This Entrepreneur Visa program is no longer running, as of July 2012, and there are currently no plans to resume the program.
The program has been replaced by provincial programs for foreign entrepreneurs who want to start, acquire or invest in a business in Canada
If you’re looking to make an investment in Canada or to start/acquire a business in Canada, there may be several avenues for you to choose from. You can either apply under the federal start-up visa program
or, if you know which province/territory in which you plan to reside, you can look at the different investor or entrepreneur options under the provincial business immigration programs.
· Federal Start-Up Visa Program
If you plan to build an innovative business in Canada, the start-up visa program could be an option for you.
· Quebec Business Immigration
If you’re planning on living in the province of Quebec as an investor or entrepreneur, there are several options under the Quebec business immigration programs.
· PNP Business Immigration
Many other Canadian provinces have business immigration programs under their Provincial Nominee Programs
Provincial Entrepreneur Visa Programs
To qualify for these programs as an entrepreneur, the applicant must have a net worth of at least $500,000 and should be willing and be able to establish, invest in or acquire a business in Canada which will create or maintain employment in Canada.
Requirements for this program varies depending on the province, standard requirements include:
Having at least three years of experience in running a business acquired during the five years preceding the date you submitted your application. This is defined as the actual and full-time assuming of the responsibilities and duties related to the planning, management, and control of material, financial and human resources, or specialization process attested to by a diploma
The province and its available streams are as follows:
If you qualify for an Entrepreneurial Program, you and your immediate family can obtain Canadian immigration (permanent resident) visas under the respective Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). This is for applicants intending to reside in a specific province or territory in Canada, except for Quebec.
The PNP Entrepreneur Visa Program requires you to establish or acquire at least 33.33% in a quality Canadian business that you must actively manage. Your business must also create at least one new job, sometimes two, for a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
