It is widely believed that Canada is one of the top 10 easiest countries to start a business in. This is due to the country being extremely rich in natural resources, having an immensely skilled labour force and a stable government. Canada investor program is designed for those who would like to immigrate to Canada as an Entrepreneur or Investor. They can opt for investor visa Canada as they are exposed to several Entrepreneur and Canada Investor Visa options available, including the general Start-up Visa Program and the provincial-specific Nominee Program. If you are successful with your application, you and your family can move to Canada together.

There are several business programs which offers Canada investor visa, they comprise of:

  • Quebec Immigrant Investor Program (QIIP)
  • Quebec Entrepreneur program,
  • Quebec Self-Employed
  • Provincial Nominee Entrepreneur programs
  • Federal Immigrant Investor
  • Federal Start-Up Visa program.

Essential Documents for a Canadian Investor Visa

Applying for a Canadian Investor Visa involves submitting a comprehensive set of documents to demonstrate your eligibility and financial stability. Here’s a detailed list to help you prepare for a successful application:

1. Valid Passport
  • A passport with at least six months of validity from the date of application.
2. Proof of Net Worth
  • Detailed financial statements prepared by a certified accountant.
  • Documents showing ownership of assets (e.g., property deeds, business ownership certificates).
  • Bank statements and investment portfolios.
3. Source of Funds
  • Documents proving the legal acquisition of your funds, including tax returns, business financials, and inheritance papers if applicable.
4. Business Experience
  • Detailed resumes or CVs.
  • Documents proving ownership or management of a qualifying business (e.g., business licenses, incorporation documents).
  • Financial statements of the business for the past 5-10 years.
5. Investment Agreement
  • Agreement to invest a specified amount in a Canadian province or territory.
  • Proof of the transfer of investment funds.
6. Language Proficiency Test Results
  • IELTS or CELPIP for English.
  • TEF or TCF for French.
7. Medical Examination
  • Medical report from a panel physician approved by the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
8. Police Clearance Certificate
  • Certificates from every country where you have lived for six months or more since the age of 18.
9. Proof of Business Ownership (if applicable)
  • Shareholder agreements.
  • Partnership agreements.
  • Articles of incorporation.
10. Detailed Business Plan
  • A comprehensive business plan outlining your investment project in Canada.
  • Market analysis and financial projections.
11. Fee Payment Receipts
  • Receipts of all visa processing fees and other related payments.
12. Digital Photos
  • Recent passport-sized photographs as per the specifications provided by IRCC.
13. Travel History
  • A detailed history of your international travel for the past ten years.
14. Additional Supporting Documents
  • Letters of support from Canadian business partners or provincial/territorial authorities.
  • Any other documents that support your application and demonstrate your commitment to investing in Canada.

By preparing and submitting all these documents correctly, you can significantly improve your chances of a successful investor visa application to Canada. For personalized assistance and expert guidance, trust Cosmos Immigration, your partner in achieving your Canadian dream.

Canada Investor Visa Program 2020

The Quebec Investor Program (QIIP) is the only investor visa category available in the financial year 2020-21, thus a program which will offer the permanent residency as well.

  • This has no age limits and language barriers, providing you the necessary freedom of movement form your home country to Canada.
  • This program is a perfect boon for you required you are resourceful to have the Net worth of minimum $ 2000000 CAD. It is not mandatory to have a business, the investor is also accepted if the person has a 2 or more than 2 years of managerial experience.
  • The applicant must make the one time non-refundable contribution of 350,000$ and take the Quebec Immigrant Investor the Financing Option, comprising of all the Government broker fees, OR should deposit $ 1,200,000 CAD for a tenure of 5.5 years, receiving no interest on the deposits.

What benefit shall Canada avail?

The investment amount of 1,200,000$ Canadian is invested in Canada as a guarantee mentioned by the Government of Quebec. Partly the interest generated due to the investment of 1,200,000$ finances the intermediary brokerage firms. The rest of the interest generated by the investments is provided to local small Businesses as 0% interest loans, and invested for sponsoring refugees and other immigration programs that benefit the society.

Hence, the Immigrant Investor’s contributions sums up the economic development of Canada in advance and helps create job opportunities in Quebec and Canada indirectly.

