Open a Business in Canada

There are various programs available for those seeking to open a business in Canada.

Seeking to open a business in Canada?

There are various programs available for those seeking to open a business in Canada or buy an existing business in Canada; depending on your age, education, work experience, net worth, and entrepreneurial history. Canada divides their immigration programs into two different categories: Federal programs and Provincial programs.

Federal programs are run by the Canadian Federal Government and allow an individual to live and work anywhere in Canada, with the exception of Quebec as they have their own immigration programs. Federal programs include the Start-Up Visa.

Provincial programs are run by each province/territory individually and are tailored to their specific needs. These programs were created to allow the provinces to bring in new immigrants to fit their specific needs. To apply through these programs, the applicant needs to have the intention to reside in the province.

To discuss your possible business options, book a consultation with one of our Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants.

 

 

 

British Columbia

The BCPNP Entrepreneur Immigration – Base category is a points-based system which means that interested applicants will need to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) to the BCPNP. They will then receive a score and wait to be chosen based on that score. Please note that this program is currently paused until early 2022.

Applicant’s need to meet the following requirements to apply under this program:

  • Intention to reside in British Columbia
  • Minimum net worth of $600,000 Canadian Dollars
  • Minimum of $200,000 Canadian dollar investment into the business
  • Create at least one job for a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
  • 3+ years of experience as a business owner-manager, OR, 4+ years of experience as a senior manager, OR, a combination of 1+ year of experience as a business owner-manager and 2+ years of experience as a senior manager obtained in the past ten years
  • Possess a post-secondary credential, OR, experience as an active business owner-manager for at least three of the last five years with 100% ownership in the business
  • Must own at least one-third (33.33%) of the business
  • Obtain a minimum of CLB 4 equivalent in all four sections of an approved English or French.
  • Intent to participate in the active and ongoing management of the day-to-day business operations in British Columbia

The following types of businesses are ineligible under the BC PNP:

    • bed and breakfasts, hobby farms and home-based businesses
    • payday loan, cheque cashing, money changing and cash machine businesses
    • pawnbrokers
    • tanning salons
    • DVD rental stores
    • coin-operated laundries
    • automated car wash operations
    • scrap metal recycling
    • businesses selling used goods (excluding businesses that provide value-added services such as repairs, refurbishing or recycling)
    • real estate brokerage, insurance brokerage or business brokerage
    • real estate development activities
    • goods trading businesses (e.g. import/export), unless value add is demonstrated
    • businesses involved in producing, distributing or selling pornography or sexually explicit products or services, or providing sexually oriented services
    • an immigration-linked investment scheme
    • any business where the terms of investment include a redemption option
    • any business that may be a passive
    • any other type of business that by association would tend to bring the BC PNP or the Government of British Columbia into disrepute

Please note that if you are invited to submit an application to the BCPNP, you will need to review the full program guidelines to make sure that you, your employer, and your job offer meet all of BCPNP’s specific requirements. If you need assistance with this, you can book a consultation with one of our Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants. 

The BCPNP Entrepreneur Immigration – Base category is a points-based system which means that interested applicants will need to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) to the BCPNP. They will then receive a score and wait to be chosen based on that score.

Applicant’s need to meet the following requirements to apply under this program:

  • Intention to establish an eligible new business aligned with the priorities of the referring eligible communities
  • Minimum net worth of $300,000 Canadian Dollars
  • Minimum of $100,000 Canadian dollar investment into the business
  • Create at least one job for a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
  • 3+ years of experience as a business owner-manager, OR, 4+ years of experience as a senior manager, OR, a combination of 1+ year of experience as a business owner-manager and 2+ years of experience as a senior manager obtained in the past ten years
  • Possess a post-secondary credential, OR, experience as an active business owner-manager for at least three of the last five years with 100% ownership in the business
  • Must own at least one-third (33.33%) of the business
  • Obtain a minimum of CLB 4 equivalent in all four sections of an approved English or French.
  • Intent to participate in the active and ongoing management of the day-to-day business operations in British Columbia

