“Is it possible to get Canadian PR by investment?”
Yes. Canada offers investment visa programs for foreign entrepreneurs, business owners, and investors, allowing them to get Canada PR by investment. Canada’s strong economy makes it an excellent destination for investors and entrepreneurs. However, no particular immigration pathway allows individuals to obtain Canadian permanent residency through investment.
Various Canada Investment Visa programs require active investment in a business to get Canadian PR. Apart from them, there are other ways to invest in a Canadian business and obtain a Canada PR Visa.
This guide covers the best ways to get Canada PR by investing in a business.
- Purpose: Canada offers investment visa programs for foreign entrepreneurs, business owners, and investors to obtain PR.
- Canadian Investment Visa Programs: Designed for foreign business owners, investors, entrepreneurs, startups, and self-employed individuals.
- Steps to Obtain Canada PR by Investment: Invest in a business in Canada or establish a new one, obtain an Entrepreneur Work Permit, operate a business while living in Canada, apply for Permanent Residency, and apply for Canadian Citizenship.
- Investment Options for Entrepreneurs and Investors: Intra-Company Transfer Visa (C12 Visa), C11 Work Permit (Entrepreneur Stream), Entrepreneur LMIA (Owner-Operator LMIA), Business-Oriented Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), and Québec Investor Programs.
- Benefits of Intra-Company Transfer Visa: Live and run a business in Canada, bring family members, free education for children, no minimum investment required, no strict physical presence requirement, and faster process with options for permanent residency.
- C11 Work Permit (Entrepreneur Stream): Allows investment in a Canadian business or starting a new one, with candidates eligible for PR after operating the business for one year.
- Entrepreneur LMIA (Owner-Operator LMIA): Allows entry as an entrepreneur with a processing time of 2 to 3 months, with candidates able to apply for PR after two years of work experience.
- Business-Oriented Provincial Nominee Program (PNP): Different provinces have various Business PNP options for investors, with candidates able to invest in specific businesses and later apply for PR.
- Québec Investor Programs: Includes the Quebec Immigrant Investor Program, Quebec Entrepreneur Program, and Quebec Self-Employed Worker Program, each with different eligibility requirements and minimum investment amounts.
How to Get Canada PR By Investment?
Canadian investment visa programs are designed for foreign business owners, investors, entrepreneurs, startups, and self-employed individuals. Foreign individuals and their families can obtain Canada PR by investment if they expand their home business to Canada, invest in an existing Canadian business, or start a new one.
Most Canadian investor immigration pathways follow the 5 Step Process to obtain Canada PR and Citizenship through Investment.
- Invest in a Business in Canada or Establish a New One
- Get an Entrepreneur Work Permit
- Operate a Business While Living in Canada
- Apply for Permanent Residency
- Apply for Canadian Citizenship
Invest in a Business and Move to Canada
Buy or Operate a Business and Live in Canada with Your Family.
Here are some investment options for entrepreneurs and investors that may help them secure Canada PR by investment:
1. Intra-Company Transfer Visa (C12 Visa)
Canada used to offer an immigration option called Owner/Operator LMIA, which was discontinued by IRCC on April 1, 2021. The Intra Company Transfer Visa Canada is the closest alternative to the Owner/Operator program.
ICT is a unique federal program under the International Mobility Program that allows foreign business owners to expand their businesses into Canada. Candidates can apply for permanent residence once they have successfully operated their business in Canada for one year.
They can start a business in Canada and acquire an LMIA-exempt work permit as a company’s senior executive. After that, they can apply for Canadian permanent residency. Additionally, the ICT pathway will grant the spouse and children of the principal applicant an open work permit and a study permit. It allows them to work and study in Canada.
Benefits of Intra-Company Transfer Visa
- Live and run your business in Canada
- Bring your family with you
- Free education for children in the Canadian public school system
- No minimum investment required
- No physical presence is required
- Faster process
- Options to stay permanently in Canada
Here is a detailed guide on how to transition from Intra-Company Transfer to PR Canada
2. C11 Work Permit
The C11 Entrepreneur Stream, popularly known as the C11 Work Permit, is another Federal immigration program under the International Mobility Program. This special stream is for individuals who wish to invest in a Canadian business or set up a new one. Successful C11 stream candidates will be eligible to apply for permanent residence once they have operated their business for one year.
