Business immigration in Canada is a very common method for immigrants to enter and settle in Canada, obtaining permanent residency efficiently through entrepreneurship and investment. There are so many business immigration programs available in the Canadian immigration system, providing pathways to anyone looking to start a new business, acquire an existing business, expand their business, or invest. Business immigration is an option for self-employed workers, too. There are so many possibilities that come with business immigration.

When you start with My Visa Source’s free online assessment, we can help you work through the details of your business immigration application and relieve some of your stress. If you have concerns about your unique situation, we can assist and provide clarity. Do you worry that you don’t have the skills or experience to apply through business immigration? Are you worried that your language ability is holding you back? Do you have concerns about the financial risk? No matter what your concern may be, our team has probably heard it before.

We are passionate about helping our clients reach their immigration goals. If you would like to be a business immigration, My Visa Source is happy to help.

Becoming a Permanent Resident Through Investment and Entrepreneurship 

You can become a permanent resident of Canada by demonstrating your commitment to contributing to the Canadian economy. When you let the government know that you will be making an investment or starting a business in Canada, there is usually a pathway for you to obtain permanent residency.

Canadian Business Immigration Streams

Federal Start-Up Visa Program

The start-up visa program is for entrepreneurs who want to start a new business in Canada. This program does not require any minimum investment.

Provincial Business Programs (PNP)

You can find several business immigration pathways through provincial nominee programs. Each province’s program

Owner Operator LMIA

Most hiring of foreign workers in Canada requires a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) to demonstrate why hiring a foreign worker won’t negatively impact the Canadian economy.

Owner-operators are exempt from the LMIA process.

Federal Self-Employment Program

You can enter and work in Canada as a self-employed professional in cultural or world-class athletic fields, or farming. You will need to demonstrate your experience.

Quebec Self-Employed Worker (QSWP)

Self-employed workers can immigrate to Quebec if they can demonstrate that they will completely create their own job and have a minimum of $100,000 in net assets.

Quebec Immigrant Investor Program

Investors can immigrate to Quebec with a minimum net worth of $2,000,000 and make a five-year investment of at least $1,200,000.

Quebec Entrepreneur Program

Through the Quebec Entrepreneur Program, you can immigrate to Quebec if you will be starting or acquiring a business.

Business Visitor

If you are looking to visit Canada in order to establish business connections or attend a conference, you’ll need to apply for a visitor visa and become a business visitor.

Permanent Residency for World Class Athletes and Related Occupations

The Federal Self-Employed Program caters to individuals who are contributing to Canada’s sports culture, including athletes, coaches and staff, and athletic event organizers who are looking to enter Canada.

Permanent Residency for the Film Industry

Working in the film industry in Canada can be a pathway to permanent residency through Express Entry and the Global Talent Stream LMIA. 

Application Denied?

Your business immigration application could be denied for the following reasons:

• You did not demonstrate that you can make the necessary investment
• You do not meet the requirements for the stream you applied through
• Insufficient or unclear business plan

To avoid and overcome any challenges you’re facing when navigating business immigration, contact My Visa Source to learn more about your options and how you can best proceed.

Business Immigration FAQs