Over the years, Canada has immensely benefitted from foreign entrepreneurs who have immigrated to Canada to leverage their businesses. As per the world bank’s ease of doing business index ratings, Canada ranks 23rd in the world with the most diverse business culture. Considering the stats, the Canadian government has implemented a few business immigration programs to help business/start-up owners immigrate to apply for business immigration visas in Canada.
Entrepreneurship or Business Visa for Canada Requirements:
The entrepreneurship immigration stream is specifically designed for individuals who already have an established business in their region and looking for global expansion. Those interested in buying an existing business in Canada or establishing a new one are equally eligible under the entrepreneurship immigration program.<br>
Upon completing 20 months of business on Canadian soil, foreign entrepreneurs need to approach the Department of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). This department will take the final call and ensure the eligibility for permanent Canadian residence as an entrepreneur. Individuals must follow the necessary steps that undergo various approvals.
Step 1: -
Write an expression of interest mail to the relevant authority of the entrepreneurship immigration stream.
After verification, you and your business partner (If applicable) will be asked to attend a mandatory interview (Mostly through video conference).
After completing step 1 successfully, you must sign a performance agreement.
Step 2
In step 2, you will get temporary work permit support to apply in the IRCC portal, asking for a temporary work permit to establish and run your business in Canada.
You will have 20 months to execute your proposed business plan and provide financial reports.
If you could complete these 20 months coping with all the entrepreneurship
immigration requirements by successfully executing your business plan, you will be rewarded with permanent residency.
Canada Business Visa Types!
The Canadian government has many business programs to offer foreign investors, entrepreneurs, and business visitors. They can choose the program that falls under their budget and suit their business models and needs.
Start-Up Visa Program – This program is for foreign entrepreneurs who want to start or own a new business in Canada. Entrepreneurs must showcase a business plan and secure the support of an eligible designated entity before applying.
Start-Up Visa Program – This program is for foreign entrepreneurs who want to start or own a new business in Canada. Entrepreneurs must showcase a business plan and secure the support of an eligible designated entity before applying.
Self-employed Persons Program – The program is for business immigrants with experience in athletics or cultural activities. Applicants must have a track record of self-employment in their field. They must also showcase that their expertise will contribute and significantly impact Canada’s economy. This program provides a direct path to becoming a permanent resident of Canada.
Business Visitor Visa – Business visitor visa is for foreign nationals who want to come to Canada to conduct short-term business activities, such as:
Attending conferences
Meeting with clients
Conducting research.
Applicants must showcase a valid reason for their visit and that they have ties to their home country that will ensure their return.
Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) – Provinces can nominate foreign entrepreneurs for business immigration to Canada and permanent residency. Each Canadian province and territory has its own PNP that varies and includes a business plan, creating jobs, and investing in the province.
Temporary Entry via Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) – Canada has free trade agreements with the United States, Mexico, and Chile, which permit business travel without a visa. <br>
FTAs are available to four categories of business persons:
Business visitors.
Intra-company transferees
Professionals and technicians.
Traders and Investors.
Canada Business Visa Minimum Investment!
As a maximum stakeholder in your business, it is a no-brainer that you have done a considerable part of the investment throughout the years. However, to establish your business in Canada, you must make a minimum required investment as follows:
Start-Up Visa Program – The minimum investment amount for angel investors is $75,000, compared to $200,000 for venture capital funds.
Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) – The minimum investment requirement for PNPs can range from $200,000 to $1 million.
Note: Passive investments such as mutual funds are categorized as ineligible and will not be considered in the applicant’s business investment section.
Canada Business Visa Processing Time and Cost!
The processing time and cost of the business immigration visa in Canada depends on the visa type and office you are applying to.
You may also need to pay for passport processing fees CAD $45.
Enrich ICS for Complete Guidance!
We are a renowned and the most trusted immigration service provider that helps entrepreneurs and other individuals with hassle-free business immigration to Canada. We provide complete assistance to applicants facing difficulties during the business immigration process. <br>
If you need assistance with business immigration to Canada, ICS is here to guide you.
Enrich ICS for Complete Guidance
We are a renowned and most trusted immigration service provider that helps individuals with hassle-free immigration to Canada. Keeping an eye over the difficulties applicants face during the business immigration process, we ensure complete assistance when asked.
If you seek help in business immigration to Canada, ICS can be your guiding light!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Will my visa be affected if my business fails?
No, your visa will not be affected if your business fails in Canada. The Canadian government understands that only some businesses will succeed and do not want to penalize entrepreneurs willing to take risks.
Can I start a business in Canada on a visitor visa?
No, you cannot start a business in Canada on a visitor visa. A visitor visa is for short-term stays in Canada for business purposes, such as attending conferences, meeting with clients, or conducting research. It does not allow you to work in Canada, including starting a business.
What is considered a business visitor in Canada?
A business visitor to Canada can only engage in international business activities and requires a work permit to work in Canada.
Some examples of activities of a business visitor include:
Training Employees
Attending Meetings or Conferences
How long can a business visitor stay in Canada?
A business visitor to Canada can stay up to 6 months. But the border services officer may allow for a shorter or longer stay depending on circumstances. If the stay is extended, the passport will note the departure date.
Can I start a business in Canada without PR?
Yes, you can start a business in Canada without permanent residency (PR). However, you will need to obtain a work permit to work in your business.
