Type: Canada

Canada Work Permits 101

Canadian Work Permits 101

The main requirement for entering the Canadian labour market is obtaining a work permit. Having a Canadian work permit will allow you to become a part of the Canadian foreign worker family of more than 300,000 individuals. To find more on how to obtain a Canadian work permit, read on below!

Applying for a Canadian Work Permit

To obtain a Canadian work permit, you need to follow a two-step process.

Step 1

You must embark on your quest of obtaining a work permit by applying for a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC). Your Canadian employer must take care of the domestic recruitment efforts, and demonstrate that your position cannot be fulfilled by any local employee.

Step 2

Once you are issued a positive LMIA, you are in the clear to apply for a Canadian work permit!Your work permit can be either Employer Specific, or an Open work permit.

An important point you must keep in mind is that in order to change employers, you must obtain a new work permit before you can join your new job.

How Long do Work Permits Last?

None of the work permits last indefinitely, and have an expiration date. The Canadian government puts a 4-year limit on the total amount of time individuals can work in Canada – either continuously or with periods of gaps in between.

Once you have worked your allotted 4 years, you must exit the country and remain outside for at least 4 years before you can obtain another work permit.

Note that if you want to work indefinitely in Canada, you can do so with a permanent residency.

What about the Open Work Permit?

An Open work permit is different than an employer specific one in the sense that it does not bind you to any specific occupation or employer. Moreover, the Open work permit also waives the requirement of a positive LMIA and an offer of employment.

Individuals who can apply for Open work permits include:

• Spouses or common-law partners of temporary foreign workers in a level 0, A or B occupation, according to the National Occupation Classification (NOC);
• The spouses or common-law partners of foreign students currently studying full-time;
• Recent International graduates from a Canadian post-secondary institution.

Are there Any Occupations which are Exempt from a Work Permit?

Yes! There are a few occupations you can qualify for without needing a Canadian work permit:

• Athletes and Team Members
• Aviation Accident or Incident Inspector
• Business Visitors
• Civil Aviation Inspector
• Clergy
• Convention Organisers
• Examiners and Evaluators
• Expert Witnesses or Investigators
• Family Members or Foreign Representatives
• Foreign Government Officers
• Foreign Representatives
• Health Care Students
• Implied Status
• Judges, Referees, and Similar Officials
• Military Personnel
• News Reporters, Media Crews
• On-campus Employment
• Performing Artists
• Public Speakers
• Transportation Crew

Who can Help Me Gain a Canadian Work Permit?

Your best solution for applying for a Canadian work permit is eduaid!We have been in this practice for almost 20 years, and our experience and history of successful applications has allowed us to set industry standards from day one. Whether you want to apply for an employer specific or an open work permit – we have you covered! Simply get in touch and set up an appointment, and we will take care of the rest!

Parent and Grandparent Super Visa

Family Class Sponsorship Program – Parent and Grandparent Super Visa

One of the five different streams under the Family Class Sponsorship Program is the Parent and Grandparent Super Visa.It allowseligible parents and grandparents to visit their family for up to two years.They can apply for a renewal afterwards, which can grant them re-entry in Canada for up to 10 years! This alone makes this visa much, much more advantageous than the regular visitor visa. To know more about the Parent and Grandparent Super Visa, read on below!

Who can qualify for this Program?

The very basic eligibility requirement is that the applicant must be the parent or grandparent of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident. Plain and simple!

However, do note that dependents of eligible parents or grandparents cannot qualify for the Parent and Grandparent Super Visa.

Tell me about the procedure for this Program.

Sure! In order to apply for the Parent and Grandparent Super Visa, the applicant must provide a letter of invitation – along with proof of the relationship – from their Canadian citizen or permanent resident child or grandchild.

The child or grandchild must then sign a contract to ensure that they will provide the necessary financial support to the Super Visa applicant, and show that they meet the minimum income necessary.

The applicant also has to undergo a medical examination to prove that they will have Canadian medical insurance for a period of at least 1 year.

Most importantly, though, the applicant needs to ensure to the visa officer that they will leave Canada voluntarily upon the expiry of their visa.