Eligible communities include the following:

  • 100 Mile House
  • Mackenzie
  • Prince George
  • Quesnel
  • Williams Lake
  • Castlegar & Central Kootenay (Areas I & J)
  • Columbia Valley & East Kootenay
  • Cranbrook
  • Kimberley
  • Nelson & Central Kootenay (Areas E & F)
  • Rossland
  • Trail
  • West Boundary (Area E)
  • Bulkley-Nechako
  • Burns Lake
  • Terrace
  • Fort St. John
  • Chase
  • Clinton
  • Penticton
  • Salmon Arm
  • Vernon
  • Campbell River
  • Comox
  • Mount Waddington
  • Port Alberni
  • Powell River

The following types of businesses are ineligible under the BC PNP:

    • bed and breakfasts, hobby farms and home-based businesses
    • payday loan, cheque cashing, money changing and cash machine businesses
    • pawnbrokers
    • tanning salons
    • DVD rental stores
    • coin-operated laundries
    • automated car wash operations
    • scrap metal recycling
    • businesses selling used goods (excluding businesses that provide value-added services such as repairs, refurbishing or recycling)
    • real estate brokerage, insurance brokerage or business brokerage
    • real estate development activities
    • goods trading businesses (e.g. import/export), unless value add is demonstrated
    • businesses involved in producing, distributing or selling pornography or sexually explicit products or services, or providing sexually oriented services
    • an immigration-linked investment scheme
    • any business where the terms of investment include a redemption option
    • any business that may be a passive
    • any other type of business that by association would tend to bring the BC PNP or the Government of British Columbia into disrepute

Please note that if you are invited to submit an application to the BCPNP, you will need to review the full program guidelines to make sure that you, your employer, and your job offer meet all of BCPNP’s specific requirements. If you need assistance with this, you can book a consultation with one of our Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants. 

The Strategic Projects category of the BCPNP Entrepreneur Immigration stream is for foreign corporations who have identified strategic investment opportunities in B.C. in order to establish operations that are integral to the growth and expansion of their core business.

Foreign corporations must meet the following requirements in order to be eligible:

  • be well-established and in good financial standing
  • demonstrate investment readiness and capacity for international expansion into B.C.
  • provide significant economic benefit to the province by making a high-value investment in B.C.

The foreign corporation must:

  • make a minimum equity investment of at least $500,000 directed toward the corporation’s operations in B.C.
  • establish new or purchase and expand an eligible business in B.C.
  • create at least three new full-time equivalent jobs for Canadian citizens or permanent residents for each foreign key staff member proposed (to a maximum of five key staff)

The following types of businesses are ineligible under the BC PNP:

    • bed and breakfasts, hobby farms and home-based businesses
    • payday loan, cheque cashing, money changing and cash machine businesses
    • pawnbrokers
    • tanning salons
    • DVD rental stores
    • coin-operated laundries
    • automated car wash operations
    • scrap metal recycling
    • businesses selling used goods (excluding businesses that provide value-added services such as repairs, refurbishing or recycling)
    • real estate brokerage, insurance brokerage or business brokerage
    • real estate development activities
    • goods trading businesses (e.g. import/export), unless value add is demonstrated
    • businesses involved in producing, distributing or selling pornography or sexually explicit products or services, or providing sexually oriented services
    • an immigration-linked investment scheme
    • any business where the terms of investment include a redemption option
    • any business that may be a passive
    • any other type of business that by association would tend to bring the BC PNP or the Government of British Columbia into disrepute

Please note that if you are invited to submit an application to the BCPNP, you will need to review the full program guidelines to make sure that you, your employer, and your job offer meet all of BCPNP’s specific requirements. If you need assistance with this, you can book a consultation with one of our Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants. 

