Anthum Research & Investment

Canada’s investor visa

Canada’s investor visa allows foreign entrepreneurs to gain permanent residency and, eventually, citizenship through federal and provincial investment immigration programs. These immigrant investor programs will initially grant successful applicants work permits to operate their businesses in Canada. Then, if the business is successful, eligible foreign investors could apply for permanent residency and citizenship in Canada. This page will explain what federal and provincial investor immigration programs are available to you, the costs of gaining an investor visa, and everything else a prospective foreign entrepreneur might need to know when considering business immigration to Canada.

What are Canada’s Investor Visa and Investment Immigration Programs?

Various immigration programs in Canada are tailored to foreign entrepreneurs, investors, and companies which make applicants eligible for permanent residency. As a result, there is no single Canada Investor program; instead, there are numerous options for investor immigration. These options can be divided into federal and provincial programs, described below.

Choosing the right immigration program, federal or provincial, will play a significant role in the success of your immigration strategy. It is essential to select the program most suitable for your business and your background. Our free instant assessment tool will certainly help you make the right decision. If you need further guidance, you can always rely on valuable advice during our 60-minute strategy meeting with our top business immigration lawyers. During this meeting, you will get an honest and unbiased assessment of the immigration possibilities available to you.

Our Experience with Canada Investor Visa Applications

When it comes to investment immigration, our lawyers have a successful track record of approvals. You can read about our investor visa experience and perhaps find cases similar to yours!

“Through our 11 years of experience in business immigration, we’ve witnessed how Canada’s immigration system strategically rewards proactive planning, entrepreneurial activism, and innovative thinking. This is why our foreign entrepreneur clients, who embrace challenges, creativity, and a laser focus on business progress, have achieved remarkable success in their immigration journeys. Canada’s investor immigration programs embody the nation’s commitment to fostering innovation and rewarding entrepreneurial spirit. They offer an unparalleled opportunity for foreign entrepreneurs to thrive within a vibrant ecosystem that fuels growth and propels businesses to new heights. By leveraging their unique skill sets and unwavering determination, these individuals have triumphed in their immigration pursuits, capitalizing on the blend of planning, activism, and innovation that defines Canada’s business immigration landscape. As a specialized legal firm, we take immense pride in witnessing our clients’ achievements, which serve as an inspiration to aspiring entrepreneurs worldwide, highlighting the abundant rewards that await those who dare to think differently and forge their path to prosperity in Canada.”

Federal vs Provincial Investment Immigration Programs

As a business immigrant, you have a wide selection of possible investor visa pathways. Depending on your business goals, some immigration schemes may suit you better. It is important to compare and see whether a federal or provincial program would be the best for you, your business, and your family.

Federal Investor ProgramsProvincial Investor Programs

Minimum InvestmentCAD $250,000 to CAD $350,000 recommended$350,000 recommended
CAD $250,000* - $1,000,000

Plus additional net worth requirements in each province

*Some industry-specific programs don’t have qualifying investment requirements

Processing Times1 – 3 months6 – 8 months

Time to Permanent Residency2+ years2+ years

Family MembersYesYes for some

Program LimitNoYes

Restrictions and CommitmentYou need to show that you have sufficient liquid funds to execute your business plan.Keep an eye out for restricted and preferred businesses in each provincial program! Most provinces restrict franchise businesses or prohibit certain automated businesses.

Make sure to review the residency requirements and business commitment requirements for provincial programs to understand what your short- and long-term commitments will be.

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Who Should Apply to Investor Programs?

Every one of the above programs has its own eligibility requirements and application process, but most share some common elements:

Operate a successful business or have enough funds to buy or start one in Canada;
Have at least $250,000 that you can invest in your Canadian business;
Possess necessary skills for business development and business management; and
Have the ability to use your business experience to build a business in Canada.

You can use our instant assessment tool to see if you fulfill the requirements for investor immigration and receive personalized advice during our 1-hour strategy meeting with you.