When making the visa decision, the visa officer will refer to the following factors regarding the applicant’s:

• Invitation by the Canadian citizen or permanent resident child or grandchild
• Family and financial situation
• Ties to their home country
• Reason(s) for visiting Canada
• Overall economic and political stability of their home country.

Great! Is there anything else that I need to know?

One additional thing you should be aware of is that Super Visa applicants will also need to apply for a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) before they can be issued a Super Visa. This will allow the applicant to travel freely between Canada and their home country as they please, without having to re-apply for a TRV every time they want to return to Canada.

Applicants can request for a multiple-entry visa for up to ten years, and pay the multiple-entry fee along with their visa application.

Perfect! Can you recommend some good immigration experts?

We’ll recommend the best – eduaid! When it comes to global leaders in immigration, nobody can hold a candle to eduaid! An experience of more than 18 years, the highest qualified immigration consultants and agents, the best priced packages, and the fact that our consultants will go the extra mile to ensure you get your Super Visa is what sets us apart from everyone else!

Visit our website to know more, or give us a call to set up an appointment!

Family Class Sponsorship Program

Reunite with Your Family in Canada with the Family Class Sponsorship Program!

One of the main reasons why Canada is such a popular immigration destination is because of the way the Canadian government celebrates family unity and values. As such, there are a number of Canadian immigration laws which prioritise family reunification in Canada through several streams. If you plan on having your family members join you in Canada, then this guide is an essential reading for you!

What is this program?

The Canadian Family Class Sponsorship program allows you to sponsor your family members who want to immigrate to Canada. Not only this, but you can have them join you in Canadaas permanent residents!

This program must be followed in the following order:

1. You must submit your sponsorship application, after being approved through a separate application to become a sponsor.
2. Your foreign national family member must submit their application for permanent residency.

Tell me about the different types of sponsorship options.

There are five different streams you can apply under:

1. Spousal Sponsorship –Married couples, common-law partners and conjugal partners can apply for sponsorship under this stream.
2. Parent and Grandparent Sponsorship –You can apply for this stream if you are looking to sponsor your parents or grandparents in order for them to join you in Canada. However, this stream is temporarily closed at the moment.
3. Parent and Grandparent Super Visa –An alternative to the Parent and Grandparent Sponsorship, this stream lets your parents and grandparents easily visit you in Canada for up to 2 years at a time. This super visa can have a validity period of up to 10 years!
4. Dependent Child Sponsorship and Other Sponsorship –This stream is for parents who wish to sponsor their dependent children to join them in Canada. Adopted children, as well as other orphaned family members, can qualify as recipients of the sponsorship.
5. Provincial Family Class Sponsorship –You can also consider other family class sponsorship programs under the provincial nominee program (PNP). These options operate at a provincial level, and are not part of the federal Family Class Sponsorship Program.

Great! How do I qualify as a sponsor?

Once you identify the stream which best suits your situation, you can apply to be a sponsor. Sponsorships can be offered only by Canadian citizens and permanent residents who are 18 years and older.

Moreover, you must sign an agreement – along with the recipient –confirming that each of you understand your responsibilities and obligations.You must also sign a contract to support your family member by providing the essentials.

Furthermore, if you wish to be a sponsor but currently live outside Canada, you must provide evidence of living exclusively in Canada once the recipient of your sponsorship becomes a Canadian permanent resident.

There are also some limitations to being a sponsor. You cannotbe a sponsor if you:

• Have previously sponsored another person and less than three years have passed since that person gained permanent residency;
• Have received any kind of social assistance for reasons other than a disability;
• Are in default of an undertaking, family support payments, performance bond, or immigration loan;
• Have been convicted of certain crimes and are yet to be pardoned;
• Have been previously sponsored as a spouse, and less than five years have passed since you became a permanent resident;
• Are under a removal order;
• Are under detention in a penal institution.

I’m all set to apply! How do I proceed?

Once everything checks out for you, head over to eduaid! Our team of globally renowned immigration consultants have the highest success rate when it comes to lodging sponsorship applications, and will ensure that your family member joins you in Canada at the earliest! Visit our website, or give us a call, to set up an appointment and get started on your sponsorship process!

