💼 Canada Investment & Business Immigration
Canada Investment Visas Guide 2025
Complete guide to Canadian business immigration, start-up visa program, investor programs, and entrepreneur pathways to permanent residence
$75K
Min. Start-up Investment
5
Entrepreneur Programs
12-36
Months Processing
90%
Success Rate (Start-up)
🚀 Start-up Visa Program – Canada’s Premier Business Immigration Route
The Start-up Visa Program is designed for innovative entrepreneurs with the skills to build businesses in Canada that can compete globally and create jobs for Canadians.
$75K-$200K Investment
Minimum investment from designated organizations
Direct PR Pathway
Permanent residence from day one, no conditions
Include Family
Spouse and children included in application
Global Market Access
Access to USMCA, CETA trade agreements
Canada Investment Immigration Overview
Canada offers multiple pathways for entrepreneurs, investors, and business owners to obtain permanent residence. These programs are designed to attract individuals who can contribute to Canada’s economic growth through job creation, innovation, and investment.
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Why Choose Canada for Business Immigration?
Canada offers political stability, strong rule of law, access to global markets through trade agreements, multicultural workforce, excellent infrastructure, and a pathway to citizenship within 3-5 years of permanent residence.
Canadian Investment & Business Immigration Programs
Start-up Visa Program
Federal program for innovative entrepreneurs with support from designated organizations. Direct pathway to permanent residence.
Investment Amount:
$75K-$200K CAD
Processing Time:
12-20 months
Language Requirement:
CLB 5+ (IELTS 5.0+)
Education:
Post-secondary diploma+
Status:
Active (2025)
Key Features
- Must have support from designated organization (VC, angel investor, or incubator)
- Minimum 10% voting rights in business
- Business must be incorporated in Canada
- No net worth requirements
- Can work for other employers while developing business
Self-employed Persons Program
For farmers and individuals in cultural activities or athletics who can contribute to Canada’s cultural or agricultural sectors.
Net Worth:
$100K+ CAD (recommended)
Processing Time:
24-36 months
Language Requirement:
None (French/English helps)
Experience:
2+ years relevant
Status:
Active (Limited intake)
Eligible Activities
- Cultural activities (artists, musicians, writers)
- Farm management and operation
- Athletic activities (coaches, fitness instructors)
- Must demonstrate ability to be self-employed in Canada
- Points-based system (35+ points required)
Quebec Investor Program
Quebec’s investor program for high-net-worth individuals. Currently suspended but may reopen with new requirements.
Net Worth:
$2M+ CAD
Investment:
$1.2M CAD (5 years)
Processing Time:
N/A (Suspended)
Language:
French preferred
Status:
Suspended (2025)
Program Status
- Suspended indefinitely as of 2023
- Quebec reviewing program requirements
- May reopen with higher investment amounts
- French language may become mandatory
- Monitor Quebec immigration website for updates
Intra-Company Transfer
For executives, managers, and specialized knowledge workers transferring to Canadian branch of their company.
Work Permit:
Up to 7 years
Processing Time:
2-8 weeks
LMIA Required:
No
Experience:
1+ years with company
PR Pathway:
Express Entry eligible
Key Requirements
- Qualifying relationship between companies
- Executive, managerial, or specialized knowledge role
- One year continuous employment with company abroad
- Similar role in Canadian operation
- Pathway to PR through Express Entry after 1 year
🏛️ Provincial Business & Investor Programs
Several provinces offer their own business immigration streams with lower investment requirements and faster processing.
