The Business Visa to Canada provides investors, entrepreneurs and self-employed business people and their families with the opportunity of settling permanently in Canada.

• Federal Investor Visa Canada

The Federal Investor Program provides an opportunity for foreign investors to invest their capital in Canada and offers many advantages to foreign investors seeking to establish Canada as their new home.

Applicants to the Federal Investor Program must have at least two (2) years of senior level business experience and the ability to invest C$800,000 in Canada for at least five (5) years. In addition, applicants must meet the pass mark on a points-based assessment. Successful applicants will obtain permanent residence, which will entitle them and their families to live and work in Canada with few restrictions.

Federal Investor Visa Basic Requirements

To qualify for migration under the Federal Investor Immigrant Program, applicants must be able to satisfy the basic visa requirements related to an applicant's health and character. In addition, applicants under this program must:

• Have a minimum of two (2) years of executive business experience (ownership and/or management);
• Have a minimum net worth of C$1,600,000;
• Make an investment of at least C$800,000 to CIC;
• Obtain at least 35 points on a points-based assessment; and
• Have sufficient funds to support themselves and their family in Canada.

Federal Investor Visa Entitlements

Successful applicants and holders of a Canadian Business visa become permanent residents of Canada. Permanent residents are entitled to live, work and study in Canada on a permanent basis.

Investments made under the Federal Investor Immigrant Program are guaranteed and managed by Citizenship and Immigration Canada to create employment opportunities and boost local economies. Your investment will usually be returned, without interest, after approximately five (5) years.

Additional benefits of Canadian permanent residence includes access to government-subsidised education and healthcare (Medicare), as well as unrestricted access to Canada's labour market and associated insurance and pension benefits. Permanent residents also have the ability to apply for Canadian citizenship and opportunity to sponsor family members to join them in Canada.

• Quebec Investor Visa Canada

Under the Canada-Quebec Accord, the province of Quebec operates its own immigrant investor program. All investors in the program must be selected by Quebec and must plan to settle in picturesque Quebec. The Quebec Investor Program is similar in aim to the Federal Investor Program. The program is specifically designed to encourage newcomers to invest in Quebec's local economy. Applicants must be experienced business persons, and have a large amount of capital that can be invested in the province.

Applicants must have the required amount of legally acquired funds and be able to document their net worth and some business activities. Once granted, applicants will obtain permanent residence and be able to work and live in Quebec with their families.

Quebec Investor Visa Basic Requirements

To be eligible for the Quebec Investor Program, applicants must:

• Possess net assets of at least $1,600,000 CAN obtained legally;
• Have at least 2 years of business experience;
• Want to settle in the province of Quebec;
• Make an investment of $800,000 CAN with a financial intermediary;
• Successfully meet a points-based assessment;
• Possess sufficient funds to support their family in Canada.

If the applicant meets the criteria for the Quebec Investor visa, they will be asked in writing to make an investment of C$800,000, which will be returned to the applicant at the expiry of 5 years. All applicants will also be required to meet basic visa requirements such as health and character requirements.

Quebec Investor Visa Entitlements

Once a Quebec Investor becomes a landed immigrant, they are free to settle anywhere in Quebec, work or pursue further study or invest in a business. Applicants will have access to Canada's first rate communication facilitates, a highly trained workforce, special taxation incentives for business investment, close geographical access to the wider North American market. Other benefits of holding permanent residence include access to government-subsidized health care, subsidized education and the ability to apply for citizenship once eligible

• Federal Entrepreneur Visa Canada

Canada is looking for skilled business owners with recent business experience, seeking to invest in Canada. In exchange for the foreign capital into its economy, Canada offers many advantages for families of foreign entrepreneurs seeking to establish a new home.

The Federal Business Program is seeking to attract experienced business owners to Canada who will support the development of a strong and prosperous Canada. Foreign investment in existing businesses in Canada or the establishment and management of new business helps to foster a climate of continual business development. The dynamic Federal Entrepreneur visa allows applicants meeting the relevant requirements to file an application. Applicants must also meet some additional basic visa requirements including a points-based assessment.

Federal Entrepreneur Visa Basic Requirements

The Entrepreneur Program seeks to attract experienced business persons who will own and actively manage businesses in Canada that contribute to the economy and create jobs. Entrepreneurs must:

• Show that they have at least 2 years of business experience;
• Have a minimum net worth of CDN $300,000 that was obtained legally;
• Obtain at least 35 points on a points-based assessment; and
• Respect the conditions placed upon them as entrepreneurs once they arrive in Canada.

Successful applicants of the Federal Entrepreneur program will be granted conditional permanent residence in Canada. Once the application is approved, entrepreneurs must commit to managing and owning a qualifying Canadian business for at least one year after becoming a permanent and within three years of arriving in Canada and the business must have created the equivalent of at least one full-time job for a Canadian citizen or permanent resident. Upon successful completion of the conditions, entrepreneurs can apply for the removal of all conditions and for the granting of permanent residence.

