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This is our chart; let’s make it work for all of us. - Peter Veress
DATE OF PRODUCTION November 2020
FEDERAL, PROVINCIAL AND TERRITORIAL BUSINESS IMMIGRATION GUIDE
Page 1 of 31
PROGRAM
(INFO UPDATED NOV 2020)
Prince Edward
Island
PEI Provincial Nominee Program
(PEI PNP) - Business Impact
Category - Work Permit Stream
Overview: Must intend to live and
work in PEI and provide day-to-day
active and ongoing management of
the company from PEI.
Program Information
https://www.princeedwardisland.ca
/en/information/officeimmigration/work-permit-stream
Program Guide
https://www.princeedwardisland.ca
/sites/default/files/publications/bu
siness_guide_1.pdf
• All successful candidates will be
invited through the Expression of
Interest system
NET WORTH
AND MIN.
INVESTMENT
NET WORTH:
• Have a
minimum
verifiable
personal net
worth of
$600,000
which has been
accumulated
through legal
and legitimate
sources
MIN INVEST:
•$150, 000
investment into
the business
POINTS AND
LANGUAGE
POINTS
• Max: 200
LANGUAGE
• Must meet
minimum
language
requirement
equivalent to
CLB/NCLC 4.0
taken within 2
years.
PROCESSING
FEE, TIME, AND
DEPOSIT*
FEE
• $10,000
• Fee will be
refunded if file
is declined.
$7,500 will be
refunded if file
is withdrawn
prior to
interview.
TIME
• See Page 2 of
the link for
timeline:
https://www.pri
nceedwardislan
d.ca/sites/defa
ult/files/publica
tions/business_
guide_1.pdf
DEPOSIT
• N/A
Page 2 of 31
EXPERIENCE/EDUCATION/AGE
REQUIREMENT
NOTES
EXPERIENCE
• Have transferable management
skills and employment or businessownership experience
INTERVIEW
• If initial application is accepted,
candidate will be invited to attend an
interview with the staff of the Office of
Immigration. If unable to be interviewed
in English or French, applicant is
responsible for bringing their own
interpreter
• Please see pages 6 and 7 of link for
forms required for the interview:
https://www.princeedwardisland.ca/sit
es/default/files/publications/business
_guide_1.pdf
EXPLORATORY VISIT
• Applicants are encouraged to visit
PEI to gain knowledge about the
Province and its business environment.
PERMANENT
• After receiving a nomination,
applicant will receive a letter of support
from the province for a non-LMIA
backed work permit. After fulfilling all
the terms and conditions of the
Performance Agreement, applicant will
be issued a nomination certificate and
can apply for Permanent Residency.
APPLICATION PROCESS
• Must create profile in the Prince
Edward Island EOI system
Communities may endorse the
selection of a potential business
applicant. However, if they provide this
endorsement, they must agree to:
engage and provide integration
support, provide an overview of the
community to newcomer, and provide
notification to the Office when
endorsement is provided.
• Applicant must submit a
purchase and sale agreement, if
purchasing an eligible PEI business.
EDUCATION
• Mandatory minimum education of
high school or equivalent
AGE
• 21-59 years of age at time of
application
PROGRAM
(INFO UPDATED NOV 2020)
NET WORTH
AND MIN.
INVESTMENT
POINTS AND
LANGUAGE
PROCESSING
FEE, TIME, AND
DEPOSIT*
EXPERIENCE/EDUCATION/AGE
REQUIREMENT
NOTES
BUSINESS PLAN
• Must provide a business proposal at
time of application and a business plan
detailing the start up or purchase of a
business in Prince Edward Island
during the interview.
JOB CREATION
• Not addressed in immigration guide
or business impact performance
agreement.
REPRESENTATION
• If a representative is used, they must
be an approved Island Agent. You must
complete a Use of Representative Form
(5476) to provide authorization for the
Island Agent to work on your behalf.
List of agents can be found at
https://www.princeedwardisland.ca/en
/information/office-immigration/peipnp-island-agents
Page 3 of 31
PROGRAM
(INFO UPDATED NOV 2020)
Nova Scotia
NSNP – Nova Scotia Nominee
Program: Entrepreneur
There are two categories within the
Entrepreneur Stream:
1. Starting a New Business;
2. Purchasing an Existing
Business.
There is also a stream for
International Graduate
Entrepreneurs (25 candidates
invited since 2016)
Overview: The Entrepreneur Stream
is for experienced business owners
or senior business managers who
want to live permanently in Nova
Scotia while owning and actively
managing a Nova Scotia business.
They must start a new business or
buy an existing business and must
actively participate in the day-to-day
management of the business. After
operating the business for a year,
the entrepreneur may be nominated
for permanent resident status.
Application to the stream is by
invitation only.
NET WORTH
AND MIN.
INVESTMENT
NET WORTH:
•$600,000 in
unencumbered
net business
and personal
assets that have
been
accumulated
through legal
means, and that
is verified by a
designated
third-party
professional.
MIN INVEST:
•$150,000
• Applicant
must own at
least one third
(33.33%) of the
equity of the
business
POINTS AND
LANGUAGE
POINTS
• Max: 150
• 255 ITA’s
issued in 2017;
260 ITA’s issued
in 2018; 218
ITA’s in 2019;
27 ITA’s in 2020
(up to October)
PROCESSING
FEE, TIME, AND
DEPOSIT*
FEE
• No application
fees
TIME
• Unknown
DEPOSIT
• No deposit
required
• 2017 average
min score = 94
pts; 2018
average min
score = 109;
2019 average
min score = 112
EXPERIENCE/EDUCATION/AGE
REQUIREMENT
NOTES
EXPERIENCE
• Minimum 3 yrs. experience
actively managing and owning a
business (1/3 ownership) in the last
10 yrs. OR more than 5 yrs. in
senior business management role
in the last 10 yrs.
INTERVIEW
• Applicants to both streams must
attend an in-person interview with staff
from the Office of Immigration.
EXPLORATORY VISIT
• When Purchasing an Existing
Business, all the following apply:
1. The Nova Scotia based business
must have been in continuous
operation by the same owner in
Nova Scotia for the previous 5 yrs
2. All applicants purchasing or
partnering in an existing business
must complete an exploratory visit
to meet the current owner(s).
3. Applicants must provide evidence
that reasonable efforts were taken
to establish a fair market value for
the business.
4. The business must be actively in
operation and not in receivership.
5. Applicants must offer employment
on similar terms and conditions to
existing staff, including
maintaining existing wages and
employment terms.
• Applicants claiming 5 or more
years of senior management work
experience must demonstrate that
they have a history of work
experience in an occupation that
corresponds to the National
Occupational Classification (NOC)
2011 Skill Type 0, Skill Level A or B.
Proposed industry/sectors:
• Aerospace
• Agri-food/seafood
• Biotechnology
• Culture
• Energy
• Forestry
• Information and
communications technologies
• Manufacturing
• Mining/materials
• Oceans technology
• Retail/services
• Tourism
• Other (please specify)
LANGUAGE
• Mandatory
CLB 5 in
speaking,
listening,
reading and
writing in
English or
French; taken
within 2 yr.
period prior to
the date the EOI
is submitted.
Program Information
https://novascotiaimmigration.com
/move-here/entrepreneur/
EDUCATION
• Have a minimum of Canadian
high school diploma or equivalent
foreign credential verified by an
Educational Credential Assessment
(ECA), taken in the last 5 years prior
to the date the EOI is submitted.
Program Guide (SEPT20)
https://novascotiaimmigration.com
/wp-content/uploads/AppGuideNSNP-ENT-English.pdf
AGE
Page 4 of 31
PERMANENT VS. VISA
• Issued work visas. After operating
the business for a year, the
entrepreneur may be nominated for
permanent resident status. Must
demonstrate at least twelve months of
active and on-going participation in the
day-to-day management and direction
of the business before application for
nomination.
• Must submit complete application for
permanent resident visa to the
Centralized Intake Office within 6
months.
• Must be 21 years of age or older.
Points stop after 55 years of age.
Page 5 of 31
APPLICATION PROCESS
• Online Expression of Interest (EOI)
System - EOIs remain in the pool for 12
months from the date of receipt.
• After completing the EOI, applicant
must receive an Invitation to Apply
Application Timelines: 20 calendar days
from the issuance date of the ITA letter
– select a NSOI designated Net Worth
Verifier and notify NSOI; 90 calendar
days – submit completed application
form, all supporting documents, and a
Business Establishment Plan; 180
calendar days – submit your Net Worth
Verification Report.
BUSINESS PLAN
• If invited to apply, must submit
business plan
• NS Economic Priorities: Exportoriented business, business located
outside Halifax, and purchase of a
business which has been in operation
by the same owner for more than 5 yrs.
JOB CREATION
• If starting a new business, the
applicant must create a minimum of
one full-time or equivalent part-time
employment opportunity for a Canadian
citizen or Permanent Resident in Nova
Scotia (non-relative worker).
PROGRAM
(INFO UPDATED NOV 2020)
New Brunswick
NB Provincial Nominee Program
(NBPNP) – Entrepreneur Stream
There is also a Post-Graduate
Entrepreneur Stream (only for
applicants who have completed a
full-time NB post-secondary degree
or diploma. Criteria are different
than those listed here).
Overview: The New Brunswick
Entrepreneurial Stream is designed
for experienced business owners
and senior managers who wish to
become permanent residents by
owning a business in New
Brunswick (NB) and managing it,
while residing in the Province.
Program Information
http://www.welcomenb.ca/content/
wel-bien/
en/becoming_an_immigrantentrpreneur/content/programsummary.html
Program Guide
https://www.welcomenb.ca/content
/dam/welbien/pdf/Guide_to_the_Entreprene
urial_Stream.pdf
NET WORTH
AND MIN.
INVESTMENT
NET WORTH:
• $600,000,
including
$300,000 of
unencumbered
liquidity, that
has been legally
obtained and
verified by a
designated
third-party net
worth verifier.