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Ontario Entrepreneur Stream
Investment: $600K+ CAD
Net Worth: $1.5M+ CAD
Status: Currently closed, may reopen
Focus: Innovation and job creation
Net Worth: $1.5M+ CAD
Status: Currently closed, may reopen
Focus: Innovation and job creation
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BC Entrepreneur Immigration
Investment: $350K+ CAD
Net Worth: $600K+ CAD
Status: Active (limited intake)
Focus: Regional pilot programs
Net Worth: $600K+ CAD
Status: Active (limited intake)
Focus: Regional pilot programs
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Alberta Foreign Graduate Entrepreneur
Investment: $100K+ CAD
Education: Alberta graduate required
Status: Active
Focus: Recent graduates starting businesses
Education: Alberta graduate required
Status: Active
Focus: Recent graduates starting businesses
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Saskatchewan Entrepreneur Program
Investment: $200K+ CAD (Saskatoon/Regina), $150K+ elsewhere
Net Worth: $500K+ CAD
Status: Active
EOI System: Expression of Interest required
Net Worth: $500K+ CAD
Status: Active
EOI System: Expression of Interest required
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Manitoba Business Investor Stream
Investment: $250K+ CAD
Net Worth: $500K+ CAD
Status: Active
Focus: Community-based economic development
Net Worth: $500K+ CAD
Status: Active
Focus: Community-based economic development
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Atlantic Immigration Program
Type: Work permit pathway
Requirements: Job offer from designated employer
Status: Active
Focus: Skilled workers and entrepreneurs
Requirements: Job offer from designated employer
Status: Active
Focus: Skilled workers and entrepreneurs
Investment Program Comparison 2025
| Program | Min. Investment | Net Worth Required | Processing Time | Language Requirements | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Start-up Visa Program | $75K – $200K CAD | None specified | 12-20 months | CLB 5+ (IELTS 5.0+) | ✅ Active |
| Self-employed Persons | $100K+ CAD (recommended) | $100K+ CAD | 24-36 months | None (helps with points) | ✅ Active (Limited) |
| Quebec Investor | $1.2M CAD (5 years) | $2M+ CAD | N/A | French preferred | ❌ Suspended |
| BC Entrepreneur | $350K+ CAD | $600K+ CAD | 18-24 months | CLB 4+ (IELTS 4.0+) | ✅ Active (Limited) |
| Saskatchewan Entrepreneur | $150K-$200K CAD | $500K+ CAD | 12-18 months | CLB 4+ (IELTS 4.0+) | ✅ Active (EOI) |
| Manitoba Business Investor | $250K+ CAD | $500K+ CAD | 15-20 months | None (helps with points) | ✅ Active |
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Important Note
Provincial programs frequently change their requirements and may temporarily suspend intake. Always check the most current requirements on official provincial websites before applying.
General Requirements for Investment Immigration
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Basic Eligibility
- Business Experience: 2-5 years management or business ownership experience
- Language Skills: Varies by program (CLB 4-7 typically required)
- Education: Post-secondary education preferred (some programs require)
- Age: No age limit, but younger applicants may score higher in points-based systems
- Health & Character: Medical exams and police certificates required
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Financial Requirements
- Source of Funds: Must demonstrate legal source of investment funds
- Net Worth: Varies by program ($100K to $2M+ CAD)
- Investment Amount: Ranges from $75K to $1.2M+ CAD
- Settlement Funds: Additional funds for family settlement (varies by size)
- Business Plan: Detailed business plan required for most programs
🎯 Investment Immigration Success Strategies
Choose the Right Program
Research thoroughly and select the program that best matches your background, investment capacity, and business goals. Consider processing times and success rates.
Develop Strong Business Plan
Create a comprehensive, realistic business plan showing job creation potential, market analysis, and financial projections. Use professional consultants if needed.
Build Canadian Connections
Network with designated organizations, attend Canadian business events, and establish relationships with potential partners or mentors.
Improve Language Skills
Strong English or French skills are crucial for business success in Canada. Invest in language training to improve program eligibility and business prospects.
Plan for Long-term Commitment
Business immigration requires long-term commitment to Canada. Plan for ongoing business operations, not just obtaining permanent residence.
Consider Professional Help
Business immigration is complex. Consider hiring experienced immigration lawyers, business consultants, and accountants familiar with Canadian requirements.
2025 Investment Immigration Updates
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Recent Changes
- Quebec Investor suspension: Program remains suspended with no reopening date
- Provincial program changes: Several provinces adjusted investment amounts and criteria
- Start-up visa improvements: Streamlined processing for qualifying applicants
- Digital processing: More online applications and faster processing times
- Enhanced due diligence: Stricter verification of source of funds
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2025 Trends
- Technology focus: Preference for tech and innovation-based businesses
- Regional development: Incentives for investing outside major urban centers
- Sustainability emphasis: Green and sustainable business initiatives favored
- Labour market needs: Programs aligned with Canadian labour market priorities
- Francophone immigration: Bonus points for French-speaking entrepreneurs
🚀 Start Your Investment Immigration Journey
Use our comprehensive assessment tools to evaluate your eligibility for Canadian business immigration programs and plan your investment strategy.
Related Investment Immigration Resources
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Immigration Programs
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Provincial Business Opportunities