Canada Investor Visa

Canada’s Investor Visa and Investment Immigration Programs: An Overview

Our skilled immigration lawyers at Chaudhary Law Office excel in various immigration programs for foreign entrepreneurs, investors, and companies seeking permanent residency in Canada. Instead of just one Canada Investor program, there are multiple options for investor immigration, divided into federal and provincial programs.

Choosing between federal and provincial immigration programs is crucial for the success of your immigration strategy. Selecting the program that best aligns with your business goals and personal background is essential.

How to Get Canada PR By Investment?

Canadian investment visa programs are designed for foreign business proprietors, investors, entrepreneurs, startups, and self-employed individuals. Foreign individuals and their families can secure Canada PR through investment by either expanding their existing business to Canada, investing in an established Canadian business, or initiating a new one.

Most Canadian investor immigration programs follow these five-step processes for obtaining Canada PR and Citizenship through Investment.

1. Invest in a Business in Canada or launch a new business.
2. Obtain an Entrepreneur Work Permit
3. Manage a business while residing in Canada
4. Submit an application for permanent residency
5. Apply for Canadian citizenship

Federal Investment Programs in Canada

1. Intra-Company Transfer (ICT)

The Intra-Company Transfer program facilitates the seamless transfer of key personnel within multinational companies to Canada. This program streamlines the process for companies to relocate employees temporarily to their Canadian branches or subsidiaries.

Benefits of Intra-Company Transfer:

• Facilitates the seamless transfer of skilled personnel within multinational corporations.
• Helps companies maintain operational continuity by transferring key employees to Canadian branches.
• Simplifies the process for experienced professionals to gain temporary work authorization in Canada.

2. Start-Up Visa Program (SUV)

The Start-Up Visa program encourages foreign entrepreneurs to establish innovative businesses in Canada. It aims to attract creative entrepreneurs with the potential to contribute to Canada’s economy and create jobs.

Benefits of Start-Up Visa Program (SUV):

• Provides a pathway for innovative entrepreneurs to obtain Canadian investment permanent residency.
• Encourages the growth of innovative start-ups in Canada, fostering economic development.
• It creates opportunities for foreign entrepreneurs to establish businesses and create employment opportunities for Canadians.

3. Entrepreneur Visa (C11):

The Entrepreneur Visa (C11) is designed for individuals who wish to start or purchase a business in Canada. This program is tailored to entrepreneurs with a viable business concept and the ability to create employment opportunities for Canadians.

Benefits of Entrepreneur Visa (C11):

• Offers a pathway for entrepreneurs to obtain Canadian permanent residency.
• Supports the establishment and growth of businesses in Canada, contributing to economic prosperity.
• It provides opportunities for entrepreneurs to contribute to the Canadian economy and create jobs for Canadians.

4. Work Permit Program

The work permit program allows foreign nationals to work temporarily in Canada. It includes various streams, including employer-specific work permits, open work permits, and international agreements facilitating work authorization.

Benefits of Work Permit Program:

• Enables foreign nationals to gain valuable work experience in Canada.
• Supports Canadian employers in addressing skill shortages by hiring foreign workers.
• Promotes cultural exchange and fosters international collaboration in the Canadian workforce.

5. LMIA Work Permit Program

The LMIA (Labour Market Impact Assessment) work permit program requires employers to demonstrate efforts to hire Canadian citizens or permanent residents before hiring foreign workers. This program ensures that the employment of foreign workers does not negatively impact the Canadian labor market.

Benefits of the LMIA Work Permit Program:

• Ensures that the employment of foreign workers aligns with the needs of the Canadian labor market.
• Provides opportunities for foreign workers to contribute their skills and expertise to Canadian companies.
• It helps Canadian employers fulfill labor shortages in specific sectors while adhering to regulatory requirements.

Provincial Investor Immigration Programs

 Alberta

Alberta’s Provincial Nominee Program initiative is recognized as the Alberta Immigration Program (AAIP). It stands out as one of the popular programs in the Canadian prairies due to the continuous expansion of Alberta’s economy in the region. Each program offers foreign entrepreneurs the opportunity to obtain a work permit initially. After operating their business in Alberta for 1 to 2 years, they become eligible to apply for permanent residency.