MIN INVEST:
•$250,000
•The Province
will not consider
items
purchased for
personal use
including, but
not limited to,
your principal
residence and
motor vehicles
as part of your
minimum
eligible
investment
•The applicant
must control at
least 1/3 of the
equity of the
business.
POINTS AND
LANGUAGE
POINTS
• Max: 100
• Min: 65/100.
LANGUAGE
• Must meet
the minimum
level of CLB 5 in
English or NCLC
5 in French in all
four language
abilities:
reading, writing,
listening and
speaking in the
first and second
Official
Language.
PROCESSING
FEE, TIME, AND
DEPOSIT*
FEE
• $2,000
• No fee
associated with
the submission
of an EOI.
• The NBPNP
processing fee
is nonrefundable.
TIME
• Unknown
DEPOSIT
• $100,000
CAD
• Within the 3
years following
the applicant’s
landing date in
NB, or 1 year
after the
business
commencement
date (whichever
date comes
first), the
applicant will be
eligible to apply
for return of
the deposit,
without interest.
Page 6 of 31
EXPERIENCE/EDUCATION/AGE
REQUIREMENT
NOTES
EXPERIENCE
• Business ownership (at least
33.3%) for at least three years out
of the last five years; OR
• Senior Manager in a private
sector, for-profit, company that is
not owned or operated by a
government or voluntary sector, for
at least five out of the last five
years.
INTERVIEW
• The Department may require
applicant to participate in an interview
to verify information related to their
application and/or business plan. The
interview shall be held in English
and/or French. Interpreters are not
permitted during the interview.
EXPLORATORY VISIT
Prior to submitting an EOI, the
applicant must have at least one
eligible connection with the Province.
An eligible connection could include:
• A visit to NB for at least five business
days within the previous 24 months
prior to submitting the EOI; OR
• Participation in an Entrepreneurial
Stream information session offered by
an official representative from the
Province within the previous 24 months
prior to submitting the EOI; OR
• The applicant or spouse have been
awarded a diploma or certificate that
required at least two years full-time
study at a post-secondary institution in
NB after completion of high school; OR
• The applicant or spouse have worked
30 hours per week for at least 12
consecutive months in a high-skilled
occupation (NOC O, A, B) for a company
located in New Brunswick, OR
•The applicant or spouse have family
members (ie, parents, grandparents,
aunt, uncle, niece, nephew) who
are Permanent Residents or citizens of
Canada living in NB for at least 12
months, or dependent children
studying in NB.
AND
• be responsible for supervising at
least two employees.
EDUCATION
• Have completed a minimum of
two years of full-time postsecondary education after
completing high school, validated by
an Educational Credential
Assessment
AGE
• Must be between 22-55 years of
age.
PROGRAM
(INFO UPDATED NOV 2020)
NET WORTH
AND MIN.
INVESTMENT
POINTS AND
LANGUAGE
PROCESSING
FEE, TIME, AND
DEPOSIT*
EXPERIENCE/EDUCATION/AGE
REQUIREMENT
NOTES
PERMANENT VS. WORK VISA
• If granted a Certification of
Nomination by the Department,
applicant can apply directly to IRCC for
a Permanent Resident visa. This must
be done within six months of the date
of issuance of the Certificate of
Nomination.
APPLICATION PROCESS
• Online Expression of Interest System
(EOI)
BUSINESS PLAN
•Applicant must submit a business
plan. The plan will be presented in two
stages: first, a Business Concept of
1000 to 1500 words submitted with
your EOI; second, a detailed Business
Plan submitted with application. Plan
is of economic benefit to NB and
operates for the primary purpose of
earning profits by providing products
and/or services.
JOB CREATION
• The business must create at least
two full-time jobs for permanent
residents or citizens of Canada living in
New Brunswick. The two full-time jobs
cannot include you, your spouse or
common-law partner, your dependent
children and/or other family members.
Page 7 of 31
PROGRAM
(INFO UPDATED NOV 2020)
Newfoundland and
Labrador
Provincial Nominee Program –
International Entrepreneur Stream
There is also an International
Graduate Entrepreneur Stream
(only for graduates of Memorial
University or College of the North
Atlantic who have already started
or bought a local business and
maintained operations for at least
one continuous year. Criteria are
different than those listed here).
Overview: The International
Entrepreneur category is intended
for experienced business owners
or senior business managers who
wish to permanently reside in
Newfoundland and Labrador. They
must start a new business or buy
an existing business and must
actively participate in the day-today management of the business.
Program Information
https://www.gov.nl.ca/immigration
/immigrating-to-newfoundlandand-labrador/provincial-nomineeprogram/entrepreneurs/internatio
nal-entrepreneur/overview/
NET WORTH
AND MIN.
INVESTMENT
NET WORTH
• $600,000 in
unencumbered
net business
and personal
assets that has
been legally
obtained, could
readily be
transferred
Canada, and is
verified by a
designated
third party net
worth verifier.
INVESTMENT
• $200,000
ready to invest
in a new or
existing
business with a
minimum
ownership of
33.3 %, or $1
million in equity
investment
POINTS AND
LANGUAGE
POINTS
• Unknown
• 29 ITA’s
issued in 2019;
20 ITA’s in
2020 (up to
September)
PROCESSING
FEE, TIME, AND
DEPOSIT*
FEE
• $1,000
Provincial
Application
TIME
• Unknown
LANGUAGE:
• CLB 5 at least
in speaking,
listening,
reading and
writing in
English or
French
EXPERIENCE/EDUCATION/AGE
REQUIREMENT
NOTES
AGE
• 21 to 59 years of age
INTERVIEW
EXPLORATORY VISIT
• All prospective International
Entrepreneur applicants applying from
outside the province must conduct an initial
exploratory visit to Newfoundland and
Labrador prior to submitting an official
application
PERMANENT VS. WORK VISA
• After operating the business for at least
one continuous year, the entrepreneur may
be nominated for permanent resident
status.
APPLICATION PROCESS
• Complete an online Expression of
Interest (EO)I
• Receive an invitation to Apply from the
Office of Immigration and Multiculturalism
• Applicants will have 20 calendar days
from the issuance of the ITA to engage a
Net Worth Verifier and inform the Province;
• Applicants will have 90 calendar days
from the issuance of the ITA to complete
and submit their application, including all
required supporting documents and the
business plan
• Applicants will have 180 calendar days
from the issuance of the ITA to submit their
Net Worth Verification Report
•After assessment of the application is
complete, if the applicant appears to meet
the eligibility criteria, they will be required
to attend an in-person interview.
BUSINESS PLAN
• Provide a business plan with supporting
financial documentation verified by a
recognized third-party professional service
JOB CREATION
• Demonstrate ability to create at least one
full-time equivalent job for local population
(permanent residents and Canadian
citizens).
EDUCATION
• Have a minimum of Canadian
High School diploma or equivalent
foreign credential verified by an
ECA, taken in the last five years
prior to the date the EOI is
submitted
EXPERIENCE
• At least two years’ experience
actively managing and owning a
business (25% minimum
ownership) in the last 5 years, or 5
or more years’ experience in a
senior business management role
in the last ten years.
Program Guide
https://www.gov.nl.ca/immigration
/files/InternationalEntrepreneur.pdf
Page 8 of 31
PROGRAM
Quebec Entrepreneur Program
NET WORTH
AND MIN.
INVESTMENT
NET WORTH:
• There is no
minimum net
worth
requirement.
There are two streams under this
Category – Stream 1 and Stream 2.
Stream 2 has been suspended as of
October 2020. The conditions of
Stream 2 are not presented on this
page.
MIN INVEST:
• There is no
minimum
investment
required from
the applicant.
(INFO UPDATED NOV 2020)
Quebec
Under the Entrepreneur Program
Stream 1, applicants must intend to
settle in the Province of Quebec and
create and operate a business for
which they have already received a
service offer from a business
accelerator, business incubator, or
university entrepreneurship center
which is able to sufficiently support
the applicant’s business project.
POINTS AND
LANGUAGE
POINTS
• Maximum 85
points
• Applicants
must score a
minimum of 41
points.
LANGUAGE
• No minimum
language
requirements.
PROCESSING
FEE, TIME, AND
DEPOSIT*
FEE
• $1,099 for
the principal
applicant, and
$174 for each
dependent
TIME
• Unknown
DEPOSIT
• None
Required
• A minimum
NCLC 7 and
CLB5 is required
for points to be
awarded for
language skills
in French or
English
respectively
EXPERIENCE/EDUCATION/AGE
REQUIREMENT
NOTES
EXPERIENCE:
• There is no minimum experience
required.
INTERVIEW
• Candidates who successfully pass
the preliminary assessment of their
application may be invited to an
interview following a review of their
application.
EXPLORATORY VISIT
• Although it is not compulsory, it is
recommended applicant make an
exploratory trip to Québec.
PERMANENT VS. WORK VISA
• After being selected by Québec,
applicants/candidates can then apply
for permanent residence.
APPLICATION PROCESS
• No EOI System - All applications must
be sent by courier, to the Province.
•Applicants, their spouse, and
dependent children aged 18 and older,
must obtain an attestation of learning
about democratic and Quebec values.
BUSINESS PLAN
• Applicants must submit a business
project in the form of a business plan,
as well as the service offer received by
the supporting organization.
JOB CREATION
• No minimums, however the job
creation projections are considered in
the evaluation of the impact of the
business plan in Quebec.
REPRESENTATION
• Representation has to be one of the
following: 1) a member in good
standing of the Barreau du Quebec, 2)
a member in good standing of the
Chambre des notaires du Quebec, 3)
an individual who have been granted
special authorization by one of the two
above-mentioned organizations, 4)
recognized immigration consultants
who are registered with the Registre
Quebecois des consultants en
• Individual organizations (ie.
business accelerators, incubators,
or university entrepreneurship
centers) may have certain
requirements in order to support
the applicant’s project.
