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All the things that make Canada such a sought-after immigration destination also make it the perfect place to develop new business ventures. Canadian businesses benefit from an abundance of natural resources including vast energy resources, a highly-educated labour force, and easy access to some of the world’s largest markets.
The best part is that Canada is a great place to live. With a diverse and friendly population, unparalleled natural beauty, a very high standard of living, excellent infrastructure, world-class educational institutions, and universal healthcare- what’s not to love?
If you have an innovative idea or the skills and experience to grow a successful business venture, Canada wants you! There are currently many business immigration programs to Canada that can facilitate fast-tracked routes to permanent residency.
The Startup Visa Program and the Federal Self-Employed Persons Program
Two business Immigration to Canada programs are currently open at the Federal level- the Startup Visa Program and the Federal Self-Employed Persons Program.
The Startup Visa program applies to foreign nationals looking to launch a new innovative business venture in Canada. To earn approval, you must demonstrate that your business idea will create jobs in Canada and that principal operation will occur from within the country. Additionally, to qualify for a Startup Visa, the applicant must secure support from a recognized business incubator or financial backing from a designated venture capital fund or angel investor.
The applicant must retain no less than 10% of voting shares in the company and hold more than 50% of all shares (together with a designated organization) and up to five applicants may apply individually as business owners.
There are also capital requirements separate from receiving support or funding from a designated organization. Applicants must show they have sufficient funds to settle in Canada as the amount required will vary. Life in Canada can be expensive, particularly when starting a business, so be prepared to bring more than required.
The Federal Self-Employed Persons Program applies to individuals who have experience in cultural activities and professional-level athletes. If you have experience in one of these fields and score high enough on relevant selection criteria, you may be eligible for the Federal Self-Employed Persons program.
Provincial Nominee Business Immigration Programs
In addition to Federally administered programs, several entrepreneur and business immigration programs are operated at the provincial level through various Provincial Nominee Programs.
The BC Entrepreneur Immigration (EI) Regional Pilot program offers foreign nationals the opportunity to establish a business in smaller BC communities. The pilot program was launched in 2019 and extended through March 2024.
The program has several important eligibility criteria, including business or management acumen and an exploratory visit to the intended community. However, the personal net worth and investment requirements are significantly lower than other business immigration programs.
The Manitoba Business Investor Stream encompasses two business immigration programs targeting foreign nationals who want to establish new business ventures or take on existing ones in this Prairie province.
The Manitoba Entrepreneur Pathway is aimed at experienced business professionals and business owners who have the savvy and capital to lead a successful enterprise. The Farm Investor Pathway targets individuals who have a proven record of owning and operating a farm.
These are just a few of the many business-targeted immigration to Canada pathways available to innovative immigrants who want to establish themselves and their businesses in Canada. If you have the drive but need practical guidance, our experienced team can help you make your dreams of owning a business in Canada a reality.
The importance of family is a mainstay of life in Canada, therefore, family sponsorship programs are a pillar of Canadian immigration policies. The pandemic slowed down the processing of some family sponsorship applications, however, Canada is looking to get back on track by increasing the number of new immigrants welcomed under its Spouses, Partners, and Children category to 80,000 per year until at least 2030.
Additionally, under Family Class Sponsorship to Canada, IRCC will also increase the number of parents and grandparents admitted as permanent residents from 23,500 in 2022 to 28,000 by 2024.
If you have been waiting for the right time to sponsor a family member- that right time is now!
Eligibility
Family sponsorship is open to all Canadian citizens and permanent residents who meet the eligibility criteria. To be eligible, you must:
You cannot apply for Family Sponsorship in Canada if:
Family Sponsorship of Spouses, Partners, and Children
Most family sponsorship applications to Canada involve a spouse, common-law partner, or dependent children. Because Canada recognizes common-law relationships, marriage certificates are not required to sponsor a Canadian partner, however, both partners must be at least 18 and can prove they have lived together for at least 12 months.
Dependent children under the age of 22 can be included on a family sponsorship application, provided, they do not have their own families. Children over 22 may be eligible for sponsorship if a physical or mental disability prevents them from caring for themselves.