Alberta

  • Intention to reside in Alberta
  • Have completed at least two years of full-time education, resulting in a degree or diploma from an eligible educational institution in Alberta
  • Have a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) issued by IRCC, which is valid at the time of your Expression of Interest (EOI) submission.
  • Have a minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level of 7 for each English language skill or Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens (NCLC) of 7 for each French language skill: reading, writing, listening and speaking. Official test results must be less than 2 years old at the time your EOI is submitted to AINP
  • Must establish a new business or buy an existing business in Alberta with a minimum 34% ownership
  • This is a points-based system which means that interested applicants will need to submit an Express of Interest (EOI) to the AINP. You will then be scored based on the following factors, and those with the higher score will be selected:
    • Business Management or Ownership Experience
    • Economic Benefit of your proposed business in Alberta
    • Your total business investment (there is no minimum mandatory)
    • Your language proficiency
    • Your education completed in Alberta
    • Your age (no age limit)
    • Your accompanying spouse/common-law partner’s characteristics
    • If you have a qualifying relative living in Alberta

The following businesses are not eligible under this program:

  • Any business in contravention of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act and Regulations (for example, immigration-linked investment schemes or passive investment).
  • Businesses without a value-add economic component, including:
    • pay day loan, cheque cashing and related businesses
    • businesses trading in used goods
  • Businesses that would be considered passive investment and/or lack active management, including
    • property rental, investment and leasing activities
    • real estate development/brokerage, insurance brokerage or business brokerage
    • coin-operated businesses, including laundromats and car wash operations
  • Project based or seasonal businesses
  • Home-based businesses, including:
    • businesses that are not zoned for commercial or industrial operations
    • bed-and-breakfasts and lodging houses
  • Businesses that are part of a succession plan. This includes businesses that:
    • are owned/operated by a close relative of the candidate
    • were previously owned/operated by a current or former AINP entrepreneur stream candidates/nominees within the past 4 years
    • have changed ownership in the past 3 years prior to IGEIS application
  • Businesses involved in producing, distributing or selling pornography or sexually explicit products or services, or providing sexually oriented services.
  • Any other type of business that by association would tend to bring the AINP and the Government of Alberta into disrepute.
  • Minimum of 6 months full-time work experience that can be a combination of actively managing or owning the business or equivalent
  • Have completed a degree from a post-secondary institution outside of Canada within the last 10 years (must obtain an educational credential assessment to prove this)
  • A complete business plan with projected financials is required
  • Minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level of 5 for each English language skill or Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens (NCLC) of 5 for each French language skill: reading, writing, listening and speaking. Official test results must be less than two years old at the time of EOI submission.
  • Must establish a new business or buy an existing business in Alberta with a minimum 34% ownership
  • The mandatory minimum investment for an urban centre is $100,000 while the mandatory minimum investment for a regional area is $50,000
  • Must have a letter of recommendation from an AINP-approved designated agency
  • This is a points-based system which means that interested applicants will need to submit an Express of Interest (EOI) to the AINP
  • You must meet the following financial requirements:
Population size of community and funds required
Source: Statistics Canada
Number of family membersLess than 1,0001,000 to 30,00030,000 to 99,999100,000 to 499,999500,000 and over
1$8,922$10,151$11,093$12,961$12,960
2$11,107$12,636$13,810$16,135$16,135
3$13,655$15,534$16,977$19,836$19,836
4$16,579$18,861$20,613$24,084$24,083
5$18,803$21,392$23,379$27,315$27,315
6$21,208$24,127$26,367$30,807$30,806
7$23,611$26,861$29,356$34,299$34,299

 

The following businesses are not eligible under this program:

