Start-up & Investor Visa Programs

It is widely believed that Canada is one of the top 10 easiest countries to start a business in. This is largely due to the country's abundant natural resources, an immensely skilled labour force, and a stable government. If you are able to envision a prosperous future in the second-largest nation in the world, you'll find many entrepreneurs and visa options to get you here - from the Canada Start-up Visa to the many Provincial streams.

While there are skilled entrepreneurs in the Great White North, the numbers continue to dwindle as more and more Canadians reach retirement age. This is why Canada needs you! There is an ongoing campaign to welcome newcomers who have the entrepreneurial experience, the talent, and the innovation to start, manage, or buy a business in the country. With new foreign investments, Canada can ensure the continued success of its economy through diversification and development. Let's take a close look at the several Entrepreneur and Investor Visa options available to you.

Start-up Visa Program

The Startup Visa Program is a general Business Immigration or "Investor" Visa option that allows you to immigrate to Canada by starting a business anywhere in Canada. You and your business will have to meet a set of requirements in order to be successful with your application. In general, your business must be innovative, create jobs for Canadians, and be able to compete internationally. While you wait for your application's approval, you can also apply for a temporary work permit to keep you busy in Canada.

Invest in Canadian Tech

Canada has over the years emerged as quite the tech giant and is today home to some of the largest tech innovators in the world, including Google, Microsoft, Apple, and Sage. The Toronto-Waterloo corridor is the largest tech cluster in North America outside of Silicon Valley. Canada also has four of the top 20 tech talents markets in North America, namely:

• Toronto
• Ottawa
• Vancouver
• Montreal

Reasons to Invest in Technology in Canada

A Talented & Skilled Workforce: One of the reasons that Canada makes such a great place to invest in is its talented workforce. It has over 2.8 million STEM graduates and the world's most educated population globally. It also has various immigration and work programs like the BC Tech Pilot and Ontario Tech Pilot, as well as the Global Skills Strategy which makes it possible to hire exceptionally skilled foreign tech workers in as little as two weeks!

Many Incentives: The Scientific Research and Experimental Development Program gives income tax credits and refunds for expenses on eligible Research and Development like:

• operation research
• data collection
• engineering
• Testing
• psychological research
• design

The Strategic Innovation Fund (SIF) helps strengthen business investments in some of Canada's most dynamic and innovative sectors by supporting, for example:

• R&D projects
• Firm expansion
• Large-scale, global-investment attraction
• Collaborative technology demonstration projects
• Clean technology adoption and decarbonization

It has already funded 99 projects with $5.1 billion in contributions, leveraging $53.8 billion in investments as well as creating and maintaining 87,000 new jobs! It also has an $8 billion initiative to support projects that will enable Canada to reduce its domestic greenhouse gas emissions.

Mitacs provided financial support, through Canadian universities, to technology-specific internships and fellowships.

Invest in Canadian Agriculture

Canada's agriculture and agri-food industries are its most lucrative. It's the fifth-largest agricultural commodities exporter globally and has 7,800 businesses in food and beverage processing. Some of its top exports include canola, cattle and calves, beef and veal, vegetables and poultry, maple syrup, and various others.

Reasons to Invest in Agriculture in Canada

Lucrative International Trade and Domestic Market: Canada has an incredibly lucrative agricultural sector. The country exports close to $80 billion in agriculture and food products (including raw agricultural materials, fish and seafood, and processed foods). It is the fifth-largest exporter of agri-food and seafood in the world, exporting to over 200 countries. From crops to meat production, you'll have a wide variety of sectors to invest in.

