How to Invest in a Business and Immigrate to Canada

On This Page You Will Find:

• How business investment can lead to Canadian immigration
• Overview of the Start-Up Visa
• Provincial entrepreneur and investor programs
• Quebec’s passive investor program
• Why the process is complex and how a lawyer can help
• Step-by-step guide to applying
• FAQ

Canada offers several pathways for investors and entrepreneurs who want to build or buy a business and secure permanent residence. These programs attract people who can create jobs, innovate, or contribute capital. However, the application process is complex, documentation is extensive, and program rules change frequently. Many applicants work with an immigration lawyer to protect their investment, avoid refusals, and navigate the legal requirements with confidence.

This guide explains the main pathways for investors, how each one works, and where professional advice makes a critical difference.

Investing and Immigrating Through the Start-Up Visa

The Start-Up Visa (SUV) is Canada’s flagship program for entrepreneurs with innovative business ideas. It offers a direct pathway to permanent residence if the business is supported by a designated organisation such as a venture capital fund, angel investor group, or business incubator.

Key requirements

• Letter of Support from a designated organisation
• At least 10 per cent ownership and 50 per cent combined control with partners
• CLB 5 in English or French
• Active management of the business in Canada
• Sufficient settlement funds (recommended minimum of $200,000 per applicant)

Up to five partners can apply for the same venture. Applicants can move to Canada on a temporary work permit and then apply for permanent residence.

Caps and processing

IRCC limits each designated organisation to 10 start-ups per year until 2026. Approval rates remain strong, with over 77 per cent of SUV PR applications approved in 2023.

Why it can be complex

• High competition for Letters of Support
• Stringent due-diligence checks
• Proof of business viability
• Detailed updates to IRCC every six months
• Long-term business commitments

An immigration lawyer can help prepare business plans, structure ownership correctly, communicate with designated organisations, and manage compliance throughout the multi-year process.

Other Federal Business Options

Work Permits

Entrepreneurs can also use pathways that allow them to enter Canada temporarily and build their business before applying for permanent residence.

• C11 Entrepreneur Work Permit: For those who can show their business will significantly benefit Canada.
• Intra-Company Transfer (ICT): For expanding an existing foreign company to Canada.
• C10 Work Permit: For individuals bringing significant cultural, social, or economic benefit.

Lawyers frequently assist by preparing benefit analysis reports, business plans, and documentation proving the applicant’s unique value to Canada.

Federal Self-Employed Program

This program accepts cultural and athletic professionals who can show relevant experience and intent to make a contribution in Canada. The federal program is paused until 2027 but remains available in Quebec.

Provincial Nominee Programs for Investors and Entrepreneurs

Nearly every province operates its own entrepreneur or investor program. These offer a work permit first and permanent residence after meeting performance conditions such as investment amounts, job creation, and business operation.

Common requirements

• Investment of $100,000 to $600,000
• Net worth of $300,000 to $1.5 million
• Active business management
• Job creation for Canadians
• Minimum language requirement (usually CLB 4 or higher)

Provincial examples

• British Columbia: Minimum $200,000 investment and net worth of $600,000
• Alberta: Streams for rural entrepreneurs, foreign graduates, and farm investors
• Manitoba: Entrepreneur and farm investor pathways
• Nova Scotia: Minimum $150,000 investment
• Prince Edward Island: Entrepreneur work permit leading to nomination
• Yukon: $300,000 minimum investment and $500,000 net worth
• Northwest Territories: $150,000 to $300,000 investment depending on location
• New Brunswick: Minimum $150,000 investment and $500,000 net worth

Why these programs are complex

Each province has its own scoring system, business performance agreements, and reporting requirements. An immigration lawyer helps investors choose the right province, prepare EOI submissions, review business purchase agreements, and ensure compliance to secure nomination.

Quebec Immigrant Investor Program (QIIP)

The QIIP is Canada’s only passive investor immigration option. It does not require the applicant to run a business.

Requirements for 2025

• Net worth of at least $2 million
• $1 million investment for five years
• Non-refundable contribution of $200,000
• High school education
• B2 French language proficiency
• Six months of mandatory residency in Quebec
• Management experience

Because the program involves financial structuring, residency conditions, and a detailed review of source-of-funds documentation, lawyers play a central role in ensuring compliance.

Why Business Immigration to Canada Is Complex

Investing and immigrating involves:

• Multi-layered eligibility rules
• Language requirements
• Ownership structure verification
• Large documentation packages
• Financial due diligence
• Strict business performance conditions
• Regular updates to IRCC or provincial authorities
• Long processing times
• Frequent policy changes

A single missing document or weak business plan can lead to delays or refusal. Lawyers help applicants avoid errors, select the best program, meet deadlines, and protect their investment through proper legal structuring.

Step-by-Step Guide to Investing and Immigrating to Canada

Investing in a Canadian Business: Frequently Asked Questions