Canada is an extremely rich country in natural resources and is one of the most revered countries when it comes to high standard of living, immensely skilled labour force, employment rate and economic growth. These are some of the major reasons that foreign business owners, entrepreneurs, and investors strive to become Canadian residents and eventually obtain citizenship of this magnificent country.
Investing in an active business is one of the ideal ways to secure permanent residency. The Investment programs are now the fastest growing area of immigration as applicants for residency by investment increased by more than 70% in the past year alone.
There are a number of immigration programs available to foreign entrepreneurs seeking to immigrate, invest or operate businesses in Canada. Under these programs, entrepreneurs are require investing in an existing Canadian business or establishing a new business and operate it on a temporary work permit for a particular period of time before becoming eligible for Canadian permanent residency.
A majority of the Canadian provinces & territories like Ontario, British Columbia, Nova Scotia, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and New Brunswick have their own Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) that allow them to nominate businesspersons & investors who want to immigrate to Canada and settle in a particular province.
These programs vary in terms of minimum investment & other eligibility criteria and allow the applicants to settle in that particular province by offering them the fast track option to get Canadian Permanent Residence.
In order to qualify under these programs, interested applicants must demonstrate relevant business experience. They must have previously managed or operated a qualified business for a particular time (varies from program to program) preceding their application.
Canadian PNPs – Entrepreneur Streams| Province | Program | Minimum Investment |
| New Brunswick | New Brunswick PNP – Entrepreneurial Stream | CAD$250,000 |
| British Columbia | The BC PNP: Entrepreneur Immigration stream | CAD$400,000 |
| Ontario | The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP): Entrepreneur Stream | CAD$600,000 – If the proposed business is located within the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) CAD$200,000 – If the proposed business is located outside the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) |
| Nova Scotia | Nova Scotia Nominee Program: Entrepreneur Stream | CAD$ 150000 |
| Manitoba | Manitoba PNP- The Business Investor Stream (BIS) | · CAD$ 150000 (outside the capital city) CAD$250000 (within the capital city) |
| Saskatchewan | The Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) – Entrepreneur stream | CAD$300,000 in Regina and Saskatoon CAD$200,000 in all other Saskatchewan communities |