OTHER VISAS TO CANADA

One of the main reasons why Canada is such a popular immigration destination is because of the way the Canadian government celebrates family unity and values. As such, there are a number of Canadian immigration laws which prioritise family reunification in Canada through several streams. If you plan on having your family members join you in Canada, then this guide is an essential reading for you!

Start-Up Visa Program

The Canadian Start-Up Visa Program – Combining Innovative Ideas with Permanent Residence!

Innovation is appreciated throughout the globe. New concepts and ideas act as the threshold for newer opportunities, and often have the potential of being the next big thing. If you have a creative mind and are looking to take your new ideas abroad, you can easily do so to Canada with the Start-Up Visa Program!

What is this Program about?

The Start-Up Visa Program is a leading Canadian immigration project, and is widely regarded as the first of its kind. It allows successful applicants to connect with private organizations in Canada and gain funding – as well as guidance and expertise – for establishing and operating their new business in Canada. On top of that, you will also be granted permanent residence in Canada!

Sweet! What are the requirements of this Program?

Eligibility requirements for this Program include the following:

1. Letter of Support and Commitment Certificate

You must obtain a letter of support from a designated investor organization by convincing a designated venture capital fund or angel investor group to fund your proposed business. The investor organization must also provide a Commitment Certificate to Citizenship and Immigration Canada.

 

1. Investment

If funded by a designated venture capital fund, you must secure an investment of at least $200,000 CAD. If your business is funded by a designated angel investor group, then the invested

amount must be a minimum of $75,000 CAD.

 

1. Language

   You must have impeccable communication skills in English and/or French. You need to provide language test results from an approved agency, and meet the minimum level of CLB 5 in either English or French.

 

1. Education

In order to apply for the Start-Up Visa Program you must have completed an education of at least one year from a post-secondary institution. In addition, you must also have been in good standing for at least one year while attending your post-secondary institution. As proof of this requirement, you can provide transcripts, certificates, degrees, diplomas, or a letter of good standing along with your application.

 

1. Sufficient Settlement Funds

You need to provide evidence of sufficient settlement funds to support your and your family’s stay in Canada upon immigration. The amount of funds you need to show depends on the

number of family members who will accompany you to Canada.

 

1. Security and Medical Clearances

Finally, you must provide the necessary security and medical clearances – along with your family members – to verify that there is no security threat about you, or that you have a health condition that might put a strain on the Canadian health care system.

 

Also, you must intend to live outside the province of Quebec once you immigrate.

Are there any other advantages to this Program?

Yes! Another thing that sets the Start-Up Visa Program apart from its equivalents is that even if your proposed and funded business fails, you will still get to retain your permanent residence in Canada! You’d be hard-pressed to find such advantages anywhere else, wouldn’t you agree?

Great! What are the Designated Investor Groups for this Program?

The Venture Capital Funds include:

• BDC Venture Capital
• Blackberry Partners Fund II LP (doing business as Relay Ventures Fund II)
• Celtic House Venture Partners
  • Celtic House Venture Partners Fund III L.P.
  • Celtic House Venture Partners Fund IV LP
• DRI Capital Inc.
• Golden Opportunities Fund Inc.
• iNovia Capital Inc.
• New Brunswick Innovation Foundation Inc.

• Northwater Intellectual Property Fund
• OMERS Ventures Management Inc.
• Pangaea Ventures Fund III, LP
• PRIVEQ Capital Funds
  • PRIVEQ III Limited Partnership
  • PRIVEQ IV Limited Partnership
• Quorum Group
  • Advantage Growth (No.2) L.P.
  • Ontario SME Capital Corporation
  • Quorum Investment Pool Limited Partnership
  • Quorum Secured Equity Trust
• Rho Canada Ventures
• Summerhill Venture Partners Management Inc.
• Tandem Expansion Management Inc.
• Vanedge Capital Limited Partnership
• Version One Ventures
• Wellington Financial LP
• Westcap Mgt. Ltd.
• Yaletown Venture Partners Inc.

 

On the other hand, the Angel Investor Groups include:

• Angel One Network Inc.
• First Angel Network Association
• Golden Triangle Angel Network

Perfect! How do I start the application process?