  • Any business in contravention of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act and Regulations (for example, immigration-linked investment schemes or passive investment).
  • Businesses without a value-add economic component, including:
    • pay day loan, cheque cashing and related businesses
    • businesses trading in used goods
  • Businesses that would be considered passive investment and/or lack active management, including
    • property rental, investment and leasing activities
    • real estate development/brokerage, insurance brokerage or business brokerage
    • coin-operated businesses, including laundromats and car wash operations
  • Project based or seasonal businesses
  • Home-based businesses, including:
    • businesses that are not zoned for commercial or industrial operations
    • bed-and-breakfasts and lodging houses
  • Businesses that are part of a succession plan. This includes businesses that:
    • are owned/operated by a close relative of the candidate
    • were previously owned/operated by a current or former AINP entrepreneur stream candidates/nominees within the past 4 years
    • have changed ownership in the past 3 years prior to IGEIS application
  • Businesses involved in producing, distributing or selling pornography or sexually explicit products or services, or providing sexually oriented services.
  • Any other type of business that by association would tend to bring the AINP and the Government of Alberta into disrepute.
  • Intention to reside in Alberta
  • Farm management skills shown by:
    • Financial documentation of your existing farm business
    • Documentation of your education, training and work experience related to farming
    • Proposed business plan
    • Proof that a Canadian financial institution is willing to finance your proposed farming business
  • Minimum investment of $500,000 Canadian Dollars in a farming businessin Alberta
  • Minimum net worth of $500,000 Canadian Dollars or confirmation that you have access to a similar amount of funds from other sources.
  • You must invest in a primary production farming business in Alberta.

Saskatchewan

This is a points based system and those with the higher scores will be selected.

  • Intention to reside in Saskatchewan
  • Minimum net worth of $500,000 Canadian Dollars
  • Minimum three years entrepreneurial or relevant business management experience.
  • Invest a minimum of $300,000 Canadian Dollars if operating a business in Regina and Saskatoon or a minimum of $200,000 Canadian Dollars if operating a business in all other areas of Saskatchewan
  • Own at least one third of the equity of a business in Saskatchewan unless your total investment is $1,000,000 Canadian Dollars or more
  • Active and on-going participation in the day to day management and direction of the business in Saskatchewan
  • If establishing a new business in Regina or Saskatoon, you must create two or more employment opportunities for Canadians or permanent residents in Saskatchewan. These workers cannot be related to you.
  • For this program you would enter into a Pool of applicants and would be assigned a score. You would be allowed to proceed if your score was selected.
  • Intention to reside in Saskatchewan
  • Net worth of $500,000 Canadian Dollars
  • You will be required to sign a Performance Agreement committing to purchase and actively operating a farm operation in Saskatchewan.
  • Make a “good faith” deposit of $75,000 Canadian Dollars in trust. The cash deposit will be returned to you when you’ve met the terms of the Performance Agreement. If you don’t meet the terms within two years of landing in Saskatchewan, the deposit will be forfeited to the Province of Saskatchewan.
  • Make a exploratory visit to Saskatchewan for at least five working days where you must meet with a provincial representative on your visit.
  • Documentation that proves you’re an experienced farm operator.
  • Business Plan

Manitoba

  • Intention to work reside in Manitoba
  • Minimum Net Worth of $350,000 Canadian Dollars
  • Minimum of three years of business ownership and management experience or a minimum of three years of executive-level experience as a senior manager of a business
  • Minimum score of 60 points or higher on the Manitoba Adaptability Assessment Matrix
  • Willingness to conduct an exploratory visit to Manitoba
  • Minimum investment of $150,000 Canadian Dollars
  • Intention to work reside in Manitoba
  • Minimum net worth of $350,000 Canadian Dollars
  • Minimum of three years of experience in farm management or farm ownership and operation experience
  • Demonstrate adaptability, specifically relating to practical farming skills, technical knowledge and experience in technology based farming practices that will transfer directly to Manitoba’s current primary farm production industry
  • Conduct an exploratory visit to Manitoba
  • Intend to work and reside in Manitoba
  • Minimum investment of $150,000 Canadian Dollars

