The Start-up Business Immigration Program 

Canada welcomes successful business people who are seeking new opportunities and challenges. The Business Immigration Program is designed to encourage and facilitate the admission of these individuals. Both the federal and provincial/territorial governments through the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) welcome business immigrants and offer services to help immigrants start a business and settle in Canada.

What are the requirements for applicants under the Start-up Business Class?

Your application to come to Canada under the Start-up Business Class will be assessed on a pass/fail basis against three requirements. The three requirements are:

• · Requirement 1:  Commitment from a Designated Entity
• · Requirement 2:  Ability in English, in French or both
• · Requirement 3:  Settlement Funds

If you meet all three requirements indicated above, then you may qualify to immigrate to Canada under the Start-up Business Class.

Start-up Business

A start-up business must be a new business intended to be operated in Canada which meets the criteria of a qualifying business, meaning that the new start-up business has received a commitment from:

1. 1. a designated angel investor group confirming that it is investing at least $75,000 in a qualifying business or two or more designated angel investor groups confirming that they are together investing a total of at least $75,000 in such a business;
2. 2. a designated venture capital fund confirming that it is investing at least $200,000 in a qualifying business or two or more designated venture capital funds confirming that they are together investing a total of at least $200,000 in such a business; or
3. 3. a designated business incubator confirming that it is accepting the applicant into its business incubator program.

Immigrate as a Self-employed Person:

The Self-employed Persons Program allows people to immigrate to Canada permanently as a self-employed person.

If you’re interested in this program, you must:

• · have relevant experience in cultural activities or athletics and
• · be willing and able to make a significant contribution to the cultural or athletic life of Canada