Federal Business Immigration Programs

People who have the financial ability to invest and start businesses in Canada have the opportunity to obtain permanent residence status in Canada through various business immigrant programs. These programs aim to develop and strengthen the Canadian economy by using foreign expertise. Individuals who have the expertise and financial power may be eligible for Canadian immigration under the following programs:

  1. Entrepreneur Start-up Visa Program: Entrepreneurs who have a unique business plan along with a secure investment from a Canadian organization may be eligible for the entrepreneurs’ startup visa program.
  2. Self Employed Persons Program: Individuals that are self-employed and can contribute to the cultural, athletic, or agricultural sectors of the Canadian economy and are able to support/ themselves along with dependents are eligible for this type of visa.

Entrepreneur Start-up Visa Program

Eligibility for Entrepreneur Start-up Visa Program:

  • Applicants must have at least 2 years of business experience.
  • Individuals applying for this program must have sufficient investment funds from a Canadian venture capital fund or a business incubator.
  • Individuals must be able to communicate in English or French.
  • Individuals must have ample funds to start living in Canada and be able to support (if) any dependents.

Features of the Entrepreneur Start-up Visa Program:

              o It is required for the entrepreneur to have successfully managed a Canadian business for a period of 3 years minimum. Also, the business must ensure employment for others.

              o All family members of the primary applicant will be subjected to the same conditions until the entrepreneur satisfies the conditions.

              o The investors must also have business experience showing proof of either/or :

              o An established business for a period of 2 years minimum.

              o 5 full-time jobs per year equivalent to 2 years.

              o Proof of funds as settlement funds, depending upon family size, is required.

Self-employed Persons Program

Eligibility for Self Employed Persons Program:

The government of Canada is not accepting new applications in the farm management stream under self-employed persons since March 10, 2018, until further notice. 

              o Applicants must have relevant experience that can contribute to the cultural or athletic life of Canada.

              o Applicants must have expertise in farm management and have the financial power to buy and manage a farm in Canada.

              o Applicants must be able to communicate in English or French

Features of the Self Employed Person Program:

All foreign nationals who have at least two years of relevant experience and intend to be self-employed in Canada contributing to its economy are eligible for this program. Relevant experience may be:

             a) Participation in cultural activities/athletics on a world-class level.

             b) Self-Employment in cultural activities/athletics.

             Cultural Activities:

Applicants applying under this category must have experience of:

            (a) 2 years of being self-employed in cultural activities.

            (b) 2 years of participation in cultural activities on a world-class level.

            (c) A combination of 2 years of the category (a) and (b).

            Athletics:

Applicants applying under this category must have experience of:

            (a) 2 years of being self-employed in athletics.

            (b) 2 years of participation in athletics on a world-class level.

            (c) A combination of 2 years of the category (a) and (b).

Business Immigration Points Table

To qualify for the Entrepreneur Startup visa program, investors, and self-employed program, one needs to score at least 35 points. Score allocation will be according to the following grid:

1. Business experience (Maximum points 35)

Years of Experience    Points     
2 Years 20
3 Years 25
4 Years 30
5 Years 35

2. Age (Maximum Points 10)

Age Points
21-49 Years (at the time of application   10           
Under 21 Years 08
Above 49 Years 08

3. Qualification Points

Education Points
Doctorate or Master's Degree   25           
Bachelor's Degree 20
Diploma (3 Years of Training)  20
Diploma (2 Years of Training) 15
Diploma (1 Year of Training) 10
High School 05

4. Language Proficiency (Maximum Points 24)

- 1st language

Proficiency Points     
High Proficiency    16 
Moderate Proficiency  08
Basic Proficiency  02

- 2nd language

Proficiency Points     
High Proficiency    08 
Moderate Proficiency  08
Basic Proficiency  02
 

5. Adaptability (Maximum Points 6)

Conditions Points     
Business trip to Canada   06

Participation in designated Joint Federal-Provincial Business  
Immigration Initiatives

06

Security and Medical Requisites:

All applicants will need to provide medical certificates and police certificates in order to be eligible for the process. The security & background check is an important part of Canadian Immigration and can render someone inadmissible to Canada. Similarly, Canada does not accept such applicants who have any medical disease to them or any of their dependents, and such cases may be considered on the basis of their medical inadmissibility. 


Are you still confused about which type of immigration you should apply for? Team, The Visa Canada provides a free assessment or Consultation Session to discuss your profile and can help you identify the best possible route to Canada based on your credentials.

If you would like to know more, you may call +1 647 294 6631 or email info@TheVisaCanada.ca or message us using the contact form below.