In return for your contributions, Canada will provide you the opportunity to become a Canadian Permanent Resident without considering all the mandatory requirements of the other types of immigration programs.

This can be the best investment you have ever done.


How Cosmos helps you?

  • Cosmos regulates the investment plans to be made ensuring 100% success rate
  • We help and corroborate the necessary contacts in regards to the additional finances required
  • We mentor you with the correct lawful measures to be opted for Investor visa and permanent residency
  • We guarantee you to procure the financial terms and necessary guidance for the entire application process

Quebec Entrepreneur program

This program is applicable for foreign residents entering Quebec for business establishment

The program has been revoked in the year 2018 and now operates under two streams for which an entrepreneur can apply for Certificate of Selection of Quebec (CSQ) -

  • Stream 1

    This stream is for candidates receiving support from a business accelerator, a business incubator or a university entrepreneurship centre, and who wish to open and manage a business in Quebec.

    The business can be established by the candidate alone or with partners minimum three.

  • Stream 2

    This stream deals with operating a business; with the condition that the entrepreneur must control at least 25% of the shares or at least 51% of an acquired enterprise, which must have an equivalent value or higher than the funds needed to start the business project.

    The candidate should operate the business and actively participate

    The minimum investment of $200,000 should be made by the entrepreneur, if the business is located outside the metropolitan area of Montreal, or $300,000 for a business located within the metropolitan area of Montreal.

    The candidate must also prove that they have legally acquired a net worth of $900,000 CAD, along with their spouse if applicable and minimum guarantee deposit of $200,000 as an assurance.

    The acquired business must be operating at least for 5 years before the submission of the application and must not have been operated before by any former entrepreneur candidate in the 5 years preceding this date.

  • Application process

    The applicant should be able to demonstrate the business plan which is sometimes accompanied by visiting the province.

    Once the approval is been provided the application is escalated to proceed to Federal security and medical verifications followed by visa issuance with mandatory terms and conditions

    Candidates with intermediate-advanced knowledge of French language and qualifying the French test results of level B2 in speaking and listening, can apply at any time and are not subjected to any cap.

Quebec Self-Employed

In the Quebec province, self-employed applicants are primarily differentiated from skilled worker applicants where they are entering Canada in order to create their own job by practicing a profession or commercial activities.

The candidate must have two years of relevant business experience with possession at a personal level - net worth of $100,000 CAD

Also one must have enough settlement funding before coming to Quebec;

One must generate employment for the applicant by practicing a profession defined in the National Occupational Classification.

Like skilled workers, the self-employed applicant is assessed under a selection grid composed of several factors.


Provincial Nominee Entrepreneur programs

To acquire a Canada investment visa this program gives each territory and province an authority to invite an application and then make a suitable selection depending upon the investment plans and investments.

Alberta

  • This province is predominantly occupied with immense greenery and farm-land; the major occupation being farming, livestock with Calgary being the capital.
  • So if an investor wants to establish a firm or an investment plan, he /she should necessitate the criteria including the possession of appropriate finances, procurement of relevant experience in the field of agro-food.
  • The investor should have a minimum of $500,000 CAD investment in the primary production sector.

British Columbia

  • British Columbia comprises one of the most competitive, flexible and growing economies. It has good trade relations with the USA, Mexico and other Asian countries.
  • Vancouver being the capital of British Columbia the province has the highly educated and able labour force over 2.4 million.
  • The investment must include a minimum of $200,000 CAD in the business, and at least offer permanent to the permanent resident of Canada
  • You need to show your business or management experience and meet the legal requirements for immigration to Canada.

Manitoba

  • Manitoba has a welcoming community with Winnipeg as the capital. Manitoba is a land of natural beauty with safety, cleanliness and friendly towns.
  • It is known for low cost of living with majority of investors settling easily and availing the fast economic growth, with great quality of life and best employment opportunities.
  • Currently there are two investor visas, the Entrepreneur Pathway and the Farm Investor Pathway.
Entrepreneur Pathway Investor Pathway
3 years of full time business experience 3 years of full time experience in farm ownership
Investment inside the Manitoba Capital region- $250,000.
Outside - $150,000.
No age limit but scoring of points will be easier if the age is 25 - 49
$300,000 CAD in the farm business.
proficient in either French or English
Must provide permanent employment The business should always be in the accordance with farm activities in the province
Adaptability: Your spouse or common law partner should score 5 or more benchmark, Should have completed or must have enrolled in the Manitoba province, Should have completed a year in the same province A minimum net worth possessed by you should be at least $500,000.

