Investors

Canada welcomes businesspeople wanting to expand or open a business in Canada. There are several federal and provincial programs to help entrepreneurs, investors and self-employed persons to obtain permanent residency

At the federal level, high-level athletes or artists can immigrate through the Self-Employed Persons program. Also, entrepreneurs who have skills and potential are invited to come to Canada to develop an inventive business idea through the Start-up Visa Program.

At the provincial level, most provinces and territories offer entrepreneurs and investors a pathway to permanent residence through their Provincial Nominee Programs. Under these programs, entrepreneurs need to meet requirements regarding net worth, business experience and the level of investment, language level (English or French),  as well as other province-specific requirements.

There are also options for temporary residence through Trade Agreements which could be less demanding for some business owners. Under trade agreements  you and your employees could benefit from different international mobility options, such as, oOwners’ operators, Intra-Corporate transfers, investors, traders and other professionals could be able to obtain a Canadian work permit that is exempted of a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).