Canada's Immigration Program for business entrepreneurs

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 The Start-Up Visa (SUV) program is Canada's flagship federal immigration pathway for innovative entrepreneurs. Its unique model connects immigrant founders with designated Canadian private-sector organizations (venture capital funds, angel investor groups, or business incubators) that are approved to invest in or incubate their business idea. The key advantage of the SUV is that it provides successful applicants and their families with immediate permanent residence, allowing them to focus on launching and growing their business in Canada from day one. 

Experienced entrepreneurs with an innovative business idea that has significant potential for growth, job creation, and global competitiveness. 

• Letter of Support: A commitment from a designated organization (e.g., a minimum investment of $200,000 CAD from a VC fund or $75,000 from an angel group, or acceptance into a business incubator program).
• Language Proficiency: Minimum language proficiency of CLB 5 in English or French.
• Settlement Funds: Proof of sufficient unencumbered funds to settle in Canada for you and your family.
• Qualifying Business: Meet the ownership and activity requirements for the business.

Approximately 3 to 4 years  (as of early 2025). Processing times are estimates and can vary based on application complexity and IRCC volumes. 

To improve processing and focus on the most promising startups, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has introduced two key changes:

• Application Cap: Each designated organization can only support a maximum of 10 startups for new permanent residence applications per year.
• Priority Processing: Applications backed by Canadian capital (venture capital or angel investors) or by a business incubator that is a member of Canada’s Tech Network will receive prioritized processing. This applies to both new applications and those already in the inventory.

Contact us today for a personalized assessment of your eligibility and guidance through the application process. 

An experienced entrepreneur with significant personal net worth seeking to establish a business in British Columbia.

 An experienced entrepreneur with significant personal net worth seeking to establish a business in any region of British Columbia. 

• Business Experience: Minimum of 3 or 4 years of business ownership or senior management experience.
• Personal Net Worth: Minimum of $600,000+ CAD (depending on the business location), legally obtained and verifiable.
• Minimum Investment: Invest at least $200,000 CAD to $400,000+ CAD into the new or existing business.
• Job Creation: Create at least one new full-time job for a Canadian citizen or permanent resident (more may be required).
• Language Proficiency: Not a mandatory requirement for the Base Stream.
• Active Management: Must actively manage the business day-to-day from within BC.

 The process is multi-staged. After initial application and approval, a work permit is issued to implement the business plan. Permanent residence is recommended after successfully establishing the business and meeting all conditions, a process that typically takes 3-4 years in total. 

The Entrepreneur Immigration Regional Pilot is a unique pathway to permanent residence for experienced entrepreneurs who wish to actively start and manage a new business in a smaller, participating community outside of British Columbia’s major metropolitan areas. This program emphasizes community economic development and requires applicants to first secure a referral from one of the participating communities, ensuring a good fit between the business idea and local needs. 

An experienced entrepreneur seeking to integrate into and contribute to the economic growth of a smaller BC community. 

• Community Referral: Secure a referral from one of the participating communities in BC.
• Business Experience: Minimum of 2 years of business ownership or senior management experience.
• Personal Net Worth: Minimum of $300,000 CAD, legally obtained and verifiable.
• Minimum Investment: Invest at least $100,000 CAD into the new business.
• Job Creation: Create at least one new full-time job for a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
• Language Proficiency: Achieve a minimum of CLB 4 in English or French.

The process occurs in stages. After an Expression of Interest and invitation, the work permit stage can take several months. Permanent residence is granted after successfully establishing the business and meeting all conditions, which typically takes 3-4 years from initial application to PR. 

The Rural Entrepreneur Stream is part of the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP), designed to attract experienced entrepreneurs to establish or purchase a business in rural Alberta communities (outside Calgary/Edmonton and with populations under 100,000). Successful applicants receive provincial nomination for permanent residence after actively managing their business and meeting program conditions. 

