Investor Visa Canada – All Investment Options For PR
In this article, we dig into a detailed comparison of the six business immigration programs for investor visa Canada, including their advantages and disadvantages, visa processing times, minimum investment requirements, language requirements, and required documents. We will also create a table summarizing the key points for easy reference.
1-Federal Startup Visa Program
The Federal Star tup Visa Canada program is investor visa to Canada. It is designed to attract innovative entrepreneurs to Canada who have the potential to build businesses that create jobs and compete globally.
- Direct PR Pathway: Successful applicants receive permanent residency, even for applicants already outside Canada.
- No Minimum Investment: The program does not have a set minimum investment amount.
- Access to Canadian Markets: This allows entrepreneurs to access Canadian markets and business resources and opens easy access to North American markets.
- Support from Designated Entities: This requires support from a designated organization, such as a venture capital fund, angel investor group, or business incubator.
- High Competition: The program is competitive and has a rigorous selection process. Recently, IRCC put a cap of 10 letters of support for each designated organization, creating more competition among eligible candidates.
- Dependency on Designated Entities: Requires endorsement from designated organizations, which can be challenging.
- Approximately 39 months.
- No specific minimum investment is required, but sufficient funds are needed to settle and support the business and applicants while in Canada.
- Proficiency in English or French (CLB 5 in all four language abilities: reading, writing, listening, speaking).
Required Documents
- Proof of language proficiency
- Letter of support from a designated entity
- Proof of funds
- Police certificates
- Biometric Canada (If applicable)
- Solid Business plan
2. Entrepreneur Immigration Streams (PNP)
Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) offer entrepreneur immigration Canada streams tailored to the specific needs of provinces and territories. This allows them to nominate individuals for PR who intend to invest in existing businesses (Buy a Business in Canada, Start a Business in Canada, or Buy a franchise in Canada) and run businesses in their region.
PNP Entrepreneur Immigration Advantages
- PR Pathway: Leads to permanent residency after 18-24 months of running their business.
- Regional Opportunities: Access to regional markets and opportunities.
- Variety of Options: Each province has different streams catering to various business types and industries.
PNP Entrepreneur Immigration Disadvantages
- Varying Requirements: Different provinces have different requirements and processes.
- Investment Thresholds: Some provinces have high minimum investment requirements.
- Location restrictions: Applicants must settle in the province till they get PR.
PNP Entrepreneur Visa Processing Time
- Approximately 18-24 months, depending on the province and individual case.
PNP Entrepreneur Minimum Investment Requirement
- Varies by province (e.g., BC: CAD 200,000; Ontario: CAD 600,000 in the GTA or CAD 200,000 outside the GTA).
PNP Entrepreneur Language Requirements
- Varies by province, generally CLB 4 or 5.
Entrepreneur Required Documents
- Proof of investment funds
- Language proficiency results
- Net worth verification
- Police certificates
- Biometric Canada (If applicable)
- Solid Business plan
3. Alberta Startup Visa Program (FGES)
The Alberta Start Up Visa Program (FGES) is a regional program that attracts recent graduate entrepreneurs to establish innovative businesses in Alberta (Calgary and Edmonton cities).
FGES Advantages
- PR Pathway: Leads to permanent residency.
- Supportive Ecosystem: Access to Alberta’s business support and resources.
- Minimum Investment: It focuses on innovative business ideas rather than investment. Minimum CAD 100,000 (urban center) and CAD 50,000 (outside Calgary and Edmonton).
FGES Disadvantages
- Regional Focus: Limited to businesses operating in Alberta.
- Competitive Process: Requires a strong business proposal to compete.
- Location restrictions: Applicants must settle in the province till they get PR.
Alberta Startup Visa Processing Time
- Approximately 18-24 months.
FGES Minimum Investment Requirement
- Minimum CAD 100,000 (urban center) and CAD 50,000 (outside Calgary and Edmonton) are necessary to support the business.
FGES Language Requirements
- Proficiency in English or French (CLB 5).
FGES Required Documents
- Letter of support from a designated organization in Alberta (Empowered Startups OR Platform Calgary)
- Proof of funds
- Language proficiency results
- Police certificates
- Biometric Canada (If applicable)
- Solid Business plan
4. Intra Company Transfer Canada (ICT Work Permit)
The Intra Company Transfer Canada (ICT visa) program allows multinational companies to transfer key employees to Canadian branches.
ICT visa Advantages
- Temporary Work Permit: Provides a temporary pathway to work in Canada, which can be extended to 7 years.
- No Investment Requirement: No minimum investment is required.
- Business Expansion: Facilitates the expansion of foreign businesses into Canada.
- Flexibility: Employees can apply for PR through other pathways, such as Express Entry (CEC or FSW class), after expanding the business.
ICT Visa Disadvantages
- Temporary Status: This does not directly lead to permanent residency.
- Employer-Specific: Only available to employees of multinational companies with a Canadian branch.
- Approximately 3-6 months, depending on where the applicant is applying for
ICT Minimum Investment Requirement
- There is no minimum investment requirement, but sufficient funds are needed to settle and support the business and applicants while in Canada.
ICT Visa Language Requirements
- There is no language requirement. Still, they should show that they can perform the job effectively.