Federal Entrepreneur Visa Entitlements

The Federal Entrepreneur visa provides applicants with the opportunity to invest in or establish a business anywhere in Canada (except Quebec), and great flexibility with regards to the nature of business venture, subject to meeting the requirements for the category. Other benefits of holding permanent residence include access to government-subsidized health care, subsidized education and the ability to apply for citizenship once eligible.

• Quebec Entrepreneur Visa Canada

Quebec welcomes foreign investment into its economy, and it offers many advantages for families of foreign entrepreneurs seeking to establish a new home. The exciting Quebec Entrepreneur Program is similar in aim to the Federal Entrepreneur Program. The program is specifically designed to encourage newcomers to invest in Quebec's local economy. Applicants must be experienced business persons, and have the required amount of legally acquired funds.

Once granted, applicants will have the opportunity to invest in and manage a business venture within the historic province of Quebec and obtain conditional permanent residence to Canada.

Quebec Entrepreneur Visa Basic Requirements

To be eligible for the Quebec Entrepreneur program, applicants must:

• Have net assets of at least CDN $300,000 that have been legally obtained;
• Have at least two years' experience business experience within the last five years;
• Submit a business project with the purpose of creating or acquiring a business (agricultural, industrial or commercial) in Quebec that they will manage with a value of at least C$100,000, OR acquire a business in Quebec with a value of at least C$100,000;
• Actively participate in the management and daily operations of the intended business in Canada;
• Meet a points-based assessment.

In addition, upon their arrival in Quebec, applicants must for at least one year during the three years after obtaining permanent resident status, satisfy the following conditions:

• Create or acquire, in whole or in part, an agricultural, commercial or industrial business established in Quebec which will employ, on a permanent basis and for a minimum of 30 hours a week, a Quebec resident other than yourself and accompanying family members; and
• Participate in the daily management and operations of the business.

Quebec Entrepreneur Visa Entitlements

The Quebec Entrepreneur visa provides applicants with the opportunity to invest in or establish a business anywhere in Quebec. Quebec Entrepreneurs will have access to Canada's first rate communication facilitates, a highly trained workforce, special taxation incentives for business investment. Other benefits of holding permanent residence include access to government-subsidized health care, subsidized education and the ability to apply for citizenship once applicants satisfy the residency requirements.

• Provincial Nominee Entrepreneur Visa Canada

Persons who immigrate to Canada under the Provincial Nominee Entrepreneur visa have the required capital, skills, education and business experience needed to make an immediate economic contribution to the province that nominates them. Under these various provincial nominee entrepreneur programs, lucrative and exciting opportunities exist for business migrants to make a personal investment to establish or purchase an eligible business in the respective province. In return they are provided with the expedited handling of their applications for permanent residence allowing them and their families to settle in a Canadian province.

Provincial Nominee Entrepreneur Visa Basic Requirements

The specific requirements for the British Columbia, New Brunswick, North West Territories, Prince Edward Island, Saskatchewan, Newfoundland & Labrador, and Yukon provincial nominee entrepreneur programs are outlined below. Generally, additional conditions also apply to each program such as the requirement to engage in exploratory trips, the submission of performance agreements, cash deposits and business plans.

Generally, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• make a personal investment of at least $150,000 to $400,000 CAD to establish or to purchase and expand an eligible business
• create new jobs for locals,
• provide active and on-going participation management of the business,
• possess a personal net worth as required by the Province
• possess previous management or business experience relevant to the business intended to pursue

Provincial Nominee Entrepreneur Visa Entitlements

Provincial Nominee Entrepreneurs will have access to Canada's first rate communication facilitates, a highly trained workforce, special taxation incentives for business investment, close geographical access to the wider North American market. Other benefits of holding permanent residence include access to government-subsidized health care, subsidized education and the ability to apply for citizenship once eligible.

• Federal Self-Employed Visa Canada

Canada wishes to attract newcomers with world-class skills who are able to employ themselves once they arrive in Canada. Applicants can employ themselves in cultural or athletic activities, or through managing a farm in Canada. The Federal Self-Employed Persons Program seeks to attract applicants who have the intention and ability to become self-employed in Canada.

Self-employed persons are required to have either the relevant experience that will make a significant contribution to the cultural or athletic life of Canada or have experience in farm management and the intention and ability to purchase and manage a farm in Canada. Once granted, applicants will obtain permanent residence and be able to work and live in Canada with their families.

Federal Self-Employed Visa Basic Requirements

In order to apply for the Federal Self-Employed visa, applicants must provide evidence of their experience in athletic, cultural or farming activities, have sufficient funds to support their family upon their arrival, and demonstrate their intention and ability to become self-employed throughout Canada. In addition, they will also have to meet some additional requirements.

Eligible self-employed applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Have experience in either participation at a world-class level in cultural activities or athletics, farm management experience or self-employment in cultural activities or athletics;
• Possess the intention and ability to become self-employed in the province or territory of destination;
• Possess sufficient English or French language skills;
• Obtain at least 35 points on a points-based assessment; and
• Possess sufficient settlement funds to support their family in Canada.

