The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) gives the opportunity to every entrepreneur or investor who wants to start-up or expand his/her business in Canada to work and live in any province and territory of the country.
This program gives right and power to every province and territory in Canada to allow applicants to live and operate their businesses in their borders if they have innovative ideas, required skills and experience. In fact, most of the PNPs have at least one entrepreneur or investor visa category reserved for such applicants.
Being the second-largest agricultural producer of Canada, Alberta’s farmlands offer great business opportunities if you are looking for the Self Employed Farmer Stream. Currently, only this one investment visa option is available here.
To get qualified in the Self-employed farmer stream, you must possess farming management skills. For this, you must hold the financial documentation of your existing farm business, your work experience, training and education in the same field, your comprehensive business plan & most importantly, the proof of investment by Canadian financial institution in your business plan
Another crucial parameter is your financial stability. A minimum of $500,000 CAD investment is required in a primary production farming business. The business plan with wide investment detailing & the best chances to meet Alberta’s agro-food targets will be first considered.
British Columbia is known for its diverse & competitive economy and its global trade routes including the US, Asia & Mexico which makes it a hot spot for a start-up or business expansion. Moreover, a skilled workforce, abundant resources & a fiscally responsible government add to the advantage of the business people who want to invest here. This province has two pathways for Entrepreneur Immigration: Base Category Program & Regional Pilot Program.
This particular program requires its applicants to hold a minimum personal net worth of at least $300,000 CAD & make an investment of $100,000 CAD in a qualifying business. Apart from this, the business & the accommodation should be established in the regional community with a population of fewer than 75,000 people. An exploratory visit to the community, 51% of shares in the business & at least one job creation is mandatory to qualify for this program.
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In order to qualify for this program, the applicant must have a net worth of $600,000 CAD & is willing to invest at least $200,000 CAD in the business. You must possess relevant business or management experience & should start, purchase or improve a qualifying business that generates at least one full-time employment for the citizen of Canada or a PR holder. If all these criteria are fulfilled, then you are rightly eligible for this program only after meeting the legal requirements for immigration.
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Manitoba is one of the favorite business destinations for immigrants. Owing to its strong economy, low cost of living & career opportunities, this province is the home for 76% of immigrants who become house owners within the short span of five years of living here.
This pathway lays down a number of requirements for its applicants which are as follows: The applicant must hold a full time work experience of 3 years as an active business owner or senior manager in a successful firm in the last 5 years. A business owner is preferred over a senior manager. To prove your worth as a business owner, you must possess at least 1/3rd share of the company. You must hold a net worth of at least $500,000 CAD & must make an investment of at least $250,000, if your business is set-up in the Manitoba Capital Region. A minimum investment of $150,000 is needed if your business is located outside of the Manitoba Capital Region. Most importantly, you should make your investment in a qualifying Manitoban business & it must create at least one job for the citizens of Canada. A minimum of high school education, score of level 5 in Canadian Language Benchmark test & a business research visit no longer than one year before, are some of the other vital requirements for the eligibility of this program. You can earn extra points in this program if your age lies between 25 and 49. Adaptability criterion is another parameter where you can earn these extra points. Here, your spouse or common-law partner plays a significant role. If he/she has a score of level 5 or more in Canadian Language Benchmark test or you & your spouse has also scored level 5 or higher in Canadian Language Benchmark test in the second official language. You will also have advantage in points if any close relative of your spouse has been a resident of Manitoba for more than a year or your child has been studying on a full-time basis at an accredited Manitoban educational institution for the past six months before you apply for this provision. Also, if your child has completed one year of full-time education at Manitoban tertiary institution or you or your spouse have 6 months continuous work experience in Manitoba, you become eligible to earn those extra points. Once you get qualified for this program, the next & final step would be to sign a Business Performance Agreement.
To become eligible for this investor visa pathway, the applicant must hold 3 years of experience in farm operations & own a farm for the same period. The requirement of personal net worth here is of minimum $500,000 & the investment in farm business is at least $300,000 CAD. Moreover, the investment you make should be in tangible assets. The farm business should have an effective business plan & it should be duly submitted along with the application. You can only set up your farm business in rural Manitoba. Command in either English or French & a research visit in the province are mandatory before setting up a farm business. Once your farm business is established, active participation in farm management, farm activities, primary agriculture production, value-added farm business activities in the province are demanded by the authorities. Also, you must live on the farm. Another important condition that is vital for this pathway is your ability to adapt your practical farming skills, technical knowledge and experience in technological farming according to Manitoba’s primary farm production industry.