• There is no list of authorized
organizations, nor are there any
regulated criteria intended to
recognize these organizations.
• A “business accelerator” is an
organization with an establishment
in Québec that offers support
services, particularly for finding
financing, to people whose business
projects are aimed at the growth of
innovative companies;
• A “university entrepreneurship
centre” is an organization managed
by an academic institution referred
to in Section 1 of the Act Respecting
Educational Institutions at the
University Level (chapter E-14.1), or
an organization affiliated with such
an institution and that provides
mentoring services to
entrepreneurs;
• A “business incubator” is an
organization with an establishment
in Québec that offers mentoring
services, including hosting, to,
people whose business projects are
aimed at the creation of innovative
businesses.
A maximum of 25 applications can
be submitted from November 1
2020 to September 30 2021.
Applicants who have an advanced
intermediate knowledge of French,
(level 7 or 8 on the Échelle
québécoise des niveaux de
compétence en français des
personnes immigrantes adultes) are
not subject to this quota and can
submit their application any time
until October 31, 2021.
https://www.immigrationquebec.gouv.qc.ca/en/immigratesettle/businesspeople/applyingbusiness-immigrant/threeprograms/entrepreneurs.html
EDUCATION
• Secondary education
Page 9 of 31
AGE
• At least 18 years of age
Page 10 of 31
immigration. Applicants must inform
the Ministere if they are being
represented.
PROGRAM
(INFO UPDATED NOV 2020)
Quebec
Quebec Self-Employed Program
Under the Self-Employed Worker
Program, the applicant must come
to Quebec to create their own job by
practising a profession or business
activities, alone or with other
immigration candidates, with or
without paid help.
A maximum of 50 applications can
be submitted from November 1
2020 to September 30 2021.
Applicants who have an advanced
intermediate knowledge of French,
(level 7 or 8 on the Échelle
québécoise des niveaux de
compétence en français des
personnes immigrantes adultes) are
not subject to this quota and can
submit their application any time
until October 31, 2021.
Program Information
https://www.immigrationquebec.gouv.qc.ca/en/immigratesettle/businesspeople/applyingbusiness-immigrant/threeprograms/self-employedworker.html
NET WORTH
AND MIN.
INVESTMENT
NET WORTH:
• legally
acquired net
assets of
$100,000
MIN INVEST:
• No minimum
investment
POINTS AND
LANGUAGE
POINTS
• Maximum 99
points for a
single applicant,
or 112 points if
married
• Applicants
must score a
minimum of 63
points if
unmarried, and
70 points if
married.
LANGUAGE
• No minimum
language
requirements.
• A minimum
NCLC 7 and
CLB5 is required
for points to be
awarded for
language skills
in French or
English
respectively
• To practice a
profession
governed by a
professional
order in Quebec,
you must pass a
French language
examination if
you cannot
provide proof
that you have an
appropriate
knowledge of
PROCESSING
FEE, TIME, AND
DEPOSIT*
FEE
• $1,099 for
the principal
applicant, and
$174 for each
dependent
EXPERIENCE/EDUCATION/AGE
REQUIREMENT
NOTES
EXPERIENCE:
• Applicant must have at least two
years of experience as a selfemployed worker in the profession
or trade they plan to practise in
Québec.
TIME
• Unknown
EDUCATION
• Secondary education
DEPOSIT
• C$25,000 if
you intend to
practise your
trade or
profession
outside the
Montreal
Metropolitan
Community
(MMC) area, or
C$50 000 startup deposit if
inside the MMC
area.
• A diploma or licence obtained
outside of Quebec does not
automatically confer the right to
practise a regulated profession or
trade in Quebec.
INTERVIEW
• Candidates who successfully pass
the preliminary assessment of their
application may be invited to an
interview following a review of their
application.
EXPLORATORY VISIT
• Although it is not compulsory, it is
recommended applicant make an
exploratory trip to Québec.
PERMANENT VS. WORK VISA
• After being selected by Québec,
applicants/candidates can then apply
for permanent residence.
APPLICATION PROCESS
• No EOI System - All applications must
be sent by courier, to the Province.
•Applicants, their spouse, and
dependent children aged 18 and older,
must obtain an attestation of learning
about democratic and Quebec values.
• If you wish to practise a regulated
profession or trade in Quebec as a selfemployed worker, you must contact the
competent regulatory body in Quebec
as soon as possible.
BUSINESS PLAN
• The Applicant must submit a
description of his project and proposed
commercial activities in Quebec, as
part of the application.
JOB CREATION
• Not Applicable
REPRESENTATION
• Representation has to be one of the
following: 1) a member in good
standing of the Barreau du Quebec, 2)
a member in good standing of the
Chambre des notaires du Quebec, 3)
an individual who have been granted
special authorization by one of the two
above-mentioned organizations, 4)
recognized immigration consultants
• Both are
refunded when
business plan
has been
carried out
Page 11 of 31
AGE
• At least 18 years of age
PROGRAM
(INFO UPDATED NOV 2020)
NET WORTH
AND MIN.
INVESTMENT
POINTS AND
LANGUAGE
PROCESSING
FEE, TIME, AND
DEPOSIT*
French, in
accordance with
Section 35 of
the Charter of
the French
Language
(chapter C-11)
EXPERIENCE/EDUCATION/AGE
REQUIREMENT
NOTES
who are registered with the Registre
Quebecois des consultants en
immigration.
Page 12 of 31
PROGRAM
(INFO UPDATED NOV 2020)
Quebec
Quebec Immigrant Investor Program
(QIIP)
The Quebec Immigrant Investor
Program remains the sole option for
business immigrants with a high net
worth wishing to secure permanent
residence on the basis of a passive
investment.
Investors are not required to actively
manage a business in Quebec.
Their permanent residence is
granted on the basis of the
economic contribution of their
investment with the Province.
The QIIP is operates with a
managed quota system, with intake
periods of 6 to 8 months. It is
currently closed and is expected to
reopen in the Spring of 2021 with
some revisions. The conditions
presented on this page represent
the conditions of the Program as per
the Quebec Immigration
Regulations and Quebec
Immigration Act in force as of
November 2020.
Program Information
https://www.immigrationquebec.gouv.qc.ca/en/immigratesettle/businesspeople/applyingbusiness-immigrant/threeprograms/investors/index.html
NET WORTH
AND MIN.
INVESTMENT
NET WORTH:
• legally
acquired net
assets of
$2,000,000,
excluding any
amounts
received by
donation less
than six months
prior to the
submission of
the application
MIN INVEST:
• Five-year
$1,200,000
non-interestbearing
investment with
Investissement
Quebec,
through an
authorized
financial
intermediary.
POINTS AND
LANGUAGE
POINTS
• Max 94 points
• Applicants
must score a
minimum of 43
out of 94 points
to be eligible
LANGUAGE
• No minimum
language
requirements
• Applicants
who can
demonstrate an
advanced
intermediate
(B2) knowledge
in speaking and
listening French,
are not subject
to the quota
system, and will
receive priority
processing.
PROCESSING
FEE, TIME, AND
DEPOSIT*
FEE
• $15,763
single fee,
covering the
principal
applicant and all
accompanying
family members.
• Fees are not
refundable.
TIME
• Unknown
DEPOSIT
• Not
Applicable.
EXPERIENCE/EDUCATION/AGE
REQUIREMENT
NOTES
EXPERIENCE
• Have management experience for
at least two years in the five years
preceding the application for
selection. This experience must
include duties related to the
planning, management and control
of financial, human or material
resources under your authority. This
does not include experience
acquired in an apprenticeship,
training or specialization leading to
a diploma.
INTERVIEW
• Those who successfully pass the
preliminary assessment of their
application may be invited to a
selection interview following a review of
their application.
EXPLORATORY VISIT
•Although it is not compulsory, it is
recommended applicant make an
exploratory trip to Québec.
PERMANENT VS. WORK VISA
• After being selected by Québec,
applicants/candidates can then apply
for permanent residence.
APPLICATION PROCESS
•Applicants are required to sign an
investment agreement with a financial
intermediary authorized to participate
in the Investor Program.
•Applicants, their spouse, and
dependent children aged 18 and older,
must obtain an attestation of learning
about democratic and Quebec values.
•Once approved by the Province, the
applicant must complete their
investment. At the end of the five-year
term, Investissement Quebec will
reimburse the applicant C$1.2 million
without interest, within 30 days. The
amount reimbursed to the applicant
may vary if the applicant secured
financing for the investment.
BUSINESS PLAN
•N/A
JOB CREATION
•Revenues generated by the
applicant’s investment will be used to
finance two Quebec business
assistance programs: Business
Assistance – Immigrant Investor
Program (BAIIP) and Employment
Integration Program for Immigrants and
Visible Minorities (PRIIME).
EDUCATION
• No minimum education
requirement
AGE
• At least 18 years of age
• The Financial
Intermediary
may be able to
offer financing
of the
applicant’s
investment,
subject to
certain
conditions.
Page 13 of 31
PROGRAM
(INFO UPDATED NOV 2020)
Ontario
Ontario Immigrant Nominee
Program (OINP) – Entrepreneur
Stream
The OINP Entrepreneur Stream is
for entrepreneurs from outside of
Canada interested in starting a new
business or buying an existing
business in Ontario. It gives an
entrepreneur (and up to one foreign
national business partner) the
opportunity to be nominated for
permanent residence once their
business has been established in
Ontario. The applicant must be
actively involved, on an ongoing
basis, in the management of the
business.
To meet the active management
requirements of the program,
applicants must be physically
residing in Ontario for 75 percent
(nine months out of the year) of the
period in which they are
establishing the business in
Ontario.
Program Information
https://www.ontario.ca/page/oinpentrepreneur-stream
Program Guide
http://www.mri.gov.on.ca/repositor
y/oinp_en_entrepreneur.pdf
NET WORTH
AND MIN.
