Canada offers the most established and widely-used investment-based immigration programs conferring permanent resident status.

Business Classes

 

Business classes consist of the following three categories:

* Self-Employed Person
* Start-Up Visa
* Immigrant Investor Venture Capital Pilot Program

 

Self-Employed Person

 

The Self-Employed Persons Program seeks to attract applicants who intend and are able to become self-employed in Canada. Self-employed persons must have either:

*relevant experience and the intention as well as the ability to make a significant contribution to the cultural or athletic life of Canada; or
*experience in farm management and the intention as well as the ability to purchase and manage a farm in Canada.

To be eligible as a self-employed person, the applicant must have:

* Relevant Experience, Intention and Ability to become Self-Employed

Relevant experience is defined as:

* participation in cultural activities or athletics at a world-class level;
* self-employment in cultural activities or athletics; or
* farm management experience.
* Self-Employed Qualifying Activities by Occupations
* Occupations in art, culture, recreation and sport

Self-Employed Selection Criteria

The applicant will be assessed on selection criteria that include:

* Experience, education, age, language abilities and adaptability.
* To qualify, the applicant must first meet the definition of a self-employed person.
* The applicant will be assessed against five selection criteria and a point system.
* The applicant must obtain a minimum of 35 out of a Maximum 100 points to immigrate to Canada as a business immigrant.
* The pass mark of 35 points that may change

Medical, Security and Other Requirements:

The applicant and family members must have a medical exam and all persons 18 of age or older must obtain police certificates from relevant countries.
The applicant must show sufficient funds to support himself or herself and their dependants after their arrival in Canada.

Relevant experience in respect of:

*a self-employed person means a minimum of two years of experience, during the period beginning five years before the date of application for a permanent resident visa and ending on the day a decision is made on the application. The experience must consist of:
in respect of cultural activities:
*two one-year periods of experience in self-employment in cultural activities; or
*two one-year periods of experience in participation at a world class level in cultural activities; or
*a combination of a one-year period of experience described in A above, and a one-year period of experience described in B above.
in respect of athletics:
*two one-year periods of experience in self-employment in athletics; or
*two one-year periods of experience in participation at a world class level in athletics; or
*a combination of a one-year period of experience described in 1 above; and a one-year period of experience described in 2 above; and
in respect of the purchase and management of a farm, two one-year periods of experience in the management of a farm.

Specified economic activities, in respect of:

* a self-employed person, means cultural activities, athletics or the purchase and management of a farm; and
* a self-employed person selected by a province, has the meaning provided by the laws of the province.

Start-Up Visa

 

Canada’s Start-Up Visa Program is the first of its kind in the world, Canada invites entrepreneurs with experienced private sector organizations that have expertise in working with start-ups companies that will create jobs in Canada, and eventually, compete globally to apply to this program.

There are four eligibility requirements:

* Prove that the business idea is supported by a designated investor organization
* Meet language requirements
* Meet education requirements
* Have enough settlement funds
* Prove that the business idea is supported by a designated investor

Organization

Before applying for a Start-up visa, the applicant must convince a designated angel investor group or venture capital fund to invest in their business idea. If the investor organization decides to fund the business idea, they will give the applicant a letter of support with a Commitment Certificate confirming their agreement.

Meet Language Requirements

The applicant must prove their ability in English/French in these four areas:

* speaking,
* reading,
* listening, and
* writing.

The applicant must meet the minimum level of CLB 5 in either English or French for all four language abilities.

Meet Education Requirements

The applicant must provide proof of education with their application. Specifically, the applicant will need:

* proof of having completed at least one year of post-secondary education
* proof that the applicant was in good standing during at least one year while the applicant was attending a post secondary institution

Have Enough Settlement Funds

*The applicant must show that they have enough money to support themselves and their dependants after arriving in Canada.
*The applicant will need to provide proof of their funds when they submit the application for immigration.
*The amount of money needed to support the family is determined by the size of the family.

Immigrant Investor Venture Capital Pilot Program

 

The Immigrant Investor Venture Capital Pilot Program (IIVCPP) is a Canadian immigration program designed to attract high-net-worth individuals who are willing to invest in Canadian venture capital funds. This program offers a unique opportunity for investors to secure Canadian citizenship while contributing to the growth of the Canadian economy.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the IIVCPP, applicants must meet the following criteria:

* Net Worth: Have a net worth of at least CAD $10 million.
* Investment: Be prepared to invest a minimum of CAD $2 million in a designated venture capital fund.
* Source of Funds: Demonstrate that the funds used for the investment are derived from legitimate sources.
* Language Proficiency: Meet English or French language requirements.
* Managerial Experience: Have at least two years of managerial experience in a business enterprise.

Investment Requirements

The investment must be made in a designated venture capital fund approved by the Canadian government. This fund must invest in Canadian early-stage businesses with high growth potential. The investment is typically made through a limited partnership or other approved investment structure.

Application Process

The application process for the IIVCPP involves several steps:

* Assessment: Complete an initial assessment to determine eligibility.
* Documentation: Submit required documents, including proof of net worth, investment, and language proficiency.
* Medical Examination: Undergo a medical examination.
* Security Clearance: Obtain a security clearance.
* Interview: Participate in an interview with immigration officials.