Once you have everything ready, head over to eduaid! Our expert team of immigration consultants and agents will ensure that you have everything you need, and will work tirelessly in order to prepare your visa application perfectly! Contact us today, and let us take care of the rest!

Give us a call to set up an appointment, or visit our website to see our packages!

Self-Employed Persons Program

Immigrate to Canada with the Self-Employed Persons Program!

Are you self-dependent? Do you harbour a dream of immigrating to Canada? Do you want to live as a Canadian permanent resident?

If your answer to all three questions is ‘Yes’, then the Canadian Immigration Self-Dependency Program is tailor-made for you!

What is this Program about?

The Canadian Immigration Self-Dependency Program grants Canadian permanent residence to applicants who are capable of being self-employed in the country. This Program welcomes applicants with the experience, intention, and ability to either:

• Make an important contribution to the Canadian culture or sporting life as artisans or athletes at an international level; or
• Buy and manage a Canadian farm.

What experiences do I need to qualify for this Program?

In order to qualify for this program, you should have at least two years’ experience of:

• World-class level participation in cultural activities or athletics;
• Self-employment in cultural activities or athletics; or
• Farm management experience.

Are there any other Selection Factors?

Yes! Once you meet the minimum requirements, your application will be tested against a selection criteria. You must score at least 35 points if you want to immigrate to Canada as a self-employed individual.

Selection Criteria	Maximum Points
Education	25
Experience	35
Age	10
Ability in English or French	24
Adaptability	6

 

Furthermore, you need to undergo medical exams and security risk assessments, as well as provide records of sufficient funds to support your stay in Canada – during the visa application process.

What are the occupations that qualify for this Program?

Once you meet all of the requirements mentioned above, the next step for you is to check if your area of interest is listed in the eligible occupations!

The Professional occupations listed under Arts and Culture include:

5111 – Librarians

5112 – Conservators and Curators

5113 – Archivists

5121 – Authors and Writers

5122 – Editors

5123 – Journalists

5124 – Professional Occupations in Public Relations and Communications

5125 – Translators, Terminologists and Interpreters

5131 – Producers, Directors, Choreographers and Related Occupations

5132 – Conductors, Composers and Arrangers

5133 – Musicians and Singers

5134 – Dancers

5135 – Actors and Comedians

5136 – Painters, Sculptors and Other Visual Artists

On the other hand, Technical and Skilled occupations in Art, Culture, Recreation and Sport include:

5211 – Library and Archive Technicians and Assistants

5212 – Technical Occupations Related to Museums and Art Galleries

5221 – Photographers

5222 – Film and Video Camera Operators

5223 – Graphic Arts Technicians

5224 – Broadcast Technicians

5225 – Audio and Video Recording Technicians

5226 – Other Technical and Co-ordinating Occupations in Motion Pictures, Broadcasting and the Performing Arts

5227 – Support Occupations in Motion Pictures, Broadcasting and the Performing Arts

5231 – Announcers and Other Broadcasters

5232 – Other Performers

5241 – Graphic Designers and Illustrators

5242 – Interior Designers

5243 – Theatre, Fashion, Exhibit and Other Creative Designers

5244 – Artisans and Craftspersons

5245 – Patternmakers – Textile, Leather and Fur Products

5251 – Athletes

5252 – Coaches

5253 – Sports Officials and Referees

5254 – Program Leaders and Instructors in Recreation, Sport and Fitness

How do I proceed with the visa application?

Once you sort out your documents and are ready to apply, head over to eduaid! We are globally renowned immigration experts with more than 18 years’ experience under our belt!From identifying the correct Program for you, to preparing and finally lodging your visa applicationsuccessfully – we will be with you all the way!

Visit our website for more information, or give us a call to set up an appointment!

Immigrant Investor Program

Immigrant Investor Program: A Leading Pathway to Business Immigration to Canada

Canada is one of the most successful business countries in the world at the moment,with benefits such as an extremely stable economy, a highly skilled workforce, and low corporate tax rates. Naturally, this makes the idea of investing in Canada a very enticing one. Now, investors looking to expand their projects into Canada have reason to rejoice, thanks to the Immigrant Investor Program!

What is this Program about?