If you fall within the requirements of business immigration and you are from the United States, the United Kingdom, the United Arab Emirates, Australia, India, or any other country in the world – you are likely to receive approval for your business immigration application. In particular, if you are any of the below, you should consider Canada’s residence by investment programs:

Investor
Entrepreneur
Self-employed person
Executive or senior manager
Skilled worker and professional

If you are unsure what kind of business or investment you’d like to do in Canada, research some investment immigration ideas to find suitable opportunities and inspiration.

Investor Visa Process: From Work Permit to Permanent Residency to Citizenship

Every business immigrant who comes to Canada through business immigration is eligible for permanent residency. When you first receive approval for your business immigration application, you will obtain a work permit as your Canadian company will employ you. You may become eligible for permanent residency after operating your business for at least a year. After receiving permanent residence, you can eventually qualify for Canadian citizenship.

The entire process how to get an investor visa for Canada can be summarized as follows:

Establish or buy a Canadian company – The first step towards obtaining an investor visa is establishing or purchasing a Canadian company. This company will serve as the platform for your entrepreneurial activities in Canada. It is essential to ensure that your business aligns with the requirements of the chosen business immigration program.
Your Canadian company employs you – Once your Canadian company is established or acquired, it will employ you as an executive, manager, or business owner. This employment relationship is a crucial component of your application and establishes your eligibility for a work permit.
Apply for a work permit through a business immigration program – With your Canadian company employing you, you can now apply for a work permit through a business immigration program. This work permit allows you to work and operate your business in Canada legally. The specific program you choose will depend on your eligibility criteria and long-term goals. Part of your application will include a comprehensive business plan.
Operate your business in Canada for one year – After receiving your work permit; it is time to put your entrepreneurial skills to work and actively operate your business in Canada. Maintaining accurate records of your business activities during this period is important, as they will be required when applying for permanent residency.
Apply for permanent residency – Once you have successfully operated your business in Canada for at least 1 year, you become eligible to apply for permanent residence. This application is typically made through the business immigration program you initially entered. The immigration authorities will review your business performance, financials, and compliance with the program’s requirements.
Become eligible for Canadian citizenship – After obtaining permanent residency, you can work towards Canadian citizenship. The eligibility criteria for citizenship include meeting residency requirements, demonstrating proficiency in English or French, passing a citizenship test, and showing knowledge of Canadian history, values, and rights.

How Much Do You Need to Invest to Immigrate to Canada and Get Permanent Residence?

In our experience, you must invest between CAD $250,000 to $350,000+ to gain Canadian permanent residence and eventually citizenship as a foreign entrepreneur. With such an investment, you could apply for one of Canada’s investment immigration programs, under which you could become eligible for permanent residency after operating your business in Canada on a work permit for 1 – 2 years. The amount that you invest will largely depend on various factors such as:

Type of Business – The amount you would invest during your business immigration may be lower or higher than CAD $250,000 to $350,000 simply because of the needs of your business. As with manufacturing or industrial production, some businesses require a significant upfront investment. On the other hand, some businesses may be easier to set up compared to others, for example, buying a convenience store franchise or a nail salon. Some business immigrants choose to expand their foreign business to Canada, while others prefer to purchase or invest in an existing Canadian business.
Location – Canada is a vast country with a considerable market disparity from region to region. Bigger cities tend to require an investment on the higher end of the spectrum. For example, it may cost you CAD $180,000 to immigrate to Saskatoon by buying a business; in Toronto or Vancouver, it could add up to CAD $300,000. The difference in investment costs due to the location would be visible in real estate, staff, products, and service costs, to name a few.
Competition – Understanding your competition will allow you to gauge the costs of your business immigration more precisely. Our lawyers have extensive experience helping foreign entrepreneurs immigrate to Canada and accurately estimating the costs. We have exclusive knowledge of Canadian markets and can help you more efficiently understand the competition you might face as a foreign entrepreneur. Book a 1-hour consultation to gain tailored insights about how business immigration can work for you.
Viability and Permanent Residency – Once you are in Canada on a work permit operating your business, keeping your business viable is essential to switch to permanent residency. Only business owners with viable and successful companies can apply for permanent residence. Thus, for some to keep or make their business profitable and viable may take more investment than other business immigrants. Again, this will depend on numerous factors. However, even if your business is unsuccessful and you are ineligible for PR, you can apply to extend your work permit and continue working on your business.