Federal Self-Employed Visa Entitlements

Once a Federal Self-Employed applicant becomes a landed immigrant, they are free to settle anywhere in Canada, work or pursue further study or invest in a business. Applicants will have access to Canada's first rate communication facilitates, a highly trained workforce, special taxation incentives for business investment, close geographical access to the wider North American market. Other benefits of holding permanent residence include access to government-subsidized health care, subsidized education and the ability to apply for citizenship once eligible.

• Quebec Self-Employed Visa Canada

Under the Canada-Quebec Accord on Immigration, Quebec establishes its own unique immigration requirements and selects immigrants who will adapt well to living in Quebec. The Quebec Self-Employed visa is similar to the Federal Self-Employed visa but allows for professionals seeking self-employment in Quebec. The program is geared towards applicants who will generate their own employment by pursuing an occupation in which they already have experience. The program is specifically designed to encourage newcomers to invest in Quebec's local economy.

Applicants must be experienced business persons, and have the required amount of legally acquired funds and have proficiency in Canada's official languages. Once granted, applicants will obtain permanent residence and be able to work and live in Canada with their families.

Quebec Self-Employed Visa Basic Requirements

Applicants to the rewarding Quebec Self-Employed visa must possess the intention and ability to create their own employment by pursuing their occupation in Quebec. All applicants for this visa must also meet basic visa requirements such as health and character prior to their arrival.

To be eligible for this program, applicants must:

• Come to Quebec to create their own employment in an occupation for which they have at least 2 years of experience;
• Possess legally acquired net assets of at least $100,000 CDN;
• Possess the required skills, training experience and licensing required to be self-employed in Quebec;
• Satisfy a points-based assessment.

Quebec Self-Employed Visa Entitlements

Quebec provides an ideal location for business entrepreneurs. With a large portion of businesses being accounted for by small or medium business owners, a thriving economy, high export ratio and with the latest expertise in technological advances, Quebec boasts many advantages. Other benefits of holding permanent residence include access to government-subsidized health care, subsidized education and the ability to apply for citizenship once they satisfy the residency requirements.

• Provincial Nominee Self-Employed Visa Canada

Persons who immigrate to Canada under this provincial nominee visa have the skills, education and work experience needed to make an immediate economic contribution to Canada. They are ready to establish themselves successfully as permanent residents in Canada.

The unique Provincial Immigrant Nominee Program - Self Employed Farmer & Professional stream is a provincial nominee program that is designed to assist farmers and professionals with skills and resources to develop growth within the farming industry and other businesses in various provinces of Canada. This visa favours applicants who intend to immigrate to Canada, and can purchase and manage a farm or other business in Canada.

Provincial Nominee Self-Employed Visa Basic Requirements

Under the Alberta, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan Farming programs, a farm owner/operator who intends to immigrate, can purchase and manage a farming business. Under the Yukon and North West Territories Self-Employed Program, applicants must demonstrate that they have sufficient financial resources to start and operate a business, and that they have the relevant experience and business plan to ensure that the business thrives in the selected skilled-shortage field.

Provincial Nominee Self-Employed Visa Entitlements

Canada provides an ideal location for self-employed applicants. With a large portion of businesses being accounted for by small or medium business owners, Canada provides a thriving economy, high export ratio and the latest expertise in technological advances. Other benefits of holding permanent residence include access to government-subsidized health care, subsidized education and the ability to apply for citizenship once they satisfy the residency requirements

• Provincial Nominee Investor Visa Canada

Canada recognizes that employers play a critical role in economic success. For many employers, newcomers to Canada are a valuable source of skilled workers and professionals. The Provincial Nominee Investor Visas have been created to assist multinational firms establishing or expanding their businesses in Canada and wanting to bring key executives, managers or employees to work in their operations.

This program seeks to foster a significant investment in Canada which will lead to job creation and economic development. These visas favour employer applicants who make a qualifying investment, and create permanent full-time positions. These visas allow applicants the opportunity to immigrate and settle themselves and their families in the prosperous Canadian provinces of Ontario or Saskatchewan.

Provincial Nominee Investor Visa Basic Requirements

The Ontario Provincial Nominee Program - Multinational Investor stream is intended for companies that will make a significant investment in Ontario which will lead to job creation and economic development. To be eligible, a company must:

• Make a qualifying investment in Ontario of $3 million or more;
• Create at least 5 net permanent full-time positions;
• Must specify the positions being applied for, the roles and responsibilities of each position and the qualifications and experience required for each position.

The Saskatchewan Provincial Nominee Program ? Large Scale Investor stream is intended for applicants that will make a significant investment in Saskatchewan which will lead to job creation and economic development. To be eligible an applicant must:

• Make a qualifying investment in Saskatchewan of $10 million or more;
• Satisfy the legally obtained net worth, business experience and intent to reside and actively invest requirements.

Provincial Nominee Investor Visa Entitlements

Once a Provincial Nominee Investor becomes a landed immigrant, they are free to settle in Canada, work or pursue further study or invest in a business. Applicants will have access to Canada's first rate communication facilitates, a highly trained workforce, special taxation incentives for business investment, close geographical access to the wider North American market. Other benefits of holding permanent residence include access to government-subsidized health care, subsidized education and the ability to apply for citizenship once eligible.