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Residency in Canada

Canada Residency – Business & Entrepreneur Immigration Programs

About Canada

Overview

About Canada

Canada offers one of the most comprehensive business immigration frameworks worldwide. Through its Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) and federal entrepreneur options, qualified investors and business owners can establish or purchase a business, create local employment, and secure Canadian permanent residency. Each province offers its own entrepreneur or investor pathway, allowing applicants to align with regional economic priorities—from technology ventures in Ontario and British Columbia to agriculture and rural business development in Saskatchewan and Manitoba. Successful applicants receive a work permit to launch operations, followed by nomination for permanent residency after meeting performance conditions.

Capital:OttawaLanguage:English and FrenchCurrency:Canadian Dollar (CAD)
Population
40,400,000
Capital
Ottawa
Language
English and French
Currency
Canadian Dollar (CAD)
Time zone
Multiple (UTC-3.5 to UTC-8)
Climate
Varies from temperate to sub-arctic; cold winters and mild summers.

Why Canada

Key Points

Why Canada?

  • 14 pathways under federal and provincial streams across Canada.

  • Opportunities for entrepreneurs, investors, farmers, and self-employed professionals.

  • No fixed investment across Canada—thresholds range from CAD 150,000 – 600,000 depending on province.

  • Permanent residency generally achievable within 1–2 years of business operation.

  • Eligible for Canadian citizenship after 3 years of residence as a permanent resident.

Process

How it works

  1. Step 1: Step 1

    Choose the suitable provincial or federal entrepreneur program with XIPHIAS experts.

  2. Step 2: Step 2

    Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) outlining your business concept.

  3. Step 3: Step 3

    Receive an invitation to apply and complete net-worth verification and business plan submission.

  4. Step 4: Step 4

    Attend a mandatory interview and/or exploratory visit where required.

  5. Step 5: Step 5

    Obtain a temporary work permit to establish or manage your business in Canada.

  6. Step 6: Step 6

    Fulfil investment and job-creation conditions under a performance agreement.

  7. Step 7: Step 7

    Apply for permanent residency nomination upon successful operation.

Eligibility — Requirements

Eligibility

Requirements

6 items

The following list outlines the core eligibility requirements for this program.

  • Legally acquired net worth (typically CAD 500,000 – 800,000).

  • Minimum investment from CAD 150,000 – 600,000 depending on location.

  • At least 3 years of ownership or senior management experience.

  • Language proficiency: CLB 4–5 in English or French.

  • Comprehensive business plan and active management within Canada.

  • Clean criminal record and admissibility under IRCC standards.

Frequently asked questions

Question 1

PEI, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland & Labrador, Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, British Columbia, Northwest Territories, and Yukon each operate entrepreneur or investor streams.

Question 2

No. Quebec manages separate immigration programs outside the federal system.

Question 3

Investments typically start from CAD 150,000 in smaller provinces to CAD 600,000 in major economic centers such as Toronto or Vancouver.

Question 4

Yes. Most programs require the creation of 1–2 full-time jobs for Canadian citizens or permanent residents.

Question 5

Applicants usually obtain a work permit first and can apply for PR after meeting performance conditions and demonstrating active business management.

Question 6

Yes. Spouse and dependent children are eligible for inclusion under all streams.

Provincial and Federal Pathways Covered

  • Prince Edward Island (PEI) – Business Impact Category
    Investment ≥ CAD 150,000; net worth ≥ CAD 600,000. Leads to PR via work permit and performance agreement.

  • Nova Scotia – Entrepreneur Stream
    Investment ≥ CAD 150,000; net worth ≥ CAD 600,000. One-year active management before PR nomination.

  • New Brunswick – Entrepreneurial Stream
    Investment ≥ CAD 250,000; deposit CAD 100,000; two local jobs required.

  • Newfoundland & Labrador – International Entrepreneur Stream
    Investment ≥ CAD 200,000; operate business one year before nomination.

  • Ontario – Entrepreneur Stream
    Investment ≥ CAD 200,000 – 600,000 depending on region; create 1–2 jobs.

  • Manitoba – Business Investor Stream
    Entrepreneur Pathway (CAD 150k–250k) and Farm Pathway (CAD 300k farm investment).

  • Saskatchewan – Entrepreneur & Farm Categories
    Investment ≥ CAD 200,000 – 300,000; includes Young Farmer Stream.

  • Alberta – Self-Employed Farmer Stream
    Investment ≥ CAD 500,000 in primary agriculture; strong experience required.

  • British Columbia – Entrepreneur Immigration
    Base (CAD 200k) and Regional Pilot (CAD 100k) options; plus Strategic Projects for corporations.

  • Northwest Territories – Business Stream
    Investment ≥ CAD 150,000 – 300,000 depending on region; exploratory visit mandatory.

  • Yukon – Business Stream
    Investment ≥ CAD 300,000; net worth ≥ CAD 500,000; must operate in a strategic sector.

  • Federal Programs

    • Self-Employed Persons Program: for cultural, athletic, or farming professionals.
    • Start-Up Visa Program: for innovative entrepreneurs supported by designated investors or incubators.
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