FGES Required Documents
- Employment contract
- Proof of employment relationship
- Intra Company Transfer Canada Business plan for the Canadian branch
- Proof of business operations in both home country and Canada
- Police certificates
- Biometric Canada (If applicable)
5. C11 Work Permit
The C11 work permit is a significant opportunity for entrepreneurs and self-employed individuals who can bring substantial economic, cultural, or social benefits to Canada. It allows them to establish and run a business in Canada temporarily, providing a pathway to permanent residency.
- Temporary Work Permit: Allow entrepreneurs to establish and run a business in Canada temporarily. (Buy a Business in Canada, Start a Business in Canada, or Buy a franchise in Canada)
- No Minimum Investment: No specific investment amount is required.
- Flexibility: After establishing the business, you can apply for PR through other pathways, such as Express Entry (FSW class), PNP business pathway, etc.
C11 work permit Disadvantages
- Temporary Status: Initially provides temporary status with the need to transition to PR.
- Benefit Requirement: Must demonstrate significant benefit to Canada.
- Approximately 3-6 months.
C11 Minimum Investment Requirement
- There is no minimum investment requirement, but sufficient funds are needed to settle and support the business and applicants while in Canada.
C11 Language Requirements
- There is no specific language requirement, but proficiency can strengthen the application and demonstrate they can perform the job offered.
C11 Required Documents
- Detailed C11 business plan
- Proof of business ownership of a minimum of 50% of the business in question.
- Evidence of significant benefit to Canada
- Police certificates
- Biometric Canada (If applicable)
6. Business Visitor Visa Canada
The Business Visitor Visa allows individuals to visit Canada for short-term business activities such as business meetings, conferences, and exploring business opportunities without entering the Canadian labour market.
Business Visitor Visa Advantages
- Short-Term Visits: Suitable for business meetings, conferences, and exploring business opportunities.
- No Investment or Language Requirements: No specific investment or language proficiency is required.
Business Visitor Visa Disadvantages
- No Work Authorization: This does not permit working or establishing a business in Canada.
- Temporary Status: Only allows short-term visits of a maximum of 6 months.
Business Visitor Visa Processing Time
- With a processing time of approximately 2-4 months, you can expect a quick response to your application, relieving you of not waiting long.
Business Visitor Minimum Investment Requirement
- There is no investment requirement.
Business Visitor Language Requirements
- There is no language requirement.
Business Visitor Visa Required Documents
- Letter of invitation for business visitors to Canada from a Canadian business
- Proof of business activities
- Travel itinerary
- Proof of funds
- Police certificates
- Biometric Canada (If applicable)
Summary Table
As a business immigrant, you can obtain an investor visa Canada through various channels (Federal vs. Provincial Investor visa Immigration Programs). Some immigration plans might be more appropriate for you based on your business objectives and family circumstances. It’s critical to weigh the benefits of federal versus provincial programs to determine which would be best for you, your company, and your family. Here is a summary table showing current Canadian business immigration available options:
Program | PR Pathway | Processing Time | Min. Investment | Language Requirement | Key Documents |
Yes | 36-48 months | None | CLB 5 | Language test, Letter of Support (LOS), Proof of funds | |
Yes | 18-24 months | Varies by province | Varies by province | Business plan, Proof of funds, Language test, Net worth verification | |
Yes | 18-24 months | 50-100K | CLB 5 | Business plan, Letter Of Support (LOS), Proof of funds | |
No | 3-6 months | None | None (proficiency helps) | Employment contract, Business plan, Significant Benefit evidence | |
No | 3-6 months | None | None (proficiency helps) | Business plan, Proof of ownership, Significant Benefit evidence | |
No | 2-4 months | None | None (proficiency helps) | Invitation letter, Business activity proof, Travel itinerary |
Conclusion
Each of these business immigration pathways offers unique advantages and disadvantages, catering to different types of entrepreneurs and business activities. The Federal Startup Visa and Entrepreneur PNPs provide direct pathways to permanent residency but require strong business proposals and, in some cases, significant investments. The Alberta Startup Visa offers a supportive ecosystem without little investment of 50-100K, while the ICT Work Permit and C11 Work Permits facilitate temporary business activities with the potential for future PR pathways. The Business Visitor Visa is ideal for short-term business visits without work authorization.
By understanding these options, prospective business immigrants can choose the pathway that best aligns with their business goals and personal circumstances.
How Arnika Visa Can Help?
Arnika Visa specializes in business immigration, offering tailored guidance for the Canada Startup Visa and helping entrepreneurs establish innovative businesses. We streamline the Canada Entrepreneur Visa (PNP) process, assisting with provincial nominations. For the Alberta Startup Visa, we provide expert support for new ventures in Alberta. Our services include securing C11 Work Permits for self-employed individuals and ICT Work Permits for intra-company transferees. We also facilitate Business Visitor Visas, ensuring compliance with Canadian regulations. Our commitment to delivering personalized solutions that truly understand and meet clients’ unique needs and goals sets us apart.
By understanding these options, prospective business immigrants can choose the pathway that best aligns with their business goals and personal circumstances.
Investor Visa Canada Related Articles
- Canada Investor Visa – All Business Immigration Programs
- PNP Entrepreneur Immigration Canada
- British Columbia Entrepreneur Immigration (BC PNP)
- Canada Citizenship by Investment
- How to Buy Canadian Citizenship?
- Alberta Start Up Visa Program
- Canada Self Employed Visa
- Immigrate To Canada After 40
- Business Visitor Visa Canada
