The Business Immigration Program seeks to attract experienced business people to Canada who will support the development of a strong and prosperous Canadian economy. Business immigrants are expected to make a C$400,000 investment or to own and manage businesses in Canada. Canada has three classes of business immigrants:
investors entrepreneurs and self-employed persons. Each application can be made for only one class and cannot be changed once the application is submitted. The criteria you must meet to qualify are different for each class.
Investors : The Immigrant Investor Program seeks to attract experienced business people to invest C$400,000 into Canada’s economy. Investors must:
show that they have business experience have a minimum net worth of C$800,000 that was obtained legally and make a C$400,000 investment. Your investment is managed by Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) and is guaranteed by the Canadian provinces that use it to create jobs and help their economies grow. CIC will return your C$400,000 investment, without interest, about five years and two months after payment.
Entrepreneurs : The Entrepreneur Program seeks to attract experienced business persons who will own and actively manage businesses in Canada that contribute to the economy and create jobs. Entrepreneurs must:
show that they have business experience have a minimum net worth of C$300,000 that was obtained legally and respect the conditions for entrepreneurs after they arrive in Canada
Self-employed persons : The Self-Employed Persons Program seeks to attract applicants who have the intention and ability to become self-employed in Canada. Self-employed persons are required to have either:
relevant experience that will make a significant contribution to the cultural or athletic life of Canada or experience in farm management and the intention and ability to purchase and manage a farm in Canada.