What types of businesses are eligible for the Ontario start-up visa program?

The visa program is open to creative entrepreneurs with innovative business ideas in any existing industry in Ontario. There is no limitation; the only criteria are innovation and the potential for job creation and economic growth of the province.

How long does the application process take?

There is no fixed period for the application process, which can vary depending on the individual application process. Generally, it involves sponsorship from a designation organization, submitting a visa application to IRCC, background checks, medical examinations, and other formalities.

Can I take my family members as a part of the start-up visa program?

Yes. Family members, including spouses, common-law partners and dependent children, can accompany you. Their applications are typical and are eligible for the same benefits as yours.

What support is available to entrepreneurs under the program?

The designated organizations (angel investors, venture capital funds, and business incubators) in Ontario that are dedicated to entrepreneurship offer their members various forms of support, such as mentorship, networking opportunities, access to funding, and development resources for the businesses. In addition, entrepreneurs could take advantage of the start-up culture in every corner of Ontario.

Manitoba Self-Employed Persons Program

The Manitoba Self-Employed Persons Visa Program enables qualified foreign individuals with experience in cultural activities, artistic activities or athletics to become permanent residents in Canada. Prospective applicants must have the appropriate self-employed background, as well as the intention and capability to contribute to Manitoba’s cultural or sports sector. Various factors such as age, education, work experience (minimum of 2 years), language skills, and adaptability are considered during the selection process.

Relevant Experience for Manitoba’s Self-Employed Persons Program

There are primarily two eligibility criteria a candidate must have fulfilled to apply for the self-employed person program:

You must have participated in sports, artistic or cultural activities at a world-class level.
Or
You are a self-employed professional in cultural activities or athletics for at least two years.

Minimum Experience Required for Manitoba Self-Employed Persons Program

For cultural and sports activities:

Minimum 2 years of experience within 5 years before application decision. Additional points for 3, 4, or 5 years experience.
Alternatively, you must possess at least 2 years of experience participating in cultural or sporting activities at a world-class level.

A combination of 1 year of experience as a professional self-employed person and 1 year as a participant in activities at an international level.

NOTE: It is important to note that the selection is based on scores earned by candidates, so if you have a greater number of years of experience, you will earn more scores.

Selection Criteria for Manitoba Self-Employed Program

The selection criteria are based on the following components:

Experience: The Canadian immigration authorities consider your experience in cultural activities, athletics, or farm management. For cultural activities, you need at least two years of experience between five years before your application and the day a decision is made on it.
Education: While education is not the primary focus for this visa category, having relevant qualifications can enhance your overall profile. However, there are no specific educational requirements.
Age: Your age plays a role in the assessment. Generally, younger applicants receive more points. The maximum points are awarded to applicants between the ages of 21 and 49.
Language Abilities: Proficiency in English or French is crucial. To demonstrate your language skills, you will need to take a language test (such as IELTS or CELPIP). Higher scores lead to more points.
Adaptability: Adaptability factors include your ability to integrate into Canadian society. Points are awarded based on factors like previous work or study experience in Canada, having close relatives in Canada, or having completed a Canadian post-secondary program.
Remember that the pass mark for selection criteria is currently 35 points, but this may change over time.

How To Apply for Manitoba Self-Employed Visa?

Understand the Eligibility Criteria: Learn about the eligibility standards of the Self-Employed Persons Program, which include experience in cultural or athletic pursuits, plans for self-employment in Canada, potential contributions to the country, and financial capabilities.
Assess Your Qualifications: Ensure that you satisfy the requirements in terms of experience, skills, and financial stability.
Gather Required Documentation Personal Papers: Collect crucial personal identification documents such as your passport, birth certificate, and marriage certificate if applicable.
Educational Records: Include copies of your academic certificates, qualifications, and transcripts.
Professional Experience: Provide evidence of at least 2 years of relevant experience in cultural activities or athletics, whether through work history, contracts, client testimonials, or a professional portfolio.
Business Proposal (if applicable): To establish a business in Canada, prepare a detailed business plan outlining your proposed venture, market analysis, financial forecasts, and its potential impact on Canada’s cultural or sporting sector.
Financial Documentation: Present proof of your financial capacity to support yourself and any dependents in Canada, such as bank statements, investment portfolios, or asset verification.
Online Profile Generation: Create an account on the permanent residence online application portal. Complete the profile with details of your experience, qualifications, financial status, etc. Submit EOI (Expression of Interest)
Selection for Application Invitation: If your EOI is selected, you may be invited to apply for permanent residence. Upon receiving an Invitation to Apply, submit your application accordingly.

Get Professional Help with Your Visa Application

Apply for Canadian PR with the Help of Licensed RCIC Experts.

Manitoba Farm Investor Pathway for Self-Employed Farmers

The Manitoba Farm Investor Pathway (FIP) is part of the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) and falls under the Business Investor Stream. Here are the critical details about this pathway:

Eligibility Criteria

Farm Business Experience: You must have proven farm business experience to qualify.
Sufficient Capital: You should have sufficient available capital to invest.
Intent to Establish a Farm: Your intention should be establishing and operating a farm operation in rural Manitoba.
Relevance to Manitoba’s Farm Industry: The type of farm operation and investment must correlate with Manitoba’s current farm industry statistics.

Application Process

Determine your eligibility for the Farm Investor Pathway.
Gather the necessary documentation.
Apply through the permanent residence online application portal.

Business Focus

Successful applicants are expected to establish a farm business in rural Manitoba that produces primary products consistent with the province’s farm industry.
Agri-business operations that do not produce primary products may qualify under the Entrepreneur Pathway.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions about Manitoba Self-Employed Persons Program:

What do cultural activities mean?

In Canada, cultural activities mean jobs which involve Canada’s artistic and cultural domains, including authors, performing artists, painters, sculptors, creative designers, craftspeople and so on.

Is there a net worth requirement for Manitoba's self-employed visa program?

There is no minimum requirement. Nevertheless, there is an implied net worth criterion when you have to convince your visa officer that you have enough funds to settle in Canada with your dependents and finance your chosen field of work.

What are the language requirements for this program?

You must include the result of the English or French proficiency test with your application. The agency approved by IRCC conducts the language test.
Applicants are assessed in listening, reading, writing, and speaking. If you are proficient in both English and French, you can choose which language you are more comfortable using during the application process.