Experienced entrepreneurs committed to launching or acquiring a business in a rural Alberta community 

• Business Experience: Minimum 3 years as an active business owner/manager or 4 years as a senior manager within the past 10 years.
• Education: Minimum high school diploma (Canadian equivalent verified by an ECA).
• Language Proficiency: Minimum CLB/NCLC 4 in English or French.
• Net Worth: Minimum $300,000 CAD (personally or with spouse/partner).
• Investment: Minimum $100,000 CAD equity investment in the business.
• Business Ownership: 51%+ ownership for new ventures; 100% for succession purchases.
• Job Creation: Create at least 1 full-time job for a Canadian/permanent resident (if establishing a new business).
• Community Support: Secure a Community Support Letter from a participating rural community after an exploratory visit.

  The process involves multiple stages (EOI, business application, work permit, and nomination). Total processing typically takes 2–3 years from initial EOI to permanent residence. 

The Foreign Graduate Entrepreneur Stream is designed for international graduates who have completed their education outside Canada and possess an entrepreneurial spirit. This stream encourages innovative start-ups in key sectors such as technology, energy, agriculture, and tourism, fostering economic growth in Alberta. Applicants must collaborate with an approved designated agency to develop their business idea and secure a letter of recommendation.

International graduates with a degree from outside Canada, an innovative business idea, and the drive to establish a start-up in Alberta’s key economic sectors. 

•  Education: A degree from a post-secondary institution outside Canada, equivalent to a Canadian credential (verified by an Educational Credential Assessment), completed within the last 10 years.
• Work Experience: Minimum of 6 months of full-time business ownership, management, or equivalent experience (e.g., with a business incubator or accelerator).
• Language Proficiency: Minimum CLB/NCLC 5 in English or French.
• Business Proposal: A viable business plan and pitch deck aligned with Alberta’s key sectors (e.g., technology, energy, agriculture).
• Investment: Minimum investment of $100,000 CAD for urban areas (Calgary/Edmonton) or $50,000 CAD for regional areas, from personal equity or Canadian investors.
• Ownership: Minimum 34% ownership in urban areas or 51% in regional areas; Canadian partners must be citizens or permanent residents.
• Designated Agency Support: A letter of recommendation from an AAIP-approved designated agency (e.g., Platform Calgary, Empowered Startups).
• Settlement Funds: Proof of sufficient funds to support yourself and your family while establishing the business.

The process involves multiple stages, including EOI submission, business application, and nomination. Processing typically takes 2–3 years from initial EOI to permanent residence. 

 The Alberta Graduate Entrepreneur Stream is designed for international graduates of Alberta post-secondary institutions who have the skills and initiative to establish or operate a business in Alberta. This stream supports Alberta’s economic growth by retaining talented graduates who contribute to the local economy through entrepreneurship. Successful applicants receive provincial nomination for permanent residence after demonstrating their business’s viability and economic benefit to Alberta. 

International graduates of Alberta post-secondary institutions with an entrepreneurial mindset and a viable business plan to establish or operate a business in Alberta. 

•  Education: Completion of at least two years of full-time education at an Alberta publicly funded post-secondary institution, resulting in a degree or diploma.
• Work Permit: Hold a valid Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) at the time of Expression of Interest (EOI) submission.
• Language Proficiency: Minimum CLB/NCLC 7 in English or French for all language skills (reading, writing, listening, speaking).
• Business Establishment: Establish a new business or purchase an existing business in Alberta with a minimum ownership of 34%. Business partners must be Canadian citizens or permanent residents.
• Business Plan: Submit a viable business proposal demonstrating economic benefit to Alberta (e.g., job creation, investment in key sectors).
• Adaptability Factors: Points are awarded for factors such as work experience, economic benefit of the business, age, spouse’s qualifications, and relatives in Alberta.

The process involves EOI submission, business application, and nomination. Processing typically takes 2–3 years from initial EOI to permanent residence. 

The Manitoba Entrepreneur Pathway is designed for experienced business owners and senior managers who intend to establish, purchase, or partner in a business in Manitoba. This stream replaces the previous MPNP-B stream and no longer requires a $100,000 deposit to the Manitoba government. Successful applicants receive provincial nomination after actively managing their business and meeting program conditions.

Experienced business owners or senior managers with the intent and ability to establish or invest in a Manitoba business.