Ontario

The OINP Entrepreneur Stream is a points-based system and those with the higher scores will be selected. To be eligible to enter an Expression of interest to the OINP Entrepreneur Stream, applicant’s need to meet the following basic requirements:

  • Intention to reside in Ontario
  • Minimum investment of $600,000 Canadian Dollars if operating a business in the Greater Toronto Area OR $200,000 Canadian Dollars if operating a business outside of the Greater Toronto Area OR in any part of Ontario but the business is in the information and communications technology/digital communications sector
  • Minimum net worth of $800,000 Canadian Dollars if operating a business in the Greater Toronto Area (City of Toronto and Durham, Halton, York and Peel regions) OR $ 400,000 Canadian Dollars if operating a business outside of the Greater Toronto Area
  • May identify a business partner for nomination to assist in the establishment of the business in Ontario
  • Must control at least 1/3 of the equity in the business
  • Create at least two full-time, permanent jobs for Canadian citizens or permanent residents if operating a business in the Greater Toronto Area OR one full-time permanent job for a Canadian citizen or permanent resident if operating a business outside of the Greater Toronto Area OR in any part of Ontario but the business is in the information and communications technology/digital communications sector
  • Have at least 24 months worth of full-time business experience in the past 60 months as a business owner or senior manager
  • If purchasing a business in Canada you will need to make an exploratory visit to Ontario within the 12 months preceding the submission of your application
  • For this program, you would enter into a Pool of applicants and would be assigned a score. You would be allowed to proceed if your score is selected.

The following businesses are not eligible under the OINP Entrepreneur Stream

  • automated car wash business
  • holding companies
  • laundromats
  • pawnbrokers
  • pay day loan and related businesses
  • scrap metal recycling
  • tire recycling
  • a business involved in producing, distributing or selling pornography or sexually explicit products or services, or providing sexually oriented services
  • businesses which have been previously owned or operated by a current or former OINP Entrepreneur Stream nominee or a nominee under the former investor component of the Opportunities Ontario program

If your proposed business will be located in the Greater Toronto Area, the following businesses are also ineligible under the OINP Entrepreneur Stream:

  • existing franchises in Ontario (new foreign franchises expanding into Ontario are permitted)
  • gas stations
  • bed and breakfasts

Please note that if you are invited to submit an application to the OINP, you will need to review the full program guidelines to make sure that you meet all of the OINP’s specific requirements. If you need assistance with this, you can book a consultation with one of our Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants. 

New Brunswick

  • Intention to reside in New Brunswick and operate a business in New Brunswick
  • Be between 22 and 55 years of age
  • Have an ability in English and or French sufficient to actively manage a business in New Brunswick.
  • Assume day-to-day management of the business.
  • Have relevant and proven management experience in three of the last five years.
  • Demonstrate prior management experience in the private sector which relates to your proposed business in New Brunswick.
  • Proof of previous significant decision-making responsibility in business.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the business environment in New Brunswick.
  • Exploratory business trip to New Brunswick.
  • Prepare a business plan showing your business’s economic benefit to New Brunswick.
  • Personal net worth of at least $300,000 Canadian Dollars
  • Sign a Deposit Agreement and a submit conditionally refundable deposit of $75,000 Canadian Dollars, prior to nomination
  • Score a minimum of 50 points in the New Brunswick selection factors.

Prince Edward Island

  • Minimum net worth of $600,000 Canadian Dollars ($150,000 Canadian Dollars must be in cash/liquid assets)
  • High School Degree
  • Be between 21 and 59 years of age
  • Have transferable management skills and past employment.
  • Provide active and on-going management of the business from within Prince Edward Island.
  • Provide a deposit of $200,000 Canadian Dollars which will be held by the Province until terms of their agreement have been met.
  • Minimum investment of $150,000 Canadian Dollars into a new or existing Prince Edward Island owned and operated business.

