PNP Entrepreneur Visa Streams

This Entrepreneur Visa program is no longer running, as of July 2012, and there are currently no plans to resume the program. 

The program has been replaced by provincial programs for foreign entrepreneurs who want to start, acquire or invest in a business in Canada

Provincial Entrepreneur Visa Programs

To qualify for these programs as an entrepreneur, the applicant must have a net worth of at least $500,000 and should be willing and be able to establish, invest in or acquire a business in Canada which will create or maintain employment in Canada. 

Requirements for this program varies depending on the province, standard requirements include:

• Having at least three years of experience in running a business acquired during the five years preceding the date you submitted your application. This is defined as the actual and full-time assuming of the responsibilities and duties related to the planning, management, and control of material, financial and human resources, or specialization process attested to by a diploma

The province and its available streams are as follows: 

• Alberta
• International Graduate Entrepreneur Immigration Stream
• Self-Employed Farmer Stream
• British Columbia - Entrepreneur Immigration Stream (Regional Pilot)
• Manitoba
• Entrepreneur Pathway
• Farm Investor Pathway
• New Brunswick - Business Immigration Stream
• Newfoundland and Labrador
• International Entrepreneur Stream
• International Graduate Entrepreneur Stream
• Northwest Territories - Business Stream
• Nova Scotia
• International Entrepreneur Stream
• International Graduate Entrepreneur Stream
• Ontario - Entrepreneur Stream
• Prince Edward Island - Entrepreneur Work Permit
• Entrepreneur Category
• International Graduate Entrepreneur Category
• Farm Owner and Operator Category
• Yukon - Business Nominee Program

For the eligibility requirements of each PNP Entrepreneur Visa stream, visit the Investor Visa page.    

If you qualify for an Entrepreneurial Program, you and your immediate family can obtain Canadian immigration (permanent resident) visas under the respective Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). This is for applicants intending to reside in a specific province or territory in Canada, except for Quebec.

The PNP Entrepreneur Visa Program requires you to establish or acquire at least 33.33% in a quality Canadian business that you must actively manage. Your business must also create at least one new job, sometimes two, for a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.      

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I get an entrepreneur visa for Canada?

The first step is to choose your visa program. Two of the best options are the Start-up visa program and one of the various Provincial Nominee Entrepreneur programs mentioned above. The Start-up visa usually requires having a letter of support from a designated organization, has language requirements as well as certain financial requirements.

2. How much money do you need to immigrate to Canada as an entrepreneur?

To apply for a start-up visa you will need an investment of between $75,000 and $200,000 from a designated organization. If applying through a provincial entrepreneur program, it will vary depending on the province or territory and immigration stream, ranging from $50,000 to $600,000.

3. Is Canada good for entrepreneurship?

Canada is one of the best places to start a business. Not only does it have an extremely talented workforce but it also has global market access through 14 trade agreements with 51 countries, low costs, and reduced risk. You will also have access to new technologies and innovation and can look forward to enjoying a high quality of life in Canada.

4. Can an international student start a business in Canada?

No, not while you are studying as you need to be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident to start a business in Canada. Canada doe, however, has various provincial entrepreneur and graduate start-up programs specific to the province or territory you have studied in and have received your qualification.

5. What is the best business to start in Canada?

The best place to start when considering bringing your business to Canada is to do some market research. You will find great business opportunities for immigrants in the agricultural, accommodation and food services, wholesale and retail, construction as well as professional, scientific, and technical service sectors.