INVESTMENT
NET WORTH
• $800,000 for
business
located within
the GTA
OR
$400,000
outside the GTA,
or if the
applicant
intends to invest
in the ICT/Digital
Communication
s sector
(regardless of
location)
• The net worth
and its legal
accumulation
must be verified
by an authorized
third-party (Net
Worth Verifier).
MIN INVEST
• Have a min
equity
ownership of
33.3%, AND;
• $600,000 for
business
located within
the GTA
OR
$200,000
outside the GTA,
or if the
applicant
intends to invest
in the ICT/Digital
POINTS AND
LANGUAGE
POINTS
• Max. 200
Since Program
redesign in
2019:
• 31 ITA’s
issued in 2019;
112 ITA’s issued
in 2020 (up to
October)
• 2019 average
min score = 122
pts; 2020
average min
score = 138
LANGUAGE
• Must
demonstrate
CLB 4 or
equivalent at
the time of
nomination
PROCESSING
FEE, TIME, AND
DEPOSIT*
FEE
• $3,500
TIME
• Applications
are assessed on
a case by case
basis and the
processing
times depend
on the
complexity of
the application.
• Other Ontario
Immigration
programs list
processing
times between
30-90 days.
DEPOSIT
• No deposit or
performance
bond required
• Must provide
language test
results at EOI
stage only if
claiming points
for language
proficiency in
the EOI – but
not mandatory
for the program.
EXPERIENCE/EDUCATION/AGE
REQUIREMENT
NOTES
• Have at least 24 months of fulltime business experience in the last
60 months, as a business owner OR
as a senior manager
INTERVIEW
• Applicant (and their business partner,
if applicable) will be required to attend
a mandatory in-person interview at the
OINP’s offices.
EXPLORATORY VISIT
• Exploratory visit required for business
succession only. Must have occurred in
the last 12 months prior to the EOI
application submission date.
PERMANENT VS. WORK VISA
• Applicant will be issued a temporary
work permit support letter to apply for a
temporary work permit. PR contingent
on meeting program requirements.
• Final Report to initiate the PR
nomination process to be submitted to
the Province between 18 and 20
months after the applicant arrives.
APPLICATION PROCESS
• Online EOI System in place –
Application will remain in system for 12
months.
BUSINESS PLAN
•. The proposed business plan must
demonstrate intent to grow the
business. Buy and hold business plans
with no intent to grow the business are
not permitted in the Entrepreneur
Stream.
• Can purchase an existing business
up to 12 months prior to application
date. It is candidate’s responsibility to
ensure that the business meets all the
minimum eligibility requirements
JOB CREATION
• Businesses in the GTA must create at
least 2 permanent full time jobs.
• Businesses outside of the GTA, or
businesses in the ICT/Digital
Additional points awarded for
experience in:
1. High Growth Business business that experienced at
least 20% increase in revenue
in two consecutive years.
2. Export Trade Business business exporting at least
20% of total goods/services to
a foreign market.
3. Transferable Skills – direct
experience in related industries
to the proposed business plan
in Ontario
Priority Sectors:
• Aerospace
• Automotive
• Chemical and biochemical
• Cleantech
• Financial services
• Food and Beverage Manufacturing
• Forestry
• Industrial Automation and
Robotics
• Information Technology
• Life Sciences
• Mining
• Tourism
EDUCATION
• No minimum education required
for this stream.
Page 14 of 31
Communication
s sector
(regardless of
location)
• Proof of Education required only if
applicant claimed points in the EOI
– not mandatory for the program.
Page 15 of 31
Communications Sector must create at
least 1 permanent full time job
• In the event of business acquisition,
you must maintain at a minimum the
current wage levels and employment
terms of existing staff in addition to
creating at least 1-2 new jobs
depending on the location of the
business..
PROGRAM
(INFO UPDATED NOV 2020)
Manitoba
MPNP - Business Investor Stream
(BIS)
Entrepreneur Pathway
Designed for applicants who have
the intent and ability to move to
Manitoba and establish, purchase a
business or become partners in an
existing business within the first 24
months of arrival in Canada on a
temporary work permit
Program Information
https://www.immigratemanitoba.co
m/immigrate-to-manitoba/mpnpfor-business/
Program Guide - Entrepreneur
http://www.immigratemanitoba.co
m/wpcontent/uploads/2020/02/BISEntrepreneur-Stream-Guidelinesfinal-Feb-2020.pdf
NET WORTH
AND MIN.
INVESTMENT
NET WORTH
• Legally
acquired
minimum net
worth of
$500,000, that
has been
verified by an
approved thirdparty Net Worth
Verifier
MIN INVEST
•Min
investment is
$250,000 for
businesses in
the Manitoba
Capital Region.
•Min
investment is
$150,000 if a
business
outside of
the Manitoba
Capital Region.
POINTS AND
LANGUAGE
POINTS
• Max: 150
LANGUAGE
• Minimum
CLB/NCLC 5
PROCESSING
FEE, TIME, AND
DEPOSIT*
FEE
• $2,500 (nonrefundable)
TIME
• MPNP is
committed to
respond to a
submission of
EOI within four
weeks
• targeted
processing time
is six months or
less after
receipt of a
complete
application
DEPOSIT
• None
EXPERIENCE/EDUCATION/AGE
REQUIREMENT
NOTES
EXPERIENCE
• Minimum of three (3) years of full
time work experience in
the past five (5) years either as an
active business owner (minimum
1/3 ownership) or working in a
senior management role of a
successful business.
• Business owners are given higher
points in comparison to senior
managers.
INTERVIEW
• MPNP may invite the applicant to
attend an interview during the
assessment process.
EXPLORATORY VISIT
• Applicants can earn 10 points for
having conducted a 5-day exploratory
visit, and 20 points for a 10-day
exploratory visit. In this case, the visit
must be conducted no more than one
year prior to the submission of EOI.
PERMANENT VS. WORK VISA
• Applicants are issued a temporary
work permit. PR contingent on
meeting program requirements.
APPLICATION PROCESS
• Complete and submit a SelfAssessment and Business Concept
Forms
• If the applicant appears to meet
the minimum eligibility requirements,
he will receive a Letter of Advice to
Apply (LAA) and have 120 days to
submit the full application.
• If the applicant is approved, he will
be issued a Letter of Support to apply
for a Temporary Work Permit.
• No later than 20 months after the
Date of Arrival in Manitoba, the
applicant must submit a Final
Progress Report. If MPNP is satisfied,
they will issue a Nomination so the
applicant can apply for PR.
BUSINESS PLAN
• A Business Plan is an integral part
of the application.
JOB CREATION
• The business must create or
maintain at least one job for a
Canadian Citizen or a Permanent
Resident in Manitoba
Economic Priorities:
• Value-added – if the business
adds value to a product or service
by utilizing Manitoba resources
such as materials, plant and
machinery, labour and expertise.
• Recurring – if the business
performs repeated acts of
commerce in accordance with the
business cycle for each particular
industry
sector.
• Active business – if the activities
of the business are being
conducted for the purpose of
generating profits.
EDUCATION
• Minimum Canadian high school
certificate equivalent
AGE
• No minimum or maximum age,
however, points are allocated only
to candidates 25 to 49 years of
age.
Page 16 of 31
PROGRAM
(INFO UPDATED NOV 2020)
Manitoba
Farm Investor Pathway
Designed for or individuals with
proven farm business experience,
sufficient available capital to invest,
and who intend to establish and
operate a farm operation in rural
Manitoba
Program Information
https://www.immigratemanitoba.co
m/immigrate-to-manitoba/mpnpfor-business/
Program Guide – Farm Investor
http://www.immigratemanitoba.co
m/wpcontent/uploads/2019/11/BIS-FIPGuidelines-Kit-062018-1.pdf
NET WORTH
AND MIN.
INVESTMENT
NET WORTH
• Min. verifiable
personal net
worth of
$500,000
(the MPNP may
request for
verification of
your net worth
and financial
info by a
designated
third- party
service provider)
MIN INVEST
Min. Farm
Business
investment of
$300,000 (must
be eligible
tangible assets)
POINTS AND
LANGUAGE
LANGUAGE
• MPNP does
not award points
for language.
But recognizes
language
capabilities in
either English or
French are an
important
adaptability skill
that will
accelerate your
ability to
become
economically
established in
rural MB.
PROCESSING
FEE, TIME, AND
DEPOSIT*
FEE
• $2,500 (nonrefundable)
TIME
• Unknown
DEPOSIT
• Deposit of
CAD$75,000 is
required by all
approved FIP
applicants
under the
MPNP. This will
be refunded
without interest.
Page 17 of 31
EXPERIENCE/EDUCATION/AGE
REQUIREMENT
NOTES
EXPERIENCE
• Have a minimum of three years
farm ownership, as well as
experience in managing a farm
operation
• demonstrate adaptability,
specifically relating to practical
farming skills, technical knowledge
and experience in technological
based farming practices that will
transfer directly to Manitoba’s
current primary farm production
industry
INTERVIEW
• The applicant must attend an
interview upon request of MPNP.
EXPLORATORY VISIT
• The applicant must conduct a Farm
Business Research Visit to Manitoba.
PERMANENT VS. WORK VISA
• Once an applicant has submitted a
signed Deposit Agreement and paid
the required deposit, MPNP will issue
a Nomination Certificate so he may
apply for Permanent Residence.
APPLICATION PROCESS
• Complete and submit Interest
Guidelines and Farm Business
Concept Forms
• If the applicant appears to meet
the minimum eligibility requirements,
he will receive a Letter of Advice to
Apply (LAA) and have 120 days to
submit the full application.
• If the applicant is approved, he will
be requested to sign a Deposit
Agreement and send a deposit of
$75,000.
• The applicant will receive a
Nomination Certificate and apply for
Permanent Residence.
BUSINESS PLAN
• A Farm Business Plan is an integral
part of the application.
JOB CREATION
• There are no specific job creation
requirements.