When you sponsor a family member, you must sign an ‘undertaking agreeing to provide necessities for the sponsored parties. The duration of that agreement ranges from 3 years for a spouse and up to 10 years for a dependent child.
Family Sponsorship of Parents and Grandparents
In addition to the general eligibility requirements needed to act as a sponsor, family sponsorship of parents and grandparents requires the sponsor to satisfy Minimum Necessary Income (MIN) requirements proving they meet income the minimum threshold for three consecutive years. Sponsors must also sign an ‘undertaking’ agreeing to be financially responsible for that person including any social assistance received by those family members for a period of 20 years.
Sponsoring Non-Immediate Family Members
In some cases, you may be able to sponsor a non-immediate family member, like a sibling, cousin, niece, or nephew if you meet the eligibility criteria. These conditions include having no other closer relations to the sponsor, being related by blood or adoption, and having no other family living in Canada. This program is often referred to as ‘Lonely Canadian’ sponsorship.
Once you have confirmed your eligibility to sponsor a family member, you can proceed with a Family Sponsorship to Canada application:
Families belong together and if you require assistance with Family Sponsorship to Canada, we are here to help.
Immigration to Canada has changed over the past two years as global travel restrictions presented significant challenges for approved permanent residents to land in Canada. But that doesn’t mean there are no pathways leading to fast Canadian PR.
While the FSW and FST draws have been put on hold, draws for permanent residency in Canada via Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) have continued at regular 2-week intervals.
Each province and territory operates its own Provincial Nominee Program, often with several diverse streams targeting specific groups. With over 80 PNPs currently available, if you are a skilled trade or career professional with experience in certain in-demand occupations, chances are there is a PNP that is just right for you.
But what PNP will get you to Canada the fastest? While processing times can vary, the following four Express Entry aligned PNPs are some of the most accessible routes to permanent residency in Canada.
Through the Alberta Express Entry stream, qualified applicants from the Federal Express Entry pool can be nominated by the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (formally the Alberta Nominee Immigrant Program) for permanent residency in Canada.
The AAIP is open to experienced professionals and international graduates who have the skills necessary to help boost economic development while increasing regional diversity. The program also includes a dedicated Accelerated Tech Pathway for workers in certain in-demand tech occupations.
Interested candidates must have an active Express Entry profile and have indicated an interest in living and working in Alberta. The AAIP has a minimum CRS cut-off score of 300 points. While not a requirement, having a job offer, family connection to the province, Canadian post-secondary educational credentials, or strong French language skills can increase your odds of being nominated.
Ontario welcomes more newcomers each year than any other Canadian province or territory. Nearly half of all new permanent residents admitted into Canada each year are in Ontario, and the Ontario Express Entry Human Capital Priorities Stream is a pillar of that success.
Operated through the Ontario Nominee Immigration Program (ONIP), the Ontario Express Entry Human Capital Priorities Stream actively scans Express Entry profiles of candidates that meet the unique needs of the Ontario labour market. Draws are sometimes made for specific NOC-listed occupations, and the required CRS varies. There are also tech-specific draws for individuals with in-demand tech experience.
Candidates who possess the skills and experience required to meet the minimum eligibility criteria for the program may be issued a Notification of Interest which is essentially an invitation to apply for permanent residency in Canada.
Saskatchewan is one of Canada’s fastest-growing economies largely thanks to high levels of immigration. The Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) manages the International Skilled Worker program consisting of several subcategories including an Express Entry stream, Occupation In-Demand, and an Expression of Interest Stream.
The International Skilled Worker program is unique in that it operates both an Express Entry aligned stream and an Expression of Interest Stream where candidates can submit interest directly to the province. Additionally, subcategories within the Saskatchewan International Skilled Worker make it easy for candidates without a job offer and those who do not have a family connection to the province to benefit from a provincial nomination.
These are just a few of the ways to make Canada your new home without the wait. If you would like to explore your eligibility for one of these programs or any other immigration pathway we are here to help.