The Canada Entrepreneur Visa, generally speaking, refers to starting a business, implementing a new business initiative, or purchasing an existing business in the provinces of Canada. Through this route, you can obtain a Canada Entrepreneur Visa and, eventually, permanent residency in Canada.

Canadian provinces offer various Entrepreneur Programs, which attract many immigrants each year. Provincial Entrepreneur Programs fall under Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) and are considered one of the investment pathways in Canada.

In this article, we discuss different provincial Entrepreneur Programs, the necessary requirements for obtaining a Canada Entrepreneur Visa, the steps to obtain permanent residency through the Entrepreneur Visa, and other related information.

Benefits of the Canada Entrepreneur Visa:

  1. Business Development in an Active Economic Environment: Canada is known for its strong and growing economy, making entrepreneurship and obtaining a Canada Entrepreneur Visa conducive to business development and growth.

  2. Simplicity of Provincial and Federal Business Regulations: Canada has relatively simpler regulations for business registration and startup compared to other countries, including the United States. Entrepreneurs from any country can develop their businesses or establish new businesses in Canada by fulfilling specific conditions.

  3. Government Support for Innovative Ventures: Canada values and supports innovative business ventures that contribute to its economic growth. The government provides various forms of assistance, such as non-repayable grants, to support entrepreneurs.

  4. Access to Permanent Residency for Family Members: One of the advantages of the Canada Entrepreneur Visa is the opportunity to obtain permanent residency for yourself, your spouse, and your children.

  5. No Requirement for High Language Proficiency: Most provincial Entrepreneur Programs in Canada require a minimum IELTS General score of 4 to 5, and some programs do not have a language requirement for obtaining a Canada Entrepreneur Visa.
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Drawbacks of the Canada Entrepreneur Visa:

  1. Lack of Skilled Workforce: Some provinces in Canada face a shortage of skilled labor, and attracting skilled workers from other countries is necessary to address this issue. When starting a business in Canada, you may face challenges in finding sufficient skilled workforce for your business establishment and development.

  2. Dependency on the US Economy: Canada has a close economic relationship with the United States. While this has its benefits, any economic downturn in the United States directly impacts Canada’s economy and job market.

  3. Cold Weather and its Impact on Businesses: Many provinces in Canada experience cold and snowy winters. This weather condition may have a negative impact on certain businesses, such as construction, and can slow down operations for several months.

It’s important to thoroughly research and consider all aspects before pursuing the Canada Entrepreneur Visa. Consulting with immigration professionals or lawyers specializing in Canadian immigration can provide valuable guidance tailored to your specific circumstances.

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Canada entrepreneurship visa programs

In this section, we would like to introduce you to various business and entrepreneurship plans in Canada.

Quebec province

Quebec investment program

Note: This program has been suspended until April 1, 2023.

The Quebec Immigrant Investor Program has a passive nature; This means that investors who are selected under this program do not need to create or actively manage a business in this province.

Quebec investment program requirements

$2,000,000 worth of assets obtained through legal means.

Providing $1,200,000 in a government-guaranteed passive investment for 5 years interest-free

Two years of management experience or business experience in the last 5 years

Intention to live in Quebec province

Successful applicants are issued a Certificate of Québécois Québécois (CSQ), which allows them to obtain Canadian permanent residency after passing medical tests and background checks.

Quebec Entrepreneurship Program

The goal of the Quebec Immigrant Entrepreneur Program is to attract entrepreneurs who have the necessary skills and experience to start a business in this province. The applicants of this program are in two groups and the application conditions are different in each group:

Group I: This group consists of managing a business in Quebec that the applicant has established alone or with other partners (only three of whom can be foreign nationals). Also, the business in question is supported by a business accelerator, business growth center or an academic entrepreneurship center.

Second group: In order to act in this subgroup, the entrepreneur must own at least 25% of the shares of a new company or at least 51% of the shares of a purchased company, the value of which must be equal to or higher than the funds needed to start the business project. be

Requirements for the Quebec Entrepreneurship Program

Net worth $900,000. The applicant must prove that he has legally earned this amount alone or with his spouse (second group).