EDUCATION
• No min. education listed for Farm
Investor – individuals must have
proven farm business experience
PROGRAM
(INFO UPDATED NOV 2020)
Saskatchewan
Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee
Program - SINP
Entrepreneur Category
Active Investors can start, obtain, or
partner in a business in Sask.
Applicant must commit to providing
active and on-going participation in
the day-to-day management and
direction of the business while
residing in Saskatchewan.
There is also an International
Graduate Entrepreneur Category
(only for applicants who have
graduated from a Saskatchewan
institution. Criteria are different
than those listed here).
Program Information
https://www.saskatchewan.ca/resi
dents/moving-tosaskatchewan/immigrating-tosaskatchewan/saskatchewanimmigrant-nomineeprogram/entrepreneur-and-farmcategories/applicantsentrepreneurs
NET WORTH
AND MIN.
INVESTMENT
NET WORTH
• Legally
accumulated
net worth of
$500,000,
verified by an
authorized thirdparty net worth
verifier.
MIN INVEST
• Min 300,000
in Regina &
Saskatoon or
min $200,000
in all other
Saskatchewan
communities
• Your Business
Establishment
Plan (BEP) must
show ownership
of at least one
third (33 1/3
per cent) of the
equity of a
business in
Sask, unless
total investment
is $1 million or
higher.
POINTS AND
LANGUAGE
POINTS
• Max: 160
LANGUAGE
• No min
mandated.
A language test
is not
mandatory;
however, points
for language will
not be awarded
without
submission of
eligible
language test
results.
PROCESSING
FEE, TIME, AND
DEPOSIT*
FEE
• $2,500
TIME
• After
candidates are
invited to apply,
applications are
processed in the
order that they
are received.
DEPOSIT
• No deposit
required for
Pts awarded as
such:
CLB 4 – 5 pts
CLB 5 – 10 pts
CLB 6> -15 pts
Program Guide
https://publications.saskatchewan.
ca/api/v1/products/76095/format
s/85174/download
Page 18 of 31
EXPERIENCE/EDUCATION/AGE
REQUIREMENT
NOTES
Entrepreneur Program
• Min 3 yrs. of relevant business
management OR entrepreneurial
experience gained in the past 10
yrs.
• Additional Innovation points
awarded for previous verifiable
experience in:
1. Export Trade,
2. Registered patents,
3. Gazelle business.
• Entrepreneurship experience is
individual experience directly
associated with the ownership and
active management of a business
operation, where you’ve assumed
the risks associated with the
operation and benefited from the
rewards or success of the business.
General business management
experience does not qualify.
• The experience must be relevant
to the proposed BEP.
• Investment in Key Economic
Sectors will be awarded additional
points:
• Science and technology
• Manufacturing
• Export
• Rural business succession
• Rural business
development
INTERVIEW
• If applicant meets the Eligibility
Criteria, they will need to attend a final
in-person or web-based interview.
EXPLORATORY VISIT
• The exploratory visit is mandatory in
the case where an applicant is
purchasing a business.
PERMANENT VS. WORK VISA
• Applicants will be granted a
temporary work permit. Once applicant
has fulfilled Business Performance
Agreement (BPA) and operated their
business for at least six months they
can apply to the SINP for nomination.
APPLICATION PROCESS
• Candidates whose EOIs are selected
will have 20 days from the date of their
Invitation to Submit an Application (ISA)
Letter to pay the processing fee, and
select a third party net worth verifier.
• Candidates will have 90 days to
submit the full application, including
the Business Establishment Plan
• Candidates will have 180 days to
submit the net worth verification report.
BUSINESS PLAN
• The Business Establishment Plan
(BEP) must be a plan for successful
settlement and business development
in Saskatchewan. The BEP should
contain a well thought out idea to
ensure that the business has a
reasonable chance of success and can
be implemented upon arrival.
JOB CREATION
• Applicants who operate a business in
Regina or Saskatoon must create or
maintain 2 jobs for Canadians or
permanent residents. Job creation is
not required for applicants establishing
a business outside of Regina or
Saskatoon.
PROGRAM
(INFO UPDATED NOV 2020)
Saskatchewan
Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee
Program - SINP
Farm Owner and Operator:
Please note this category is strictly
for business in primary agricultural
production (crops and livestock). If
you're interested in agri-business
operations, you may qualify under
the SINP Entrepreneur Category.
Young Farmer Stream is a branch
off of the Farm Owner and Operator
Pathway. It was created to allow
young families to establish their
lives and farming operations in rural
areas of Saskatchewan.
NET WORTH
AND MIN.
INVESTMENT
NET WORTH
• Legally
accumulated
net worth of
$500,000 (or
$300,000 in the
case of the
Young Farmer
Stream), verified
by an authorized
third-party net
worth verifier.
MIN INVEST
• Invest at least
CAD$150,000
in a new or
existing farming
operation in
Saskatchewan.
POINTS AND
LANGUAGE
POINTS
• Max: 100
• Minimum
score of 55
points required
LANGUAGE
• No min
mandated,
however points
available
depending on
language
proficiency.
PROCESSING
FEE, TIME, AND
DEPOSIT*
FEE
• $2,500
TIME
• Unknown
DEPOSIT
• “Good Faith”
deposit of
$75,000 in trust
for the Farm
Owner Program.
The deposit will
be refunded
unless applicant
does not meet
the terms of the
Performance
Agreement
within two years
of landing in
Saskatchewan.
Program Information
https://www.saskatchewan.ca/resi
dents/moving-tosaskatchewan/immigrating-tosaskatchewan/saskatchewanimmigrant-nomineeprogram/entrepreneur-and-farmcategories/applicants-farm-ownersand-operators
EXPERIENCE/EDUCATION/AGE
REQUIREMENT
NOTES
EXPERIEMCE
• Have at least three years
experience in farm ownership, farm
management, or practical farming
experience.
INTERVIEW
• The SINP may issue a request for an
interview with the Applicant, if further
information or clarification is required
to assess the application..
EXPLORATORY VISIT
• The exploratory visit is mandatory for
all farm category applicants.
PERMANENT VS. WORK VISA
• Once the Applicant returns the
signed and dated Business
Performance Agreement to the SINP
and the SINP confirms that the Good
Faith Deposit has been received, the
Applicant is nominated and can apply
for permanent residence.
APPLICATION PROCESS
• The applicant must make an
exploratory visit to Saskatchewan.
• The applicant must prepare and
submit a complete application,
including the report of the Third Party
Financial Verification provider, and the
informal farm business plan.
• If approved, the applicant will be
requested to sign a Deposit Agreement,
and pay a deposit of $75,000, after
which he will receive his Nomination.
BUSINESS PLAN
• The SINP does not require a formal
farm business plan, and recognizes
that the FEP is a business proposal and
it is therefore possible that market
conditions and opportunities may
change over the course of the
immigration application process.
JOB CREATION
• There are no specific job creation
requirements
EDUCATION
• No minimum education required
Young Farmer Stream
• Spouse must have marketable
employment skills based on
education and experience that
allows you to supplement your
farming income.
AGE
Entrepreneur Pathway
• No age requirements but points
are awarded for people between the
ages of 21 and 54.
Young Farmer Stream
• Must be under 40 years of age
Program Guide
https://publications.saskatchewan.
ca/api/v1/products/76110/format
s/115097/download
Page 19 of 31
PROGRAM
Alberta
Alberta Immigrant Nominee
Program
Self-Employed Farmer
Stream
Overview: The AINP program
works closely with Alberta
Agriculture and Forestry (AAF) to
assess the eligibility of
applicants in this category. To
qualify for this program,
investment must be in a primary
production farming business.
Applications representing best
opportunity for growth relevant
to Alberta’s agri-food targets will
be given priority.
http://www.albertacanada.com/
opportunity/programs-andforms/ainp-farmer-stream.aspx
NET WORTH
AND MIN.
INVESTMENT
NET WORTH
• $500,000
POINTS AND
LANGUAGE
• Must provide
documents
that prove this
or
confirmation
that you have
access to a
similar amount
of funds from
other sources
LANGUAGE
• Must meet
Canadian
Language
Benchmark
(CLB) or
Niveaux de
competence
linguistique
canadiens
(NCLC) of 4
until June 13,
2019, and
CLB or NCLC
of 5 starting
on June 14,
2019.
• This is only
the minimum
amount. You
may be
required to
show that you
can invest
more
MIN INVEST
• $500,000 in
a primary
production
farming
business.
POINTS
• Unknown.
PROCESSING
FEE, TIME,
AND DEPOSIT*
FEE
• No
application
fees.
TIME
• The AINP
works closely
with Alberta
Agriculture
and Forestry
(AAF) to
assess the
eligibility of
applicants
under this
stream.
Processing
times are
therefore not
applicable.
DEPOSIT
• No deposit
required
EXPERIENCE/EDUCATION/AGE
REQUIREMENT
NOTES
• Must prove that you have farm
management experience shown
by: financial documentation of
your existing farm business;
documentation of your
education, training and work
experience; a proposed business
plan for the farming enterprise
you are considering in Alberta;
and proof that a Canadian
financial institution is willing to
finance your proposed farming
business.
INTERVIEW
• Candidates will be required to attend an inperson interview with representatives of Alberta
Agriculture and Forestry (AAF) to determine
eligibility under the Alberta Immigrant Nominee
Program (AINP).
EXPLORATORY VISIT
• Exploratory Visit Recommended.
PERMANENT VS. WORK VISA
• PR after obtaining nomination certificate.
APPLICATION PROCESS
• No EOI System
• Prior to applying, candidates must first seek an
assessment from Alberta Agriculture and
Forestry (AAF). The AINP works closely
with AAF to assess the eligibility of applicants in
this category. If AAF is satisfied with the
application, they will forward application to the
AINP for consideration. If AINP application is
approved, applicant will become a Provincial
Nominee and a nomination package will be sent
by mail.
• Submit application by registered mail or
courier.
