A. Federal Business Class
The Government of Canada developed the Canadian Business Immigration Program to facilitate the arrival of experienced business people to Canada . This program is specifically designed to attract people experienced in business to invest, insert, or start a business in Canada. The eligibility of Business immigrants to Canada are selected based on their ability to become economically established in Canada.
There are three types of business immigrants:
Investor Program
Investor program applicants invest in the Canadian government. Investors must:
- Have a net worth of at least CAD $800,000.
- Make an investment of CAD $400,000 to the Canadian Government. The full amount of the investment is repaid to the investor after five years without interest.
To meet the business experience requirements, in the period beginning five years before the date of application, the investor must have either
- managed and controlled a qualifying business of sufficient size; or
- managed at least five full-time equivalents per year in a business
Features of the Investor Program
- Investors do not have to start a business in Canada
- Investors are fully guaranteed by the Canadian Government
- No immigration conditions are imposed upon arrival in Canada
Entrepreneur Program
The entrepreneur program is designed for applicants who wish to open or control a percentage of a Canadian business. Entrepreneur applicants must have a net worth of at least CAD $300,000. In addition, they must have previously managed and controlled a percentage of equity of a qualifying business for at least two years within the five years before the date of the business immigration application. Furthermore, once in Canada, entrepreneur immigrants must own and actively manage a business in Canada that will contribute to the Canadian economy and job market.
Features of the Entrepreneur Program
There are immigration conditions imposed upon admission to Canada. Within three years of becoming a permanent resident, the entrepreneur must have:
- Controlled and actively managed a qualifying Canadian business for a period of at least one year.
- Created employment opportunities through their Canadian business for others.
The conditions are removed once they have been satisfied by the entrepreneur.
Self-Employed Persons Program
Applicants to the Self-employed Persons Program must intend and be able to generate their own employment while simultaneously making a significant contribution to the cultural, artistic, athletic, and/or agricultural life of Canada . Applicants must have a significant amount of experience (2+ years) in an area relevant to their application in the five years before they apply.
Self-Employed applicants are only eligible for this program if they have been self-employed in cultural activities and/or athletics, or have participated at a world class level in cultural activities or in athletics or have farm management experience.
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B. Quebec Business Class
The Province of Quebec has its own business immigration initiative. To be selected for Quebec Business Class immigration, the applicant must make an investment in Quebec that will generate significant economic benefits for Quebec . There are three programs through which an applicant may qualify. These include an Entrepreneur Program, an Investor Program and a Self-Employed Worker Program.
Entrepreneur Program:
Applicants with an entrepreneurial spirit may be interested in the Quebec Business Class Entrepreneur program. Applicants in this program should develop a business plan that will create jobs in Quebec . In addition, they must:
- Have a lawfully acquired net worth of at least CAD $300,000
- Have at least three years of management experience
- Control of at least 33 1/3% of the capital of an eligible Canadian business
- Manage the corporation actively and continuously
- Create at least one full-time equivalent job for Canadian citizens or permanent residents other than the applicant and his or her family.
Investor Program:
Applicants with sizable financial resources may be more inclined to apply under the Investor program and contribute to Quebec 's economic development through investment. These applicants must:
- Have a minimum net worth of CAD $800,000
- Have at least three years of management experience
- Invest a minimum of CAD $400,000 in Investissement Quebec or one of its subsidiaries in the Province of Quebec for five years. This amount will be refunded to the applicant without interest following completion of the five years.
Self-Employed Worker Program:
The final category available for Quebec Business Class applicants is the Self-Employed Worker Program. This program is ideal for applicants intending to create their own employment. Applicants to this program must:
- Become self-employed in an occupation under his or her account.
- Possess a minimum net worth of CAD $100,000.
- Have at least two years of experience as a self-employed worker in the same occupation that will be undertaken in Quebec.
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C . Provincial Business Nominee Program
Manitoba Business Nominee Program
Similar to the system outlined for Manitoba's Provincial Nominee Immigration Program for Skilled workers, the Province of Manitoba and the Government of Canada have also developed a Nominee Program for Business Immigrants. In addition, both governments share responsibilities for business people immigrating to Manitoba through this Nominee Program.
The Province of Manitoba is responsible for the recruitment, selection and nomination of qualified business people intending to move to Manitoba and establish or purchase a business. Applicants to this MPNP for Business Immigrants must meet certain criteria outlined below. Applicants must:
- Possess a minimum personal net-worth of CAD $250,000.
- Have a minimum amount of equity available for investment in Manitoba of CAD $150,000.
- Have demonstrated business or management experience of a successful company.
- Conduct a visit or plan a visit to Manitoba in the few months of applying to explore business opportunities and quality of life in Manitoba.
- Provide a Letter of Credit from a recognized financial institution to the Provincial Government of Manitoba in the amount of CAD $50,000 guaranteeing the establishment or purchase of a business in Manitoba.
The Government of Canada limits the number of applicants that Manitoba may nominate each year. Therefore, Manitoba utilizes its discretionary ability to select the most qualified applicants who have the capacity to offer the most to Manitoba.
Following the initial nomination process by the Province of Manitoba, applicants are then required to apply for permanent residence through a Canadian Visa Office. In turn, the applicant must undergo the remaining standard procedures required by Canada Immigration such as medical examinations and security clearances.
Nova Scotia Business Nominee Program
The Province of Nova Scotia also has a Business Nominee Program. This program is a joint endeavour between Nova Scotia and the Government of Canada. Nova Scotia primarily looks for experienced managers willing to make a financial contribution to a Nova Scotia business and enter into an employment contract with that business.
In order to qualify as a Nova Scotia Business Nominee, applicants must:
- Have owned and operated a business, either personally or in partnership; OR have two years of management experience during the last five years.
- Possess a minimum net worth of CAD $300,000.
- Have basic speaking, reading and writing proficiency in English, or French and English, at a level enabling the applicant to function in the workplace.
- Make a one-time, non-refundable contribution of CAD $130,500.
Following approval, nominees can then proceed to select a six month middle management employment contract from an approved list. During the six month contract, nominees will be remunerated a salary of CAD $20,000.
Preference is given to applicants between 25 and 60 years of age.
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