Last Updated On 3 May 2023, 9:39 AM EDT (Toronto Time)
Canada offers investment immigration options for international business owners, investors, entrepreneurs, start-ups, or self-employed persons.
Investing in Canada is always a good option, given the ease of doing business as compared to other countries.
These options allow foreign nationals and their family expand their home business to Canada, invest in an existing Canadian business, or establish a new one.
Moreover, this investment could get them permanent residency (PR) of Canada through investment.
For businesspeople and investors seeking to invest in Canada and get permanent residence, below are 12 programs that can help gain Canadian permanent residency by investment.
Intra-Company Transfer
Canada used to offer Owner/Operator LMIA, a special investment immigration program, but it was discontinued on April 1, 2021, by the Immigration and Refugees Commission (IRCC).
The closest replacement for the Owner/Operator program is the Canada Intra Company Transfer Visa.
Another unique federal program, ICT Canada, falls under the International Mobility Program. It enables international entrepreneurs to expand their operations in Canada.
After one year of successfully conducting business in Canada, applicants may submit a permanent residence application.
Or, applicants can open a business in Canada and become a senior company executive, obtaining an LMIA-exempt work visa. Then apply for permanent residence in Canada.
The ICT pathway will also give open work and study permits in Canada to the spouses and children of the primary applicants.
C11 Entrepreneur Stream
The International Mobility program’s C11 Entrepreneur Stream, also called the C11 Work Permit, is another Federal immigration program.
People who want to start a new business in Canada or invest in an existing one should use this particular stream.
After operating their business for a year, successful C11 stream applicants will be qualified to apply for permanent residency.
The C11 work permit typically has a two-year validity, although it may be extended if the Canadian company operates profitably.
Since not all businesses will be eligible for the program, you should speak with a licensed business immigration professional before starting or investing in a business in Canada.
Moreover, there are no minimum investment requirements for a C11 work permit.
LMIA-Based Work Permits
The ICT and C11 work permits, both Canadian LMIA-Exempt, have already been covered.
In addition, investors, business owners, and entrepreneurs can apply for LMIA-Based Work Permits, which aren’t as investment-focused.
To enter Canada and work, applicants may use a work permit based on the LMIA.
They are qualified to serve as managers for either their own companies or other Canadian corporations in Canada.
In addition, they may apply for permanent residence in a full-time position after two years of employment.
This pathway does not also have a minimum investment requirement.
British Columbia-BC PNP Entrepreneur Immigration
British Columbia has two alternatives under the BC PNP Entrepreneur Immigration program for those seeking permanent residence in Canada through investment.
1. BC PNP Entrepreneur Base Category
People who want to start or buy a business in British Columbia and obtain permanent residence in Canada should apply for the BC PNP Entrepreneur Base Category.
When applicants have fulfilled the requirements of their business performance agreement, they may apply for permanent residency. Again, 18 to 20 months are usually needed for this.
The minimum investment required for this category is $200,000.
2. BC PNP Regional Pilot Program
Those who want to start a business in British Columbia’s small regional communities can apply for BC PNP Regional Pilot.
Upon fulfilling the conditions of their business performance agreement after a year, candidates may apply for permanent residence.
With the lowest minimum investment requirements, this program is one of the most well-liked investment immigration programs.
The minimum investment required for this category is $100,000.
Alberta Immigration Programs
To achieve Canada PR through investment, the province of Alberts currently also offers AAIP entrepreneur immigration programs.
In Alberta, creating a new business or buying an existing one will qualify you for permanent residency, just like other Business PNPs. The following AAIP programs:
1. AAIP Rural Entrepreneur Stream
For those who want to start or buy a business in Alberta, there is the Alberta Rural Entrepreneur Stream.
After one year of business operation, candidates can apply for permanent residence. This entrepreneur program aims to boost employment and the economy in Alberta’s rural communities.
The minimum investment required for this category is $100,000.
2. AAIP Graduate Entrepreneur Stream
Graduates from an Alberta college or university who want to run or start a business in the province are eligible for the Alberta Graduate Entrepreneur Stream.
Following a year of business operation, candidates may apply for permanent residence.
The minimum investment required for this category is $50,000 or $100,000.
3. AAIP Farm Stream
For those with substantial farming experience, farm ownership, and financial resources for management, there is an Alberta Farm Stream. Professional farmers can use this option to acquire PR through investment if they want to establish or purchase a farm in Alberta.
The minimum investment required for this category is $500,000.
Ontario Entrepreneur Stream
OINP Entrepreneur Stream is a program Ontario offers business owners and entrepreneurs who want to start, buy, and run a business there.
Once the conditions of the performance agreement have been satisfactorily met, candidates may apply for permanent residency.
The minimum investment required for this category is $200,000 or $600,000.
Saskatchewan Entrepreneur Stream
For investors, company owners, and entrepreneurs, Saskatchewan offers three investment-focused immigration programs.
These SINP Entrepreneur PNPs provide ways to obtain Canada PR through investment.
