How to immigrate in Canada as an Investor or Entrepreneur?

The Canadian government has always welcomed those who will be a great asset to Canada as investors and entrepreneurs. There are a few Canada investor immigration options available for these individuals through business immigration!

How to qualify for the Start-up Visa

• There are four major requirements that entrepreneurial applicants must meet in order to apply for a start-up visa.

Have a qualifying business

• To be considered a qualifying business, entrepreneur applicants must have created a business in which each applicant for immigration holds at least 10 percent of the voting rights attached to all shares of the corporation. Up to five newcomers can apply together as owners. As well, the applicants and the designated organization must jointly hold more than 50 percent of the total voting rights.
• In order to secure permanent residence through the Start-up Visa Program, applicants must ensure that the business becomes incorporated within Canada with essential activities taking place in Canada through the active management of the foreign entrepreneurs.

Secure commitment from a Designated Entity

• Before applying to the Start-up Visa Program, foreign entrepreneurs must secure the commitment of a designated organization that will support the business’ development in Canada.
• An designated organization’s commitment is demonstrated through a Letter of Support which must be included as part of the application. Letters of Support are valid for six months from their date of issue.

Prove ability in English or French

• All applicants for the Start-up Visa Program must demonstrate proficiency in one of Canada’s official languages, either English or French.
• To qualify for the program, candidates must show results from an approved language test demonstrating ability at Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) Level 5 or higher. The test results must be less than two years old at the time of application.
• Canadian immigration authorities currently accept English test results from the following test providers:
  • IELTS (General test)
  • CELPIP (General test)
  Test results from either of these two French tests may also be submitted:
  • TEF
  • TCF