• Business Immigration
• Skilled Worker Program
• Family Class
• Live-in Caregiver
• Student Visa
• Work Permits
• Visitor Visa

Business Immigration

(Federal, Quebec & Provincial Nominee)

A. Federal Business Program (Currently closed and is under revision)
         Federal Investor Program
         Federal Entrepreneur Program
         Self-Employed Persons Program
B.Quebec business program
         Quebec Investor Program
         Quebec Entrepreneur Program
         Quebec Self-Employed Worker Program
C. Provincial Business Nominee Programs
          Alberta PNP Self Employed Farmer Stream (Business)
          British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
          Manitoba Business Nominee Program-Business
          Nova Scotia Business Nominee Program (NSPNP)-Business
          Ontario Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)-Business
          Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP)-Business
          New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)-Business
          Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)-Business
          Newfoundland and Labrador PNP Immigrant Entrepreneur (under revision)
          Northwest Territories Nominee Program (NTNP)-Business
          Yukon Nominee Program (YNP) Business

A. Federal Business Program (Currently closed and is under revision)

The Federal Government of Canada developed the Canadian Business Immigration Program to facilitate the arrival of experienced business people to Canada to invest, insert, or start a business in Canada. There are three programs through which an applicant may qualify for the Federal Business Immigration Program. These include an Entrepreneur Program , an Investor Program and a Self-Employed Person Program.

Federal Investor Program (Currently closed and is under revision)

The Federal Investor program applicants must meet the following criteria:

1. Have a net worth of at least CAD $1,600,000. This net worth should have been lawfully acquired by the applicant,
   
2. Deposit CAD $800,000 with the Federal Government of Canada. The full amount of the investment is repaid to the investor after five years without interest. OR, the applicant can finance this deposit from a Canadian bank with a prepaid interest of approximately CAD $180,000,
3. In the period beginning five years before the date of application, the investor must have either managed and controlled a qualifying business of sufficient size; or worked as a manager in a business, a public or a private institution.

Features of the Federal Investor Program

1. Investors do not have to start a business in Canada
2. The investment is fully guaranteed by the Canadian Government
3. No immigration conditions are imposed upon arrival in Canada
4. The waiting time is much less than the other programs.

Federal Entrepreneur Program (Currently Closed and is under revision)

The Federal Entrepreneur program is designed for applicants who wish to open or control a percentage of a Canadian business. Entrepreneur applicants must meet the following criteria:

1. Have a net worth of at least CAD $300,000. This net worth should be lawfully acquired by the applicant
2. Have previously managed and controlled a percentage of equity of a qualifying business for at least two years within the five years before the date of the business immigration application.
3. Once in Canada, entrepreneur immigrants must own and actively manage a business in Canada that will contribute to the Canadian economy.

Federal Self-Employed Persons Program (Currently closed and is under revision)

This program is designed for:

1. World Class Artists or those who are self-employed in cultural and art related businesses
2. World Class Athletes or those who are self-employed in athletic and sport related businesses
3. Farm managers or those who are self-employed in farm related businesses.

Applicants to the Self-employed Persons Program must intend and be able to generate their own employment while simultaneously making a significant contribution to the cultural, artistic, athletic, and/or agricultural life of Canada. Applicants must have a significant amount of experience (2+ years) in an area relevant to their application in the five years before they apply.

B. Quebec business program(Currently closed and is under revision)

The Province of Quebec has its own business immigration program. There are three programs through which an applicant may qualify for the Quebec Business Immigration Program. These include an Entrepreneur Program, an Investor Program and a Self-Employed Worker Program.

Quebec Investor Program: Currently Closed and is under revision)

Applicants with sizable financial resources may be more inclined to apply under the Investor program and contribute to Quebec 's economic development through investment. These applicants must:

1. Have a legally acquired, minimum net worth of CAD $1,600,000.
2. Have at least three years of management and business experience.
3. Invest a CAD $800,000 in Investissement Quebec or one of its subsidiaries in the Province of Quebec for five years. This amount will be refunded to the applicant without interest following completion of the five years OR finance that deposit from a Canadian bank with a prepaid interest of approximately CAD $180,000.
   
4. Have intention to reside in the Province of Quebec.

Quebec Entrepreneur Program:(Currently closed and is under revision)

Applicants with an entrepreneurial spirit may be interested in the Quebec Entrepreneur Program. Applicants in this program should develop a business plan that will create jobs in Quebec. In addition, they must:

1. Have a lawfully acquired net worth of at least CAD $300,000
   
2. Have at least three years of management experience
   
3. Control of at least 33 1/3% of the capital of an eligible Canadian business
4. Manage the corporation actively and continuously
5. Create at least one full-time equivalent job for Canadian citizens or permanent residents other than the applicant and his or her family.