1. SINP Entrepreneur Category
The SINP Entrepreneur Category is intended for those who want to buy or partner in a business in Saskatchewan.
Once they have followed the conditions of their Business Performance Agreement, candidates may apply for permanent residence.
The province established this SINP Investment Immigration Program because it boosts the local economy and provides employment for Saskatchewan locals.
The minimum investment required for this category is $200,000 or $300,000.
2. SINP International Graduate Entrepreneur Category
This SINP International Graduate is for those who have graduated from a Saskatchewan college or university and want to start, buy, and operate a business there.
After fulfilling the requirements of their Business Performance Agreement, candidates may apply for permanent residence.
There is no minimum investment required for this category.
3. SINP Farm Owner and Operator Category
For those who have previous farm ownership experience and want to own and run a farm in Saskatchewan, there is the SINP Farm Owner Operator program.
If an application is accepted under the SINP Farm Owner and Operator Category, the successful applicants and their families are granted permanent resident status.
The minimum investment required for this category is $150,000 or $300,000.
Manitoba Entrepreneur Pathways
There are two routes for international entrepreneurs and investors to obtain permanent residence in Canada through Manitoba’s Business Investor Stream.
These investment-based immigration pathways are intended for people who want to create or purchase enterprises in Manitoba.
1. MPNP Entrepreneur Pathway
For individuals who want to buy or launch their own business in Manitoba, there is the MPNP Entrepreneur Pathway.
When applicants have fulfilled the requirements of their business performance agreement, they may apply for permanent residency. However, six to twenty months may pass before you see results.
The minimum investment required for this category is $150,000 or $250,000.
MPNP Farm Investor Pathway
The MPNP Farm Investor Pathway is for those who have previous experience owning a farm, have the necessary funds to invest, and intend to run a farm in a rural area of Manitoba.
In addition to applying, candidates must perform a business research visit and provide a farm business plan.
The minimum investment required for this category is $300,000.
New Brunswick Entrepreneurial Stream
People who want to start and run a business in New Brunswick should apply to the New Brunswick Entrepreneurial Stream.
Entrepreneurs and investors can also take advantage of this route to qualify for permanent residency in Canada. After one year of effectively running their firm, applicants can submit a permanent residence application.
The minimum investment required for this category is $150,000.
Nova Scotia Entrepreneur Programs
The Canadian province of Nova Scotia likewise has two investment immigration pathways for investors, business owners, and entrepreneurs who want to obtain permanent residence by investment in Canada.
NSNP Entrepreneur Category
The Nova Scotia Nominee Program’s (NSNP) Entrepreneur Stream is an immigration program for experienced business owners or senior business managers who want to start or acquire a business in Nova Scotia, Canada, and who intend to actively and continuously participate in the day-to-day management and direction of a business.
The minimum investment required for this category is $150,000.
NSNP International Graduate Entrepreneur Category
Recent graduates of a Nova Scotian university or a Nova Scotia Community College are eligible for the international graduate entrepreneur stream.
They must have established or acquired a Nova Scotia business and run it for at least a year.
In addition, the graduate may be nominated for permanent residence status if they want to settle in Nova Scotia. Only those who have received an invitation may apply to the stream.
There is no minimum investment required for this category.
PEI PNP Business Impact Category
Through the Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program, people who want to manage and invest in Prince Edward Island businesses can benefit from the Work Permit stream of business immigration (PEI PNP).
However, there is currently only one stream in the PEI Business Impact category: The PEI Work Permit stream.
The PEI Work Permit stream offers qualified candidates the opportunity to come to PEI on a temporary work permit to establish a business.
The applicant will get a provincial nomination for permanent residency after the business has been running for at least a year.
There is no minimum investment required for this category.
Québec Investor Programs
For investors, Québec offers three options for immigration.
Quebec Immigrant Investor Program
For investors who want to invest in a business in Quebec, there is a program called Quebec Immigrant Investor.
However, until April 1, 2023, the Quebec government has put this program on hold. Quebec Golden Visa is the common name for this program.
The minimum investment required for this category is $1,200,000.
Quebec Entrepreneur Program
This program is for anyone who want to start and run an innovative business in Quebec with the help of a support group.
The program has been separated into two streams, each with different eligibility requirements.
The minimum investment required for this category varies according to the program.
Quebec Self-Employed Worker Program
This program is for persons who want to work for themselves and relocate to Quebec. Please visit the official website to learn more about the Quebec Self-Employed Worker Program qualifications.
The minimum investment required for this category is $25,000 or $50,000.
What are Canada Permanent Residency Pathways With Investment?
Here is the list of 12 Canada Permanent Residency Options With Investment:
Intra-Company Transfer
C11 Entrepreneur Stream
LMIA-Based Work Permits
British Columbia-BC PNP Entrepreneur Immigration
Alberta Immigration Programs
Ontario Entrepreneur Stream
Saskatchewan Entrepreneur Stream
Manitoba Entrepreneur Pathways
New Brunswick Entrepreneurial Stream
Nova Scotia Entrepreneur Programs
PEI PNP Business Impact Category
Québec Investor Programs
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