INVESTORS AND ENTREPRENEURS

Start-Up Visa Program 

The Start-Up Visa Program is a pathway to permanent residence for entrepreneurs with the skills and potential to build businesses in Canada (outside Quebec). It is designed for individuals or groups (up to five owners) with innovative, globally competitive business ideas. 

Key Requirements

• Qualifying Business:

  Applicants must actively manage their business in Canada. Each applicant must hold at least 10% of the total voting rights, and combined ownership between the applicants and a designated organization must exceed 50%. The essential business operations must take place within Canada.

• Letter of Support:

  A letter of support from a designated organization is required. These organizations include approved venture capital funds, angel investors, or business incubators. Applicants must demonstrate the potential of their business and secure formal backing from the organization.

• Language Proficiency:

  Applicants must meet Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level 5 in listening, reading, writing, and speaking in either English or French.

• Settlement Funds:

  Applicants must show they have sufficient funds to support themselves and any dependents upon arrival. The required amount depends on family size and is updated annually.

Open Work Permit Option

Once the permanent residence application is submitted, applicants may apply for a temporary work permit (up to three years) to start building their business in Canada.

The Start-Up Visa Program offers a unique opportunity for innovative entrepreneurs to turn their ideas into reality while securing permanent residence in Canada.

(As of December 2025, The Work Permit Option is Currently Closed to New Applicants)

 *Status: IRCC has currently paused this immigration pathway*

Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) Entrepreneur Streams

Many Canadian provinces offer entrepreneur immigration pathways through their Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs). These programs aim to attract business owners and investors who are committed to starting or managing businesses in specific regions. Some streams are designed to encourage economic growth in smaller communities or areas outside major cities.

Key Considerations

Not all provinces offer entrepreneur streams, and requirements vary by region. Typically, applicants must:

• Establish and Actively Manage a Business: The business must operate in the province and be under the applicant’s active management.

• Meet Investment and Job Creation Criteria: Applicants are usually required to invest a minimum amount and create jobs for local residents.

• Operate the Business for a Set Period: Many programs require the business to run successfully for a specified period before eligibility for nomination.

Pathway to Permanent Residence

Applicants who meet the program criteria can receive a Provincial Nominee Certificate, which allows them to apply to the federal government for permanent residence.

For entrepreneurs willing to invest in a province and contribute to its economic growth, PNP entrepreneur streams offer a rewarding path to permanent residence and long-term success in Canada.

Work Permits for Investors and Entrepreneurs

Canada provides pathways for investors, entrepreneurs, and self-employed individuals to establish or manage businesses while contributing to the country’s economic growth. These work permits are temporary but can serve as a stepping stone to longer-term opportunities, including provincial nomination or other business immigration pathways.

Intra-Company Transferee – Start-Up

The Intra-Company Transferee (ICT) – Start-up route allows employees of established multinational corporations (MNCs) to launch a new branch, subsidiary, or affiliate in Canada. While this work permit does not directly grant permanent residence, it can open the door to other immigration pathways once the Canadian enterprise is fully operational.

Who Can Apply

• Employees of a Multinational Corporation: Applicants must work for a company with genuine business operations in at least one other country besides Canada.

• Executive, Managerial, or Specialized Knowledge Role: Applicants must have held a senior or specialized position for at least one continuous year within the three years prior to applying.

• New Canadian Enterprise: The foreign enterprise must be expanding into Canada, rather than establishing its first-ever operation outside its home country.

Key Requirements

• Qualifying Relationship: The foreign and Canadian entities must be connected as a parent, branch, subsidiary, or affiliate.

• Viable Business Plan: Applicants must demonstrate a clear plan for establishing the Canadian operation, including securing commercial premises and projecting growth or job creation.

• Temporary Intent: Applicants must retain their position with the foreign entity and plan to return upon completion of their assignment.

Duration of Stay

• Initial work permits are typically issued for one year, allowing the applicant to establish the Canadian business.

• If the business becomes operational, applicants may transition to other ICT categories (executive, managerial, or specialized knowledge roles) that permit longer stays.

What This Program Isn’t

• It does not apply to businesses operating in only one location or for entrepreneurs without an existing employer-employee relationship with a multinational firm. Other work permit categories may be more appropriate in those cases.

Potential Next Steps

• Transition to Other ICT Categories: Once the Canadian enterprise is active, applicants may qualify for longer-term ICT work permits.

• Permanent Residence Pathways: While the ICT – Start-up route does not automatically lead to permanent residence, successful operation of the Canadian business may support eligibility for provincial or federal business immigration programs.

This program provides a practical solution for multinational companies to bring key personnel to Canada while establishing a local presence, benefiting both the company and the Canadian economy.

Entrepreneur / Self-Employed Work Permit

Canada also offers work permits for entrepreneurs and self-employed individuals seeking temporary residence to establish or operate a business in Canada. These permits focus on ventures that offer economic, social, or cultural benefits to Canada. While they do not directly grant permanent residence, they can create future opportunities, such as provincial nomination.

Eligibility Requirements

• Significant Benefits to Canada: The business must contribute to Canada’s economy, society, or culture. Examples include creating jobs, promoting regional development, or offering unique services.

• Temporary Intent: Applicants must demonstrate that their stay is temporary, with evidence of strong ties to their home country and a plan to leave Canada after their authorized stay. Seasonal or time-limited businesses are particularly well-suited for this category.

• Ownership and Control: Applicants must control at least 50% of the business. If there are multiple owners, typically only one may be eligible for a work permit unless each owner brings essential expertise.

• Comprehensive Business Plan: A detailed plan is required, outlining the business model, financial viability, and potential benefits to the local economy. Supporting letters from local economic development organizations, chambers of commerce, or industry associations can strengthen the application.

Duration of Stay

• Work permits under this category are generally issued for up to 12 months to reflect the temporary nature of the assignment. Extensions may be granted in exceptional cases if the applicant continues to demonstrate compliance and tangible benefits to Canada.

This streamlined approach ensures clarity while highlighting the opportunities for investors, entrepreneurs, and self-employed individuals to establish a business in Canada.