Entrepreneurs of both groups must present their business project in the form of a business plan.

Entrepreneurs of both groups must obtain the program’s quorum points, which are measured according to factors such as age, education, language skills, residence in the province of Quebec or having family in this province, and financial independence.

Quebec Self-Employed Program

Quebec self-employment program

For the Quebec Self-Employed Program, conditions are required that distinguish it from the Skilled Worker Program of this province.

Requirements for the Quebec Self-Employment Program

Net worth $100,000

Two years of executive experience in the profession you intend to pursue in Quebec.

Provide a start-up deposit of at least $50,000 for a business to be set up in the Montreal metropolitan area or provide a minimum of $25,000 for a business outside of the Montreal metropolitan area.

Sufficient financial ability to live for yourself and your family in Quebec

Obtaining sufficient points in the evaluated factors

iss immigration organization is made up of the most experienced official immigration lawyers and trusted advisors, and with more than 2000 successful cases, it is by your side at all stages from immigration to residence in Canada. We will be with you in this difficult path so that you, dear ones, only think about the growth, dynamism and well-being of the life ahead in an environment full of opportunities for progress and peace.

British Columbia has three business programs:

Original Entrepreneurship Program | B.C PNP Entrepreneur Immigration Program

Entrepreneurship program – regional pilot | BC Entrepreneur Immigration Program – Regional Pilot

Entrepreneurship program – strategic projects BC Entrepreneur Immigration Program – Strategic Projects

British Columbia’s premier entrepreneurship program

With its strategic location, relatively low tax costs, competitive operating costs and an educated, skilled and effective multicultural workforce, British Columbia is one of Canada’s most dynamic locations to start a business, providing unique business opportunities for entrepreneurs.

If you are successful in this program, you will receive a temporary work visa. After entering Canada, you must set up your business and fulfill the obligations of your executive agreement with the province. Finally, by receiving the provincial selection certificate, you will be eligible to receive a Canadian work visa.

British Columbia Entrepreneurship Program – Regional Pilot

The program was launched in 2019 as a two-year pilot program, but has now been extended to 2024. The British Columbia Regional Entrepreneurship Pilot Program is designed to attract entrepreneurs to rural British Columbia. This program is only for entrepreneurs who want to start a new business. If you wish to purchase an existing business, you must apply through BC’s main entrepreneurship program.

British Columbia Entrepreneurship Program – Strategic Projects

This program is for foreign companies that intend to start or expand their business in British Columbia through this program. Up to 5 key managerial, specialized or technical employees of the company can apply for permanent residence in Canada through this program.

Ontario Entrepreneurship Program

Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program – Entrepreneur Stream is for entrepreneurs who plan to start a business in this province or buy an existing business.

If you are successful in this program, you will first receive a temporary Canadian entrepreneurship visa, and after entering Canada, you must set up your business according to the executive agreement with the province and fulfill the obligations of the agreement. If selected from the provincial side, you can apply for permanent residence in Canada.

Ontario Provincial Immigration Program – Group of Companies

The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program – Corporate Stream is for accredited international companies that plan to expand their business in Ontario or purchase a business in this province.

If such a company is established in Ontario and complies with all the rules of the program, the five principal members of the company who are essential to the establishment, operation and success of the business may be nominated by the Government of Ontario for permanent residency. After receiving the provincial selection certificate, original members can apply for Canadian permanent residence.


The province of Alberta has 4 business programs:


  • Alberta Graduate Entrepreneurship Program

  • Entrepreneurship program for foreign graduates

  • Alberta Agriculture Program

  • Entrepreneurship program in rural areas

  • Alberta Graduate Entrepreneurship Program

The purpose of the Alberta Graduate Entrepreneur Stream program is to recruit students who have graduated from an Alberta educational institution at the higher levels of high school and intend to establish and operate a business in the province of Alberta.

While the applicants have a valid work permit, after the approval of their application, they must first establish or set up their business and submit a performance report to the province of Alberta after a period of time has passed. If they fulfill the obligations of the provincial agreement, they will probably receive a provincial selection certificate and obtain the necessary permission for the Canadian entrepreneurship visa.

