Self-Employed Persons Program

The Self-Employed Persons Program is designed for individuals who have relevant experience in cultural activities, athletics, or farm management, and who intend to become self-employed in Canada. This program is ideal for those who can make a significant contribution to Canada’s cultural, athletic, or agricultural sectors. To qualify, applicants must:

- Relevant Experience: Have at least two years of experience in cultural activities, athletics, or farm management.
- Ability to Be Self-Employed: Demonstrate the intention and ability to establish themselves as self-employed in Canada.
- Selection Criteria: Meet selection criteria that include experience, education, age, language ability, and adaptability.

Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) for Entrepreneurs

Several provinces and territories in Canada offer immigration streams under the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) specifically for entrepreneurs and business owners. These programs are designed to attract individuals who can establish or purchase a business in the province or territory, contributing to economic growth and job creation. Some popular PNP entrepreneur streams include:

- Ontario Entrepreneur Stream: For individuals who are looking to start a new business or buy an existing one in Ontario. Applicants must meet specific net worth and investment requirements and actively manage the business.
- British Columbia Entrepreneur Immigration: Focused on experienced entrepreneurs who intend to establish a new business or take over an existing one in British Columbia. The stream requires applicants to demonstrate business and/or management experience, meet minimum investment requirements, and create jobs.
- Alberta Self-Employed Farmer Stream: Targets individuals with farming experience and sufficient funds to invest in a farming business in Alberta.
- Manitoba Business Investor Stream: Offers a path to Canadian PR for qualified entrepreneurs and investors who have the intention and ability to invest in and operate a business in Manitoba.
- Saskatchewan Entrepreneur Program: Designed for entrepreneurs who wish to invest in and actively manage a business in Saskatchewan. It includes three stages: Expression of Interest (EOI), Invitation to Submit an Application, and Nomination.
- Nova Scotia Entrepreneur Stream: Focuses on experienced business owners or senior business managers who want to live in Nova Scotia. Applicants must have a business plan, sufficient funds, and meet specific eligibility criteria.

Federal Business Immigration Programs

The Federal Business Immigration Programs offer various pathways for entrepreneurs, investors, and self-employed individuals to obtain Permanent Residence in Canada. Key programs include:

- Federal Investor Program (currently closed): Previously allowed high-net-worth individuals to make a significant investment in Canada’s economy in exchange for PR. While this program is currently closed, similar programs may reopen in the future.
- Immigrant Investor Venture Capital Pilot Program (IIVC): A pilot program aimed at attracting immigrant investors who can make a significant economic contribution to Canada. Applicants must have a legally obtained net worth of at least CAD 10 million and be willing to make a CAD 2 million investment in a venture capital fund for a minimum of 15 years. Note that this program was also a pilot and is currently closed but may reopen or be replaced by similar initiatives.

Quebec Business Immigration Programs

Quebec has its own set of business immigration programs tailored to entrepreneurs, investors, and self-employed individuals. These programs operate independently from the federal programs and include:

- Quebec Entrepreneur Program: For entrepreneurs who wish to create or acquire a business in Quebec. Applicants must submit a detailed business plan and demonstrate their capacity to manage the business.
- Quebec Investor Program: Designed for high-net-worth individuals who want to make a passive investment in Quebec. This program requires a significant financial investment and a commitment to settle in Quebec.
- Quebec Self-Employed Worker Program: Targets individuals who wish to practice their profession or engage in a trade in Quebec, with the intention of becoming self-employed.

Canada’s Start-Up Visa for Innovative Entrepreneurs

The Start-Up Visa for Innovative Entrepreneurs specifically targets business-minded individuals with the potential to launch and grow innovative businesses in Canada. This visa program focuses on creating new jobs and fostering a competitive business environment. To be eligible, applicants must secure support from a designated Canadian organization, meet language proficiency requirements, and have enough funds to settle in Canada.