BUSINESS PLAN
• Business Plan required.
• Canadian financial institution must finance the
Alberta Farming venture.
• Applications representing the best opportunity
for growth relevant to Alberta's agri-food targets
will be given priority.
JOB CREATION
• Not identified
• Applications must be mailed
to the AINP - send by registered
mail or by courier (no email or
fax applications)
EDUCATION
• You must prove that you
have farm management
skills shown by documentation
of your education, training and
work experience:
Page 20 of 31
PROGRAM
(INFO UPDATED NOV 2020)
British Columbia
BC Provincial Nominee Program (BC
PNP) - Entrepreneur Immigration
(Base Category)
Overview: The BC PNP Entrepreneur
Immigration stream is for
experienced entrepreneurs who are
ready to invest in and actively
manage a business in B.C. Active
management means you are
accountable for the day-to-day
operations of the business. Active
management must occur at the
place of business in B.C.
Program Information
https://www.welcomebc.ca/Immigr
ate-to-B-C/BC-PNP-EntrepreneurImmigration
Program Guide
https://www.welcomebc.ca/getmed
ia/e86adbb5-e9ad-4181-b9a7d604f4453a51/BC-PNPEntrepreneur-Immigration-ProgramGuide.pdf.aspx
NET WORTH
AND MIN.
INVESTMENT
NET WORTH
• Legally
accumulated
net worth of at
least $600,000,
verified by a BC
PNP-authorized
accounting firm
MIN INVEST
• Eligible
personal
investment of at
least $200,000
• Must
demonstrate
that you will
own at least
one-third of the
business in B.C.
unless you
invest a
minimum of $1
million in an
equity purchase.
• If purchasing a
business, a max
of $150,000
will be
considered
eligible. Must
also invest at
least $50,000
towards the
improvement,
upgrade, and/or
expansion to
the business.
POINTS AND
LANGUAGE
POINTS
• Max: 200
(120 points for selfdeclared section;
80 points for
business concept).
Must score
minimum of 32
points in business
concept section.
• 152 ITA’s
issued in 2018;
232 ITA’s issued
in 2019; 89
ITA’s issued in
2020 (up to
October)
• 2018 average
min score =
113; 2019
average min
score = 112 pts;
2020 average
min score = 121
LANGUAGE
• CLB 4 or
equivalent at
the time of
nomination only
PROCESSING
FEE, TIME, AND
DEPOSIT*
FEE
• $3,500
(+ $300
registration fee)
TIME
• After
reviewing the
initial
registration,
BCPNP will
assign a score
within 4 to 6
weeks of
submission.
• BCPNP
targets to
process most
complete
applications
within three to
four months of
receipt.
DEPOSIT
• No deposit
required
EXPERIENCE/EDUCATION/AGE
REQUIREMENT
NOTES
• Experience within last 10 years:
3+ years of experience as a
business owner-manager, OR, 4+
years of experience as a senior
manager, OR, a combination of 1+
year of experience as business
owner-manager and 2+ years of
experience as a senior manager.
INTERVIEW
• If requested by the BC PNP, applicant
will be required to attend an in-person
interview at the BC PNP offices in
Vancouver. Interviews are conducted in
English only, but applicant may obtain
services of an interpreter.
EXPLORATORY VISIT
• Not mandatory, but applicants are
encouraged to make an exploratory
visit to B.C. before registering.
PERMANENT VS. WORK VISA
• Applicants are issued a temporary 2
yr. work permit. PR contingent on
meeting program requirements.
APPLICATION PROCESS
• Online EOI System - Registration will
remain in the qualified pool for 180
days.
• Applicants will have 120 days after
the Invitation to Apply to submit full
application, including net worth
verification report.
BUSINESS PLAN
The business plan must demonstrate:
• the proposed business is consistent
with the initial business concept; and
• potential for commercial viability
under the applicant’s ownership,
including a market entry strategy
to show how the proposed business will
be successful in British Columbia.
• that the applicant will have provide
active management in the business in
BC, reside within 100 km of the
business in BC and be a resident in BC
for 75% of the time while on a 2 yr work
permit.
• Definition of an active ownermanager – applicant will have
performed an active role in the
management and operations of a
company for which you have held
10 per cent or more ownership
during the past 10 years.
• Work experience as a senior
manager – applicant will have
worked during the past 10 years for
a company/ organization as an
active senior manager supervising
at least three full-time employees
and will have a NOC Classification
of Skill Type 0 or Skill Level A.
Applicant has no business
ownership, or business ownership
of less than 10 per cent.
EDUCATION
• Have post-secondary credential,
OR:
• Experience as an active business
owner-manager with 100%
ownership of the business for at
least 3 of past 5 yrs. The 100%
ownership may be shared between
applicant, their spouse or commonlaw partner, and/or dependent
child(ren).
• If your score for Education Level
is 0 (secondary school or less), you
• Must provide
language test
results at EOI
stage only if
claiming points
for language
proficiency.
Page 21 of 31
If the applicant plans to purchase an
existing business, they must also be
able to demonstrate:
PROGRAM
(INFO UPDATED NOV 2020)
NET WORTH
AND MIN.
INVESTMENT
POINTS AND
LANGUAGE
PROCESSING
FEE, TIME, AND
DEPOSIT*
EXPERIENCE/EDUCATION/AGE
REQUIREMENT
NOTES
will not be eligible to register unless
you have at least 3 yrs. of active
management experience of a
business that you had 100%
ownership in the last 5 yrs.
• how the business will grow and
expand under their management.
• that the business is a going concern
(i.e. the business is in operation and is
not in receivership); and
• that the business will generate a
profit and can sustain the expanded
workforce
AGE
• No age requirements or limits.
However, points only given to those
between the ages of 25 and 64.
Page 22 of 31
JOB CREATION
• Create at least one new full-time job
for a Canadian or permanent resident
in the business.
• In addition to the above job creation
requirements, if the applicant is
purchasing a business, they must
commit to maintain the number of
existing jobs in the business.
PROGRAM
(INFO UPDATED NOV 2020)
British Columbia
BC Provincial Nominee Program (BC
PNP) - Entrepreneur Immigration
(Regional Pilot)
Overview: The BC Provincial
Nominee Program (BC PNP)
Entrepreneur Immigration –
Regional Pilot (EI – Regional Pilot) is
focused on attracting entrepreneurs
from around the world to establish
businesses in regional communities.
This will help meet the
communities’ economic
development needs and encourage
investments outside urban areas..
Program Information
https://www.welcomebc.ca/Immigr
ate-to-B-C/BC-PNP-EntrepreneurImmigration/EntrepreneurImmigration-Regional-Pilot
Program Guide
https://www.welcomebc.ca/getmed
ia/1c9d6041-316b-40a9-8357e7ff7633d757/BC-PNP-EI-RegionalPilot-Program-Guide.pdf.aspx
NET WORTH
AND MIN.
INVESTMENT
NET WORTH
• Legally
accumulated
net worth of at
least $300,000,
verified by a BC
PNP-authorized
accounting firm
MIN INVEST
• Eligible
personal
investment of at
least $100,000
• Must
demonstrate
that you will
own at least
51% of the
business in B.C.
POINTS AND
LANGUAGE
POINTS
• Max: 200
(140 points for selfdeclared
section; 60 points
for business
concept). No
minimum business
concept score.)
• 57 ITA’s
issued in 2019;
54 ITA’s issued
in 2020 (up to
October)
• 2019 average
min score = 113
pts; 2020
average min
score = 116
LANGUAGE
• Minimum of
CLB4 equivalent
in English or
French. Must
submit copy of
valid language
proficiency test
at registration.
PROCESSING
FEE, TIME, AND
DEPOSIT*
FEE
• $3,500
(+ $300
registration fee)
TIME
• After
reviewing the
initial
registration,
BCPNP will
assign a score
within 4 weeks
of submission.
• Application
decisions are
typically made
within 4 months.
DEPOSIT
• No deposit
required
EXPERIENCE/EDUCATION/AGE
REQUIREMENT
NOTES
• Experience within last 5 years:
3+ years of experience as a
business owner-manager, OR, 4+
years of experience as a senior
manager, OR, a combination of 1+
year of experience as business
owner-manager and 2+ years of
experience as a senior manager.
INTERVIEW
• If requested by the BC PNP, applicant
will be required to attend an in-person
interview at the BC PNP offices in
Vancouver. Interviews are conducted in
English only, but applicant may obtain
services of an interpreter.
EXPLORATORY VISIT
• Yes. You must engage and visit an
enrolled community for support before
registering.
PERMANENT VS. WORK VISA
• Applicants are issued a temporary 2
yr. work permit. PR contingent on
meeting program requirements.
APPLICATION PROCESS
• Applicant completes exploratory visit,
and receive a referral from a
designated rural community
• Online EOI System - Registration will
remain in the qualified pool for 180
days.
• Applicants will have 120 days after
the Invitation to Apply to submit full
application, including net worth
verification report.
BUSINESS PLAN
The business plan must demonstrate:
• the proposed business is consistent
with the initial business concept; and
• potential for commercial viability
under the applicant’s ownership,
including a market entry strategy
to show how the proposed business will
be successful in British Columbia.
• that the applicant will provide active
management in the business in BC,
reside within the boundaries of the
designated community and be a
resident in BC for 75% of the time while
on a 2 yr work permit.
• Definition of an active ownermanager – applicant will have
performed an active role in the
management and operations of a
company for which you have held
10 per cent or more ownership
during the past 5 years.
• Work experience as a senior
manager – applicant will have
worked during the past 5 years for a
company/ organization as an active
senior manager supervising at least
three full-time employees and will
have a NOC Classification of Skill
Type 0 or Skill Level A. Applicant
has no business ownership, or
business ownership of less than 10
per cent.
EDUCATION
• Have post-secondary credential,
OR;
• Experience as an active business
owner-manager with 100%
ownership of the business for at
least 3 of past 5 yrs. The 100%
ownership may be shared between
applicant, their spouse or commonlaw partner, and/or dependent
child(ren).