Entrepreneurship program for foreign graduates

The Foreign Graduate Entrepreneur Stream program is for applicants who have graduated from universities outside of Canada and intend to establish and operate startup companies and innovative businesses in this province.

This program requires you to work with and obtain a letter of recommendation from one of the designated Alberta government agencies. This program is based on a rating system and you receive points based on factors such as age, education, language score, work experience and investment amount. Applicants who get more points are invited to apply.

Agricultural program

The Farm Stream program is designed to attract farm owners or operators to purchase and manage a farm in the province of Alberta. This program requires you to have farm management skills and the financial ability to invest in agriculture in Alberta. If you receive a provincial selection certificate, you can apply for permanent residence in Canada.

Entrepreneurship program in rural areas

The Rural Entrepreneur Stream program is for applicants who intend to establish a business in Alberta’s rural communities. This program requires you to connect with and make a field trip to a participating community or communities in Alberta. In case of support from any society or community, get a letter of support from them and you can send your request for expression of interest (EOI) to the province.

iss immigration organization is made up of the most experienced official immigration lawyers and trusted advisors, and with more than 2000 successful cases, it is by your side at all stages from immigration to residence in Canada. We will be with you in this difficult path so that you, dear ones, only think about the growth, dynamism and well-being of the life ahead in an environment full of opportunities for progress and peace.

Saskatchewan Entrepreneurship Program

The SINP Entrepreneur Category program is designed to attract talented entrepreneurs to the province of Saskatchewan. Applicants must have experience of entrepreneurship or management of a business in the last 10 years.

Entrepreneurs who succeed in this program will first enter Canada with a temporary work visa and after 6 months of establishing their business, they can apply for provincial selection. If they are selected by the province, they will be eligible to apply for permanent residence.

Saskatchewan Farmers Program

The Saskatchewan SINP Farm Owner/Operator Category scheme is designed to attract applicants who have a history of owning and operating a farm and have sufficient experience in the field of agriculture, as well as having sufficient funds to invest in this field.

In this subgroup, applicants must visit this province and evaluate their business conditions before submitting their application to the province. During this visit, which should last at least 5 working days, the applicant will meet with a SINP representative.

Saskatchewan Foreign Graduate Entrepreneurship Program

The International Graduate Entrepreneur Category program is for applicants who have studied and graduated from an accredited post-secondary institution in Saskatchewan for at least 2 years and intend to start a qualified business in this province.

Applicants must be at least 21 years old and also own at least one-third of the shares of the business in question.

Manitoba Business Investment Program

The Manitoba Business Investor Stream program is designed for international investors and entrepreneurs. Applicants first receive a temporary work visa and after entering Canada, they must start or purchase a business within 2 years.

This program has two migration paths: entrepreneurship path and farm investment path.

Manitoba Entrepreneurship Pathway

Manitoba Business Investor Stream – Entrepreneur Pathway is for entrepreneurs who plan to start and run a business in the province of Manitoba. At first, applicants receive a temporary work permit and after entering Canada, they open the desired business.

If their business is in accordance with the terms of the executive agreement with the province, they will be issued a provincial selection certificate and finally they can apply for permanent residence in Canada. Preference is given to entrepreneurs who start their business outside of the Winnipeg area.

The way to invest in the farm

The Manitoba Business Investor Stream – Farm Investor Pathway program is for applicants who want to open and operate a farm in rural Manitoba. Applicants first get a temporary work visa and after setting up their business and complying with the requirements of the executive agreement of the province, they are selected to obtain a Canadian entrepreneurship visa.

New Brunswick Entrepreneurship Program

The New Brunswick PNP Entrepreneur Stream program is designed for business owners or senior business managers to start a business in the province of New Brunswick, or to purchase an existing business and actively manage it. Businesses must have economic benefits for the province.

Successful entrepreneurs can apply for permanent residence in Canada if they receive a provincial selection certificate.

New Brunswick Graduate Entrepreneurship Program

The New Brunswick PNP Post Graduate Entrepreneur Stream program is for applicants who have studied and graduated from an accredited university or college in New Brunswick for at least 2 years. Eligible applicants must start a business in the province that contributes to its economy.