• Business Experience: Minimum of 3 years of full-time work experience in the past 5 years as an active business owner (min. 33.3% ownership) or senior manager.
• Language Proficiency: Minimum CLB/NCLC 5 in English or French.
• Education: Minimum Canadian high school equivalency.
• Net Worth: Minimum personal net worth of $500,000 CAD, verified by an MPNP-approved third party.
• Business Investment:
  • Minimum investment of $250,000 CAD for businesses in the Winnipeg Metropolitan Region.
  • Minimum investment of $150,000 CAD for businesses outside Winnipeg.
• Job Creation: Must create or maintain at least one job for a Canadian citizen or permanent resident (excluding owners and close relatives
• Business Plan: Submit a comprehensive business plan outlining the proposed investment and operations.

The process involves EOI submission, business application, and nomination. Processing typically takes 2–3 years from initial EOI to permanent residence. 

 The New Brunswick Business Immigration Stream is an economic immigration pathway for experienced entrepreneurs who are ready to establish, operate, and actively manage a business while settling permanently in New Brunswick. This stream replaces the former Entrepreneurial Stream and requires applicants to make a significant investment, create jobs, and contribute to the local economy. Successful applicants receive provincial nomination after operating their business for at least six months and meeting the terms of a Business Performance Agreement. 

Experienced business owners or senior managers with the intent and capital to establish or purchase a business in New Brunswick. 

•  Age: Must be between 19–59 years old.
• Language Proficiency: Minimum CLB 4 in English or French.
• Education: Minimum high school diploma or equivalent.
• Net Worth: Minimum personal net worth of $500,000 CAD (or $300,000 CAD for farming sector applicants).
• Business Experience:
  • At least 2 years of business ownership (min. 51% ownership) with direct involvement in day-to-day operations and supervision of 2+ employees; or
  • At least 2 years of senior management experience with primary decision-making authority and supervision of 2+ employees.
• Business Plan: Submit a viable business plan with a minimum investment of $150,000 CAD in eligible business assets and commitment to create at least one full-time job for a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
• Points Requirement: Score at least 65 points on the NB selection grid.

Time takes from Expression of Interest (EOI) to receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) varies (based on provincial priorities). Business establishment and nomination takes around 1-2 years after arrival in New Brunswick.

 The Newfoundland and Labrador International Entrepreneur Program is designed for experienced entrepreneurs who intend to establish, purchase, or partner in a business in Newfoundland and Labrador while settling permanently in the province. This program prioritizes businesses that demonstrate significant economic benefits, such as job creation, regional development, or innovation in high-demand sectors like agriculture, aquaculture, technology, and natural resources.

 Experienced entrepreneurs with substantial personal assets and the intent to actively manage a business in Newfoundland and Labrador. 

•  Age: Must be between 21–59 years old.
• Language Proficiency: Minimum CLB 5 in English or French (IELTS/CELPIP/TEF).
• Education: Minimum Canadian high school diploma or equivalent (verified by an ECA issued within the last 5 years).
• Net Worth: Minimum $600,000 CAD in unencumbered personal/business assets.
• Business Experience:
  
  • At least 2 years of business ownership (min. 25% ownership) in the last 5 years; or
  • At least 5 years of senior business management experience in the last 10 years.
• Investment:
  • Minimum $200,000 CAD of personal investment for a new business (min. 33.3% ownership); or
  • Minimum $1,000,000 CAD in equity investment for larger ventures.
• Job Creation: Create at least one full-time job for a Canadian citizen or permanent resident (excludes relatives).
• Exploratory Visit: Mandatory in-person visit to Newfoundland and Labrador (for applicants outside the province).

Time takes from Expression of Interest (EOI) to receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) varies  priority given to regional development and key sectors ). Business establishment and nomination takes around 1-2 years after arrival.

The Newfoundland and Labrador International Graduate Entrepreneur Program is designed for graduates of Memorial University or College of the North Atlantic who have the skills, education, and entrepreneurial drive to establish or purchase a business in the province. This program enables international graduates to transition from study to business ownership while contributing to Newfoundland and Labrador’s economy through job creation and innovation in priority sectors. 

Graduates of Memorial University or College of the North Atlantic with business ownership experience and a valid post-graduation work permit. 