The duration of the C11 work permit is usually two years which can be extended if the business in Canada is active and profitable. Suppose you are planning to start or invest in a business in Canada. In that case, it is advised that you consult with a licensed business immigration expert since not all businesses will qualify for the program.
There is no minimum investment requirement for a C11 Work Permit. To get a better idea of the minimum investment required for this program you can use our Business Assessment tool.
3. Entrepreneur LMIA
Entrepreneur LMIA, also known as Owner-Operator LMIA, differs from LMIA-Exempt work permits like C12 Visa and C11 Visa mentioned above. It allows business owners, entrepreneurs, and investors to apply for LMIA and enter Canada as an entrepreneur.
Entrepreneur LMIA Work Permit stands out because its application has a processing time of only 2 to 3 months. They can work in Canada as managers of their businesses or any other Canadian business. After two years of work experience, they can apply for permanent residence in a full-time role.
There is no minimum investment requirement for this pathway as well.
4. Business-Oriented Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
Each Canadian province wants to attract foreign business owners and investors to boost their province’s economic aspects. These provinces have various Business PNP options, allowing individuals to invest in specific businesses and later apply for permanent residency. Let’s look at each of these options:
British Columbia
British Columbia offers two BC PNP Entrepreneur Immigration options for investment in Canada for PR.
BC PNP Entrepreneur Base Category
BC PNP Entrepreneur Base Category is for people who intend to purchase or start a business in British Columbia and get Canada PR by investment. Candidates can apply for permanent residence once they have met the terms of their business performance agreement. This typically takes 18 to 20 months.
Learn more about the BC PNP Entrepreneur Base Category here
- Minimum Investment Requirement: $200,000
BC PNP Regional Pilot Program
The BC PNP Regional Pilot is for people who intend to start businesses in small regional communities in British Columbia. Candidates can apply for permanent residence once they have met the terms of their business performance agreement after 12 months.
This is one of the most popular investment immigration programs and has minimum investment requirements.
- Minimum Investment Requirement: $100,000
Alberta
The province of Alberts currently also offers AAIP entrepreneur immigration programs to obtain Canada PR by investment. Like other Business PNPs, you can get permanent residency by starting a new business or purchasing an existing business in Alberta. These AAIP programs are:
AAIP Rural Entrepreneur Stream
The Alberta Rural Entrepreneur Stream is for people who intend to purchase or start their own business in Alberta. Candidates can apply for permanent residence after operating their business for one year. It is one of the most popular among entrepreneurs and investors aspiring to obtain Canada PR through investment. This entrepreneur program aims to stimulate the economy and create jobs in Alberta’s rural communities.
Minimum Investment Requirement: $200,000
AAIP Graduate Entrepreneur Stream
The Alberta Graduate Entrepreneur Stream is for people who have graduated from a College or University in Alberta and intend to take over or set up a business in the province. Candidates can apply for permanent residence after operating the business for one year.
Minimum Investment Requirement: $50,000 or $100,000, depending on the business location.
AAIP Foreign Graduate Entrepreneur Stream
The Alberta Foreign Graduate Entrepreneur Stream is for people who have graduated from a College or University outside Canada and intend to launch a start-up in the province. Candidates can apply for permanent residence after operating their start-up for one year.
Minimum Investment Requirement: $50,000 or $100,000, depending on the business location.
AAIP Farm Stream
The Alberta Farm Stream is for people with farm ownership, financial resources for farm management, and extensive farm experience. Experienced farmers who intend to set up or buy a farm in Alberta can obtain PR through investment using this pathway.
Minimum Investment Requirement: $500,000
Ontario
Ontario offers the OINP Entrepreneur Stream for business owners and entrepreneurs who intend to set up, purchase, and operate a business in the province. Candidates can apply for permanent residence after meeting their performance agreement’s terms.
Here is a detailed Guide to OINP Entrepreneur Stream
Minimum Investment Requirement: $200,000 or $600,000, depending on the business location.
Saskatchewan
Saskatchewan offers three investment immigration programs for business owners, entrepreneurs, and investors. These SINP Entrepreneur PNPs offer pathways to obtain Canada PR by investment.
SINP Entrepreneur Category
The SINP Entrepreneur Category is for people to intend to purchase or partner in a business in Saskatchewan. Candidates can apply for permanent residence once they have met the terms in their Business Performance Agreement.
The province introduced this SINP Investment Immigration Program because it benefits the province’s economy and creates jobs for Saskatchewan residents.