If they fulfill the obligations of the executive agreement with the province, the applicants will receive a certificate of selection for permanent residence in Canada.

Prince Edward Island Business Impact Program

The PEINP Business Impact Category program is for business managers and entrepreneurs who are interested in investing in the region. This program has three subgroups including:

100% ownership path of Prince Edward Island

Prince Edward Island fractional ownership trail

Prince Edward Island work permit route

100% ownership path of Prince Edward Island

Note: This app has been closed.

The Prince Edward 100% Ownership Stream is for entrepreneurs who have a credible business history and have the ability to own and run a business in Prince Edward Island. Entrepreneurs must own 100% of the shares of the business in question and actively manage it. In this sub-category, if selected by the province, you will receive Canadian permanent residence directly

Prince Edward Island fractional ownership route

The Prince Edward Island Partial Ownership Stream is the same as the 100% ownership scheme, but its purpose is to attract applicants who intend to invest in pre-existing businesses on the island. For this program, applicants must either have a minimum ownership of 33.3% of the business they intend to invest in or invest an amount of $1,000,000.

In this program, applicants must sign an executive agreement with the province and pay a deposit. If they fulfill all the requirements and obligations of the agreement, they will be selected by the province and in the next step they can apply for a Canadian entrepreneurship visa.

Prince Edward Island work permit route

The Prince Edward Island Work Permit Stream allows applicants who qualify for the 100% ownership and fractional ownership programs in Prince Edward Island to first enter Canada on a temporary work visa. In fact, this program is a shortcut through which qualified applicants can enter Canada earlier and then, by completing the other steps of the program, get permission to apply for a Canadian Entrepreneur Visa.

Entrepreneurship Program of Northwest Regions

The Northwest Territories Nominee Program – Entrepreneur Business Stream is designed for foreign entrepreneurs with business experience and sufficient capital to start or buy a business in Canada’s Northwest Territories, contribute to the economic recovery of these regions and create jobs for Canadians based there. do

Applicants need to go on an exploratory trip to get to know the business environment of the northwest regions. If the business plan is approved, they apply for a work permit to the Canadian Immigration Department. After entering Canada, they must start their own business or develop the purchased business and sign an executive agreement with the province.

If selected by the province, they are eligible to apply for a Canadian entrepreneurship visa

Nova Scotia Entrepreneurship Program

The Nova Scotia Nominee Program – Entrepreneur Stream is designed for entrepreneurs who have a history of business ownership or senior management. They must live in Nova Scotia and start a business or purchase an existing business and actively manage it.

This program uses the EOI format, and high-scoring applicants receive an invitation to the provincial application. Applicants first receive a work visa and after setting up a business for one year, they apply for provincial nomination. By choosing them from the province, they get permission to apply for a Canadian entrepreneur visa.

Nova Scotia Foreign Graduate Entrepreneurship Program

The Nova Scotia Nominee Program – International Graduate Entrepreneur Stream is designed for applicants who have recently graduated from a Nova Scotia university or community college. Applicants must have established or purchased and managed a business in the province for at least one year before submitting an Expression of Interest (EOI) to the province.

Applicants who score higher in the EOI profile will receive an invitation to apply for the program.

If they meet the full requirements of the program, the applicants will be invited to an interview and after successfully completing the interview, they will receive a provincial nomination certificate. Then they can apply for a Canadian Entrepreneur Visa.

Newfoundland and Labrador Foreign Entrepreneurs Program

The Newfoundland Entrepreneurship Program NLPNP International Entrepreneur Category is for foreign entrepreneurs who have a history of ownership or senior management of a business and intend to start or buy a business in this province.

In this program, the EOI system is used to select applicants. Applicants who have a higher score will receive an invitation and can apply for this program. If successful, applicants will first receive a temporary work permit and must sign a commercial executive agreement with the province.

According to the agreement, they must start or buy a business and fully fulfill its obligations. In this case, they are selected by the province and can apply to the federal government for a Canadian entrepreneur visa.