Nova Scotia

  • It is the Atlantic province, Nova Scotia is in a great need of innovative newcomers and investors to start businesses.
  • Nova Scotia has abundant natural resources with lucrative industries in agriculture, fishing, mining, forestry and natural gas extraction.
  • Has low cost of living.
  • There are currently two Entrepreneur Visa options in Nova Scotia namely: Entrepreneur and International Graduate
Entrepreneur International Graduate
personal net worth - $600,000 CAD minimum Intended business investment - $150,000 CAD Valid Post graduation work permit
Age 21 years and a willingness to live and perform business activities Experience and owning of entire business for a period of one year
3 years of experience You need to fill the expression of interest and must obtain an invitation to apply
Qualify the language skills by a benchmark of 5 or greater Qualify the language skills - English, French by a benchmark of 7 or greater

Ontario

  • Ontario has the most educated population with post-secondary education and skilled labour force.
  • Business here will ensure the employees to be with some high qualifications
  • It has low business cost and larger profit margins, including less corporate tax housing and healthcare.
  • the big cities include- Toronto, Ottawa

There are currently two categories- Ontario Corporate Stream and the Ontario Entrepreneur Stream.

Ontario Corporate Stream Ontario Entrepreneur Stream
The investor should have 3 years of expertise into the field, and must invest a lump sum amount of $5 million CAD initially The investor should have 3 years of expertise in the field, as a senior manager or owner. The net worth investment Greater Toronto Area- $1,500,000 CAD.Ontario- then the net worth of at least $800,000 CAD
Must provide full time permanent jobs to at least 5 residents; must not have a family connection with any shares holder more than 10% It should be a permanent business meeting all legal requirements, along with providing employment to 2 residents and must be located in the province. The wages should be provided in accordance to Ontario norms

Newfoundland and Labrador

  • Newfoundland and Labrador’s economy is reflected by the small businesses
  • Has a good opportunity for new investments and start-ups.
  • These provinces have evolving tech industries and the landscape preoccupied with adventure and ecotourism opportunities.
  • The province is in great need of a larger food supply, thus creating plenty of room for investments in the agricultural sector.

There are currently two new visa options available to initiate a business in Newfoundland and Labrador, the International Entrepreneur and International Graduate Entrepreneur streams.

International Entrepreneur International Graduate Entrepreneur streams.

Age: 21- 59 years old, must have 2 years of experience in the business related work. And must meet the language benchmark of 5

Have an intention to live in the province permanently and actively participate in the support of business

be at least 21years old

Must have a valid post-graduation work permit, permanently while owning and managing a local business with an intent of economic benefit to community

Must have a personal net worth of $600,000 CAD;

And a minimum investment of $200,000 CAD

Must have at least one year’s expertise in actively managing and owning the current business

create at least one job for a permanent resident or citizen of Canada

Should create at least one employment for a permanent resident of Canada; also the business must meet the profit margins

Must meet the profit margin through providing services or selling goods;

at least level seven benchmark in either French or English language

Northwest Territories

  • The Northwest Territories have seen growth and success in the sectors of Agriculture, Fishery, and Manufacturing and is the world’s third largest producer of diamonds.
  • In the last few years it has emerged with fastest growing GDPs one of the lowest business tax rates and in Canada, we will surely see continued success.
  • This is home to an able and well-trained workforce, in addition the territory has the lowest unemployment rate in all of Canada. The government here supports the importance of business investment and has initiated several incentive programs for business and investment.

The Business Stream requirements are as follows:

You must be able to prove that you have a personal net worth of:

  • Inside boundaries of Yellowknife- $500,000 minimum investment to start or buy a business
  • Outside boundaries of Yellowknife- $250,000 minimum to start or buy a business
  • $75,000 investment as a deposit to the Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment after your application has been accepted.
  • Must obtain Canadian Language Benchmark level 5 in either of the two English or French
  • Must have demonstrable knowledge experience to successfully implement the business plan.