This province of Canada has some of the greatest business opportunities & skilled workforce. New Brunswick’s lowest operating cost & highest graduation rate made it startup community of the year in 2016. You can set up your business in New Brunswick through either of these two programs: Entrepreneurial Stream or the Post-Graduate Entrepreneurial Stream.
This program requires applicants to score level 5 or higher of Canadian Language Benchmark test in either French or English. You as an applicant should possess a net worth of $600,000 CAD & should be able to invest at least $250,000 CAD in a business set up. The eligible age is between 22 and 55 years. And, you must have completed two years of tertiary education after high school. Work experience of 3 years in management & ownership of at least 33.3% of a business or 5 years of experience in a senior business management, eligible connection to province & permanent residence in province while operating local business are the main requirements to qualify this program.
For this program, you must have a post-graduation Investor Status & a full-time tertiary degree or 2 years diploma from a recognized university or college in New Brunswick. Your place of residence should be in the province only, while studying for the degree or diploma & your age must lie between 22 and 40 years. The score of level 7 or higher in Canadian Language Benchmark test in either French or English is mandatory to become eligible for this program. Lastly, 100% business ownership & management in the province for at least 1 year along with the intent to settle in the province are indispensable to qualify this program.
Nova Scotia has a great scope for newcomers to set up a new business & to achieve a perfect work life balance. The plethora of resources, low cost of living & multiple industries like fishing, agriculture, mining, forestry & natural gas extraction increase your chances of success here. Currently, two Entrepreneur Visa options are available in Nova Scotia: Entrepreneur and International Graduate.
To apply for this program, the applicant must be of at least 21 years of age. A personal net worth of $600,000 CAD & an investment of $150,000 CAD in the intended business, permanent residence in province while managing & owning business proactively are some of its important requirements. The score of level 5 or higher in Canadian Language Benchmark test in either French or English, 3 years of experience in business management and ownership with 1/3rd stake in business or 5 years’ experience in senior management, completion of online Expression of Interest in the province & an invitation to apply from Nova Scotia Immigration can turn your dream of starting a business here into a reality.
This program mandates its applicants to hold a post-graduation Investor Status & a full-time tertiary degree or 2 years diploma from a recognised university or college in Nova Scotia. The score of level 7 or higher in Canadian Language Benchmark test in either French or English is mandatory to become eligible for this program. Lastly, 100% business ownership & management in the province for at least 1 year along with the intent to settle in the province, completion of online Expression of Interest in the province & an invitation to apply from Nova Scotia Immigration are the main requirements of this program.
Northwest Territories has emerged as a prime business spot over the years. The boom in its agriculture, Fishery and Manufacturing sectors has made it one of the fastest growing GDP’s in Canada. It has the lowest unemployment rate & one of the lowest tax rates in the country, a skilled labour force and several promising business investment projects. To start a business in Northwest Territories, the Business Stream program has to be qualified.
In order to qualify for this program, the applicant must hold a personal net worth of $500,000 within the corporate boundaries of Yellowknife, $250,000 outside of the corporate boundaries of Yellowknife & $75,000 for a deposit of good faith to the Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment only after your application gets accepted.
A minimum investment of $300,000 CAD in buying or starting a business within the corporate boundaries of Yellowknife & $150,000 CAD for starting a business outside the corporate boundaries of Yellowknife has to be made here.
Apart from these requirements, the score of level in Canadian Language Benchmark test in either English or French, knowledge of the territory’s economy, at least one business trip to the territory to research purpose, relevant qualification & experience, intent to settle in the province and at least 1/3rd business share or an investment of at least $1,000,000 CAD in the business are essential to get acceptance in this program.
Newfoundland and Labrador’s economy has a huge potential for business development as this region is mainly run by small scale industries. The tech industries, ecotourism opportunities & demand in the agricultural sector creates a lot of scope for new business start-ups & expansions. Currently, two new Investor and Entrepreneur visa options are available in this province: theInternational Entrepreneur and International Graduate Entrepreneur streams.