Many Incentives: Canada has various incentives to help develop and grow its already booming agricultural sector. The top incentives for investing in Canadian agriculture include:

• The Accelerated Investment Incentive has tax credits that will write off 100 percent of newly bought manufacturing and processing equipment in the first year.
• The Scientific Research and Experimental Development Program gives income tax credits and refunds for expenses on eligible Research and Development
• The Strategic Innovation Fund (SIF) helps strengthen business investments in some of Canada's most dynamic and innovative sectors

Sustainable Economic Growth: Canada's agricultural and agri-food sectors are leaders in sustainability with the highest economic growth potential in Canada. Some of the key factors of the industry are:

• Abundant land and water resources
• Access to international markets
• Strong research and development capacity
• Strong global reputation as a trusted supplier of safe, top-quality food
• Strong stewards of the land

How to Apply for a Canada Startup Visa

Step 1: Check Your Eligibility

Before you apply, remember that for your application to be eligible for processing, you must:

• Have a Letter of Support from a designated organization
• Meet Canada’s language requirements
• Meet the financial requirement with regards to settlement funds

Step 2: Get Your Documents Together

To ensure a complete application, you will have to include:

• All information requested
• Complete forms, as the principal applicant
• All supporting documents requested
• Medical clearance documents
• Police clearance
• Translation of documents that are not in English or French

NOTE: Missing documents will cause major delays, so do your best to avoid sending an incomplete application.

Step 3: Complete Your Application Form

You will have to follow the step-by-step instructions provided by the IRCC to complete the application forms accurately. To fill out your application, you must sign in or create a Permanent residence online application portal account. Then fill out the following digital forms online:

• Generic Application Form for Canada (IMM 0008)
• Schedule A – Background/Declaration (IMM 5669)
• Additional Family Information (IMM 5406)
• Supplementary Information - Your travels (IMM 5562)

You will also have to fill out the following PDF forms below. They don't need to be signed. Upload them and sign for the whole application as the primary applicant. You don't need to sign them:

• Document Checklist [IMM 5760] (PDF, 371.86 KB)
• Schedule 13 – Business Immigration Programs – Start Up Business [IMM 0008 SCHEDULE 13] (PDF, 1.43 MB)

Step 4: Pay Your Fees

Pay the right of permanent residence fee ($515) immediately to avoid any delays. This will have to be paid before you get permanent residency.

Additional fees will include:

• medical examinations fees
• police certificate fees
• language assessment fees

Step 5: Submit your Application

Once your application is complete, submit it online for processing. To ensure speedy processing:

• Make sure all questions have been answered
• Add your signature electronically
• Add your processing fee receipt
• Upload your supporting documents

Provincial Nominee Program Entrepreneur and Investor Visa Options

TheProvincial Nominee Program (PNP) gives every province and territory of Canada the power to invite applicants to come and live within their borders if they have the right skills and work experience. Most of the PNPs have at least one entrepreneur or investor visa category dedicated to people who would like to expand or start their business in Canada. Let's take a look at each province's requirements.

Alberta

Alberta is a great place to start a business. Though it is home to the world's 3rd most liveable city according to the Economist Intelligence Unit's (EIU) annual rankings, Calgary, Alberta's farmlands are where your investment options truly lie. The province is Canada's second-largest agricultural producer, and its diverse landscapes make the land perfect for crop production, livestock production, and much more. Currently, there is only one Investment Visa option available in Alberta - the Farm Stream.

Alberta Farm Stream Requirements Include:

Farming skills - You must be able to prove that you have farm management skills through:

• financial documentation of your existing farm business;
• documentation proving your work experience, training and education;
• a detailed business plan; and/or
• evidence showing that a Canadian financial institution will invest in your business plan.

Financial requirements - You must be able to invest a minimum of $500,000 in a primary production farming business in the province.

Investment requirements -You must provide a detailed business plan highlighting your investment plans. Business plans that are believed to have the best chance to grow Alberta's agri-food targets will be considered first.

British Columbia

British Columbia has one of Canada's most flexible, diverse, and competitive economies, making it a prime destination for your new or expanded business. The province's capital, Vancouver, is conveniently located to assist with global trade routes, including the U.S., Asia, and Mexico. Businesses are also heavily supported by our fiscally responsible government, making it easier and cheaper to start a business in our province. Lastly, British Columbia is rich in business resources, including a well-educated workforce of over 2,4 million. 