The Immigrant Investor Program is designed specifically for qualified investors who have the ability to aid Canada’s growth by making a significant contribution to the economy. Not only does this Program allow qualified investors to conduct their businesses in Canada, but they can gain Canadian permanent residency, along with their family members!

What are the requirements of this Program?

To qualify as an Investor, you must meet the following requirements:

• You must be able to demonstrate that you possess the necessary business experience – owning and operating a qualifying business, or managing a staff of at least 5 employees will suffice.
• You must have a minimum net worth of $1,600,000 CAD, and this money must be legally obtained.
• You must make an investment of $800,000 CAD to the Canadian Government. This amount will be returned to you after 5 years, without interest.
• You and your family members must have the necessary health and security clearances.
• You must not live in Quebec.

Can you elaborate on the Investment process?

Sure! As mentioned above, you must make aninvestment of $800,000 CAD to the Canadian Government. This will be administered by Citizenship and Immigration Canada. After a period of approximately 5 years and 3 months, your invested amount will be returned to you, again by Citizenship and Immigration Canada. Your investment will be guaranteed by the Canadian provinces, and will be used for the creation of new jobs in order to help the growth of the community!

What is the process of this Program?

Once your visa application is approved, you must make the investment with 30 days. As soon as this is done, you – along with your immediate family – can apply for permanent resident visas!

Excellent! How do I apply?

The best option for you would be to consult eduaid! We are global leaders in Canadian immigration, and specialise in all kinds of visa programs! Our expert team of immigration agents and consultants will ensure that your visa application is irrefutable! Get in touch with us today, and take the first step on your immigration to Canada!

Federal Entrepreneur Program

Take your Entrepreneurship Skills to Canada with the Federal Entrepreneur Program!

Being a land of opportunities, Canada is a highly popular immigration destination amongst people of all occupations, as well as entrepreneurs. If you are looking to apply your entrepreneurship skills in a new country, then few destinations are better than Canada, and the best way for you to do so would be through the Federal Entrepreneur Program!

What is this Program about?

The Federal Entrepreneur Program is for experienced entrepreneurs who are looking to own and actively manage their own business in Canada. This immigration Program aims to integrate your entrepreneurship skills with the growth of the community by creating new jobs for Canadian citizens and permanent residents.

Moreover, not only can you help contribute to the growth of Canada’s economy, but you can gain permanent residence in Canada as well – along with your family members!

Great! How do I qualify to be eligible?

In order to be deemed eligible to apply for Canadian permanent residency through the Federal Entrepreneur Program, you must:

• Have a minimum net worth of $300,000 CAD, which must be legally obtained.
• Have sufficient business experience –previously owning and managing a qualified business is enough to qualify.
• Have medical and security clearances, along with your family members.
• Intend to live anywhere in Canada except for Quebec.

Everything checks out! How do I apply?

If you are ready to apply for the Federal Entrepreneur Program, head over to eduaid! We are immigration specialists to Canada with an experience of almost two decades! Our highly qualified and friendly team of immigration consultants and agents will guide you every step of the way, and prepare an irrefutable visa application for you! Contact us today,and get started on taking your entrepreneurship skills to Canada!

Visit our website to know more about our different packages, or give us a call to set up an appointment!

British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program

Migrate to British Columbia with the Help of eduaid!

While most migrants aim for the metropolitan areas of Canada, the provincial regions are not far behind in popularity. An increasing number of migrants are choosing to move to the provinces and surrounding regions over cities like Toronto and Montreal. If you count yourself amongst this group, then this is guide is tailor-made for you! You will know all there is to know about immigrating to the Canadian provinces, and few provinces are better than British Columbia.

How can I move to British Columbia?

The best option for you would be to lodge your visa application under the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program. This program nominates successful applicants, and issues them a British Columbia Provincial Nominee Certificate. Submitting this with your visa application will accelerate the processing, meaning you will get a faster decision on your application for permanent residency in Canada!

Business Immigration Component

Experienced business entrepreneurs looking to invest in and actively manage a business in British Columbia can apply through this component. There are three categories under this component: Business Skills Category, Regional Business Category, and Strategic Projects Category.

Before taking a more detailed look at these three categories, however, you need to know some basic criteria for all three categories.