Quebec Self-Employed Worker Program(Currently closed and is under revision)

The Quebec Self Employed Worker Program is ideal for applicants intending to create their own employment. Applicants to this program must:

1. Become self-employed in an occupation under his or her account.
2. Lawfully acquired a minimum net worth of CAD $100,000.
3. Have at least two years of experience as a self-employed worker in the same occupation that will be undertaken in Quebec.

C. Provincial Business Nominee Programs
Alberta PNP Strategic Recruitment Stream

Applicants do not need a job offer to qualify under the following categories:

1- Engineering Occupations Category - Eligible applicants must:
- Be currently residing in Alberta;
- Have education and training as an engineer, designer, or drafter;
- Have an occupation that is listed on Alberta's Strategic Recruitment Stream - Engineering Occupations List;
- Be currently working or have worked within the last 12 months in Alberta for a recognized Alberta Engineering, Procurement, and Construction company or a company which is a member of the Consulting Engineers of Alberta;
- Obtain a 'Letter of No Objection' from the Association of Professional Engineers, Geologists, and Geophysicists of Alberta (APEGGA), unless they work in an occupation that falls under one of the following National Occupation Classifications codes: 2231, 2232, 2241 or 2253.

2- Compulsory and Optional Trades Category - Eligible applicants must:

- Be currently residing in Alberta;
- Have a valid work permit from CIC in the trade in which you are certified
- Have an occupation that is listed as a Compulsory Trade or Optional Trade in Alberta;
- Be currently working or have previously worked for an Alberta employer in their trade;
- Have an Alberta Qualification Certificate in a compulsory or optional trade; and
- Have an invitation from Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training (AIT).

Alberta PNP Employer Driven Stream

To qualify under the Employer Driven Stream of the Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program, the applicant must have a valid job offer from an employer in Alberta and must qualify under one of the following three subcategories.

Alberta PNP Self Employed Farmer Stream (Business)

To qualify under the Self Employed Farmer Stream, the applicant must have:

Prior managerial experience with an existing farm enterprise;
Education, training and work experience necessary to develop a sustainable farming business in Alberta;
A business plan for the farming enterprise to be developed in Alberta;
Evidence that a Canadian financial institution is willing to finance the proposed farming enterprise;
A minimum of $500,000 CAD of equity to invest in the farming enterprise;
A minimum net worth of $500,000 CAD or confirmation of access to these funds from other sources.

British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)

- British Columbia PNP Business Immigrants Stream

British Columbia has several programs designed to attract potential immigrants who have the intention and the ability to establish themselves in the province as well as to develop and actively manage a business that will provide substantial economic benefits to British Columbia. Note that simply meeting the nomination criteria does not guarantee approval. Preference will be given to candidates who demonstrate the most potential in terms of being able to create a successful business and contribute to the economy of the province.

*Basic Criteria:

The criteria that applies to all three categories relates to eligible businesses:

The business' primary purpose is to earn its profits from active income from the supply of products/services;
The sustained commercial viability of the business must be feasible.
The business needs to provide economic benefits to the province through one of the following avenues:
Increasing the exports of goods/services;
Increasing value-added manufacturing, processing, or primary resource activity;
Increasing tourism to the province;
Increasing research and development and technology commercialization;
Creating innovative approaches to traditional businesses;
Providing services to an underserved regional market;
Transferring skills, technology, and know-how to the province;
Succession plan buy-outs where eligible businesses are purchased from retiring owners.

Business Skills Category

To be considered eligible for this category, applicants must meet the following criteria:

Have a minimum personal net worth of CDN $800,000, accumulated legally, and sufficient funds that are unencumbered in order to make the required investment Make a minimum investment of CDN $400,000 to establish the eligible business Create a workable business plan that generates at least three jobs for Canadian citizens and permanent residents.
Own at least a third of the equity of the new business
Be actively involved in the daily management and direction of the business
Demonstrate they possess the skills and experience necessary to establish a commercially successful business in the province, and have previous lucrative business experience This application is limited to the principal applicant; foreign key staff cannot be included as co-applicants.

Regional Business Category

To be considered under this program, the business that the applicant invests in must be located outside of the Vancouver metropolitan area and the Abbotsford metropolitan area. In addition, applicants must meet the following criteria:

Have a minimum personal net worth of CDN $400,000, accumulated legally, and sufficient funds that are unencumbered in order to make the required investment
Make a minimum investment of CDN $200,000 to establish the eligible business Create a workable business plan that generates at least one new job for a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
Own at least a third of the equity of the new business
Be actively involved in the daily management and direction of the business
Demonstrate they possess the skills and experience necessary to establish a commercially successful business in the province, and have previous lucrative business experience This application is limited to the principal applicant; foreign key staff cannot be included as co-applicants.

