x
Contact us

Contact Information

1 (403) 452-9515

1 (800) 932-1190

Learn how we can help you

More Options...

Entrepreneurs

Entrepreneur Applications for Permanent Residence in Canada

The Canadian government announced in October 2015 that Canada wants entrepreneurs. Canada’s new 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. Contact us today at (403) 452-9515 Ext. 100 or 1-800-932-1190 or email us directly.

Successful applicants to this program will be able to immigrate to Canada as Permanent Residents with no conditions attached to the success of their business.

Naturally, it is not as easy as proclaiming yourself as an entrepreneur and receiving immediate permanent residency. Qualifying for this program requires the following:

  • You will have to prove that a Canadian "angel investor" is committed to your business idea
  • You will have to pass standard health and security checks
  • You will have to demonstrate the ability to communicate fully in English or French. Applicants will need to take an IRCC approved language test and hit the CLB 5 benchmark in one or both languages
  • You must have at least one proven year of study at a post-secondary institution
  • You will need to demonstrate that you have adequate income to support yourself while establishing the business (as well as your family if you have one immigrating with you). You cannot borrow this money from another person. You will need to prove you have this when submitting the application.

Clearly, this means that the first step is to obtain your financial commitment by an angel investor and the Canadian government has revealed its dedication to making this program a success by collabourating with several groups. IRCC is aligned with Canada’s Venture Capital and Private Equity Association, the National Angel Capital Organization and the Canadian Acceleration and Business Incubation Association to identify the participating private sector organizations. A full list of designated organizations is made available at their website.

You will also want to spend time speaking to an immigration expert who is familiar with the new Start-up Visa program, and all other forms of visa programs.

Entrepreneur Eligibility and Next Steps

Once you have the commitment in hand and a formal letter of support, you will need to prove that your business actually meets the formal ownership requirements. Currently, up to five people can apply for a visa as the owners of a single business. They must each have ten percent control and the designated organization (the angel investor) along with the applicants must have more than 50% voting rights as well. This must be shown when submitting the application along with the financial ability of the applicants.

You can obtain an application package from the IRCC online, and it can be completed using a computer. You can learn about this at the Start-up Visa application page.

Naturally, it does take a lot of planning, and the first step is to be sure you can obtain solid financial backing and support through a designated organization. Once you have that letter of commitment, it is simply a matter of meeting the visa eligibility guidelines. Then you can be on your way to business ownership in Canada as a Permanent Resident.

Contact us today at (403) 452-9515 Ext. 100 or 1-800-932-1190 or email us directly.

What is Misrepresentation? Canada Immigration Lawyer Evelyn Ackah Explains

Navigating the immigration process to Canada can be complex and challenging. One of the most serious issues that applicants may face is misrepresentation. Canada takes misrepresentation ...

Read More

Postal Strike in Canada: What You Need to Know

Canada is currently experiencing a national postal strike, which means that no mail is currently being delivered across the country. This situation will cause significant delays ...

Read More

Navigating Canada’s Start-Up Visa Program: A Step by Step Guide for Foreign Entrepreneurs

Canada is a land of opportunity, and its Start-Up Visa Program (SUV) for foreign entrepreneurs is a golden gateway for foreign entrepreneurs who dream of establishing their business ...

Read More

What To Do If You Receive A Procedural Fairness Letter

A Procedural Fairness Letter (PFL) is a formal communication from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) or another immigration authority to an applicant when there ...

Read More

Stay Informed: Avoiding Business Immigration Fraud

Immigration fraud is a serious offence that can result in severe consequences, including deportation, fines and even imprisonment. Common types of immigration fraud include marriage ...

Read More

How Canada Business Ownership Can Lead to Permanent Residence

Canada offers many opportunities for business immigration to grow and strengthen the economy and create jobs for Canadians. For business immigrants, owning a business in Canada ...

Read More

Featured Resource

Sign Up For Our Newsletter

Thank you for your interest in receiving our Monthly Immigration Newsletter. Please take a moment to complete the form below to confirm your registration. ...

View Resource

You and your team Evelyn have been an amazing drink of cool pure water in the world of legal processes that sometimes could taste bitter. You have been reasonable, honest, communicative, super patient and always kind in words and actions. Three years ago, I researched Lawyers and attorneys throughout Canada and the U.S. to find a person or company that would help me. The gratitude I have for your safe, gracious and disarming legal paradigms that I had formed from some challenging experiences, evaporated when you led the charge through the pandemic to acquire the Visas we need for my company. So “Yes!” . . . I am very thankful for you and the team members of Ackah Law during this Thanksgiving Season and forever.

G.F.

View All Testimonials