Eligible Businesses

• The business must primarily aim to earn profits from the income from its products and/or services;
• It must have sustainable commercial viability;
• It must provide an economic benefit to British Columbia.

Also, note that several types of businesses are considered ineligible under this program, including:

• Pay day loan, money changing, cheque cashing and cash machine businesses;
• Pawnbrokers;
• Automated car wash businesses;
• Coin operated laundry businesses;
• Bed and breakfasts;
• Real estate development or brokerage;
• Insurance or business brokerage;
• Businesses involved in the sex industry;
• Any other type of business that might bring the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program or the Province of British Columbia into disrepute.

With us so far? Great! Let’s take a more detailed look at the three main categories of the Business Immigration Component:

Business Skills Category

To be nominated under this category, requirements include:

1. Making a minimum personal investment of $400,000 CAD in order to establish or purchase an eligible business in British Columbia.
2. Having a minimum personal net worth of $800,000 CAD, obtained from legal sources.
3. Having sufficient personal funds to make necessary investments.
4. Providing a viable business proposal.
5. Creating at least three new jobs for Canadians or permanent residents.
6. Demonstrating the ability to carry out the business proposal.
7. Owning a minimum of one-third (33.33%) of the equity of the business.
8. Being actively involved in the daily running of the business.
9. Signing a performance agreement with the Province of British Columbia.

Regional Business Category

Requirements for this category include:

1. Making a minimum investment of $200,000 CAD into an eligible business.
2. Having a minimum net worth of $400,000 CAD, obtained from legal sources.
3. Having sufficient personal funds to make necessary investments.
4. Possessing the necessary skills and experience to establish the business in British Columbia.
5. Creating at least one new job for Canadians or permanent residents.
6. Owning at least one-third (33.33%) equity of the business.
7. Being routinely involved in the daily operations of the business.
8. Signing a performance agreement with the Province of British Columbia.

Strategic Projects Category

This category helps foreign controlled businesses establish themselves in British Columbia. Up to 5 foreign key employees are granted entry to Canada with the intention of becoming permanent residents. Other requirements include:

1. Making an equity investment of at least $500,000 CAD.
2. Creating at least three jobs for Canadians or permanent residents for each foreign key employee arriving in Canada.
3. Having a record of good business practices.
4. Demonstrating a history of similar and successful operations outside Canada.
5. Establishing a new business or purchasing and expanding an existing one in British Columbia.
6. Signing a performance agreement with the Province of British Columbia.

Moreover, there is an additional subcategory – the Business Succession Plan Buy-Out. This category requires applicants to purchase an existing business in British Columbia, and grants their visa applications priority processing under the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program!

That was a LOT of information! Anything left?

Just one thing – your best means of immigrating to Canada, and more specifically to British Columbia, is eduaid! We are internationally acclaimed immigration experts comprised of a team of highly dedicated immigration consultants. Give us a call, and get started on your quest of immigrating to British Columbia!

BUSINESS MIGRATION CANADA

As a migration destination, Canada has always been close to the summit of countries migrants prefer moving to. Even during the pandemic, interest in Canadian immigration has continued its upward trajectory, and in its latest Immigration Levels Plan, Canada announced that it would welcome more than 1.2 million migrants to the country by 2023, with more than 400,000 migrants being allowed entry to Canada every year. Such lofty immigration plans are rarely seen or heard of, and it highlights not only how popular Canada is among migration candidates but also how welcoming and friendly the country is towards migrants.

As a result, Canada has become a dream migration destination for people belonging to all areas of specialty. From being home to some of the top universities in the world to being the birthplace of globally renowned brands such as multinational fast-food chain Tim Hortons, tech giants Blackberry, and Cirque du Soleil – one of the most famous entertainment companies in the world – Canada is a land of opportunities for students and skilled migrants alike. Yet despite all these migration branches, it is business migration to Canada that stands out the most.

What is business migration to Canada?

Business migration to Canada is one of Canada’s most popular immigration programs, pursued by business people from all over the world. From talented individuals with a keen business mind and innovative business ideas to investors and entrepreneurs looking to invest in or establish a business in Canada – businessmen and businesswomen from all over the globe are attracted by the prospect of business migration to Canada.