•  Age: Must be at least 21 years old.
• Education: Completed a degree or diploma after at least two academic years of full-time, in-person study at Memorial University or College of the North Atlantic. The credential must have been completed within two years of submitting the Expression of Interest.
• Work Permit: Hold a valid post-graduation work permit (PGWP) at the time of application.
• Business Experience: At least one year of continuous experience actively managing and owning the current business (minimum 33.3% ownership).
• Language Proficiency: Minimum CLB 7 in English or French (IELTS/CELPIP/TEF).
• Job Creation: Create at least one full-time job for a Canadian citizen or permanent resident (excludes relatives).
• Business Plan: Submit a business continuity plan with financial documentation verified by a recognized third-party professional.
• Settlement Intent: Intend to live permanently in Newfoundland and Labrador while actively managing the business.

Time takes from Expression of Interest (EOI) to receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) varies  priority given to regional development and key sectors ). Business establishment and nomination takes around 1-2 years after arrival.

 The Nova Scotia Entrepreneur Stream is designed for experienced business owners or senior managers who wish to establish or acquire a business in Nova Scotia and actively manage it while residing in the province. This stream targets individuals who can contribute to the local economy through business investment and job creation. 

 Experienced business owners or senior managers with significant personal net worth and the intent to establish, purchase, and actively manage a business in Nova Scotia. 

•  Age: Must be at least 21 years old.
• Education: Completed a degree or diploma after at least two academic years of full-time, in-person study at Memorial University or College of the North Atlantic. The credential must have been completed within two years of submitting the Expression of Interest.
• Work Permit: Hold a valid post-graduation work permit (PGWP) at the time of application.
• Business Experience: At least one year of continuous experience actively managing and owning the current business (minimum 33.3% ownership).
• Language Proficiency: Minimum CLB 7 in English or French (IELTS/CELPIP/TEF).
• Job Creation: Create at least one full-time job for a Canadian citizen or permanent resident (excludes relatives).
• Business Plan: Submit a business continuity plan with financial documentation verified by a recognized third-party professional.
• Settlement Intent: Intend to live permanently in Newfoundland and Labrador while actively managing the business.

Time takes from Expression of Interest (EOI) to receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) varies  based on program needs and EOI score. Business establishment and nomination takes approximately 2-3  years from initial application to PR.    

The Nova Scotia International Graduate Entrepreneur Stream is designed for recent graduates of Nova Scotia universities or the Nova Scotia Community College who have started or acquired a business in the province. This stream supports entrepreneurial graduates who have already established and operated their business for at least one year and intend to settle permanently in Nova Scotia. 

 Recent graduates of a Nova Scotia post-secondary institution who have started or purchased a business in Nova Scotia and have been actively managing it for at least one year. 

•  Education: Completed a degree or diploma after at least two academic years of full-time, in-person study at a Nova Scotia university or the Nova Scotia Community College.
• Business Ownership: At least 33.33% ownership of a Nova Scotia business, with a minimum of one year of continuous active management experience.
• Work Permit: Hold a valid post-graduation work permit (PGWP) at the time of application.
• Language Proficiency: Minimum CLB 7 in English or French.
• Intent: Demonstrate the intention to live permanently in Nova Scotia while actively managing the business.

Time takes from Expression of Interest (EOI) to receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) varies  based on program needs and EOI score. Business establishment and nomination takes approximately 2-3  years from initial application to PR.    

Canada's Self-Employed Persons Program offers a pathway for eligible self-employed foreign nationals with experience in cultural activities or athletics to attain permanent residency in Canada. 

As per the Canadian government, a self-employed person is a foreign national with relevant experience and the intent and capability to be self-employed in Canada, contributing significantly to specified economic activities in the country. 

A key benefit of this program is that it doesn't mandate education and language qualifications for approval.

Minimum Eligibility Requireemnt

• Self-employed experience 2 out of the last 5 years (non-consecutive possible);
• Obtain minimum points threshold based on the age, work experience, education, and language;
• Provide a business plan on setting up a business in the same field in Canada (our office will provide the information to help you prepare this plan);
• Prove recognition or world-class activity within your profession in the country you are working (i.e. media and industry recognition, prizes, awards, international event participation, etc).

Effective April 30, 2024, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has implemented a full pause on accepting new applications for the Self-Employed Persons Program.  While no new applications are being accepted, IRCC will continue to process applications already in the system during this pause.