian Language Benchmark Level 4 proficiency in English or French.
- Business and/or management experience.
- Legal immigration status in Canada.
B.C. Entrepreneur Immigration – Regional Pilot:
Key Features:
- Community Involvement: Communities actively participate in attracting and supporting foreign entrepreneurs.
- BC PNP Referrals: Communities can refer entrepreneurs aligned with their economic priorities.
- Community Concierge: Participating communities have access to dedicated BC PNP support.
- Invitations and Prioritization: Referred candidates register separately and receive priority processing.
Community Requirements:
- Population of less than 75,000.
- Located more than 30km from a municipality with a population of over 75,000.
- Capacity to support entrepreneurs with settlement and business support agencies.
- Completion of immigration and pilot-specific training by community representatives.
Requirements:
- Desire to start a business and settle in a B.C. regional community.
- Complete an exploratory visit.
- Minimum $100,000 investment in the business.
- Minimum personal net worth of $300,000.
- Ownership of at least 51%.
- Creation of at least one new job.
- Canadian Language Benchmark Level 4 proficiency in English or French.
B.C. Entrepreneur Immigration – Strategic Projects:
Requirements:
- Foreign-controlled companies establishing an eligible business in B.C.
- Minimum equity investment of $500,000.
- Creation of at least three new jobs per proposed foreign key staff member.
- Establishment or purchase and expansion of a company in B.C.
In this province, you could be eligible for the BC PNP immigration pathway. This province’s PNP pathway is one of the most popular ones in Canada, along with Ontario’s program. There are 3 main streams within the program: Entrepreneur Immigration, Regional Pilot, and Strategic Projects. All 3 allow applicants to eventually become eligible for permanent residency in Canada. Learn more about British Columbia PNP programs in our exclusive video.
Entrepreneur Immigration- Base Category:
Requirements:
- Establish or improve a new or existing business in B.C.
- Minimum investment of $200,000 in the business.
- Create at least one new full-time job for a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
- Minimum net worth of $600,000.
- Canadian Language Benchmark Level 4 proficiency in English or French.
- Business and/or management experience.
- Legal immigration status in Canada.
B.C. Entrepreneur Immigration – Regional Pilot:
Key Features:
- Community Involvement: Communities actively participate in attracting and supporting foreign entrepreneurs.
- BC PNP Referrals: Communities can refer entrepreneurs aligned with their economic priorities.
- Community Concierge: Participating communities have access to dedicated BC PNP support.
- Invitations and Prioritization: Referred candidates register separately and receive priority processing.
Community Requirements:
- Population of less than 75,000.
- Located more than 30km from a municipality with a population of over 75,000.
- Capacity to support entrepreneurs with settlement and business support agencies.
- Completion of immigration and pilot-specific training by community representatives.
Requirements:
- Desire to start a business and settle in a B.C. regional community.
- Complete an exploratory visit.
- Minimum $100,000 investment in the business.
- Minimum personal net worth of $300,000.
- Ownership of at least 51%.
- Creation of at least one new job.
- Canadian Language Benchmark Level 4 proficiency in English or French.
B.C. Entrepreneur Immigration – Strategic Projects:
Requirements:
- Foreign-controlled companies establishing an eligible business in B.C.
- Minimum equity investment of $500,000.
- Creation of at least three new jobs per proposed foreign key staff member.
- Establishment or purchase and expansion of a company in B.C.
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Our Experience with Canada Investor Visa Applications
Federal vs Provincial Investment Immigration Programs
The ICT program is ideal for foreign companies with a Canadian office or a subsidiary or looking to expand their operations in Canada. This business immigration program allows you to transfer employees from your foreign office to your Canadian office. These employees would be issued a temporary work permit and would generally be eligible for permanent residency after 1 year of employment in Canada.
Under Canada’s Start-Up Visa program, up to 5 founding partners of an innovative foreign company could be eligible for an open work permit for up to 3 years. Additionally, the applicants can also become eligible for permanent residency in Canada. The SUV program requires a Letter of Support or investment commitment from one of the Designated Organizations in Canada.
The C11 Entrepreneur Stream is perfect for foreign entrepreneurs who want to invest in an existing Canadian business or start a new one. First, the entrepreneur would receive a temporary work permit which would allow them to operate their business in Canada. Then, after 1 year of operating the business in Canada, you will become eligible for permanent residency.
Entrepreneurs and investors can receive a work permit through the LMIA pathway and eventually permanent residency after 2 years of employment in Canada. However, this program is tailored more toward hiring foreign workers. Other above-mentioned programs are usually preferred over this one for investor immigration to Canada.
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 invest in your Canadian business;
-
Possess necessary skills for business development and business management
-
Have the ability to use your business experience to build a business in Canada.
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Investor Visa Process: From Work Permit to Permanent Residency to Citizenship
-
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
-
Have the ability to use your business experience to build a business in Canada.
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