Minimum Investment Requirement: $200,000 or $300,000, depending on the business location.
SINP International Graduate Entrepreneur Category
This SINP International Graduate is for people who graduated from a College or University in Saskatchewan and want to start, purchase or operate a business in Saskatchewan. Candidates can apply for permanent residence after meeting the terms in their Business Performance Agreement.
Minimum Investment Requirement: None
SINP Farm Owner and Operator Category
The SINP Farm Owner Operator is for people with farm ownership experience who intend to buy and operate a farm in Saskatchewan. Successful applicants and their families get permanent resident status if they are successful under the SINP Farm Owner and Operator Category.
Minimum Investment Requirement: $150,000 or $300,000, depending on the program.
Manitoba
Manitoba’s Business Investor Stream has two pathways for foreign business owners and investors to obtain Canada PR by investment. These investment immigration pathways are designed for those who intend to start or buy businesses in Manitoba.
MPNP Entrepreneur Pathway
The MPNP Entrepreneur Pathway is for people who intend to purchase or start their own business in Manitoba. Candidates can apply for permanent residence once they have met the terms of their business performance agreement. This can take anywhere from 6 to 20 months.
Minimum Investment Requirement: $150,000 or $250,000, depending on the business location
MPNP Farm Investor Pathway
The MPNP Farm Investor Pathway is for people with farm ownership experience, sufficient capital for investment, and intent to operate a farm in rural Manitoba. A candidate must submit a farm business plan with the application and conduct Business Research Visit.
Minimum Investment Requirement: $300,000
Nova Scotia
Nova Scotia province of Canada also offers two investment immigration pathways for business owners, entrepreneurs, and investors who want to get Canadian PR by investment.
NSNP Entrepreneur Category
The New Brunswick Entrepreneurial Category is for people who intend to set up, purchase, and then operate a business in Nova Scotia. They can apply for permanent residence after running the business for an entire year. This way, they can obtain Canadian permanent residency through investment in this route.
Minimum Investment Requirement: $150,000
NSNP International Graduate Entrepreneur Category
This New Brunswick Post-Graduate Entrepreneurial Steam is for candidates who have graduated from Nova Scotia College or University and have been operating a business in the province for over a year.
Minimum Investment Requirement: None
Prince Edward Island
Prince Edward Island offers PEI PNP Business Impact Category for entrepreneurs and investors looking for Canadian PR by investment. It is also known as PEI PNP Work Permit Stream. It is designed for business owners and investors who intend to set up and operate a business on Prince Edward Island, one of eastern Canada’s maritime provinces. Candidates can apply for permanent residence after successfully implementing their business plan.
Learn more about PEI PNP Business Impact Category
Minimum Investment Requirement: None
New Brunswick
The New Brunswick Entrepreneurial Stream is for people who intend to set up and operate a business in New Brunswick. This is another pathway that helps entrepreneurs and investors achieve a Canada PR status through investment. Candidates can apply for permanent residence once they have successfully operated their business for one year.
Minimum Investment Requirement: $150,000
Connect with BC PNP Entrepreneur Experts
Apply for BC PNP Entrepreneur Immigration stream.
5. Québec Investor Programs
Québec offers three immigration pathways for investors.
Quebec Immigrant Investor Program
The Quebec Immigrant Investor program is for investors who intend to invest in a business in Québec. Although this program has been suspended by the Quebec government until April 1, 2023. This program is popularly known as Quebec Golden Visa.
Minimum Investment Requirement: $1,200,000
Quebec Entrepreneur Program
This program is for people who intend to start and operate an innovative business in Québec with the help of a support organization. The program is divided has two streams, each with distinct eligibility requirements.
Minimum Investment Requirement: Variable
Quebec Self-Employed Worker Program
This program is for people who intend to settle in Québec as self-employed workers. To know more about Quebec Self-Employed Worker Program requirements, please visit the official website.
Minimum Investment Requirement: $25,000 or $50,000 depending on the location.
Related Topic: A Guide to Self-Employed Immigration to Canada as an Artist
Get Canadian PR through Investment
Immigrate to Canada as an Entrepreneur or Investor.
Need help?
Many people have successfully immigrated to Canada after using the abovementioned investment programs. If you, too, are planning to get Canada PR by investment, you can contact our experts. Check your eligibility for Canada investment immigration by using our business immigration assessment tool.
If you need further advice, you can book a 1-hour strategy meeting with our business immigration experts.