Our Services
Our Business
Free Online Assessment
Canada Business Visa Immigration -
Over the years, Canada has immensely benefitted from foreign entrepreneurs who have immigrated to Canada to leverage their businesses. As per the world bank’s ease of doing business index ratings, Canada ranks 23rd in the world with the most diverse business culture. Considering the stats, the Canadian government has implemented a few business immigration programs to help business/start-up owners immigrate to apply for business immigration visas in Canada.
Entrepreneurship or Business Visa for Canada Requirements:
The entrepreneurship immigration stream is specifically designed for individuals who already have an established business in their region and looking for global expansion. Those interested in buying an existing business in Canada or establishing a new one are equally eligible under the entrepreneurship immigration program.<br>
Upon completing 20 months of business on Canadian soil, foreign entrepreneurs need to approach the Department of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). This department will take the final call and ensure the eligibility for permanent Canadian residence as an entrepreneur. Individuals must follow the necessary steps that undergo various approvals.
Step 1: -
Write an expression of interest mail to the relevant authority of the entrepreneurship immigration stream.
After verification, you and your business partner (If applicable) will be asked to attend a mandatory interview (Mostly through video conference).
After completing step 1 successfully, you must sign a performance agreement.
Step 2
In step 2, you will get temporary work permit support to apply in the IRCC portal, asking for a temporary work permit to establish and run your business in Canada.
You will have 20 months to execute your proposed business plan and provide financial reports.
If you could complete these 20 months coping with all the entrepreneurship
immigration requirements by successfully executing your business plan, you will be rewarded with permanent residency.
Canada Business Visa Types!
The Canadian government has many business programs to offer foreign investors, entrepreneurs, and business visitors. They can choose the program that falls under their budget and suit their business models and needs.
The Types of Business Immigration programs available are:
Start-Up Visa Program – This program is for foreign entrepreneurs who want to start or own a new business in Canada. Entrepreneurs must showcase a business plan and secure the support of an eligible designated entity before applying.
Start-Up Visa Program – This program is for foreign entrepreneurs who want to start or own a new business in Canada. Entrepreneurs must showcase a business plan and secure the support of an eligible designated entity before applying.
Self-employed Persons Program – The program is for business immigrants with experience in athletics or cultural activities. Applicants must have a track record of self-employment in their field. They must also showcase that their expertise will contribute and significantly impact Canada’s economy. This program provides a direct path to becoming a permanent resident of Canada.
Business Visitor Visa – Business visitor visa is for foreign nationals who want to come to Canada to conduct short-term business activities, such as:
Applicants must showcase a valid reason for their visit and that they have ties to their home country that will ensure their return.
Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) – Provinces can nominate foreign entrepreneurs for business immigration to Canada and permanent residency. Each Canadian province and territory has its own PNP that varies and includes a business plan, creating jobs, and investing in the province.
Temporary Entry via Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) – Canada has free trade agreements with the United States, Mexico, and Chile, which permit business travel without a visa. <br>
FTAs are available to four categories of business persons:
Canada Business Visa Minimum Investment!
As a maximum stakeholder in your business, it is a no-brainer that you have done a considerable part of the investment throughout the years. However, to establish your business in Canada, you must make a minimum required investment as follows:
Start-Up Visa Program – The minimum investment amount for angel investors is $75,000, compared to $200,000 for venture capital funds.
Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) – The minimum investment requirement for PNPs can range from $200,000 to $1 million.
Note: Passive investments such as mutual funds are categorized as ineligible and will not be considered in the applicant’s business investment section.
Canada Business Visa Processing Time and Cost!
The processing time and cost of the business immigration visa in Canada depends on the visa type and office you are applying to.
Processing time:
The average processing time for a federal business visa is 3 months.
The average processing time for a provincial business visa is 7-8 months.
The processing time can vary depending on the visa office’s workload and your application’s completeness.
Cost:
The Canada business visa application fee CAD $100, including the additional biometrics fees CAD$85, comprises CAD$185.
You may also need to pay for passport processing fees CAD $45.
Enrich ICS for Complete Guidance!
We are a renowned and the most trusted immigration service provider that helps entrepreneurs and other individuals with hassle-free business immigration to Canada. We provide complete assistance to applicants facing difficulties during the business immigration process. <br>
If you need assistance with business immigration to Canada, ICS is here to guide you.
Enrich ICS for Complete Guidance
We are a renowned and most trusted immigration service provider that helps individuals with hassle-free immigration to Canada. Keeping an eye over the difficulties applicants face during the business immigration process, we ensure complete assistance when asked.
If you seek help in business immigration to Canada, ICS can be your guiding light!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Will my visa be affected if my business fails?
No, your visa will not be affected if your business fails in Canada. The Canadian government understands that only some businesses will succeed and do not want to penalize entrepreneurs willing to take risks.
Can I start a business in Canada on a visitor visa?
No, you cannot start a business in Canada on a visitor visa. A visitor visa is for short-term stays in Canada for business purposes, such as attending conferences, meeting with clients, or conducting research. It does not allow you to work in Canada, including starting a business.
What is considered a business visitor in Canada?
A business visitor to Canada can only engage in international business activities and requires a work permit to work in Canada.
Some examples of activities of a business visitor include:
Training Employees
Attending Meetings or Conferences
How long can a business visitor stay in Canada?
A business visitor to Canada can stay up to 6 months. But the border services officer may allow for a shorter or longer stay depending on circumstances. If the stay is extended, the passport will note the departure date.
Can I start a business in Canada without PR?
Yes, you can start a business in Canada without permanent residency (PR). However, you will need to obtain a work permit to work in your business.