Nova Scotia

  • Intention to reside in Nova Scotia
  • Minimum net worth of $600,000 Canadian Dollars
  • Minimum of three years of business ownership experience OR greater than five years of experience in a senior business manager role in the past 10 years
  • Minimum investment of $150,000 Canadian Dollars in the business
  • High School Degree
  • Business must have potential to create economic benefit for Nova Scotia
  • Create at least 1 job for a Canadian Citizen or Permanent Resident
  • Businesses which are not eligible for this program include:
    • Businesses that are conducted remotely (from another Canadian jurisdiction or from another country).
    • Property rental, investment, and leasing activities.
    • Real estate construction/development/brokerage, insurance brokerage or business brokerage; unless the applicant can demonstrate that their business will provide a compelling benefit to the Province.
    • Professional services or self-employed business operators requiring licensing or accreditation.
    • Pay day loan, cheque cashing, money changing and cash machines.
    • Credit unions.
    • Home-based businesses; unless the applicant can demonstrate that their business will provide a compelling benefit to the Province.
    • Co-operatives.
    • Investments into a business operated primarily for the purposes of deriving passive investment income.
    • Businesses involved in the production, distribution or sale of pornographic or sexually 5 explicit products or services, or in the provision of sexually-oriented services.
    • Joint ventures between NSNP program applicants.
    • Any other type of business that by association could bring the NSNP or the Government of Nova Scotia into disrepute.
  • At least one year of continuous experience actively managing and owning their own current Nova Scotia business (100% ownership)
  • Completed a degree or diploma after at least 2 academic years of full-time, in-person study at a university in Nova Scotia or Nova Scotia Community College
  • Possess a valid post-graduation work permit
  • Score of at least a CLB 7 in speaking, listening, reading and writing on an approved English or French test
  • Complete an online Expression of Interest

Quebec

  • Intention to reside in the North West Territories
  • Invest a minimum of $300,000 Canadian Dollars of equity into starting or buying an existing business within the corporate boundaries of Yellowknife ORinvest a minimum of $150,000 Canadian Dollars of equity into starting or buying an existing business outside of the corporate boundaries of Yellowknife
  • Personal net worth of $500,000 Canadian Dollars if starting or buying an existing business within the corporate boundaries of Yellowknife OR a net worth of at least $250,000 Canadian Dollars if starting or buying a business outside the corporate boundaries of Yellowknife
  • Deposit of $75,000 Canadian Dollars which will be kept in a trust account and released upon completion of a Performance Agreement
  • Ability to communicate in English or French
  • Experience and education required to to successfully implement your business plan.

North West Territories

  • Intention to reside in the North West Territories
  • Invest a minimum of $300,000 Canadian Dollars of equity into starting or buying an existing business within the corporate boundaries of Yellowknife OR invest a minimum of $150,000 Canadian Dollars of equity into starting or buying an existing business outside of the corporate boundaries of Yellowknife
  • Personal net worth of $500,000 Canadian Dollars if starting or buying an existing business within the corporate boundaries of Yellowknife OR a net worth of at least $250,000 Canadian Dollars if starting or buying a business outside the corporate boundaries of Yellowknife
  • Deposit of $75,000 Canadian Dollars which will be kept in a trust account and released upon completion of a Performance Agreement
  • Ability to communicate in English or French
  • Experience and education required to to successfully implement your business plan.

Yukon Territories

  • Intention to reside in the Yukon Territories
  • Minimum score of 56 points on the Yukon Nominee Assessment Grid
  • Minimum score of a CLB 6 on the IELTS test OR a minimum score of a CLB 4 on the TEF
  • Relevant entrepreneurial or business management experience to your proposed business
  • Minimum net worth of $250,000 Canadian Dollars (minimum of $150,000 Canadian Dollars must be in liquid assets)
  • Business plan that outlines how you will establish a successful business venture in one of the industries listed on the Strategic Sector List.
    • Minimum $150,000 Canadian Dollar investment in the business OR an equity investment of at least $1,000,000 Canadian Dollars

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