FAQ

Frequently asked questions on business immigration Canada

What are the requirements for qualifying as an investor on the business immigration program to Canada?

To qualify as an investor or as a business immigrant, you must have two years of business experience and a net worth of at least C$800,000 that was obtained legally. You must also obtain a minimum of 35 points in a selection grid designed to determine whether you will be able to become economically established in Canada. Before a visa is issued, you must make an investment of C$400,000 to Citizenship and Immigration Canada.

What is the procedure for becoming an investor or a business immigrant to Canada?

You must meet all the eligibility requirements, pass medical, criminal and security checks, and make an investment of C$400,000.

What are the business experience requirements when you apply to the Canadian business immigration program?

You must have been a part or full owner of a business for two years or more, or have managed the equivalent of five full-time workers in a business for a minimum of two full years. You will find full details in the Related Links section at the bottom of this page.

Does the business experience have to be recent in order to get the Canadian business visa?

The business experience must be in the period that begins five years before you submit your application and ends when a decision is made on your application.

How do I satisfy Citizenship and Immigration Canada that my net worth was obtained legally?

You must be able to prove that no portion of your net worth was obtained through criminal activity. You will be asked to explain any discrepancies between your net income over the years and your present net worth. The Canadian visa officer who assesses your net worth may ask you for documents to back up both your income sources and your net worth.

Who is responsible for the investment operations of the business immigration to Canada program?

Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) administers all aspects of the program, including the investment that successful applicants must make. CIC acts as an agent for the participating provinces and territories.

What documents do I receive after I make my investment?

You will receive a zero interest promissory note that is not transferable. You cannot sell the promissory note, but you can use it as collateral for a loan. At the maturity date, you must return the promissory note to Citizenship and Immigration Canada for repayment of your C$400,000 investment.

Why does Canada have a business immigration program?

Canada’s Business Immigration Program seeks to attract experienced business people to Canada to support the development of a strong and prosperous Canadian economy. The program includes three classes: the Immigrant Investor Class, the Self-Employed Persons Class and the Entrepreneur Class.

Business immigrants are expected to contribute to the Canadian economy by owning and managing businesses in Canada or by making an investment in the Canadian economy.

How does Canada benefit from business immigrants?

The Business Immigration Program allows experienced business people to immigrate to Canada and apply their capital, entrepreneurial skills and knowledge of markets and technology within the Canadian economy.

What are the principal differences between business immigrants: investors, entrepreneurs and self-employed persons?

Investors must make a C$400,000 investment but are not subject to monitoring or other regulatory requirements once they arrive in Canada.

Entrepreneurs must invest and participate in the management of a business in Canada that creates at least one additional job for someone other than a member of their immediate family. They must report regularly on their progress.

Self-employed persons are selected based on their intention and ability to create a job for themselves in cultural or athletic activities, or to purchase and manage a farm in Canada. They are not subject to monitoring or other regulatory requirements once they arrive in Canada.

What type of documents do I have to submit to support my application in order to obtain the business canada visa?

In addition to the usual documents required to support any application for immigration to Canada, you must provide documents that demonstrate your past business experience, such as:

• financial statements
• corporate and personal income tax returns
• tax assessments
• bank statements
• business licences
• minute books
• letters of reference and
• promotional material.

Where can I get application forms to immigrate or emigrate to Canada under the business immigration program?

Where do I apply?

You must submit your application to the correct visa office. You can submit it to:

• the office that is responsible for the country where you have been living as a permanent resident or a citizen for at least a year or
• a Canadian visa office in the country where you have citizenship.

How long will it take for my application to be processed?

The length of time it takes to process your application is different in each visa office. You can check processing times in the Quick Links section on the right-hand side of this page.