An applicant has to fulfill several requirements in order to get accepted for the International Entrepreneur Visa program. You as an applicant must be a high school graduate whose age should lie between 21 and 59 years and should have a clear intention to live permanently in the province while owning & operating a profitable business. Your net worth should be of at least $600,000 CAD & a minimum investment of $200,000 CAD should be made in your business set up. Your active involvement in business management, Expression of Interest (EOI), score of at least level 5 in all four categories of the Canadian Language Benchmark Test in either French or English, minimum experience of 2 years in owning & operating a business in the last 5 years or 5 years’ experience in senior management during the past 5 years and an Invitation to Apply (ITA) from Newfoundland and Labrador immigration make you rightly eligible for this program.
Make sure your business is a permanent establishment according to the norms of Canadian Income Tax Regulations, creates one full time job for the citizens of Canada, meets legal standards and fulfills the additional requirements of starting and buying a business.
For starting a business in the province, the one job you create for Canadian citizens must be other than your own position, according to the wage standards of the community & must be directly related to business.
For buying a business, requirements are entirely different. The business you buy, should be operational & must be run by the same owner for the last 5 years. It should maintain the same employment conditions for the existing employees and you must make an exploratory visit to meet its owners.
For partnership in business where up to 10 applicants can participate, the legal authorities require every applicant to make a minimum investment of at least $1,000,000 CAD or invest $200,000 CAD in the partnership and own 1/3rd share of the company.
This program requires its applicants to be at least 21 years of age, holding a valid post-graduation Investor Status with a clear intention to settle in the province while owning & managing a local business.
A concrete business plan, tertiary qualification of 2 years from a Memorial University or College of North Atlantic, 1 year of experience in business management & ownership, a profit making operational business, score of level 7 in all four categories of the Canadian Language Benchmark Test in either French or English, an Expression of Interest (EOI), an Invitation to Apply (ITA) from Newfoundland and Labrador immigration and 1 full job creation for permanent residents of Canada are mandatory.
Apart from this, your business should be a permanent establishment as per the norms of the Canadian Income Tax Regulation, should meet legal standards & bring economic growth to the province.
There are also some additional requirements for starting & buying a business.
For a business set up, the one job you create for Canadian citizens must be other than your own position, should be according to the wage standards of the community & directly related to business.
For buying a business, requirements are entirely different. The business you buy, should be operational & must be run by the same owner for the last 5 years. It should maintain the same employment conditions for the existing employees and you must make an exploratory visit to meet its owners.
For partnership in business where up to 3 applicants can participate, the legal authorities require every applicant to own 1/3rd share of the company if they want a permanent residency in Canada.
Do you know which part of the world has the most skilled labour force? Yes...it’s Ontario. Most educated population resides in this province of Canada as 68% of adults here have acquired post-secondary education. Moreover, lower business cost, less corporate tax and low healthcare & housing cost make this province a paradise for business immigrants.
You can start, invest or purchase a business in Ontario & can easily get Canadian permanent residency. For that, you have two options to choose from - the Ontario Corporate Stream and the Ontario Entrepreneur Stream.
To start a new business in Ontario through this corporate stream, the applicant must have an established business of qualifying nature (public corporation, sole proprietorship or partnership) for 3 years before applying to this program. As an applicant, you must invest at least $5 million CAD in business expansion in Ontario or in purchase of a new business that already exists in the province. The kind of investment you make should create at least 5 full time jobs for Canadian citizens, should be of permanent nature & must generate wages that are average or above the amount paid for such type of work.
To start a new business, there are some additional requirements. The new business should be linked to the parent company in any form be it subsidiary, branch or affiliate, a profit making organisation, should meet legal standards & regulations and must be considered as a permanent business.
You can also start a business with maximum 5 key staff members who may get permanent residence in Canada but on certain conditions. These include an essential role in business set up, senior, executive, management or specialized knowledge position in company, 3 years of relevant experience within the last 5 years, 1 year of immediate experience in same position, no relation with 10% equity holder of the company, no hold on equity in any form unless it is less than 10%., not even as a part of remuneration in employment contract and full time permanent job as per the Ontario wage standards.
Starting a business under this program requires the applicant to have at least 3 years of business experience in the previous 5 years. The criteria for net worth & investment in business are different for different locations. You must acquire a net worth of at least $1,500,000 CAD in Greater Toronto area, at least $800,000 CAD at any other place in Ontario and at least $800,000 CAD to set up a business in the information and communications sector, regardless of its location. Similarly, a minimum of $1,000,000 CAD investment is required in the Greater Toronto Area, a minimum of $500,000 CAD investment anywhere else in Ontario and a minimum of $500,000 CAD in the information and communications sector regardless of its location. In all these cases, a share of 1/3rd in the company is compulsory.