Newfoundland and Labrador Foreign Graduate Entrepreneurship Program

The NLPNP International Graduate Entrepreneur Category program is for graduates who have studied at least 2 years at Memorial University or the College of the North Atlantic and have at least one year of active business ownership and management experience in Newfoundland and Labrador.

This program uses the EOI system and applicants must apply for provincial selection if they receive an invitation. As part of the case review process, applicants are required to participate in an interview, and if successful, they will receive a provincial selection certificate and finally become eligible to apply for a Canadian entrepreneurship visa.

Yukon Business Program

The Yukon Business Nominee Program is for people who have at least three years of experience in entrepreneurship or managing a business and also have at least 5 years of work experience related to the desired business in Yukon. Applicants must operate and own a business in the Yukon.

Applicants register for the program using the EOI system, submit their business plan, and enter the lottery pool. If they receive an invitation, they should send their request to the province. If their application is approved, they will be invited to an interview by the province, and if they pass the interview, they will receive a letter of support.

In the next step, they should apply to the Canadian Immigration Department for a work visa using a letter of support. After receiving a visa and entering Canada, they sign an executive agreement with the province and must act according to the obligations of the agreement and start their business. Qualified applicants receive a provincial selection certificate and can apply for a Canadian Entrepreneur Visa

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Investment amount for Canadian entrepreneur visa

To do entrepreneurship and get a Canadian entrepreneurship visa, you must provide two or three types of fees. These costs include: net asset amount, investment amount and deposit.

Net worth amount: This includes the monetary value of all your properties and assets in your home country. This asset does not need to be spent or its capital imported into Canada.

Investment Amount: This is the amount of money you need to start or develop your business in Canada and must bring it into Canada.

Deposit: A deposit is the amount of money that in some provincial entrepreneurship programs you have to pay to the provincial government in the form of a trust and as a good performance, which will be refunded to you if you fulfill your obligations regarding the requirements of the entrepreneurship program of that province. .

Canadian Entrepreneur Visa application review fee

To apply for each province’s entrepreneurship program, you must submit your request or application to the provincial government. The province charges a fee for reviewing your application, the amount of which varies in the entrepreneurship programs of different provinces.

Conditions for obtaining a Canadian entrepreneurship visa

The conditions of entrepreneurship programs in each Canadian province are different from each other, but in general, to obtain an entrepreneurship visa, you must meet the following conditions:

Having a history of business ownership or senior business management (the amount varies in different entrepreneurship programs)
Providing adequate amount of assets or investment amount or both
Having a score of IELTS General or French TCF, TEF (not required for all entrepreneurial programs)
Conducting an interview if requested by the desired province
Exploratory trip (not necessary for all entrepreneurial programs, but doing it can lead to more points)
Presenting a business plan
Deposit payment (does not include all provinces)
Having physical health
Not having a bad background

What is the financial capacity for a Canadian entrepreneur visa?

The applicant must prove to the Canadian government with his financial ability documents that he has sufficient financial ability to stay and start a business in Canada and that he will not face any problem to meet the minimum requirements of living in this country. Therefore, financial resources can be divided into two parts:

Financial ability to cover the cost of living

Canadian immigration officers use the Lyco chart as a tool to assess an applicant’s financial means. LICO stands for Low-income cut-off and means the lowest amount of income and is used to show the poverty line in urban areas of Canada with a population of at least half a million people. In other words, if your income is less than the LICO, in Canada’s eyes you are below the poverty line.

In short-term visas, the officers expect you to show 12 months of credit in your bank account.

The point that you should pay attention to is that the budget and financial resources mentioned in the table must be owned by the individual or shared with his spouse, and the applicant cannot borrow the amount from another person.

Financial ability to finance the investment

The minimum amount required for investment is determined according to the type of business in Canada.

