Business Investor Programs

Immigrate to Canada by starting a business and creating jobs, or support innovative entrepreneurs.

The Canadian Government selects business class immigrants based on their ability to become economically established and support the development of the Canadian economy. Business immigrants are people who can invest in, or start businesses in Canada and are expected to support the development of a strong and prosperous Canadian economy.

There are THREE classes of business immigrants:

Start-up Visa Program

To be eligible, you must have:

A commitment of support from a designated Canadian venture capital fund, business incubator or angel investor group.
An ability to communicate in either French or English
An adequate amount of money in order to settle and provide for the cost of living prior to earning an income.

Self-Employed Program

The Self-Employed Program aims to assist self-employed farmers, international, professional athletes, or individuals in the arts and culture industry who can prove that they have the potential to be gainfully self-employed in Canada are eligible for a permanent residency visa. Those who are interested in the program must possess 2 years of relevant experience in cultural activities or athletics and be willing to make meaningful contributions to Canada’s cultural and sporting life. Or Experience in farm management and you must intend to and be able to buy and manage a farm in Canada.

Provincial Nominee Program for Business Investor

Certain provinces offer the opportunity to immigrate to Canada with an investor visa by applying under their own investor stream of the Provincial Nominee Program. Each province will establish their own set of rules and eligibility requirements based on its own economy, opportunities and market gaps. If you are interested in living and investing in one particular province, you could be nominated through their provincial immigration program to begin your journey to a Canadian investment immigration visa.

Here at Watts Immigration, we will assess your relevant, professional experience in the field to provide the best possible advice.

Federal Business Investor Program (Closed)

The Federal Immigrant Investor Program (IIP) aims to bring individuals with business experience as well as their families into the country so that they may take part and invest in the Canadian economy. However, this program has been terminated since June 2014. There are currently no plans to resume this program. The Federal Investment Immigrant Program permits eligible immigrant investors to acquire Permanent Resident Status in Canada by making a guaranteed, five-year investment of $800,000 CAD of their own funds via an authorized bank.