Manitoba

Manitoba offers two pathways for immigrants seeking permanent residency: the Entrepreneur Pathway (EP) for business owners and the Farm Investor Pathway (FIP) for those with farming experience. 

EP requires investment, net worth, business experience, and language skills. At the same time, FIP demands investment in a rural farm, farming experience, a business plan, and language proficiency. Both pathways use a point-based assessment considering age, language, knowledge, and education.

Ontario

The Ontario Entrepreneur Stream is a business migration initiative offered by the province of Ontario, Canada. The program is geared towards attracting skilled entrepreneurs interested in establishing businesses in Ontario. It has closed during January 2024 but is expected to re-open to new candidates soon.

Also read: Explore the detailed information on the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program.

Prince Edward Island

Prince Edward Island, the smallest Canadian province, offers the PEI Work Permit Stream. Eligible candidates will initially obtain temporary work permits, and upon meeting the terms of the Performance Agreement, they will be nominated for permanent residency through the PEI Provincial Nominee Program.

Saskatchewan

This prairie province offers the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program for Entrepreneurs, focusing on attracting entrepreneurs and farm owners/operators.

Quebec

Foreign entrepreneurs have the opportunity to leverage Quebec’s business immigration initiatives. As an investor-immigrant in Quebec, you can initiate a business venture or invest in an established one, reside in Quebec, and ultimately obtain permanent residency upon managing your business under a work permit.

Comparison of Investment Immigration Programs: Federal vs Provincial 

Who Should Consider Applying for Investor Programs?

Investor programs are suitable for individuals who:

• Are running a successful business or have the financial means to start one in Canada.
• Are willing to invest a minimum of $250,000 in their Canadian business.
• Possess the essential business skills.
• Seek to utilize their business experience to establish a business in Canada.

Investor Visa Process: From Work Permit to Permanent Residency to Citizenship

To obtain an investor visa for Canada:

• Establish or purchase a company aligned with Canadian investment immigration program requirements.
• Your Canadian company employs you, establishing eligibility for a work permit.
• Apply for a work permit through a business immigration program, including a comprehensive business plan.
• Operate your business in Canada for one year, maintaining accurate records.
• Apply for permanent residency through the chosen immigration program.
• Once obtaining permanent residency, work towards Canadian investment citizenship by meeting residency requirements and passing citizenship tests.

Investment Required for Immigrating to Canada and Obtaining Permanent Residence

Investing between CAD 250,000 to 350,000+ is required for Canadian permanent residence and citizenship through investment immigration programs. Factors influencing the investment amount include the type of business, location, competition, and viability.

Our immigration lawyer offers tailored insights and can help navigate these considerations. Maintaining a viable and successful business is crucial for transitioning to permanent residency. However, unsuccessful ventures can still permit work permit extension and continued entrepreneurship.

Benefits of Canada’s Citizenship through Investment Initiatives

• Canada boasts one of the world’s most rapidly expanding economies;
• You can obtain permanent residency at a Swiffer pace compared to other nations;
• Canada celebrates multiculturalism and diversity;
• The society warmly embraces individuals of all nationalities and cultures;
• Canada fosters emerging businesses, with governmental support often including subsidies and rebates for select industry sectors;
• Canada offers a comprehensive healthcare system at no cost, and
• Education in Canada is highly affordable and maintains exceptionally high standards.

Relatives of Investor Visa Applicants in Canada

Many business owners desire to move to Canada with their families. It’s essential to note that your family members can join you through the business immigration process. 

Generally, your spouse or common-law partner will receive an open work permit, and depending on their age, your children will be granted study permits or temporary residence permits. This allows your children to access Canadian education, including attending law school or medical school to pursue their desired careers. As the principal applicant, your family members will also qualify for permanent residency.

Also read: Explore the complete information on PR card renewal on our website.

Chaudhary Law Office will assist you with the Canadian Investor Visa.

At Chaudhary Law Office, we understand the importance of obtaining a Canada Investor Visa for permanent residency and citizenship. If you face visa refusal, we’re here to assist you through every stage. 

Contact us at 416-447-6118, and let us leverage our experience and resources to work for you!

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