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Frequently Asked Questions: Business Class Applications

9.1 What is the Business Immigration Program?

The business immigration process is a category of immigration under which individuals with business/managerial experience and relatively high net-worth may apply for Canadian permanent resident status. There are three sub-categories under the Business Immigration Program: Investor, Entrepreneur, self-employed.

9.2 What documents must Business Immigration Program applicants submit?

In addition to government application forms, education-related and statutory documents (passports, birth certificates, etc.), Business Immigration Program must submit documents evidencing business and/or managerial experience, as well as documents evidencing net worth.

9.3 As a Business Immigration Program Applicant, am I required to live in the province, which I originally indicated as my intended destination?

NO.

9.4 How can I qualify as an Immigrant Investor?

As an investor planning to reside anywhere in Canada, except Quebec, you must:

Have a net worth of at least CAD$800,000 gained through your own endeavors;

Invest CAD$400,000 for five years with Citizenship and Immigration Canada which acts as agent on behalf of provincial and territorial investment funds; and

Have successfully operated, controlled or directed a business.

As an applicant destined for Quebec, you must:

Have a net worth of at least CAD$800,000, accumulated through legitimate economic activities;

Invest CAD$400,000 for five years in a Quebec-approved investment fund; and

Have at least three years of managerial experience in a profitable commercial, industrial or agricultural business; or, at least three years of managerial experience in a government, governmental organization, or international organization.

9.5 How Can I, as an Immigrant Investor, prove that I earned my minimum net worth “by my own endeavors”?

Immigrant Investor applicants must demonstrate the origin and accumulation of their wealth through reliable, third party documentary evidence: tax returns, pay stubs, deeds of purchase/sale, statements from stockbrokers, business/real estate valuations, etc. Applicants who acquired their net worth solely as a result of a gift will not qualify as Immigrant Investors. However, if an applicant receives a gift -- cash or other asset -- and invests that gift and eventually earns a return on the investment, the increased amount will be considered to have been accumulated by the applicants “own endeavors.”

9.6 As an Immigrant Investor, will I be obliged to work and/or engage in business activities in Canada?

While an Immigrant Investor is entitled to engage in work and business activities upon arrival in Canada, there is absolutely no obligation to do so.

9.7 When do I, as an Immigrant Investor, commit my investment amount?

You must commit your CAD$400,000 investment amount before final approval from Federal Immigration officials, as the case maybe.

9.8 What happens to my investment amount if my Immigrant Investor application is refused?

If your intended destination in Canada is outside Quebec, your investment will be promptly refunded.

If you intend to reside in Quebec and you have deposited your investment in a government approved immigrant investment program you must make sure that your investment is not locked-in until you land in Canada. Your investment cannot be refunded for five years once it has been locked in.

9.09 How can I qualify as an Immigrant Entrepreneur?

To qualify as an Immigrant Entrepreneur, you must:

Have successfully managed a commercial enterprise (or a part of a commercial enterprise);

Have sufficient assets to establish or acquire a business in Canada;

Establish, invest in or acquire a business in Canada within two years of arrival; and

Actively participate in the management of the business (the business must employ at least one Canadian citizen or permanent resident, other than yourself.

9.10 Are there any minimum net worth requirements for Immigrant Entrepreneurs?

There is no minimum net worth requirements for Immigrant Entrepreneurs. In all cases, the nature and location of your proposed business will determine the net worth required qualifying.

9.11 What are the terms and conditions of the Entrepreneur Visa?

An Immigrant Entrepreneur must, within two years of landing in Canada, establish, purchase, or make a substantial investment in a business in Canada so as to make a significant contribution to the economy. Active and on-going participation in the management of the business is required, and employment opportunities must be created or continued for one or more Canadian citizens or permanent residents, other than the Immigrant Entrepreneur and the Immigrant Entrepreneur's dependents. Efforts to comply with these terms and conditions must be demonstrated to immigration official throughout the two-year period. Entrepreneurs will be required to report their progress to immigration officials on a regular basis during this two-year period.

9.12 Must I, as an Immigrant Entrepreneur applicant, make an exploratory visit to Canada during the immigration process?

NO.

9.13 Must I, as an Immigrant Entrepreneur applicant, submit a detailed business plan?

A detailed business plan is not required. In most cases, a shorter informal business proposal will suffice - an outline of the type of business and the general plans for its operation. Bridge2Canada delegate can assist you in preparing a business plan.

9.14 As an Immigrant Entrepreneur, will I be permitted to change my business plan?

Yes.

9.15 How can I qualify as a Self-Employed Immigrant?

To qualify as a self-employed immigrant, you must demonstrate an intention and ability to establish or purchase a business in Canada that will keep you employed and makes a significant contribution to the economy or the cultural or artistic life of Canada. The business must generate sufficient revenues to support you and your dependents. Farmers, artisans, sports personalities, actors, consultants, and operators of small business outlets that may be in demand in outlying communities are examples of the applicants who may qualify.

Assessment in this category is based on:

Business ability and experience (when applying under the economic contribution component of the Self-Employed Immigrant description);

Artistic qualifications (when applying under the artistic/cultural component of the Self-Employed Immigrant description); and

Net worth (sufficient to establish/purchase the proposed business).

9.16 Must I, as a Self-Employed Immigrant, make an exploratory visit to Canada during the immigration process?

NO- Not necessary.