Apart from these requirements, you should actively participate in business activities, meet all the legal standards, set up your business in the same province which creates at least 2 full time jobs for Canadian citizens within the first 20 months at standard wage rate to qualify for the program. Also, the nature of your business must be profit making & it must be a permanent business.
There are also some additional requirements for buying an existing business. You must visit the province in which you want to buy the business the same year you submit your expression of interest. This business should be owned by the same owner for the past 5 years & completely transferred to you or your business partner.
Remember, you must invest some amount in improvisation & expansion of the business in the province and let the employees continue working with the company.
Prince Edward Island (PEI), the smallest province in Canada, is the powerhouse of potential & economic growth. The Government of PEI offers many supportive initiatives, like the Ignition Fund, to boost the economic growth & business development in the province. It’s a great place with many opportunities to start your business. The only business visa option available here: Prince Edward Island Investor Status.
Unlike any other program, this Investor Status stream has only a few requirements to be fulfilled. The applicant here must be at least a high school or secondary school or equivalent graduate with net worth of at least $600,000 CAD. You as an applicant have to be between 21 and 59 years, must have intention to settle your business & family in the province, your management skills & experience should benefit your business here and you must score a level 4 in Canadian Language Benchmark test in either English or French.
Make sure that you actively participate in the ongoing business activities on a daily basis.
For starting a business in the province, the one job you create for Canadian citizens must be other than your own position, according to the wage standards of the community & must be directly related to business.
Saskatchewan, located at the centre of Canada, is the hub of manufacture and distribution industries. It has the lowest provincial tax in Canada and abundant resources in forestry, mining, agriculture and energy sectors, which result in lower business operating costs.
With a large percentage of young & skilled workers you can definitely start & run a successful business here.
The business visa options available here are: Entrepreneur Category, Farm Owner and Operator Category and Young Farmer Stream
To qualify this category, you must possess a minimum net worth of $500,000 CAD, 3 years of management or entrepreneurial experience in the last 10 years and a determination to make an investment of at least $300,000 CAD if your business is located in Regina or Saskatoon. For any other location, a minimum investment of $200,000 is also valid.
To start a business here, you must have a relevant business establishment plan which requires you to plan your business set up in Saskatchewan only, your ownership of at least 1/3rd in that business or an investment of least $1,000,000 CAD, your proactive attitude towards daily business activities and the generation of employment for 2 Canadian citizens on a full-time basis in Saskatchewan if your new business is in Regina or Saskatoon.
Under this category, the applicant must hold a personal net worth of at least $500,000 CAD and relevant farm operating experience and knowledge. This program also entails you to sign a performance agreement to assess your commitment towards buying & operating a farm in the province.
Like other mandates, a 5 days exploratory visit to the province and a proposal for commercial farming are very crucial.
This stream requires its applicants to hold a minimum net worth of $300,000 CAD, an age less than 40, a proposal to start commercial farming in the province and at least 3 years of experience in farm ownership, management or practical farming.
An additional condition here requires your spouse to be employed so that your farming income can be supplemented.
Yukon is popular for its pristine landscape and plethora of resources. Starting a business here will give its owners an advantage of easy access to resources, a terrain region which has huge potential for business innovation. Film, forestry, technology, mining, oil, gas and tourism sectors are the primary business sectors here. You can make your career in any of these sectors. The only business visa option available here: Yukon Business Nominee Program
Business Nominee Program requires its applicant to be a high school graduate who holds an experience of 3 years as an entrepreneur or business manager in addition to 5 years relevant work experience. You as an applicant have to score minimum 65 points on the assessment grid, should not be a refugee, should not be participating in any other provincial nominee program at the same time, must have a minimum net worth of $500,000 CAD & at least $300,000 in liquid assets and be able to make a minimum investment of $300,000 in business.
Note, you should have an honest intention to settle in Yukon & a position in your company that is listed under National Occupational level 0 or A.
If you purchase a new business here, it should be managed by you & the investment should not be passive. Most importantly, your business must be a part of any of these sectors only: information technology, manufacturing, value-added processing, forestry, tourism products, attractions, services and facilities, energy, mining or mineral development, agriculture, cultural industries or film and video production.