There are several programs that allow entrepreneurs and self-employed persons to immigrate to Canada. The federal government uses the Self-Employed Program to attract individuals who are willing and are able to be self-employed.

There are several programs that allow entrepreneurs and self-employed persons to immigrate to Canada. The federal government uses the Self-Employed Program to attract individuals who are willing and are able to be self-employed.

Note that individuals who intend to be self-employed in Quebec do not qualify under this program. They can instead seek immigration into Canada through the Quebec Self-Employed Program.

We have years of experience assisting clients to apply for permanent residence in Canada, including through the Self-Employed Program.

Immigration Assessment

We will explain all the legal requirements to qualify for the program, which include having the relevant experience, ability, and intentions. This service ensures that you do not hesitate when you clearly qualify and you do not waste time and money if you do not. Required abilities, experience, and other conditions include:

• Ability to make a significant contribution to the sporting or cultural life in Canada as an athlete or artisan at an international level.
• At least a 2-years of experience in athletics or cultural activities, 2-years experience in farm management, or 2-years experience of self-employment in athletics or cultural experience.
• Ability to speak English and/or French
• Ability to adapt quickly
• Passing of prescribed medical tests
• Passing of security risk assessments
• Sufficient funds to begin life in Canada

We get many inquiries on how to immigrate to Canada including for those in professional occupations in the arts & culture and the skilled and technical occupations in arts, culture, sport, and recreation that qualify for the program. We will assess your professional occupation and advise you if you qualify.

British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program

The program has 3 streams targeting entrepreneurs with distinct requirements. The applicant must have a net worth of between $400,000 and $800,000 and he/she must be in a position to invest between $200,000 and $500,000. The province will first assist you to get a Work Permit. It will only nominate you for permanent residence once you have successfully started and operated the business venture.

Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program

To qualify for the program, you need a minimum net worth of $500,000 that has been legally acquired. You must have been an entrepreneur for at least 3 years or you must have 3 years of relevant management experience. You must invest at least $300,000 in Saskatoon or Regina or $200,000 is any other area within Saskatchewan. Once you apply, you will be entered into a pool and if you have a good enough score, you will be invited to submit your application.

Manitoba Business Investor Stream

The program is targeted at qualified international business entrepreneurs and investors. To qualify, you need to show the intent of buying or starting a business in Manitoba within 2 years. If you are picked, you will first get a temporary Work Permit before getting a nomination for permanent residence once the business has been established and is meeting Business Performance Agreement conditions.

Nova Scotia Entrepreneur Stream

The program is aimed at candidates with senior management or business ownership experience. You must live in the province and either buy or start a new business. You must also participate actively in the day-to-day management of the business. Among the conditions to fulfill include having a net worth of at least $600,000, being over 21, investing at least $150,000 in the business, and a score of at least 5 on the Canadian Language Benchmark.

Ontario Business Immigration Program

The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) paves way for business immigration. The Ontario Entrepreneur Stream (OES) is meant for applicants with a successful background in business.

New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program Entrepreneurial Stream

This entrepreneur immigration Canada program targets professionals willing to start or buy a business in the province and immigrate with their families. Primary requirements include a personal net worth of at least $600,000, with a liquidity of $300,000, investing at least $250,000 in a business with at least 33% ownership, 3 years as a business owner or 5 years in a senior management position, at least a 5 on the Canadian Language Benchmark exam, post-secondary education, and be aged between 22 and 55.

Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program

The program requires you show the business is legitimate, that you have at least $600,000 in personal net worth, and that you invest at least $150,000 in a business in the province, as well as age and experience requirements.

North West Territories Entrepreneur Program

The program requires you have $250,000 in personal net worth, that you invest at least $150,000 in a business in the province, that you pay a refundable $75,000 faith deposit, and that you have relevant managerial experience.

Yukon Business Nominee Program

To qualify for the program, you must prove a net worth of at least $250,000, you need the relevant business management experience, and you must buy or start a business worth at least $150,000 in the province.

We will guide you on the criteria. You must have a net worth of at least $2,000,000 earned through your own efforts. You must have at least two years of business management experience and this must have been within the five years before filing the application. You must have available $1,200,000 for investment over a period of five years and you must sign an investment agreement with the Quebec government allowing them to invest it.

We will assist you to file the application with the relevant authorities, including preparing all required supporting documentation.

Quebec issues successful applicants with a selection certificate for Canada immigration. This certificate allows you to apply for Canadian permanent residence. We will assist you with the process of applying for Canadian permanent residence.

Because of its high French-speaking population, Quebec provides additional points for French language proficiency. However, there is no requirement to speak French in order to qualify under the Investor program. We will guide you on this and other requirements during the application process.

To be eligible for the program, you must meet four basic requirements

Create a qualifying business;

Have sufficient settlement funds;

Obtain a commitment from a designated entity;

Demonstrate sufficient proficiency in English or in French.

Successful candidates will receive a letter of support from a government-designated entity: angel investor group, venture capital fund or business incubator. 

The government designated entity is primarily responsible to determine the viability of the applicant’s intended business and present an approved project, along with a Commitment Certificate, to the Canadian immigration authorities. 

In order to qualify, the intended business must be incorporated and carrying on business in Canada at the time the commitment is made and:

The applicant owns a least 10% of the voting rights in the corporation; AND

No other person holds 50% or more of the total amount of voting rights in the corporation.

Up to five applicants may have their application for permanent residence supported by the same business investment. However, certain applicants may be designated essential to the intended business. If any of the essential applicants withdraw their application or are refused for other reasons, all other applicants under the same business investment will see their applications terminated.