Mid-range net worth individuals with suitable entrepreneurial experience may be eligible to apply under one of many Provincial Entrepreneur programs.
Each province manages its own entrepreneur programs and generally follows a multi-step process to permanent residence. Applicants submit an expression of interest and wait for an invitation to submit an application.
Selected candidates submit a complete application which is assessed by the province’s immigration authorities. If approved, candidates are generally required to sign a Performance Agreement and apply for a work permit and enter Canada as a worker at first. If the Performance Agreement requirements are met at the end of a designated period, candidates receive the provincial nomination. Based on that selection or nomination, they may apply to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for permanent residence.
The majority of these provincial business immigration programs require active participation in the management of a business based on a specified investment and job creation. The programs vary in the requirements to qualify but generally refer to a minimum net worth in the range of $500,000 CAD to $600,000 CAD, with relevant management experience.
Some of the programs require a goodwill deposit which is refundable once the business has been established. Under provincial nominee programs, applicants first apply to be nominated by a province, and on the basis of that nomination may obtain permanent residence following federal health and criminality checks.
British Columbia Alberta Saskatchewan Manitoba Nova Scotia Ontario New Brunswick
Quebec Immigrant Investor Program
Intake Paused until April 1, 2023
The Quebec Immigrant Investor Program is passive in nature, meaning individuals are not required to establish or actively manage a business in the province.
Rather, the program requires an investment of $1.2 million into a prescribed (government guaranteed) investment. Applicants must have the intention of settling in the French-speaking province of Quebec.
Successful applicants are issued a selection certificate from Quebec for Canada immigration, which allows them to obtain Canadian permanent residence following health and criminality examinations by Federal immigration authorities.
Applicants must have these qualifications:
1. Legally acquired personal net worth of $2 million; 2. Two years of suitable management or business experience within the five years preceding the application; 3. Investment of $1.2 million into a passive government guaranteed investment for a period of five years bearing no interest; 4. Intend to settle in the province of Quebec.