Advantages of Canada’s Citizenship by Investment Programs

You want to make Canada a new home for you, your business, and your family for numerous reasons. For instance:

Canada has one of the fastest-growing economies in the world;
You can qualify for permanent residence much faster than in other countries;
Canada is multicultural and diverse;
Society is highly acceptive of all nationalities and cultures;
Canada supports new businesses, and often the government will provide subsidies and rebates for specific industry sectors;
Canada has a free healthcare system; and
Education in Canada is highly affordable and is of a very high standard.

How to Succeed in Your Canada Investor Visa Application

There isn’t one particular thing you must focus on that will make you successful in obtaining your investor visa. Each business immigration program’s requirements are different. This means that your application must be tailored toward the program that you are applying for. However, some general guidelines could increase the chances of a successful application, such as:

Documentation. The entire application process for any of Canada’s Investor Visas involves showing evidence to support your claims. For example, you must show evidence of your finances and/or your company’s financial statements to show that you have funds required for business immigration. For a successful application, you will have to provide documents for almost everything ranging from your education to the projected revenue of your Canadian company. Although the government provides a list of mandatory documents, it is always advisable to go above and beyond and provide immigration officials with all the additional documentation.

Commitment. One of the critical elements of a successful business immigration application is having evidence that you have already committed to executing your business plan. This means that you must invest in your Canadian business before submitting your application. This poses a risk to some foreign entrepreneurs because you are investing your money even before knowing whether you can move to Canada or not. However, immigration officials want to see that you have already started investing in Canada and not just promising to do so in the future. Evidence of your investment commitment can be securing a lease for your business, buying a business, buying essential equipment, or even hiring staff.

Professional Advice. Securing one of Canada’s Investment Visas through business immigration is not easy. Your immigration application will be subject to a highly detailed assessment by immigration officials. Thus, your application must be pristine. The stakes are high for business immigrants because you are investing your hard-earned money in a Canadian business with hopes of immigrating to operate that business. This is why it is crucial to have an experienced legal team to help you create an excellent case for your business immigration. You can schedule a 1-hour consultation with our lawyers, who will help you create the best immigration strategy for you and your business.

Family Members of Investor Visa Applicants in Canada

Many business owners want to immigrate to Canada with their families. You should note that your family members will be eligible to come with you through business immigration. Usually, your spouse or a common-law partner would receive an open work permit. Also, depending on age, your children would obtain study permits or temporary residence permits. Your children can benefit from Canadian education and choose to study an array of exciting subjects, go to law school in Canada, or medical school and pursue their dream careers. As the principal applicant, the family members will also be eligible for permanent residency.

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are some of the most asked questions based on our experience.

Can you get Canadian citizenship by investment?

The short answer is no. There are no immigration programs that allow you to buy Canadian citizenship. The long answer is yes; however, you are not investing in citizenship but instead investing in a Canadian business. Once you have a business in Canada, you will be eligible for a work permit to operate that business. After operating it for 1 – 2 years, you will become eligible for permanent residency, and after you fulfill the requirements, you will become eligible for Canadian citizenship.

Understanding that the investment alone will not grant you Canadian citizenship is crucial. The immigration programs that cater to business immigrants will put you on track to becoming Canadian if you fulfill numerous requirements. Do not be misled by any claims that you might see that offer Canadian citizenship for sale. Canada has never had such programs, and under the current immigration plan, there are no intentions of creating such programs.

How much money is needed for a Canada investment visa?

The minimum investment required for the Canada investment visa is between $250,000 and $350,000. However, according to federal immigration programs, there are no minimum or maximum investment requirements. How much you will invest will ultimately depend on the type of business you plan on operating in Canada, the location of your business, and the competition within your industry.

Who is eligible for an investor visa in Canada?

To be eligible for an investor visa in Canada, you must:

Start a new business or buy an existing business
Invest between $250,000 and $350,000 into your business
Have a detailed business plan
Have business experience and business management skills
Be able to transfer your skills and experience to Canada
Genuine intention to operate a business in Canada

Eligibility for an investor visa in Canada is typically based on certain criteria established by the respective business immigration programs.