Ways to prove financial ability:

Proof of financial ability through bank letter and quarterly circulation of short-term accounts

Proof of financial ability through a bank letter and one to two months’ circulation of short-term accounts along with sources such as affidavit

Proof of financial ability through a bank letter from long-term accounts (and financial source if needed)

Proof of financial ability through a foreign currency account along with providing a financial source

Official real estate appraisal

Procedures for obtaining permanent residence in Canada through entrepreneurship

The result of entrepreneurship programs of Canadian provinces is in two ways:

Obtaining a Canadian entrepreneur visa and then obtaining permanent residence: such as the entrepreneurial programs of the provinces of Ontario, Saskatchewan, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, British Columbia, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island

Obtaining Canadian permanent residence directly: such as the Quebec Entrepreneurship Program, the New Brunswick Entrepreneurship Program and the Nova Scotia Foreign Graduate Entrepreneurship Program

The procedures for obtaining a Canadian entrepreneurship visa are not the same in all provinces. For many programs, you must first register in the Express of Interest-EOI system. Such as the entrepreneurship program of the provinces of Ontario, British Columbia, Nova Scotia, Saskatchewan, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island, Manitoba.

But the entrepreneurship program of other provinces, such as Quebec or the Northwest Territories, do not need to send an EOI application.

Although the details of the procedures for obtaining a Canadian entrepreneurship visa are different in the provinces and their programs, but in general, they follow common procedures.

In the following, we explain the general steps of obtaining a Canadian entrepreneurship visa.

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Procedures for Canadian Entrepreneur Visa applications

Register

Register and submit your EOI application. After sending the request, you enter the lottery pool.

Receive an invitation

The EOI system is based on points. If you get a high score, you will receive an invitation letter from the province.

Apply for the provincial program

After receiving the invitation letter, you must send all the necessary documents in the checklist of the entrepreneurship program of the desired province to the province.

interview

Provincial program officials will ask you to participate in an interview and answer their questions.

Apply for a work permit

If your interview is successful, you will receive a support letter from the province and you will be allowed to apply for a two-year work visa.

Entering Canada and starting a business

After receiving a work permit and entering Canada, you must sign a performance agreement with the province. Depending on the desired entrepreneurship program, you have a few months to start your own business or develop a purchased business.

Apply for provincial selection

If you comply with the obligations of the executive agreement and send your performance report to the province, you can apply for a provincial nomination.

Apply for permanent residence in Canada

After being selected by the province and receiving approval, you can apply for permanent residence for yourself and your family.

Procedures for Canadian Entrepreneur Visa programs that lead directly to permanent residency

-Register
-Receive an invitation
-Apply for the provincial program
-interview
-Receive provincial selection certificate
-Apply for a Canadian entrepreneurship visa

The procedures for obtaining a Canadian entrepreneurship visa in entrepreneurship programs that directly lead to permanent residence are somewhat different from entrepreneurship programs that require a work permit. In these types of programs, you must first register for the program. Enrollment may be through the EOI system or you must enroll in the provincial program.

In these types of entrepreneurial programs, you may need to pay a deposit to the province and also sign a performance agreement. If you meet all the requirements of the agreement, you will be selected by the province and will be allowed to apply for permanent residence for you and your family.

Reasons for rejecting a Canadian business visa

The Canadian entrepreneur visa may be rejected for several reasons, including:

Insufficient investment amount
Insufficient net worth in the country of origin
Failure to acquire property through legal means
Business plan
Mistakes or inconsistencies in documents
Incompleteness of necessary documents
The officer is not satisfied with the ability to implement the business plan
There are two stages to obtaining a Canadian entrepreneurship visa:
-provincial stage
-Federal stage

If you are rejected at the provincial stage, such as when you apply for the British Columbia or Alberta entrepreneurship program, you can apply for a review or appeal through the immigration office of that province.

But if you are rejected at the federal stage, such as applying for a temporary work visa through the federal government, you can appeal to the Canadian federal immigration office.

iss immigration organization is made up of the most experienced official immigration lawyers and trusted advisors, and with more than 2000 successful cases, it is by your side at all stages from immigration to residence in Canada. We will be with you in this difficult path so that you, dear ones, only think about the growth, dynamism and well-being of the life ahead in an environment full of opportunities for progress and peace.

ISS immigration Organization is made up of the most experienced immigration attorneys and trusted advisors, with over 2,000 successful cases in all stages from immigration to residency in Canada

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