• If your score for Education Level
is 0 (secondary school or less), you
Page 23 of 31
PROGRAM
(INFO UPDATED NOV 2020)
NET WORTH
AND MIN.
INVESTMENT
POINTS AND
LANGUAGE
PROCESSING
FEE, TIME, AND
DEPOSIT*
EXPERIENCE/EDUCATION/AGE
REQUIREMENT
NOTES
will not be eligible to register unless
you have at least 3 yrs. of active
management experience of a
business that you had 100%
ownership in the last 5 yrs.
JOB CREATION
• Create at least one new full-time job
for a Canadian or permanent resident
in the business.
AGE
• No age requirements or limits.
However, points not awarded to
those over 64.
Page 24 of 31
PROGRAM
(INFO UPDATED NOV 2020)
British Columbia
BC Provincial Nominee Program
(BC PNP) - Strategic Projects
Stream
Overview: The Strategic Projects
category of the BC Provincial
Nominee Program (BC PNP)
Entrepreneur Immigration
stream is for foreign
corporations who have identified
strategic investment
opportunities in B.C. to establish
operations that are integral to
the growth and expansion of
their core business.
• The foreign corporation may
apply for provincial nomination
to support the permanent
residence of up to five of its
current senior employees. These
employees will actively manage
the B.C. operation..
Program Information
https://www.welcomebc.ca/Imm
igrate-to-B-C/BC-PNPEntrepreneurImmigration/Strategic-Projects
NET WORTH
AND MIN.
INVESTMENT
NET WORTH
• Unknown
POINTS AND
LANGUAGE
MIN INVEST
• Minimum
equity
investment of
at least
$500,000 to
establish or
purchase and
expand an
eligible
business in
B.C.
LANGUAGE
• Unknown
• Successful
corporate
applicants
typically have
at least 150
staff and
annual
revenues of at
least
$20,000,000.
POINTS
• Unknown
PROCESSING
FEE, TIME,
AND DEPOSIT*
FEE
• There is a
registration
processing fee
of $300.
• If invited to
submit a full
application
within 90 days,
there is a
corporate
application
processing fee
of $3,500 plus
a $1,000
application
processing fee
for each key
staff member.
TIME
• Not
mentioned
DEPOSIT
• None
EXPERIENCE/EDUCATION/AGE
REQUIREMENT
NOTES
To be eligible, the foreign
corporation must:
• be well-established and in
good financial standing
• demonstrate investment
readiness and capacity for
international expansion into B.C.
• provide significant economic
benefit to the province by
making a high value investment
in B.C.
INTERVIEW
• As part of the application assessment process,
the BC PNP may invite all key staff members to
attend an in-person interview at the BC PNP
offices in Vancouver.
EXPLORATORY VISIT
• The BC PNP encourages senior executives
representing the company to visit B.C. to explore
and learn more about opportunities and the local
business environment.
PERMANENT VS. WORK VISA
• The BC PNP will issue a work permit support
letter to each key staff member, so they can
apply for a two-year work permit from IRCC. Key
staff members will be nominated by the province
for permanent residency once all conditions of
the Performance Agreement are met.
APPLICATION PROCESS
• To apply for the Strategic Projects category, the
company must first contact the BC PNP to obtain
information about the program, discuss the
proposal and register the company’s interest to
apply.
BUSINESS PLAN
• To qualify, the company must: be in excellent
financial health, provide evidence of good
business practices and successful business
operations outside of Canada, that are relevant
to the proposed B.C. business; and identify
investment opportunities in B.C. based on
commercial decisions and credible foundation.
JOB CREATION
• Create at least three new permanent, full-time
equivalent positions for Canadian citizens and/or
permanent residents of Canada for each foreign
key staff member proposed (to a maximum of
five key staff).
To be eligible as key staff, the
individual(s) must:
• be current senior employees of
the foreign corporation who have
the qualifications and experience
that are essential to establish
and operate the business in B.C.
• is being appointed to an
executive or senior managerial
position, or has specialized
knowledge essential to the
proposed B.C. operation
• will be employed in a
permanent full-time capacity at
the B.C. operation
• is offered a wage
commensurate with his/her
expertise and consistent with
industry and corporate
compensation structures
• Key Staff Members must meet
all the Entrepreneur Immigration
requirements.
EDUCATION
• None specified
Page 25 of 31
PROGRAM
(INFO UPDATED NOV 2020)
Northwest
Territories
NWT Nominee Program (NTNP) –
Business Stream
Overview:
• The Business Stream is
designed to attract
entrepreneurs with business
expertise and investment capital
to settle in the Northwest
Territories and enhance the
economic environment of the
NWT by purchasing or starting a
business.
Residency is a key requirement
of the Nominee Program.
Applicants must demonstrate
that:
• they reside within 100
kilometers of the business they
operate in the Northwest
Territories;
• they have been resident in the
Northwest Territories for at least
75% of the time while on a
temporary work permit.
Program Information
https://www.immigratenwt.ca/e
n/business-stream
Program Guide
https://www.immigratenwt.ca/si
tes/immigratenwt/files/resource
s/ntnp_business_stream_guideli
nes_-_june_2020.pdf
NET WORTH
AND MIN.
INVESTMENT
NET WORTH
• $500,000 (if
the business is
located within
the corporate
boundaries of
Yellowknife)
OR
• $250,000 (if
outside of
those
boundaries)
• Net worth
must be
verified by an
approved
Financial
Service
Provider
MIN INVEST
• $300,000 (if
in Yellowknife)
OR
• $150,000
(elsewhere)
• Applicant
must have 1/3
ownership,
unless
investment is
greater than
$1,000,000.
POINTS AND
LANGUAGE
POINTS
• There is no
scoring; rather
you must
submit an EOI
and address
all the
eligibility
requirements
in a cover
letter
LANGUAGE
• CLB 4.
PROCESSING
FEE, TIME,
AND DEPOSIT*
FEE
• $2,800
TIME
• Process
complete
applications
within twelve
(12) weeks of
receipt of all
required
information
and
documentation
DEPOSIT
• None
EXPERIENCE/EDUCATION/AGE
REQUIREMENT
NOTES
EXPERIENCE
• No minimum experience
specified.
The applicant must
• have the necessary experience
and education to successfully
implement the proposed
business plan.
• demonstrate reasonable
knowledge and understanding of
the Northwest Territories and its
economy;
• demonstrate reasonable
communication skills
appropriate to conduct business
in the NWT and to integrate into
the local community.
INTERVIEW
• Prospective applicants are required to
participate in one or more face-to-face interviews
EXPLORATORY VISIT
•Prior to being invited by Nominee Program staff
to submit an application, prospective applicants
are required to make at least one (1) business
trip to the Northwest Territories, at the
applicant’s own cost. The business trip must be
for a minimum of four (4) full business days.
PERMANENT VS. WORK VISA
• Once the Business Performance Agreement is
signed, the Govt of the NWT will issue a letter of
support for a 2 year work permit.
• The applicant will be eligible for nomination
(and PR) during the 19th month after the
commencement date.
APPLICATION PROCESS
• No EOI System.
• Self-assessment and initial investigations
• Further investigations and face-to-face
interviews
• Formal Application, including business plan
and net worth verification
• Application review
BUSINESS PLAN
• Business plan clearly details the proposed
business structure as well as the benefits
(immediate and future) for the Northwest
Territories. Refer to Page 26 of the Guide.
JOB CREATION
• Businesses in Yellowknife must hire 1 full time
employee and 1 part-time employee.
• Businesses outside Yellowknife must hire 1 full
time employee or 2 part-time employees.
Priority business projects:
• Business concepts will be
considered a priority if they
involve a project that is new and
innovative to the NWT or if the
project would generate
significant benefits to the NWT
both in terms of investment and
job creation.
EDUCATION
• No minimum education
specified.
• The applicant must have the
necessary experience and
education to successfully
implement the proposed
business plan.
AGE
• No age restrictions
Page 26 of 31
PROGRAM
(INFO UPDATED NOV 2020)
Yukon
Yukon – Business Nominee
Program (YBNP)
Overview:
• The Business Nominee
Program (YBNP) is designed to
attract and retain skilled
international entrepreneurs to
add diversity and innovation to
Yukon’s economy. Accepted
applicants become candidates
for nomination support and may
start a business, purchase an
existing business, or partner with
an existing business. In all
cases, the candidate must
operate the business.
Program Information
https://yukon.ca/en/immigratio
n/yukon-business-nomineeprogram/find-eligibilityrequirements-apply-run-yourbusiness
Program Guide
https://yukon.ca/sites/yukon.ca
/files/edu/edu-yukon-businessnominee-program-policy.pdf
NET WORTH
AND MIN.
INVESTMENT
NET WORTH
• Legally
accumulated
net worth of
$500,000,
including
minimum
$300,000 in
liquid assets,
that has been
verified by a
Yukon
accounting
firm
MIN INVEST
• $300,000,
with no less
than 1/3
ownership
POINTS AND
LANGUAGE
POINTS
• 103 points
• Minimum
score of 65
points needed
LANGUAGE
• CLB 4,
needed at the
time of
applying for
nomination
and
permanent
residence
PROCESSING
FEE, TIME,
AND DEPOSIT*
FEE
• Unknown
TIME
• 8 to 10
weeks
following
receipt of the
application
DEPOSIT
• None
EXPERIENCE/EDUCATION/AGE
REQUIREMENT
NOTES
EXPERIENCE
• Has a minimum of three years
of entrepreneurial or business
management experience.
• Has a minimum of five years of
relevant work experience.
INTERVIEW
• If the full application meets the requirements
of the YBNP, the applicant is invited to a
mandatory interview in Yukon
EXPLORATORY VISIT
•Not stated.
PERMANENT VS. WORK VISA
• The candidate must successfully apply to IRCC
for a two-year work permit before being
permitted to work or reside in Canada. The two
year work permit allows the candidate to own
and operate a business within Yukon, subject to
conditions.