How to get an investment visa in Canada?

The process of obtaining an investor visa in Canada is as follows:

Research Business Immigration Programs – Explore the various business immigration programs available in Canada, such as the C-11 Entrepreneur Stream, Start-up Visa, LMIA work permit, or Intra-Company Transfer. Determine which program aligns with your goals and which program you are most suitable for.
Meet Program Requirements – Review the specific requirements of the selected program, including net worth, investment amount, management experience, and other criteria. Ensure that you fulfill the prerequisites and gather the necessary documentation.
Prepare Business Plan – Develop a comprehensive business plan that outlines your proposed investment or business venture in Canada. Your business plan should demonstrate its viability, market potential, and economic benefits for Canada.
Submit Application – Complete and submit your application for the chosen business immigration program, including all required documents and supporting evidence.
Application Review and Processing – The IRCC will thoroughly review your application. This includes assessing your business plan, financial capacity, management experience, and other relevant factors. Responding promptly to requests for additional information or clarification during this process is essential.
Receive a Work Permit and Operate Your Business – If your application is approved, you will receive a work permit to work and operate your business in Canada. Follow your work permit’s regulations and guidelines and establish a successful business presence in Canada.
Apply for Permanent Residency – Once you have fulfilled the requirements specified by your chosen program, typically after operating your business in Canada for 1 to 2 years, you can apply for permanent residency. This involves submitting an application, supporting documents, and paying the necessary fees.

Can I get PR if I invest in Canada?

Yes, investing in Canada could lead to permanent residency. Several business immigration programs offer a pathway to permanent residence based on investment and entrepreneurial activities. For example, programs like the C11, SUV, ICT, and LMIA allow applicants to obtain work permits that could qualify them for permanent residency after fulfilling specific requirements. These requirements could be: operating a business for a certain period, creating jobs for Canadians, or other prerequisites. Understanding the specific requirements of the program you choose to determine your eligibility for permanent residency through investment in Canada is crucial.

What countries offer citizenship for investment?

Many countries offer immigration schemes that can lead to citizenship, often referred to as golden visas in Canada. For example, America’s EB-5 program is similar to Canada’s Entrepreneur C11 pathway. Both offer the same result, a Work Permit, then PR (green card), and eventually citizenship, but the process varies dramatically.

What are the benefits of federal investment programs?

There are various benefits of the federal programs, such as:

There are no mobility restrictions, and you can build businesses in any province and expand across different provinces as well;

No provincial residency requirements and more freedom to explore and adjust your business without breaching a business activity commitment list;

They focus more on attracting foreign investments and encouraging innovation/economic stimulus rather than mandating business success. You are not punished if your business fails as long as you genuinely work on and try executing your plan;

There are no industry restrictions. Some provincial programs are specifically geared toward fostering growth in specific industries. It may limit your access to them if you don’t fit into a particular sector/category;

Most programs have no minimum net worth or investment requirement – you need to show that you have sufficient liquid funds to execute your business plan.

Can you get Canadian citizenship by buying a property?

Current Canadian immigration laws do not allow foreign investors to gain citizenship by buying property. However, under federal and provincial investment immigration programs, purchasing a property can contribute to your immigration as an entrepreneur.

If you are a foreign entrepreneur and decide to start a business in Canada, the property you purchase can become part of your investment in the Canadian economy and your business. By no means will this land you Canadian citizenship. Instead, the investment in property may make your business more viable, allowing you to gain permanent residency in Canada, which could lead to citizenship.

Bringing You, Your Tech Talent & Your Business To Canada

Get started and make your first step towards Canada. Book your 1-hour strategy meeting with a licensed Canadian immigration lawyer.

Immigration to Canada can be very complicated for businesses, business owners, and foreign employees. Hiring business immigration lawyers with the skill, experience, and patience is often crucial to successfully navigating this complex process. The experienced professionals at Sobirovs Law Firm offer tailored legal services in all business and corporate immigration matters. Contact us for more information on how we can help you meet your immigration needs.

We have worked with & represented clients from all walks of life. Always just one call – or click – away, weʼre happy to help you begin your & your familyʼs journey to Canada.