Overview of Business and Investor Immigration
This pathway is for entrepreneurs and investors looking to start or invest in a business in Canada. We assist clients in navigating the various programs and requirements.
Business Visas
Canada offers the most established and widely-used investment-based immigration programs conferring permanent resident status.
Business Visas: Business Visas consist of the following three categories:
- Self-Employed Persons
- Start-Up Visa
- Immigrant Investor Venture Capital Pilot Program
Self-Employed Person: The Self-Employed Persons Program seeks to attract applicants who intend and are able to become self-employed in Canada. Self-employed persons must have either:
- Relevant experience and the intention as well as the ability to make a significant contribution to the cultural or athletic life of Canada; or
- Experience in farm management and the intention as well as the ability to purchase and manage a farm in Canada.
To Be Eligible as a Self-employed Person, the Applicant Must have
a) Relevant Experience, Intention and Ability to become Self-Employed
Relevant experience is defined as:
- Participation in cultural activities or athletics at a world-class level
- Self-employment in cultural activities or athletics
- Farm management experience.
Self-Employed Qualifying Activities are by Occupations in art, culture, recreation and sport.
b) Self-Employed Selection Criteria
The applicant will be assessed on selection criteria that include:
-
Experience, education, age, language abilities and adaptability.
To qualify, the applicant must first meet the definition of a self-employed person. - The applicant will be assessed against five selection criteria and a point system.
- The applicant must obtain a minimum of 35 out of a Maximum 100 points to immigrate to Canada as a business immigrant.
*The pass mark of 35 points that may change
c) Medical, Security and Other Requirements:
The applicant and family members must have a medical exam and all persons 18 of age or older must obtain police certificates from relevant countries.
The applicant must show sufficient funds to support himself or herself and their dependants after their arrival in Canada.
Relevant Experience
A self-employed person means a minimum of two years of experience, during the period beginning five years before the date of application for a permanent resident visa and ending on the day a decision is made on the application. The experience must consist of:
1. In respect of cultural activities:
- Two one-year periods of experience in self-employment in cultural activities; or
- Two one-year periods of experience in participation at a world-class level in cultural activities; or
- A combination of a one-year period of experience described in A above, and a one-year period of experience described in B above.
2. In respect of athletics:
- Two one-year periods of experience in self-employment in athletics; or
- Two one-year periods of experience in participation at a world class level in athletics; or
- A combination of a one-year period of experience described in 1 above; and a one-year period of experience described in 2 above; and
- In respect of the purchase and management of a farm, two one-year periods of experience in the management of a farm.
3. Specified economic activities, in respect of:
- A self-employed person, means cultural activities, athletics or the purchase and management of a farm; and
- A self-employed person selected by a province, has the meaning provided by the laws of the province.
Start-Up Visa
Canada’s Start-Up Visa Program is the first of its kind in the world, Canada invites entrepreneurs with experienced private sector organizations that have expertise in working with start-ups companies that will create jobs in Canada, and eventually, compete globally to apply to this program.
There are four eligibility requirements:
1. Prove that the business idea is supported by a designated investor Organization
Before applying for a Start-up visa, the applicant must convince a designated angel investor group or venture capital fund to invest in their business idea. If the investor organization decides to fund the business idea, they will give the applicant a letter of support with a Commitment Certificate confirming their agreement.
2. Meet Language Requirements
The applicant must prove their ability in English/French in these four areas: Speaking, Reading, Listening, Writing
The applicant must meet the minimum level of CLB 5 in either English or French for all four language abilities.
3. Meet Education Requirements
The applicant must provide proof of education with their application. Specifically, the applicant will need:
- Proof of having completed at least one year of post-secondary education
- Proof that the applicant was in good standing during at least one year while the applicant was attending a post secondary institution
4. Have Enough Settlement Funds
The applicant must show that they have enough money to support themselves and their dependants after arriving in Canada.
Startup Visa Program - Letter of Support
To obtain a letter of support from a designated organization for the Canada Business Startup Visa Program, follow these steps:
1. Research Designated Organizations: Identify organizations such as venture capital funds, business incubators, or angel investor groups that align with your business idea.
2. Prepare Your Proposal: Develop a clear and compelling business plan that outlines your idea, its potential impact, and how it aligns with the organization's
interests.
3. Contact the Organization: Reach out to the designated organization to present your business proposal. Clearly articulate why your idea is worth supporting.
4. Obtain a Letter of Support: If the organization decides to support your venture,
it will issue a letter of support, confirming its commitment to your business idea.
5. Certificate of Commitment: The organization will also send a certificate of commitment directly to the Canadian government, which will accompany your application.
While your application for permanent residence is being processed, you may apply for a temporary work permit to begin your business in Canada.
Contact us at Marathon Immigration to know if you qualify.
