Overview
Canada welcomes foreign direct investment through multiple investment immigration programs. Eligible investors and their families can gain Permanent Residency (PR) while contributing economically through start-ups, existing businesses, or agricultural ventures.
Typical investor profile:
- High-net-worth individual with 3+ years business or senior management experience.
- Eligible investments include Canadian businesses, start-ups, or real estate (as allowed).
- Provincial programs provide diverse entrepreneur/PNP routes tailored to local economic needs.
Benefits of Canada Investment Immigration
- PR for the principal applicant and family.
- Access to public schooling for children.
- Government-sponsored health insurance.
- Stable business environment and world-class infrastructure.
Canada Start-Up Visa (SUV) Program
Entrepreneurs with innovative business ideas creating Canadian jobs may qualify for the SUV.
Key steps:
- Obtain Letter of Support from a designated organization:
- Angel investor group (CAD $75,000+), or
- Venture capital fund (CAD $200,000+), or
- Designated business incubator (acceptance into program)
- Submit the SUV application with proof of support.
Designated organizations may hold up to 50% voting rights with founders. Upon eligibility checks, applicants receive Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) valid 180 days. After fulfilling program requirements, IRCC issues the PR visa (~8–12 months processing).
Owner-Operator Investor Program (Work Permit → PR)
A two-stage route:
- Stage 1 — Work Authorization: Acquire or establish a Canadian business and seek a work permit (LMIA may apply; exemptions exist for qualifying owner-operators who control and actively manage the business).
- Stage 2 — PR Pathway: Transition to PR via Express Entry or suitable PNP once operational and meeting criteria.
LMIA traditionally requires advertising a position, but owner-operator variations may differ if the applicant manages the business directly.
Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) — Entrepreneur Streams
Across 10 provinces, investors can purchase, start, or expand businesses and receive provincial nomination toward PR.
Manitoba — Business Investor Stream (BIS)
- Entrepreneur Pathway: Invest in or start a Manitoba business; criteria include net worth and minimum investment.
- Farm Investor Pathway: For applicants with farming/agri-business experience.
Prince Edward Island (PEI) — Business Immigration
Invest in an existing PEI business or start-up; may link to Express Entry.
Saskatchewan — SINP Entrepreneur & Farm
Entrepreneur and farm streams; some coordinate with Express Entry.
Quebec — Investor Program
Independent investor route outside Express Entry; requires passive, government-backed investment for 5 years and intent to settle in Quebec.
Ontario — OINP Entrepreneur
Launch or buy a business; requirements vary by location/sector.
British Columbia — Entrepreneur Immigration
Operate a business (often on a work permit), meet performance conditions, then apply for nomination and PR.
New Brunswick — Entrepreneur Program
Establish/operate a business in NB leading to provincial nomination and PR application.
Keys to Success
- Accurate documentation: business ownership, funds, compliance
- Clear business plan aligned to program criteria
- Meet net worth, investment, and management thresholds within timelines
XIPHIAS Immigration supports cross-border investments and entrepreneur immigration across provinces as an ICCRC/RCIC-registered firm.
Contact Information
For details on Canada investment immigration programs:
Call +91-9019-400-500 or email [email protected].
FAQs
1) SUV vs. PNP entrepreneur programs — main difference?
- SUV: Federal program; depends on designated organization support for innovative ventures.
- PNP Entrepreneur: Provincial program; focuses on owning/operating local businesses with investment, job creation, and performance conditions.
2) Can my family get PR with me?
Yes. Eligible spouses/partners and dependent children are typically included.
3) Do I need an LMIA for owner-operator?
LMIA rules apply in many cases, but exemptions/variations exist where the applicant controls and manages the business.
4) How long until I receive PR?
- SUV: ~8–12 months post-requirements.
- PNP Entrepreneur: Additional time for business setup, performance conditions, and nomination before PR.
