Other Immigration Services
Business Immigration
Pathways for entrepreneurs, investors, business owners, and transferring executives.
Overview
Business immigration covers the routes open to people who want to start, buy, or run a business in Canada, and to executives and managers moving to a Canadian branch of their employer. Today, most entrepreneur pathways to permanent residence run through the provinces. Quebec selects its own business immigrants under separate programs.
Provincial entrepreneur streams usually ask for business experience, a minimum net worth, a set investment, and hands-on management of the business. Most issue a work permit first, then a nomination once the business meets the terms agreed with the province. Federal options are much narrower. The Start-up Visa Program is closed to new applicants, and IRCC has announced plans for a more targeted pilot to replace it. Intake for the Self-Employed Persons Program is paused until further notice.
Work permits can also play a role. Intra-company transfers let qualifying executives, senior managers, and specialized staff of an established foreign company work for its related Canadian business, including when it expands into Canada. Some entrepreneurs may qualify for a work permit because their business will bring a significant economic, social, or cultural benefit to Canada, and some trade agreements include categories for investors and traders. These programs change often, so we confirm the current rules before advising you.
Who may consider this: Entrepreneurs, investors, and self-employed people exploring business-based immigration to Canada.
Eligibility Considerations
- Relevant business ownership, management, or self-employment experience
- Meeting the specific program's net worth or investment requirements, where applicable
- A viable business plan appropriate to the chosen pathway
- Language and other general admissibility requirements
How It Works
Business Profile Assessment
We review your business background, capital, and goals against available pathways.
Pathway Identification
We identify which provincial or federal business stream currently fits your profile.
Business Plan Preparation
A business plan is prepared or refined to meet the chosen program's requirements.
Application Preparation
The application is prepared with financial, business, and identity documentation.
Submission
The application is submitted to the relevant provincial or federal authority.
Government Processing
The application is reviewed; timelines vary significantly by program.
Documents You May Need
Document requirements vary by applicant and pathway — not every applicant needs every item below. We confirm your specific list during an assessment.
- Business ownership and management evidence
- Net worth and source-of-funds documentation
- Business plan
- Financial statements or tax records
- Identity and language documents
Common Issues to Watch For
These are presented to help you prepare, not to cause concern — most are avoidable with careful preparation.
- Choosing a program that doesn't actually match your business background or capital
- Source-of-funds documentation that isn't clearly traceable
- A business plan that doesn't meet the specific program's requirements
How We Help
- Assess your business background honestly against available pathways
- Help prepare a business plan suited to the specific program
- Organize financial and source-of-funds documentation clearly
- Prepare and submit a complete application
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a minimum net worth to qualify?+
Many business immigration streams set a minimum net worth or investment amount, which varies by program and province.
Can I apply for a business program without ever having run a business?+
Most programs require relevant business or management experience, so this needs to be assessed against the specific program's criteria.
How long do business immigration programs take?+
Timelines vary widely by program, often including a conditional period tied to establishing the business in Canada.
The information on this website is provided for general guidance only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Immigration policies, fees, processing times, and eligibility requirements change frequently. Please verify current requirements with official government sources or a qualified immigration professional before making decisions.