Opportunities for Business People In Canada

All immigrants have to meet basic standards set by the Government of Canada. Business Immigrants must have at least 35 points assessed on the basis of business experience, age, education, language ability in the two official languages , and adaptability. The standards are listed at: Investors and Entrepreneurs Points Qualifications Rating System

You are free to select the area of Canada of your choice, but each Province or Territory has its own requirements. CdnWork has summarized the requirements of each Province, Territory and the Federal Government Program. Please that not all Provinces have their own specific PNP program. However, the Federal Government Program applies to all Provinces except Quebec which has its own comparable program. After reviewing the listed summary requirements, you are encouraged to visit each Official Information Link of interest to obtain the official program information.

Each Province has different requirements and, you MUST comply with the requirements of the Province you select. CdnWork has compiled a list of requirements for each province that has a PNP (Provincial Nominee Program). Please note that British Columbia has requirements that vary by region.

Provincial Nominee Programs

Province and Category	Minimum Requirements	Official Information Link
Alberta Investor Category	demonstrate business experience have successfully operated, controlled or directed a business have a minimum net worth of CDN $800,000, and, make a minimum investment or CDN $400,000.	Alberta Provincial Nominee Program Economic Immigration Alberta Economic Development 4th Floor, Commerce Place 10155-102 Street Edmonton, Alberta T5J 4L6 Alberta PNP for Investors
Alberta Entrepreneur Category	have business experience (managed and controlled a percent of equity of a qualifying business and, have legally obtained a net worth of at least CDN $300,000.	Alberta Provincial Nominee Program Economic Immigration Alberta Economic Development 4th Floor, Commerce Place 10155-102 Street Edmonton, Alberta T5J 4L6 Alberta PNP for Entrepreneurs
British Columbia Business Skills Category	This category is intended to attract prospective applicants who have extensive resources and business experience, and who want to be actively involved in implementing a B.C. business undertaking that will make a significant contribution to the economy of the province. You must have: successful business experience minimum net worth CDN $2,000,000. minimum investment CDN $1,000,000. applicant to have a minimum 1/3 equity business plan business must create a minimum of 5 new jobs applicant to have an active role in management	British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program Ministry of Community, Aboriginal & Women's Service P.O. Box 9915 STN Prov Gov Victoria, British Columbia V8W 9V1 B.C. PNP Business Skills Category
British Columbia Regional Business Category	This category is intended to assist people from outside Canada, with proven skills and financial resources, to rapidly implement plans for business establishment or expansion contributing to the regional development of British Columbia. project must be located outside the Greater Vancouver Area (see below for definition) minimum net worth CDN $600,000. minimum investment CDN $300,000. excluding real estate component applicant must have a minimum 50% equity business must create a minimum of 2 new jobs applicant to have an active management role The Greater Vancouver Area includes Burnaby, Coquitlam, Delta, Langley City, Langley District Municipality, Maple Ridge, New Westminister, North Vancouver, Port Coquitlam, Port Moody, Richmond, Surrey, Vancouver, West Vancouver and White Rock.	British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program Ministry of Community, Aboriginal & Women's Service P.O. Box 9915 STN Prov Gov Victoria, British Columbia V8W 9V1 B.C. Regional Business Skills
Saskatchewan	A business nominee will be an individual who identifies a business opportunity in the Province's key sectors or industries that will enhance the production of goods, the provision of services, exports, technology, or research in Saskatchewan. have proven experience in managing a business have significant funds for establishing a new business, or partnership in an existing Saskatchewan business in which the applicant will have an ongoing management role complete a business plan (see below) undertake at least one fact-finding trip to Saskatchewan to meet with industry associations, regional economic development authorities, businesses, and other associations, institutions, individuals or government agencies as deemed appropriate provide a full disclosure of business assets and debts including national and international business activities. A letter of recommendation from the applicant's banking institution will assist in the review of the business proposal	Saskatchewan Provincial Nominee Program Dept. of Government Relations and Immigration Immigration Branch 2nd Floor, 1919 Saskatchewan Drive Regina, Saskatchewan S4P 3V7 Saskatchewan PNP Program
Manitoba	minimum personal net worth of CDN $250,000. minimum amount of equity investment in Manitoba of CDN $150,000. demonstrated business experience or extensive experience in senior management of a successful company conducted a visit or planning a visit to Manitoba within a few months of applying to explore business opportunities and Manitoba's quality of life supply a Cash Deposit to the Government of Manitoba in the amount of CDN $75,000 guaranteeing the establishment or purchase of a business in Manitoba. In most cases, the Cash Deposit will be released when the investment is made and the intended business is undertaken as outlined in your application	Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program Provincial Nominee Program Immigration Promotion & Recruitment Branch Labour and Immigration Manitoba 9th Floor, 213 Notre Dame Avenue Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3B 1N3 Manitoba PNP Program