British Columbia currently has two Investor Visa options, the provincial nominee Entrepreneur Immigration Stream and the Regional Pilot Program. Both options have a unique set of criteria you will have to meet in order to start a business in Canada.

British Columbia Entrepreneur Immigration Requirements

Personal requirements - You must:

• have a minimum net worth of $600,000;
• show your business or management experience; and
• meet the legal requirements for immigration to Canada.

Business requirements - You must:

• start a new qualifying business or purchase and improve a business that already exists;
• invest a minimum of $200,000 in the business; and
• start a business that creates at least one full-time job for a permanent resident or citizen of Canada.

British Columbia Regional Pilot Requirements

• You must start a new business and settle in a regional community with a population of fewer than 75,000 people.
• You must complete an exploratory visit to the community.
• You need to make a minimum investment of $100,000 in a qualifying business.
• You must have a personal net worth of at least $300,000.
• You must own at least 51% of the company.
• Your business must create at least one new job.

Manitoba

Not too big and not too small sums up Manitoba quite accurately. If you are looking to start your business in smaller, welcoming communities, this is the province for you. Manitoba is a land of natural beauty filled with safe, clean, and friendly towns. The capital city, Winnipeg, is becoming known throughout the world for its strong economy, low cost of living, and opportunities for quality careers.

The cost of living in Manitoba is so low that 76% of immigrants become homeowners within the first five years of living in the province. This is surely one of many reasons why 95% of them permanently settle in Manitoba after immigrating to Canada.

The ever-popular Business Investor Stream currently has two investor visa pathways, the Entrepreneur Pathway and the Farm Investor Pathway. Learn what you need to know to start your business in Manitoba below.

Manitoba Entrepreneur Pathway Requirements

Business experience - You must:

• Have three years of full-time work experience in the last five years as an active business owner or senior manager of a successful business.
• As a business owner, score more points than senior managers.
• Own at least a third of the business to qualify for points as a business owner.

Language ability - You must score at least level 5 on the Canadian Language Benchmark test.

Education - You must have completed high school.

Age - There is no age requirement, but you will score extra points if you are between 25 and 49.

Business investment - If your business is located in the Manitoba Capital Region, you need to invest at least $250,000. If your business is located outside of the Manitoba Capital Region, you need to invest at least $150,000. Your investment must be made in a qualifying Manitoban business.

Your business must create at least one job for permanent residents or citizens of Canada. Business research visit. You must hold your business research visit no longer than one year before you submit your application.

Adaptability - You will score adaptability points if:

• your spouse or common-law partner has a Canadian Language Benchmark score of level five or more;
• you or your spouse/common-law partner has Canadian Language Benchmark level five or higher in a second official language;
• you or your spouse/common-law partner has a close relative who has been living in Manitoba for more than a year;
• you have a child that is studying at an accredited Manitoban educational institution on a full-time basis for a minimum of six months before the date you submit your Expression of Interest;
• you or your spouse/common-law partner who is coming with you have completed at least one year of full-time study at a Manitoban tertiary institution; or
• you or your spouse/common-law partner who is coming with you have continuous work experience for six months in Manitoba.

Net worth - You must have a net worth of at least $500,000.

Business performance agreement - Once your application is approved, you must sign a Business Performance Agreement.

Manitoba Farm Investor Pathway

Farming experience - You must have at least three years of farm ownership and operation experience.

Language ability - You need to be proficient in either French or English.

Investment requirements - Your farm business must be established in rural Manitoba. You must invest at least $300,000 in the farm business. Your investments must be in tangible assets. You must accompany your application with a farm business plan.

Farm research visit - You must conduct a farm business research visit in the province.

Farm business activities - Your farm business must have ongoing and recurring activities in rural Manitoba. You must live on the farm and be an active participant in the management of the farm. The Farm business must be in primary agriculture production. You must conduct value-added farm business activities in the province.

Economic adaptability - You must show that your practical farming skills, technical knowledge and experience in technological farming practices can adapt to Manitoba's primary farm production industry.

Net worth - You must have a minimum net worth of at least $500,000.