Strategic Projects Category

This category assists foreign-controlled companies who wish to establish a presence in British Columbia. It allows them to bring key foreign professional, managerial, or technical staff members , up to five per company , who intend to become Canadian Permanent Residents. Owners of companies who wish to immigrate should submit an application under either of the other two categories.

Companies who wish to apply in this category must:

Make an equity investment of at least CDN $500,000
For each key staff member proposed by the sponsor company, they must create at least three jobs for Canadian citizens or permanent residents
Provide evidence of a record of good business practices and lucrative business operations outside of Canada which are relevant to the business that is being proposed
Start or buy and expand an eligible business anywhere in the province
Either incorporate a Canadian subsidy to operate the proposed business or register an extra-provincial company in British Columbia to do so
Show that the key staff members are qualified leading personally who are vital to establishing or expanding and operating the proposed business
Processing Fees: $3000 (additional $1000 per key staff member proposed to be included)

Business Succession Plan Buy-Out

Applicants who commit to purchasing an existing business receive priority processing. In addition, the stipulated job creation requirements are reduced. For example, under the Business Skills category, for each existing job that is to be maintained for Canadian citizens or permanent residents, the job creation requirement is reduced by one. Applicants under the Regional Business Category will not be required to create a new job for Canadian citizens or permanent residents when applying under this subcategory.

In addition to the specific requirements of each category, the following requirements must also be met:

Requirements for the target business:

Must be located outside of the Vancouver metropolitan area and the Abbotsford metropolitan area
Has to have been operated by the same owner for at least five years
Have employees that are not family members
Needs to be actively in operation

Requirements for the applicant / sponsoring business:

Needs to carry out an exploratory visit to meet the retiring owners. If possible, they should also visit the local Economic Development office.
Will need to show proof that they have made a reasonable effort to determine a fair market price for the target business.

Before Key Staff can be considered for nomination, the business will need to be operated for at least one full year, with the intention of continuing to run the business in the long term.
As a result of the succession plan buy-out transaction, a complete change of ownership must take place whereby the purchaser(s) take full control of the business.

Manitoba Business Nominee Program-Business

Manitoba Business Nominee Program-Business

The Province of Manitoba and the Government of Canada have also developed a Nominee Program for Business Immigrants. Applicants to the MPNP for Business Immigrants must meet certain criteria as outlined below:
To qualify for the MPNP-B, interested applicants must:
* Have a minimum verifiable personal net worth of CDN$350,000;
* Have a minimum three years of successful business ownership and management experience or a minimum three years of executive-level experience as senior manager of a business; and
* Score a minimum of 60 points in the Adaptability Assessment Matrix.
The applicant must also be prepared to:
* Attend an interview with a MPNP-B officer;
* Make an Eligible Business Investment in Manitoba; and
* Reside in Manitoba along with his/her dependent family members.

The applicant may have to:

* Conduct an Exploratory Visit to Manitoba. The applicant must provide a visit report and other documents to demonstrate the research conducted during this visit (please see details on page 14); and
* Provide the results of a language competency test to demonstrate language proficiency.

The Government of Manitoba has announced a number of changes to the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program for Business (PNP-B). These changes are effective immediately. They concern the following programs and procedures:

General Changes:

Applicants no longer need to submit an Exploratory Visit Application Form. Instead, applicants may now submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) to the program. The EOI will be put in a pool and assessed based on a points system.

Successful applicants will be chosen from amongst those who have submitted an EOI. Submission of an EOI is free, and applicants will remain in the pool for up to one year of submitting.

Applications to the program will only be accepted from individuals who submitted an EOI and were subsequently invited by the PNP-B to apply.

PNP-B applicants are no longer required to make an exploratory visit to Manitoba, though a visit is still strongly recommended.

Good-Faith Deposit and Processing Fees:

The required good-faith deposit has been raised from $75,000 to $100,000.

A non-refundable application processing fee of $2,500 is now required of new applications.

All individuals invited from the EOI pool to submit an application must pay the $2,500 fee. Upon application approval, the good-faith deposit must be paid.

Current Applicants:

Effective immediately, the PNP-B will no longer issue letters of invitation for exploratory visits to Manitoba.

Individuals who have already received a letter of invitation may continue their application. However, they must use new application forms and comply with new documentation requirements. It is requested that they contact the program immediately, via email, to make necessary arrangements for an exploratory visit and interview.