New Brunswick	New Brunswick welcomes business immigrants under all categories of Canada's Business Immigration Program who will establish, purchase, expand or maintain a business or commercial venture of economic benefit to the Province.. Entrepreneurs must have a management role in their business; investors will invest through an approved fund, and others such as farmers will be self employed. Applicants to New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program who apply based on their business experience and entrepreneurial skills MUST meet with a representative from the Department of Business New Brunswick regarding their business plan.	New Brunswick Nominee Program Training and Employment Development P.O. Box 6000 Fredericton, New Brunswick E3B 5H1 New Brunswick PNP Program
Newfoundland & Labrador		Newfoundland & Labrador Provincial Nominee Program Industry, Trade and Technology Confederation Building West Block, 4th Floor P.O. Box 8700 St. John's, Newfoundland, A1B 4J6 Newfoundland & Labrador PNP Program
Nova Scotia Investor Category	The Immigrant Investor Program seeks to attract experienced persons and capital to Canada. Investors must demonstrate business experience, a minimum net worth of CDN $800,000. and make an investment of CDN $400,000.	Nova Scotia Provincial Nominee Program The Office of Economic Development World Trade and Convention Centre 1800 Argyle Street P.O. Box 519 Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3J 2R7 Nova Scotia PNP Investor Program
Nova Scotia Entrepreneur Category	The Entrepreneur Program seeks to attract experienced persons that will own and actively manage businesses in Canada that will contribute to the economy and create jobs. Entrepreneurs must demonstrate business experience, a minimum net worth of CDN $300,000. and are subject to conditions upon arrival in Canada.	Nova Scotia Provincial Nominee Program The Office of Economic Development World Trade and Convention Centre 1800 Argyle Street P.O. Box 519 Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3J 2R7 Nova Scotia PNP Entrepreneur Program
Prince Edward Island Immigrant Entrepreneur Category	minimum net worth of $750,000. including minimum liquid assets of $350,000. Liquid assets includes for example, cash, demand deposits with a financial institution, term deposits, tax shelters convertible to cash, and readily marketable investments including publicly traded stocks or bonds Immigrant Entrepreneur Investment in a New Business Start: (special category: not an existing business): Immigrant entrepreneurs must be prepared to make a minimum business investment of $200,000. to establish a new enterprise and to place $25,000. in escrow with the Government of PEI as a good faith deposit.	Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program Immigration and Investment Division 94 Euston Street, 2nd Floor Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, C1A 7M8 Prince Edward Island PNP Program
Québec Self Employed Category	you must come to Québec to create your own job by practicing an occupation in your own account possess a lawfully acquired minimum net worth of CDN $100,000. along with your accompanying married or common-law spouse, where applicable have at least two years of experience as a self-employed worker in the occupation you plan to pursue in Québec *Note: Assessment of your application will take into account several other factors	Quebec Self Employed Category Information
Québec Entrepreneur Category	you must have, along with your accompanying married or common-law spouse, where applicable, lawfully acquired net assets of at least CDN $300,000. have at least three years of management experience (planning, supervision and control of human, physical and financial resources) acquired in a lawful and profitable business (agricultural, industrial or commercial) submit a business plan to establish or acquire a business in Québec that you will manage yourself or as a partner in management and day-to-day operations, and that will employ at least three Québec residents other than yourself and members of your immediate family satisfy the following conditions for at least one year in the three years after you become a permanent resident: You must manage the corporation actively and continuously; you must create the equivalent of at least one full-time equivalent job for Canadian citizens or permanent residents other than yourself and members of you family	Quebec Self Employed Category Information
Québec Investor Category	you must have a minimum net worth of CDN $800,000. acquired through lawful economic activities have at least three years of management experience (planning, supervision and control of human, material and financial resources) in a profitable and lawful business (agricultural, industrial or commercial), in government or, with an international agency undertake to invest a minimum of CDN $400,000. for five years, by signing an agreement with a financial intermediary: a stock broker recognized by the Commission des valeurs mobilières du Québec or a trust company. This amount will be invested with Investissement Québec or one of its subsidiaries to fund a program to assist small and medium-sized businesses in Québec	Quebec Self Employed Category Information
Yukon	The Yukon is seeking people with a business background and experience that would enhance the production and marketing of goods, services, exports, technology or research in the priority sectors. sufficient proven experience in operating a business to implement the proposed business plan a minimum net worth of $250,000. CDN visited the & Yukon at least once within the last three years reasonable communication skills in one of Canada's official languages Priority Investment Sectors are: information technology; manufacturing; value added processing; forestry; tourism products, attraction, services and facilities; energy; mining / mineral development; agriculture; cultural industries including film and video production	Yukon Provincial Nominee Program Business Immigration, Industry Development Business, Tourism and Culture P.O. Box 2703 Whitehorse, Yukon, Y1A 2C6 Investing in the Yukon