New Brunswick

New Brunswick provides a backdrop of lush forests, clear lakes, majestic mountain ranges, and beautiful beaches to your new business. The world may know the province for the Bay of Fundy which has the world's highest tides, but what many of us do not know is that New Brunswick has some of the best business opportunities in all of Canada.

A skilled labour force awaits your business in New Brunswick. The province has the highest graduation rate and the fastest internet in the country, making it a prime spot for productivity. New businesses flourish in the province due to having the lowest operating costs in Canada and the U.S. For this reason, and many others, New Brunswick's capital city, Fredericton, won the startup community of the year in 2016.

To start your business in New Brunswick, you will have to meet the requirements for either the Entrepreneurial Stream or the Post-Graduate Entrepreneurial Stream.

New Brunswick Entrepreneurial Stream

• Your business must have a real eligible connection to the province.
• You must be between 22 and 55 years old.
• You must have reached Canadian Language Benchmark level 5 or higher in all four categories of the test in either French or English.
• You must have finished at least two years of tertiary education after completing high school.
• Your personal net worth must be verified, and it should be a minimum of $600,000.
• During the past 5 years, you must have at least 3 years of work experience in managing and owning at least 33.3% of a business or you must have 5 consecutive years of work experience in a senior business management role.
• You need to have the intention of living in the province permanently while owning and managing your local business.
• You must be able to make a minimum investment of at least $250,000 in starting your business.

New Brunswick Post-Graduate Entrepreneurial Stream

• You must be between 22 and 40 years old.
• You must have reached Canadian Language Benchmark level 7 or higher in all four categories of the test in either French or English.
• You must have completed a full-time tertiary degree or diploma of two years length at a recognized university or community college in New Brunswick.
• You must have lived in the province while studying for the qualification mentioned above.
• You must have managed and owned 100% of a business in the province for a minimum of one year.
• You need to have a valid post-graduation work permit.
• You must be able to show your intention and ability to settle in the province.

Nova Scotia

It is important to keep sight of the important things in life like family, when you plan your new business in Canada. For the ultimate balance between work, family, and relaxation, look no further than Nova Scotia. As one of Canada's Atlantic provinces, Nova Scotia is in great need of innovative newcomers to start businesses in the province.

Nova Scotia has an abundance of natural resources which has created lucrative industries in agriculture, fishing, mining, forestry, and natural gas extraction. With so many resources at your disposal and a low cost of living, your business in the province will surely succeed. There are currently two Entrepreneur Visa options available in Nova Scotia.

Nova Scotia Entrepreneur Requirements

• You need to be at least 21 years old.
• You must have the intention to live in the province permanently while actively managing and owning your business.
• Your personal net worth must be $600,000 minimum.
• You need to be able to make a $150,000 investment in your intended business.
• You must have a minimum of three years of experience in managing and owning at least one-third of a business, or you must have at least five years of experience in a senior management position.
• You must have reached Canadian Language Benchmark level 5 or higher in all four categories of the test in either French or English.
• You need to complete your online Expression of Interest in the province.
• You must receive an Invitation to Apply from Nova Scotia Immigration.

Nova Scotia International Graduate Requirements

• You must have the intention to live in the province permanently while actively managing and owning your business.
• You must have managed and owned 100% of a business in the province for a minimum of one year.
• You must have completed a full-time tertiary degree or diploma of two years length at a recognized university or community college in Nova Scotia.
• You must have reached Canadian Language Benchmark level 7 or higher in all four categories of the test in either French or English.
• You need to have a valid post-graduation work permit.
• You need to complete your online Expression of Interest in the province.
• You must receive an Invitation to Apply from Nova Scotia Immigration.

Northwest Territories

Did you know the Northwest Territories is the world's third-largest producer of diamonds? Way up north in Canada, you will find this secret-filled territory famous for its aurora borealis sightings. Not only is this territory a marvel of nature but it's also a prime spot for business. In the last few years, we have seen growth and success in the sectors of Agriculture, Fishery, and Manufacturing and with one of the lowest business tax rates and fastest-growing GDPs in Canada, we will surely see continued success. 

