Provincial Program
Start Up Visa & Investor Visa Program
Provincial Nominee Program Entrepreneur and Investor Visa
The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) offers aspiring entrepreneurs and investors the chance to establish or grow their businesses in Canada while residing and working in any province or territory. Empowering each province and territory, this program grants the authority to select candidates with innovative concepts, essential skills, and experience to operate their ventures within their borders.
With dedicated entrepreneur or investor visa categories in most PNPs, individuals with the drive and vision to contribute to Canada's economic landscape find a welcoming pathway to pursue their dreams and make meaningful contributions to their chosen communities.
Alberta
As Canada's second-largest agricultural producer, Alberta presents lucrative opportunities for aspiring entrepreneurs under the Self-Employed Farmer Stream.
This exclusive investment visa option is tailored for individuals with farming management expertise. To qualify, applicants must demonstrate their financial stability, providing documentation of their existing farm business, relevant work experience, training, education, and a comprehensive business plan. A minimum investment of $500,000 CAD in a primary production farming business is mandatory.
Priority is given to business plans aligning with Alberta's agro-food objectives, emphasizing detailed investment strategies and a strong potential to contribute to the province's agricultural growth.
British Columbia
Renowned for its diverse and thriving economy, British Columbia stands out as a prime location for startups and business expansion, boasting robust global trade connections with the US, Asia, and Mexico. This strategic positioning makes it an attractive hub for entrepreneurs seeking growth opportunities. Coupled with a skilled workforce, ample resources, and a financially prudent government, British Columbia offers a conducive environment for investment.
The province offers two distinct pathways for Entrepreneur Immigration: the Base Category Program and the Regional Pilot Program, providing diverse options tailored to the needs and aspirations of aspiring business owners.
Manitoba
Manitoba's robust economy, affordable living costs, and abundant career prospects make it a top choice for immigrant entrepreneurs.
Manitoba's Entrepreneur and Farm Investor Pathways have distinct criteria. The Entrepreneur Pathway requires 3 years of business experience, a $500,000 CAD net worth, and a $250,000 investment. Meanwhile, the Farm Investor Pathway mandates 3 years of farming experience, a $500,000 CAD net worth, and a $300,000 asset investment. Both pathways involve additional requirements such as language proficiency and active participation in management or operation activities.
New Brunswick
New Brunswick offers prime business opportunities with a skilled workforce. Its low operating costs and high graduation rates earned it the 2016 Startup Community of the Year title.
The Entrepreneurial Stream requires applicants to score at least level 5 in English or French, possess a net worth of $600,000 CAD, invest a minimum of $250,000 CAD, and meet age and education criteria.
The Post-Graduate Entrepreneurial Stream mandates post-graduation investor status, a full-time degree or diploma, and language proficiency.
Newfoundland and Labrador
N.L. offers opportunities in tech, ecotourism, and agriculture. Visa options include the International Entrepreneur and Graduate Entrepreneur streams. Entrepreneur Program requires a $600,000 CAD net worth and $200,000 CAD investment, while Graduate Entrepreneurs need post-graduation Investor Status.
The International Entrepreneur Program mandates high school graduates aged 21 to 59 to establish a profitable business in Newfoundland and Labrador. Requirements include a $600,000 CAD net worth, $200,000 CAD investment, active business management, language proficiency, and job creation for Canadian citizens.
The International Graduate Entrepreneur streams need post-graduation Investor Status, a solid business plan, and relevant experience. They must hold a 2-year tertiary qualification, meet language proficiency standards, and secure provincial immigration approval.
Ontario
Ontario boasts the world's most skilled labor force with 68% of adults having post-secondary education. Lower business costs, corporate tax, and living expenses make it a haven for business immigrants.
The Ontario Corporate Stream demands applicants to possess a qualifying business for 3 years, invest $5 million CAD, and create 5 full-time jobs. Additional requirements include linking the new business to the parent company, profitability, compliance with regulations, and meeting criteria for key staff members seeking permanent residency.
The Ontario Entrepreneur Stream necessitates 3 years of recent business experience. Net worth and investment requirements vary by location. Active involvement in business, meeting legal standards, and creating 2 full-time jobs for Canadians within 20 months are essential. The business must be profitable, permanent, and meet additional criteria for buying existing businesses.
Prince Edward Island
Prince Edward Island (PEI), Canada's smallest province, shines as a hub of potential and economic prosperity. The Government of PEI actively supports initiatives like the Ignition Fund to foster business development. With abundant opportunities, PEI is an excellent destination to launch your business, facilitated by the Prince Edward Island Investor Status visa option.
Prince Edward Island Investor Status
The Prince Edward Island Investor Status stream is uniquely streamlined with minimal requirements. Applicants must be high school graduates aged 21 to 59 with a net worth of $600,000 CAD. They must intend to settle in the province, actively participate in business, and create jobs for Canadian citizens. Language proficiency at level 4 in either English or French is necessary.
Northwest Territories
Northwest Territories has become a sought-after business destination with thriving agriculture, fishery, and manufacturing sectors, propelling it to one of Canada's fastest-growing GDPs. With the lowest unemployment and tax rates, a skilled workforce, and promising investment projects, it offers ample opportunities. The Business Stream program is the gateway to starting a business in Northwest Territories.
Business Stream Program
To qualify, applicants need a personal net worth of $500,000 within Yellowknife or $250,000 outside, plus a $75,000 deposit. Investments of $300,000 or $150,000 CAD are required for businesses. Other prerequisites include language proficiency, knowledge of the territory's economy, relevant experience, and intent to settle.
Saskatchewan
Situated at Canada's heart, Saskatchewan thrives as a manufacturing and distribution hub with the nation's lowest provincial tax. Abundant resources in forestry, mining, agriculture, and energy drive down operating costs. With a youthful and skilled workforce, success is within reach. Visa options include:
The Entrepreneur Category: Requirements include a $500,000 CAD net worth, 3 years of management or entrepreneurial experience, and a minimum investment of $300,000 CAD in Regina or Saskatoon, or $200,000 elsewhere. Additionally, a relevant business plan focused on Saskatchewan, ownership or investment, and job creation for 2 Canadians.
Farm Owner and Operator Category: Under this category, applicants need a net worth of $500,000 CAD and farm operating experience. A performance agreement is required to assess commitment to buying and operating a farm. A 5-day exploratory visit and a proposal for commercial farming are essential.
Young Farner Stream: This stream requires applicants to have a net worth of $300,000 CAD, be under 40, propose commercial farming in the province, and have at least 3 years of farm ownership or management experience. Additionally, the applicant's spouse must be employed to supplement farming income.
Provincial Program Frequently Asked Questions
Applicants typically need to meet specific criteria set by the province, which may include having a certain net worth, relevant work experience, and a business plan aligned with the province’s economic priorities.
The application process varies by province but generally involves submitting a detailed business plan, financial documents, and supporting evidence of meeting program requirements. Consult the province’s immigration website for specific instructions.
Some provincial programs may require applicants to create jobs for Canadian citizens or permanent residents as part of their business operations. The number of jobs required and the timeframe for creating them vary by program.
In some cases, applicants may be required to demonstrate that their spouse is employed or has the potential for employment to support the family’s financial stability while they establish their business in the province. This requirement aims to ensure the applicant’s ability to settle and contribute to the local economy.
