Entrepreneurs
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 business experience
- have a minimum net worth of C$300,000 that was obtained legally and
- respect the conditions for entrepreneurs after they arrive in Canada.
Learn about:
- Who can apply
- How to apply
- After applying
- Arriving
- Frequently asked questions
- Have at least two years of business experience.
- Have a net worth of at least C$300,000 that was obtained legally.
- Meet the selection criteria for the Entrepreneur Program.
- Meet medical, security and other requirements.
Business experience
You must have managed a qualifying business and have had control of a percentage of equity of the qualifying business for at least two years in the period that begins five years before you submit your application and ends when a decision is made on your application. Your business must not be operated primarily for the purpose of deriving investment income, such as interest, dividends or capital gains.Net worth requirements
You must be able to satisfy a visa officer that the fair market value of all your assets and the assets of your spouse or common-law partner were obtained legally. Your assets must exceed the fair market value of all your liabilities and the liabilities of your spouse or common-law partner by at least C$300,000. You must be able to prove that no portion of your net worth was obtained through criminal activity. You will be asked to explain any discrepancies between your net income over the years and your present net worth. The visa officer who assesses your net worth may ask you for documents to confirm both your income sources and your net worth.Selection criteria
You will be assessed based on selection criteria that include your experience, education, age, language abilities and adaptability. You can find out more about the selection criteria in the Related Links section at the bottom of this page.Medical, security and other requirements
You and your family members must pass a medical examination and security and criminal checks.
Entrepreneurs: Who can apply
To be eligible under the Entrepreneur Program, you must meet the following requirements:1. SIMPLIFIED PROCESS: There is a waiting list to come to Canada as an immigrant investor. This means it may be several years before your application is processed. The simplified application process guarantees your place in the lineup. Your application will be processed based on the regulations in effect on the date you submit your application, even if they change after you apply. More on Simplified process.
2. You must use the regular application process if: you have been selected by Quebec and/or intend to settle there or you have been lawfully admitted to Canada for a period of at least one year and your application for permanent residence will be submitted to the Canadian visa office in Buffalo or you have been lawfully admitted into the United States for a period of at least one year and you are submitting your application to the Canadian visa office in Buffalo.
You wait for your turn to come. You will be contacted by CIC department to submit your documents. After you submit you rdocuments, a Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) officer will verify that you have submitted all the required documentation. Officer will then call you for interview if required. Officer will issue you and your depends medical.
Entrepreneurs: Arrving
Entrepreneurs: Frequently Asked Questions