The Northwest Territories is home to an eager and well-trained workforce. In fact, the territory has the lowest unemployment rate in all of Canada. The government here recognizes the importance of business investment and has since created several incentive programs for business and investment.

If you want to start your business in Northwest Territories, you will need to qualify for the Business Stream

Northwest Territories Business Stream Requirements

Investment requirements - You must commit to one of the following investments:

• at least $300,000 in buying or starting a business within the corporate boundaries of Yellowknife; or
• at least $150,000  in buying or starting a business outside of the corporate boundaries of Yellowknife.

Net worth requirements - You must be able to prove that you have a personal net worth of:

• $500,000 minimum to start or buy a business within the corporate boundaries of Yellowknife;
• $250,000 minimum to start or buy a business outside of the corporate boundaries of Yellowknife; and
• $75,000 for a deposit of good faith to the Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment once your application has been accepted.

Personal requirements - You must:

• own at least one-third of the business, or if you own less than that, you must have invested at least $1,000,000 in the business;
• have Canadian Language Benchmark level 5 in either English or French;
• have demonstrable knowledge and understanding of the territory's economy to ensure that your business brings growth to the region;
• be able to complete at least one business trip to the territory to research its business environment;
• have the experience and qualifications to successfully implement your business plan; and have the intention to settle in the Northwest Territories full-time.

Newfoundland and Labrador

Small business enterprises run Newfoundland and Labrador's economy. In fact, 40% of the entire population is employed by these businesses. Despite the many startups in the province, the region's potential for business is still largely untapped.

Newfoundland and Labrador have developing tech industries, and the landscape lends itself to adventure and ecotourism opportunities. Seeing as the province is in great need of a larger food supply, there is plenty of room to invest in the agricultural sector. 

There are currently two new Entrepreneur and Investor Visa options available to those hoping to start a business in Newfoundland and Labrador, the International Entrepreneur and International Graduate Entrepreneur streams.

Newfoundland and Labrador International Entrepreneur

Personal requirement - You must:

• be between 21 and 59 years old;
• submit a verified business plan;
• have completed high school;
• intend to live in the province permanently while owning and managing a local business with the potential of bringing economic benefit to the local communities;
• participate in the active and ongoing management of the business;
have a personal net worth of $600,000;
• be able to invest a minimum of $200,000 in establishing the business that you earn at least a third of;
• create at least one job for a permanent resident or citizen of Canada;
• show your business is for a profit with the primary purpose of making a profit through providing services or selling goods;
• have a minimum of two years experience in managing and owning a business during the past five years or five years of experience in a senior management role during the past five years;
• have at least level five in all four categories of the Canadian Language Benchmark Test in either French or English;
• complete an Expression of Interest (EOI); and
receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) from Newfoundland and Labrador immigration.

Business requirements - The business must:

• meet legal standards;
• be seen as a permanent establishment as defined by the Canadian Income Tax Regulations;
• be able to bring economic growth to the province.

Additional requirements when starting a business - If you plan to start a business, you must create at least one position for a Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Canada. This position must:

• be in addition to your own position;
• be directly related to the business; and
• be in line with the wage standards of the community.

Additional requirements when buying a business You must:

• buy a business that has been in continuous operation by the same owner for the past five years;
• complete an exploratory visit to meet the current owners of the business; buy a business that is in active operation;
• offer similar employment conditions to the existing staff; and
• show that effort was made to provide a fair market value for the business.

Partnership requirements - If your intention is to enter a partnership with several applicants (maximum of 10 per application), each of you who want permanent residence through the partnership must:

• invest a minimum of $200,000 in the partnership and own at least one-third of the company; or
• invest a minimum of $1,000,000.

Ontario

Do you want access to the world's most skilled labour force? Look no further than Ontario. 68% of adults living in Ontario have a post-secondary education, making it the most educated population in the world. Starting a business here will ensure that your employees come backed with some serious qualifications.