Business migration opportunities in Canada

One key reason business migration to Canada is so popular among investors, entrepreneurs, and business people is that the country is full of opportunities for business migrants. Canada is a vast country and has a number of highly developed cities that are home to numerous large firms and plenty of small and medium enterprises, all of which propose lucrative investment and entrepreneurial opportunities for successful business people pondering business migration to Canada. In addition, individuals with innovative business ideas are held in high esteem and are always welcomed to apply for business migration to Canada.

Visas and pathways for business migration to Canada

Canada’s Federal Government has a number of immigration pathways to facilitate permanent business migration to Canada. Some of Canada’s most popular business immigration pathways include the Quebec Immigrant Investor Program, Quebec Entrepreneur Program, Quebec Self-Employed Program, Federal Immigrant Investor Venture Capital Pilot Program and the Federal Start-Up Visa Program. Moreover, Canada also has a number of Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) which allows candidates for business migration to Canada to travel to the country as permanent residents.

The Quebec Entrepreneur Program and the Quebec Self-Employed Program are designed to attract business people with mid-range personal net worth to move to Canada as business migrants. Of these two programs, the Quebec Entrepreneur Program is for individuals who possess the skills and experience to operate a business in Quebec. Successful applicants of this program are granted a permanent business visa, making them triumphant in their pursuit of business migration to Canada.

The Quebec Self-Employed Program, while having the same benefits as the previous program, has a slightly different set of requirements. Individuals looking to apply for business migration to Canada under this program are required to have a personal net worth of $100,000, have sufficient funds to support themselves and their family in Canada, and have two years of experience in the occupation they intend to continue in Canada. Moreover, applicants must provide a start-up deposit of at least $50,000 if their intended destination is Montreal and $25,000 if their destination is outside Montreal.

Other Federal immigration pathways for business migration to Canada include programs for Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Ontario, the Prince Edward Islands and Saskatchewan, among others.

For investors interested in business migration to Canada, the investor programs are the way to go. Canada’s investor programs are for high-net-worth individuals who wish to make a passive investment with no obligation to establish a business in the country. For example, the Federal Immigrant Investor Venture Capital Program requires applicants to have a personal net worth of $10 million, which must have been lawfully acquired for business or investment activities. Applicants under this program are also required to invest at least $2 million into a VC fund approved by the government for a minimum period of 15 years. Successful applicants for this pathway to business migration to Canada are granted permanent residency status in the country, along with their family members.

In addition to the opportunities in metropolitan Canada, applicants for business migration to Canada also have other avenues to book their ticket to the Great White North. These avenues consist of the Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), which are region-specific immigration programs that grant permanent residency in Canada to business migrants who move to a specific Canadian province or territory.

Canada also has a reputable Start-Up Visa Program which welcomes immigrant entrepreneurs and links them with opportunities in Canada’s private sector to establish businesses that have the potential to scale internationally. Recipients of this visa also move to Canada as permanent residents.

While some Federal programs for business migration to Canada remain paused due to travel restrictions, application intake is expected to be reopened once border closures are lifted.

Business migration to Canada requirements

While each business immigration program has its own set of financial requirements, some general requirements are common for individuals looking to apply for business migration to Canada. For instance, in most cases, investors and entrepreneurs must create a full-time job for at least one Canadian permanent resident or citizen. Moreover, applicants should meet the threshold score of level 4 of the Canadian Language Benchmark – Canada’s mandatory language test. Meeting such specific requirements are necessary for fulfilling the conditions for permanent business migration to Canada.

Benefits of business migration to Canada

Applicants who successfully obtain visas for business migration to Canada are granted permanent residency and can sponsor their spouse and children to join them in the country. By being Canadian permanent residents, business migrants and their loved ones can live and work anywhere in the country, get access to Canada’s renowned universal healthcare and social services, apply for Canadian citizenship and obtain a Canadian passport, and become a part of the Canadian way of life, which is widely regarded as one of the best of all countries in the world!

With international travel gradually resuming, it can be expected that global migration will soon start picking up pace again. Hence, interested investors, entrepreneurs and business people would be well advised to begin working towards business migration to Canada, to ensure a better life and future for their loved ones.