x
(403) 452-9515
Ackah Business Immigration Law – Personal and Corporate Immigration
Contact us

Contact Information

1 (403) 452-9515

1 (800) 932-1190

Book a Consultation

More Options...

Starting A Business

Business Immigration

Canada's Business Immigration Program welcomes individuals who want to move to Canada and start a business or who want to be self-employed in Canada. It is managed under Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and is a part of the government's commitment to increase economic immigration and to improve Canada's economy due to the aging workforce.

There are two pathways for business people to move to Canada:

  • Start-Up Visa Program
  • Self-Employed Persons Program

How to Immigrate to Canada in the Start-Up Visa Program

Canada's Start-Up Visa Program for Entrepreneurs was launched as a 5-year program in 2013 to encourage business immigration to Canada, but was so successful it became a permanent IRCC program in 2018. The Start-Up Visa Program targets immigrant entrepreneurs who have the skills and resources to build businesses in Canada and:

  • who are innovative
  • can create jobs for Canadians
  • can compete on a global scale

Canada’s Start-Up Visa is the first of its kind in the world, linking immigrant entrepreneurs with experienced private sector organizations that have expertise in working with start-ups, including:

  • venture capital funds
  • angel investor groups
  • business incubators

Business immigrants who want to buy a business in Canada and qualify for a Temporary Foreign Worker permit under owner-operator policies will benefit from discussing their application and qualifications with an immigration legal expert who can advise them.

Free Checklist: Requirements for Canada Entrepreneur Start-Up Visa Program

How to Immigrate to Canada as a Self-Employed Person

To immigrate to Canada as a self-employed person, you must demonstrate that you are able to be self-employed in Canada and meet all selection, medical and security criteria to move to Canada.

There are 2 pathways to becoming a Canada Permanent Resident in the Self-Employed Visa program: Cultural Activities and Athletics. Applicants must be willing and able to make a significant contribution to the cultural or athletic life of Canada.

  • Cultural Activities
    Cultural and artistic fields applicants must meet the criteria of "world class" workers and can include:
    • authors and writers
    • creative and performing artists
    • musicians
    • painters
    • sculptors and other visual artists
    • technical support and other jobs in motion pictures
    • creative designers
    • craftspeople
  • Athletics
    Self-employed applicants to move to Canada must have taken part in athletics at a world-class level or have work experience being self-employed in athletics, including:
    • coaches
    • trainers
    • athletes

Note: As of March 10, 2018, IRCC is no longer accepting new applications under the Farm Management Stream of the Self-Employed Person Program.

Free Download: Qualifications to Immigrate to Canada as a Self-Employed Person

Your Self-Employed Person application must score 35 out of a possible 100 points. The Visa Officer will also consider your work experience, age, language proficiency and other criteria to determine if you qualify. The Visa Officer who interviews you has the discretion to grant Permanent Residence, but you must formally ask for that consideration.

Business immigrants applying for a Self-Employed Visa into Canada will benefit from discussing their application and qualifications with an immigration legal expert who can advise them.

Canada's New Pilot Program to Fast-Track Hiring Temporary Foreign Workers: Recognized Employer Pilot (REP)

Canadian business owners who have a history of hiring Temporary Foreign Workers will welcome the new fast-track, streamlined pilot program Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship ...

Read More

How To Immigrate To Canada As A Self-Employed Person

Canada has many ways for someone to qualify for immigration as a self-employed person, which is based on their work, skills and education. To immigrate to Canada as a self-employed ...

Read More

E Visa Requirements for Canadian Citizens

E visas, also known as Treaty Investor Visas, are available for Canadian investors and entrepreneurs who want to expand their business into the United States. To qualify for an E visa, ...

Read More

5 Fastest Ways For Employers To Bring Foreign Workers To Canada

Canada is a country with a growing economy and a strong demand for skilled workers. As a result, the Canadian government has made it relatively easy for employers to bring foreign workers ...

Read More

FAQs About Canada's Start Up Visa Program for Foreign Entrepreneurs

Canada's Start-up Visa Program is a fast-track way to immigrate to Canada for entrepreneurs who have a qualifying business and support from a designated organization. The program ...

Read More

How To Move Your Business to Canada

Canada presents an attractive destination for foreign business owners who want to expand and move their business to Canada. The country offers a number of advantages that can help ...

Read More

Featured Resource

Canada & U.S. Immigration Podcast

Each month I discuss an important topic in immigration and answer your questions. I will also invite immigration and cross-border business guest experts on the podcast. I answer ...

View Resource

"They were very professional and took the time to answer my questions in depth. The customer service I received was awesome and I could tell they truly care about making clients feel heard"

Anonymous

View All Testimonials