Prince Edward Island

Prince Edward Island is the smallest and among Canada's Maritime Province, it has a great economic scope and facilitates investment immigration Canada by providing a wide range of opportunities. Prince Edward offers and corroborates many initiatives featuring business and start up activities. With modern robustness it has many natural coastal towns with splendid atmosphere thus serving as a best place for investments and labour options.

The only business visa possible in this province is the Prince Edward Island Work Permit. This visa is applicable to foreign nationals or exceptional people with experience in managerial business work.

  • For this business visa one must have at least $ 600,000 CAD.
  • One must have completed equivalent graduation from high school or any other secondary school
  • The age must be between 21-59 years
  • One must intend to stay in the province for business related work and it should generate employment for the residents
  • The language Benchmark of 4 should be met for either English or French
  • One has to fill the Expression of Interest if it gets accepted, an invitation is received for filing the business visa application.

Yukon

Yukon is a unique region with pristine natural landscapes, communities residing here are thought to have a deep connection to nature. A business in Yukon gives one an access to ample resources and an explored terrain that is unambiguously untapped for business innovation.

The Government of Yukon has declared the primary business sectors to be the film, forestry, technology, mining, oil, gas and tourism. Thus a business investment in these areas can have a great impact and probably be a great chance of success, to the investors as well as the population residing in the Yukon.

  • An investor should have three years of business managerial experience in addition to five years of work experience.
  • Must have a net worth of $500,000 CAD and minimum investment $300,000
  • Must hold a position in the respective company which is listed under National Occupational level 0 or A and have an intention to settle in Yukon.
  • Be part of one of the following sectors:

Information technology; manufacturing; value-added processing; forestry; tourism products, attractions, services and facilities; energy; mining or mineral development; agriculture; cultural industries; or film and video production.

Saskatchewan

Saskatchewan, a province located in the centre of Canada, is well versed with transport systems and suited to manufacture and distribution industries. This province has the lowest provincial tax in Canada and possesses large reserves of forests, mining, sectors of agriculture and energy. You can start a business in this prairie province, having the third largest percentage of young workers in Canada, thus your business will enjoy lower operating costs in Saskatchewan. There are three visa types:

  • 1. Saskatchewan Entrepreneur Category

    • One needs to invest at least $300,000 CAD if located in Regina or Saskatoon if anywhere else it is $200,000.
    • Have minimum years of business management or entrepreneurial experience in the past 10 years
    • Have minimum years of business management or entrepreneurial experience in the past 10 years
  • 2. Farm owner and operator Category

    • Must have a personal amount of $500,000 CAD or more.
    • Stay or visit at the business site for 5 working days
    • Farm experience and knowledge should be optimum
    • Must have a business plan for a commercial farming business activity.
  • 3. Farm owner and operator - Young farmer stream

    • To obtain visa in this category the age limit should be within 40 years
    • Personal value net worth of $300,000 CAD or more.
    • Minimum three years of expertise in farm ownership, farm management and farming experience
    • You must generate employments and the business must meet the profit margins

Immigrant Investor Visa Program (Permanently Closed)

The Federal Immigrant Investor Program has not been in operation since June 19, 2014, this immigration program has ended and all applications that were left in the backlog have also been terminated.

For the eligibility an Investor/ an Individual Must Have:

  • Assets net worth of at least $1.6 million;
  • Relevant managerial experience;
  • Must be willing to make a government-secured investment of $800,000; and
  • Financing of this investment is available through Canadian financial institutions

As an immigrant investor, you and your immediate family can thus obtain Canadian Immigration (Permanent Resident) Visas under the Federal Program. This is for applicants intending to reside anywhere in Canada, except Quebec.

Since the program is government guaranteed, your full amount of $800,000 will be reimbursed and without any interest at the end of the five years.

The applicant must have experience in management in an international agency, farming, commercial, industrial or professional business.

Cosmos assists you in providing all the services related to the Investment Visa, we provide end-to end services from determining the country of your choice, submitting your applications, complying with the requirements, understanding the migration law for a country or region; dos and don’ts before you arrive in the country of destination and once you arrive as an immigrant.

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