Federal Government Programs

*Note: The Federal Government Entrepreneur Program and the Federal Investors Program are not available in Québec because they operate their own similar program that has the same financial requirements. Most Provincial Government Nominee Programs require amounts that are different from the Federal Entrepreneur Porgram.

 

Investors	Investors must have business experience. They must have either: a.  managed a qualifying business & controlled a percentage of equity of a qualifying business for at least two years in the period beginning five years before the date of application, or b.  they must have managed at least five full-time job equivalents per year in a business for at least two years in the period beginning five years before the date of application. The investor class applicant must have a net worth of at least $800,000. They are required to make an investment of $400,000., paid to the Receiver General of Canada. The investment is subsequently allocated to participating provinces and territories in Canada. These governments use the funds for job creation & economic development. The full amount of the investment (without interest) is repaid to the investor after five years. The exact date of repayment depends on when the $400,000. is received by Citizenship and Immigration Canada. At the latest, the amount would be returned five years and 3 months after the date of payment. The return of the investment is fully guaranteed by participating provinces and territories. Features of the Investor Program: Investors are not required to start a business in Canada; Investments are fully guaranteed by provinces and territories that participate in the program; The provinces and territories control the investment during the five year lock-in period; and No immigration conditions are imposed upon admission to Canada.
Entrepreneurs	Entrepreneurs must have business experience. They must have managed a qualifying business and controlled a percentage of equity of a qualifying business for at least two years in the period beginning five years before the date of application. The entrepreneur class applicant must have a net worth of at least $300,000. Additionally, they must have the intention and the ability to: 1: Control a percentage of equity of a qualifying Canadian business equal to or greater than 33 1/3%; 2. Provide active and ongoing management of the qualifying Canadian business; and 3. Create at least one incremental full-time job equivalent for one or more Canadian citizens or permanent residents other than the entrepreneur applicant and their family members. Entrepreneurs are required to sign a declaration stating they intend and will be able to meet the conditions of permanent residence. Features of the Entrepreneur Program: A minimum net worth requirement of $300,000; A requirement that within three years of becoming a permanent resident, the entrepreneur must have controlled and have actively managed a qualifying Canadian business for a period of at least one year, and that the business must have created employment opportunities for others, and All family members are admitted under the same conditions as the principal applicant; the conditions are removed once the entrepreneur satisfies the conditions.
Self-employed Persons	Self-employed immigrants must have relevant experience. Points are awarded for relevant experience within the five-year period immediately preceding the date of application. *Relevant experience: In respect to a self-employed person , means: For at least two years in the period beginning five years before the date of application: 1. Self-employment in cultural activities or athletics; or 2. Participation, at the world-class level, in cultural activities or athletics; or 3. Farm management experience. Features of the Self-employed person program: No immigration conditions are imposed on this class. Self-employed immigrants must have the experience, intention and ability to: 1.establish a business that will at a minimum, create an employment opportunity for themselves and that will make a significant contribution to cultural activities or athletics in Canada; or 2.purchase and manage a farm in Canada
Full information regarding these Federal Government Immigration Programs can be found on Canada's official Business Class Immigrants Site

Summary Table

This table has been assembled to assist you finding out the best program for yourself based strictly on financial requirements. It will help you decided which programs & provinces you may qualify for . It gives the amount of investment required as well as assets required to meet the minimum financial requirements of each program.

 

INVESTMENT REQUIRED	ASSETS REQUIRED	PROGRAM NAME	AREA
$150,000. (equity)	$250,000. (personal)	PNP	Manitoba
not applicable	$300,000.	Entrepreneur	Alberta
variable*	$300,000.	Entrepreneur	All Over Canada (Federal Program)
not applicable	$250,000.	PNP	Yukon
variable*	variable*	Business Establishment	Saskatchewan
$300,000.	$600,000.	Regional Business	British Columbia
not applicable	$350,000. (liquid assets) $750,000.	PNP	Prince Edward Island
$400,000.	$800,000.	Investor	Alberta, Nova Scotia & Federal Investors Program
	variable* means negotiable with official representatives of the Department of Business
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