• The candidate must successfully establish
themselves, their family and their business in
Yukon during this two-year period in order to be
supported by the YBNP for permanent residence
APPLICATION PROCESS
• The applicant submits a registration
application to the YBNP containing a summary of
the applicant's business proposal.
• If selected by the YBNP, the applicant is invited
to submit their full business proposal and all
required information
• If the full application meets the requirements
of the YBNP, the applicant is invited to a
mandatory interview in Yukon
BUSINESS PLAN
• The documentation must include a detailed
business plan that outlines how the applicant will
establish a successful business venture in one of
the industries listed on the Strategic Sector List..
JOB CREATION
• No minimum stated.
The business must belong to one
of the strategic sectors:
• information technology
• manufacturing
• value-added processing
• forestry
• tourism
• energy
• mining/mineral development
• agriculture
• cultural industries
• film and video production
EDUCATION
• Has successfully completed of
high school, at minimum. If the
nature of the business requires a
higher education, proof of those
credentials will be required.
AGE
• No age restrictions
Page 27 of 31
PROGRAM
The Government of
Canada
Federal Self-Employed Persons
Program (excluding Quebec)
Overview: The Self-Employed
Program seeks to bring people who
will become self-employed in
Canada. They must have either:
• relevant experience in cultural
activities or athletics, and
o intend and be able to
make a significant
contribution to the
cultural or athletic life
of Canada
Note: The province of Quebec runs
its own self-employed business
immigration program.
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigr
ation-refugeescitizenship/services/immigratecanada/self-employed.html
NET WORTH
AND MIN.
INVESTMENT
NET WORTH
• You must
submit with your
application a
narrative
document
bearing your
signature and
describing how
your present
financial
resources, both
family and
business was
accumulated.
MIN INVEST
• All selfemployed
persons must
establish that
they have
enough money
to support
themselves and
their family
members for at
least one year
after they arrive
in Canada. This
is normally
satisfied by the
net worth
requirement.
POINTS AND
LANGUAGE
POINTS
• Max: 100
• Min: 35/100
Pts awarded for
five factors:
• age
• education
• official
languages
• experience
•adaptability
LANGUAGE
• No minimum
specified
however, pts
awarded for
high, moderate,
and basic
language
abilities.
• Proficiency in
English, French
or both. Up to
24 pts awarded.
• Your test
results must not
be more than
two years old at
the time of
application
submission.
PROCESSING
FEE, TIME, AND
DEPOSIT*
FEE
• Applicant:
Processing fee
($1050) and
right of
permanent
residence fee
($490)
• Spouse or
partner:
Processing fee
($550) and right
of permanent
residence fee
($490)
• Dependent
Child: $150 per
child
Additional fees:
• medical
examinations
• police
certificates
• language
assessments
TIME
• 24 months
• Processing
time was last
updated
September 13th,
2018.
DEPOSIT
• No deposit
required
Page 28 of 31
EXPERIENCE/EDUCATION/AGE
REQUIREMENT
NOTES
Your experience is relevant if you
have:
• taken part in cultural activities
or athletics at a world-class
level or
• been self-employed in cultural
activities or athletics
INTERVIEW
• Doesn’t appear interview is required.
“Your application will undergo a
detailed review by a Visa Officer. The
Officer will consider all the information
and documentation you have provided
and will assess it against current
selection standards.”
EXPLORATORY VISIT
• Does not appear to be required.
PERMANENT VS. WORK VISA
• If your application is successful,
applicant and family members will
receive permanent resident
visas. Applicant will become
permanent residents of Canada when
they move to Canada within the validity
of your visa(s). Some conditions will
apply:
• Applicant will remain a
permanent resident until they
become a Canadian citizen, as
long as they spend at least
two years of each five-year
period in Canada.
• Applicant may leave and reenter Canada as often as they
wish.
APPLICATION PROCESS
• Mail-in application system. Put the
completed forms, supporting
documents and fee payment in a
23 cm x 30.5 cm (9” x 12”) envelope
and forward to Centralized Intake Office
(CIO) in Sydney, NS.
BUSINESS PLAN
• It does not appear that a business
plan is required. Guidelines state that
self-employed immigrants must have
the experience, intention and ability to
establish a business that will, at a
minimum, create an employment
opportunity for themselves and that will
• Relevant experience for a selfemployed person means at least
two years of experience within the
five-year period immediately
preceding the date of application.
The experience must be:
• for cultural activities:
a. two one-year periods being selfemployed in cultural activities, or
b. two one-year periods
participating at a world-class level
in cultural activities, or
c. a combination of a one-year
period described in A above, and a
one-year period described in B
above.
• for athletics:
a. two one-year periods being selfemployed in athletics, or
b. two one-year periods
participating at a world class level
in athletics, or
c. a combination of a one-year
period described in a above, and a
one-year period described in b
above, and
• for buying and managing a
farm, two one-year periods
managing a farm.
EDUCATION
PROGRAM
NET WORTH
AND MIN.
INVESTMENT
POINTS AND
LANGUAGE
PROCESSING
FEE, TIME, AND
DEPOSIT*
EXPERIENCE/EDUCATION/AGE
REQUIREMENT
NOTES
• No minimum education
requirements. However, more
points awarded with the more
education that you have
make a significant contribution to
cultural activities or athletics in Canada
JOB CREATION
• Establish a business that will, at a
minimum, create an employment
opportunity for the applicant.
• No immigration conditions are
imposed on this class.
AGE
• Points only awarded for those
between the ages of 17 and 53
Page 29 of 31
PROGRAM
(INFO UPDATED NOV 2020)
The Government of
Canada
Start-up Visa Program
Overview: Canada’s Start-up Visa
Program targets immigrant
entrepreneurs with the skills and
potential to build businesses in
Canada that:
• are innovative
• can create jobs for Canadians
• can compete on a global scale.
Applicants must get support for
their idea from one of the
designated organizations, to qualify
for this program. Designated
organizations are business groups
that have been approved to invest
in or support possible start-ups.
Program Information
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigr
ation-refugeescitizenship/services/immigratecanada/start-visa.html
Note: No more than five persons
may be part of a single commitment
from a designated business entity.
If your commitment has more than
one person related to the business
proposal, an application for each
person named in the Commitment
Certificate must be received before
final decisions will be made on any
of the applications.
NET WORTH
AND MIN.
INVESTMENT
NET WORTH
• Must submit
proof of
settlement
funds. Min.
before-tax
annual income
that is
necessary to
support a group
of persons equal
in number to the
total number of
the applicant
and their family
members.
MIN INVEST
• The applicant
is not required
to invest any of
their own
money.
Must secure the
support of one
of the following:
• A designated
venture capital
fund who will
invest a min
$200,000
• A designated
angel investor
who will invest a
min $75,000
• A designated
business
incubator, who
will not
necessarily
POINTS AND
LANGUAGE
POINTS
• No points
To be eligible for
the Start-up Visa
Program, the
applicant must:
• have a
qualifying
business
• get a letter of
support from a
designated
organization
• meet the
language
requirements
• bring enough
money to settle
LANGUAGE
• (CLB) 5 in all
four categories
for either
English or
French.
PROCESSING
FEE, TIME, AND
DEPOSIT*
FEE
Applicant:
• Processing
fee ($1575) and
right of
permanent
residence fee
($500)
Spouse or
partner:
• Processing
fee ($825) and
RPRF ($500)
Dependent
Child:
• $225/child
TIME
• 12 – 16
months
DEPOSIT
• No deposit
required
EXPERIENCE/EDUCATION/AGE
REQUIREMENT
NOTES
EXPERIENCE
• There is no minimum experience
requirements
• Individual designated
organizations may have their own
requirements
INTERVIEW
• IRCC may request an interview with
the applicant(s).
• Most designated organizations will
include an interview before offering
their Letter of Support
EXPLORATORY VISIT
• Applicants are asked to provide
details on the history of any
relationship related to business or any
persons related to the entity investing
in their business, including any
business meetings they may have had.
PERMANENT VS. WORK VISA
• If application is approved, applicant
can apply for permanent residence.
• Applicants who have received a
Commitment Certificate and Letter of
Support may apply for a work permit
while they are waiting for their PR
application to be processed.
APPLICATION PROCESS
• Mail to the Centralized Intake Office Start Up Business Class, Sydney, NS.
There are two different addresses
depending on whether application is
mailed or sent by courier.
BUSINESS PLAN
• Most designated organizations will
require a detailed and comprehensive
Business Plan.
• IRCC may request a copy of the
business plan to be submitted.
JOB CREATION
• No minimum job creation
requirements
A start-up business must be a new,
innovative business intended to be
operated in Canada which meets
the criteria of a qualifying business:
(1) At the time the applicant gets
the Letter of Support from the
designated organization:
• each applicant must hold at least
10% of the voting rights attached to
all shares of the corporation
outstanding at the time (up to 5
people), AND
• the designated organization and
the applicants must jointly hold
more than 50% of the voting rights
attached to all shares in the
business.
(2) At the time the applicant
receives permanent residence:
• he is providing active and ongoing
management of this business from
within Canada (or can demonstrate
he has the intention of doing so
once PR is issued)
• an essential part of the
operations of the business happens
in Canada
• the business is incorporated in
Canada
EDUCATION
Page 30 of 31
PROGRAM
(INFO UPDATED NOV 2020)
NET WORTH
AND MIN.
INVESTMENT
make an
investment, but
will accept the
business into its
incubator
program.
POINTS AND
LANGUAGE
PROCESSING
FEE, TIME, AND
DEPOSIT*
EXPERIENCE/EDUCATION/AGE
REQUIREMENT
• There are no minimum education
requirements.
• Individual designated
organizations may have their own
requirements
AGE
• There are no age limitations.
• Individual designated
organizations may have their own
requirements
Page 31 of 31
NOTES