Connect your business experience with an available immigration route.
Canada’s business immigration options vary by federal, provincial, and territorial programme. They may consider factors such as management experience, net worth, investment capacity, ownership, innovation, job creation, and active participation in a Canadian business. Programme availability changes, so the first step is to identify options that are currently open and suited to the applicant’s background.
Canada’s federal Start-up Visa Program is currently paused for new applications. Other provincial or territorial business streams may have different availability and requirements.
Examples of business immigration pathways
Current investor and entrepreneur options must be checked carefully because several federal programmes are paused or changing.
- 01Provincial nominee entrepreneur and business-owner streams where available
- 02Provincial or territorial investor streams where available
- 03Quebec investor, entrepreneur, and self-employed programmes for applicants intending to settle in Quebec
- 04The federal Start-up Visa Program — currently paused for new applications, with limited processing for qualifying existing files
- 05The federal Self-Employed Persons Program — currently paused for new applications
Common requirements and considerations
- Relevant ownership or senior management experience
- Lawfully obtained funds and supporting financial records
- A viable business or investment plan when required
- Language, net-worth, job-creation, or residency requirements set by the programme
Immigration rules and programme availability can change. The right requirements depend on your circumstances and should be confirmed before you apply.
Review official Government of Canada information →