In Ontario, your business will also enjoy lower business costs compared to other business centers in the U.S. You will pay less corporate tax, and your spending will be significantly lower on healthcare and housing. For this reason, and many others, two of Ontario's biggest cities, Toronto and Ottawa, rank among the world's best places to live and work.

If you would like to earn Canadian permanent residency by starting, investing, or purchasing a business in Ontario, you will have two options to choose from - the Ontario Corporate Stream and the Ontario Entrepreneur Stream

Ontario Corporate Stream Requirements

Business applicant requirements - The applicant business must:

• have been established at least three years before the application is submitted;
• be of a qualifying structure (public corporation, sole proprietorship or partnership);
• invest at least $5 million in expanding into Ontario or buy a business that already exists in the province.

Job creation requirements - The business must create 5 full-time positions for permanent residents or citizens of Canada per key staff position. The positions must:

• be permanent, full-time positions; and
• be paid above or at the average wage level for the type of work.

Business requirements - The new business must:

• be clearly linked to the parent company as a subsidiary, branch or affiliate;
• be a for-profit business through the sale of goods and services;
• have a primary income source from active, earned income;
• meet the legal standards and regulations of the area; and
• be considered as a permanent business in the province.

Key staff requirements - Your business may request a maximum of five key staff members to start the business, and these staff members may be considered for Canadian permanent residence if they meet the requirements. The key staff must:

• play an essential role in starting the business;
• all be in a senior, executive, management or specialized knowledge position in your company;
• have a minimum of three years of experience in the intended occupation in your company within the last five years;
• have been working in that position continuously for a year immediately before you submitted your application;
• not have a family connection with anyone who has more than 10% equity in the company; not hold any equity in your company unless it is less than 10% and part of the remuneration package of their employment contract; and
• have full-time, permanent jobs that follow the wage standard of Ontario.

Ontario Entrepreneur Stream Requirements

Experience - You must have 3 years of business experience within the last 5 years. Your business experience must be as a senior manager or business owner with an active role in the business.

Net worth - If your proposed business is:

• in the Greater Toronto Area, you must have a net worth of at least $1,500,000;
• anywhere else in Ontario, you must have a net worth of at least $800,000; or
• in the information and communications sector, you must have a net worth of at least $800,000 regardless of its location.

Investment requirements - If your proposed business is:

• in the Greater Toronto Area, you must control at least a third of the company, and you need to invest a minimum of $1,000,000 in it;
• anywhere else in Ontario, you must control at least a third of the company, and you need to invest a minimum of $500,000 in it; or
• in the information and communications sector, you must control at least a third of the company, and you need to invest a minimum of $500,000 in it regardless of its location.

Involvement - You must be actively involved in the daily management of the business.

Business requirements - Your business must:

• be a for-profit business that generates income through the sale of goods and services;
meet all the legal requirements of Canada and Ontario;
• be a permanent business;
• be located in the province at all times; and
• create a minimum of two permanent full-time jobs for permanent residents or citizens of
• Canada within its first 20 months, and they must be paid according to the wage standards of Ontario.

Additional requirements for buying an existing business - If you want to buy an existing business in the province, you must:

• make a business visit to the province within a year of submitting your expression of interest;
• buy a business that has been owned by the same owner(s) for the past five years;
• ensure that the business is completely transferred to you or any other business partner;
• use some of your personal investment in improving and expanding your business in the province; and
• continue to employ all the employees who worked in the business before you bought it.

Prince Edward Island

Prince Edward Island (PEI) may be Canada's smallest province, but its potential for business and economic growth knows no bounds. As one of the Maritime provinces, PEI is largely affected by the aging workforce that is sweeping the nation. For this reason, the province has turned to immigrants, specifically foreign entrepreneurs and investors, to help build the already growing economy.

The Government of PEI, recognizing the importance of new business development, offers many supportive initiatives, like the Ignition Fund, to entrepreneurs looking to start a new business in the province. With plenty of resources at your disposal and the relaxed atmosphere of the coastal towns, your business in PEI will surely flourish. The Prince Edward Island Work Permit is currently the only business visa option in the province.

