Business Immigration
Business immigrants can invest in or start businesses in Canada. Through their business investment, they support the development of a strong Canadian economy.
All business immigrants must apply at the visa office nearest them.
There are three classes of business immigrants:
The following section explains the profile and application process of all three types of business immigrants. You can also download the application forms.
This information comes directly from Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC).
Investors, entrepreneurs and self‑employed persons
The Business Immigration Program seeks to attract experienced business people to Canada who will support the development of a strong and prosperous Canadian economy.
Business immigrants are expected to make a C$400,000 investment or to own and manage businesses in Canada.
Canada has three classes of business immigrants:
- investors
- entrepreneurs and
- self-employed persons.
Each application can be made for only one class and cannot be changed once the application is submitted. The criteria you must meet to qualify are different for each class.
Find out if you can immigrate as one of the following:
Frequently asked questions for this section
- How can I immigrate to Canada under business class immigration?
- Under business immigration regulations, how is the investor category different from the entrepreneur category?
- I have applied for a permanent resident visa for Canada and would like to start a small Canadian business. Is it possible to start up a business before I actually get the visa or do I have to wait till I receive it?
- Can an individual who does not have permanent residency status in Canada establish a business in Canada without obtaining further residency status by hiring Canadians to operate the business?
- As an immigrant entrepreneur when I set up a small business in Canada, do I have to hire a certain number of Canadians?
Related Link
- Going to Canada as a business immigrant
Learn more about immigrating to Canada as a business immigrant. Includes contact information.