Prince Edward Island Work Permit Stream Requirements

• You must have a net worth of at least $600,000 .
• You must have graduated from high school or some other secondary school equivalent.
• You must be between 21 and 59 years old.
• You must be able to transfer your management skills, past employment or business ownership experience to your new business in Prince Edward Island.
• You must have at least Canadian Language Benchmark level 4 in either English or French.
• You must have the intention to live and work in the province permanently.
• You must play an active role in the daily activities and ongoing management of the business.

Saskatchewan

Saskatchewan is conveniently located in the center of Canada - a two day journey from the United States. Thanks to its solid road, rail, and air transport infrastructure, the province is well-suited to the manufacturing and distribution industries. With the lowest provincial tax in Canada and large reserves of resources in forestry, mining, agriculture, and energy sectors, your business will enjoy lower operating costs in Saskatchewan.

You should also consider starting a business in this prairie province because it has the third-largest percentage of young workers in Canada. Unlike other provinces that are suffering heavily from an aging workforce, in Saskatchewan, you will have your pick of skilled workers to help your business succeed.

Saskatchewan Entrepreneur Category Requirements

Minimum entry criteria - You must:

• have a minimum net worth of $500,000;
• have at least three years of business management or entrepreneurial experience gained within the past 10 years; and
• have the intention to invest at least $300,000 if your business is located in Regina or Saskatoon. If it is located anywhere else, you only need to make a $200,000 investment.

Business Establishment Plan requirements - Your Business Establishment Plan must include:

• your plan to start a business in Saskatchewan;
• your ownership of minimum of one-third of the business unless you invest at least $1,000,000 in the business;
• your commitment to play an active and ongoing role in the daily management of the business; and
• the creation of two jobs for permanent residents or citizens of Canada in Saskatchewan if your new business is in Regina or Saskatoon.

Saskatchewan Farm Owner and Operator Category Requirements

• You must have a personal net worth of $500,000 or more.
• You must sign a performance agreement showing your commitment to buying and actively operating a farm in Saskatchewan.
• You must complete an exploratory visit to the province for at least five working days.
• You need to be able to prove that you have farm operation knowledge and experience.
• You need to have a proposal for a commercial farming opportunity.

Saskatchewan Farm Owners and Operators - Young Farmer Stream Requirements

• You must have a personal net worth of $300,000 or more.
• You must be younger than 40.
• You must have a minimum of three years of experience in farm ownership, farm management or practical farming experience.
• You must submit a proposal for a commercial farming opportunity in Saskatchewan.
• You or your spouse must be employable so that you can supplement your farming income.

Yukon

Yukon is a truly unique region of Northern America. Many people refer to the territory as the last frontier due to its pristine natural landscape. Communities in Yukon are deeply connected to nature and you will most likely find them to be a group of friendly, active individuals who love to participate in outdoor activities.

Starting a business in Yukon gives you access to an abundance of resources and a terrain that is still largely untapped for business innovation. The Government of Yukon has identified the film, forestry, technology, mining, oil, gas, and tourism sectors as the primary business sectors of the province. A business targeting one of these sectors will have a great chance of success, especially with Yukoners (the population with the most holders of degrees per capita in Canada) in your workforce.

Get Ready to Head to Canada as an Entrepreneur or Investor

With lots of scope for your entrepreneurial or investor dreams to become a reality in Canada, all that's left to do is apply for either a Canadian Startup Visa or one of the many PNP options.

Because immigration can be quite a complicated process with many forms and documents to get ready, enlist the help of one of our professional Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants (RCICs) to ensure a smooth process.

FAQS

How Long will my Startup Visa take to be Processed?

Expect processing to take around 33 months. This processing time includes the time taken to submit your biometrics.

How Much Will it Cost For my Startup visa Application to be Processed?

Processing fees start at $2,140, as updated on April 30, 2022.

I'd like to take my business skills to Quebec. Will I be able to apply via the startup visa program?

No. The Province of Quebec has its own business immigration program.