Individuals who have submitted an Exploratory Visit Application form but have not yet received a letter of invitation may participate in the EOI pool on a priority basis.

No new EOI submissions will be accepted until processing of priority EOI submissions (from individuals who submitted Exploratory Visit Applications) has been completed. Applicants who have completed an exploratory visit and have been interviewed by a Program Officer within the past nine months may submit their applications within 90 days of the official announcement (made on Friday, August 2nd). They will be assessed based on previous requirements.

Applicants who have already submitted their application are not affected by this announcement.

Farm Strategic Recruitment Initiative

Qualified farm business people may come to Manitoba through this program to start or purchase a farm. Formerly known as the 'Young Farmer Nominee Program', further information on this initiative is forthcoming.

Farm Strategic Recruitment Initiative:

The Young Farmer Nominee Program is now called the Farm Strategic Recruitment Initiative, and new regulations have been put in place to attract the most qualified farming candidates.

Applicants applying to this initiative are not required to submit an EOI.

Applicants must use new application forms and follow new documentation requirements.

An exploratory visit to Manitoba for a minimum of 5 full days is required. Both an exploratory visit and interview by a Program Officer must be completed before submission of an application.

Applicants must pay the new $2,500 application fee.

The good-faith deposit for this initiative is $75,000.

Current Farming Applicants:

Applicants who have already completed an exploratory visit and interview within the last nine months may submit an application within 90 days of the official announcement (made on Monday, August 5th). They must use new application forms and meet new documentation requirements.

Applicants who have already received a letter of invitation to make an exploratory visit may do so. However, they must use new application forms and meet new documentation requirements. Program administrators request that individuals in this position contact the program via email as soon as possible to make further arrangements.

Applicants who have received a letter of invitation for an exploratory visit or have already conducted their visit, and who have already submitted a complete application will not be subject to changes.

NOVA SCOTIA Provincial Nominee Program (NSPNP)-Business

Nova Scotia PNP Agri-Food Sector Stream (Currently Closed)

To qualify under the Agri-Food Sector Stream, the applicant must:
Have experience in farm ownership, practical farming, or farm management for a period of at least three years;
Make a minimum equity investment in a new or existing farming operation;
Have sufficient financial supports;
Submit a detailed agri-business plan showing sufficient experience and knowledge of his/her chosen field of business; and
Meet the minimum qualifications requirements for the position and the minimum age, education, and language ability.

Ontario Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)-Business

There are two categories under which you may qualify for the Ontario PNP:

-Ontario PNP General Category

The General Category allows approved Ontario employers and investors (companies) to recruit foreign workers.
To be eligible to apply for Ontario nomination as a foreign worker, candidates must have:
A full-time job offer, for which they are qualified, from an approved Ontario employer in a skilled occupation (listed as NOC A, B, or 0);
At least 2 years of work experience or have appropriate registration in Ontario (if the occupation is regulated in Ontario);
Received an Employer Pre-Screen Approved Position Form, along with the nominee application package from the Ontario employer;
An offered wage that meets the prevailing wage level in Ontario for the occupation; Legal status, if the prospective nominee is in Canada.

-Company Location Establishment Category:

This sub-section of the General Category is to facilitate the entry of key personnel into companies that are making major investments in Ontario. Nominees must meet the same qualifying criteria as above. Before nominating applicants, Ontario employers must first complete the pre-screen application process and they must obtain approval for the positions they wish to fill. To be eligible, Ontario employers must:

Make a qualifying investment of $3 million or more in Ontario;
Create at least 5 net full-time permanent positions.

-Individual Investors

While the investment component of this program is geared towards companies who wish to invest in the province and facilitate the permanent resident status of key employees, individual investors seeking nomination for permanent residence can also qualify.
To qualify in this category, a company / applicant must:
Invest at least $3,000,000 CAD
Create at least five net permanent full-time jobs for Canadian citizens or permanent residents through their investment
Have their investment endorsed from another Ontario ministry at the Deputy Minister level
Individual investors must meet the following additional criteria:
Must be actively involved in the management of the business on an ongoing basis. Either control at least 33.334% of the business, or make a minimum investment of $1 million CAD in the business
No option of redeeming the investment after a specified period.
The capital investment in the business must not have the primary purpose of deriving interest, dividends or capital gains.

Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP)-Business

SINP Program Changes

The Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) is announcing improvements to the program based on stakeholder input and the need to increase program efficiencies. As well these changes will ensure that the program continues to see positive outcomes related to attraction, settlement and retention of provincial nominees and their families. The SINP is focused on continuous improvement with a view to enhancing the program's labour market responsiveness and maintaining high rates of retention.
The program changes will be effective January 2, 2014, with receipt of applications under the current criterion ending on December 31, 2013. All applications received on or after January 2, 2014 will be subject to the new program criterion. Applications received on or prior to December 31, 2013 will be processed under the previous criterion unless a request to switch to the new eligibility requirements is made to the SINP.

Program Changes:

The SINP's nine categories and subcategories have been combined into three main categories: International Skilled Worker, Saskatchewan Experience, and Entrepreneur and Farm.
Changes have been made to the criteria to increase program efficiencies and improve program outcomes.
International Skilled Worker Category
The International Skilled Worker Category is for skilled workers who want to work and live in Saskatchewan. This category enables the SINP to nominate individuals with high human capital that have the education, experience, language and adaptability to economically establish and successfully integrate into Saskatchewan's communities.

Criteria include:

* The point rating system focuses on employment offers, education, work experience, language ability, and family connections, among other factors. The points available for persons with family connections in Saskatchewan are higher than the former Skilled Worker Category (i.e. points for family connections can account for 20% of points).
* Applicants must have a minimum language score of Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 4, as demonstrated by a SINP-approved language test. CLB 4 is the minimum; language ability of applicants will need to meet the requirement of employers.
* Applicants whose occupational education and work experience is in a regulated profession will be required to obtain the appropriate Saskatchewan qualification recognition to be able to work in that profession.
* Applicants that do not have a skilled job offer from an approved Saskatchewan employer require proof of settlement funds and must submit a settlement plan.
* The SINP will accept 250 applications in 2014 from applicants without an offer of employment whose high skilled occupation is in demand in Saskatchewan. These occupations must have 'good' or'fair' employment prospects as per Saskatchewan's Detailed Occupational Outlook (2013-2017). The list of in-demand occupations will be available in December 2013.
The International Skilled Worker Category sets a clear focus on the SINP's priority to nominate skilled workers with the greatest ability to economically establish in the province. This is done through the points rating system which maintains a strong emphasis on employment in Saskatchewan and family connections and increases emphasis on key labour market attachment factors including education, work experience, language and age.
The new point rating system and application guide will be posted on the immigration website in December 2013, prior to the new category being launched on January 2, 2014.

Entrepreneur and Farm

The Entrepreneur and Farm Category sub-categories will be consolidated into three streams: Entrepreneur, Farm Owners/Operators, and the Young Farmers sub-stream.

Saskatchewan PNP - Farmers

To qualify as a Farmer, an applicant must:

Have a net worth of $500,000;
Supply a signed offer to purchase a Saskatchewan farming operation, or land for a new farm operation;
Visit Saskatchewan within the two-year period prior to making a signed offer to purchase; and
Demonstrate that they are knowledgeable farm operators.

This category also has a Young Farmers Stream, for applicants who:

Are under the age of 40;
Have at least three years of experience managing or operating a farm;
Have a net worth of $300,000;
Submit a proposal for a commercial farming opportunity in the province;
Can demonstrate marketable employment skills; and
Conduct an exploratory visit to Saskatchewan prior to submitting their application.

Saskatchewan PNP- Entrepreneurs

This program is designed for applicants who are looking for an opportunity to establish, purchase, or become a partner in a business in Saskatchewan, and be actively involved in the management of the business.

In order to be approved for nomination, an applicant must have:

A minimum verifiable net worth of CDN $350,000
Accumulated their net worth through legal means which can be verified (net worth and its accumulation will need to be verified by a third party agency identified by the Ministry of Advanced Employment Education and Immigration)
A minimum of three years of entrepreneurial or relevant business management experience
The intention to live and actively invest in Saskatchewan. This is evaluated using the Intent Grading Grid
Developed a Business Establishment Plan demonstrating their intention to establish, acquire, or become a partner in a business in Saskatchewan

Once you have been nominated, you will need to:

Have a minimum active investment in the amount of CDN $150,000 in the province. If you own less than a third of the business, you will need to have made a total investment of at least CDN $1 million;
Be actively involved in the daily management of your business; and
Make a Good Faith deposit of CDN $75,000
After arriving in Saskatchewan, you will need to attend a Landing Meeting within 30 days. If you wish to receive your Good Faith deposit back, within two years of landing in Saskatchewan you will need to either:

Establish or acquire a business in Saskatchewan, invest the minimum amount set forth in the Performance Agreement, and be actively involved in the daily management of this company; or Demonstrate at least six months of active investment in the relevant business

Saskatchewan PNP - Large Scale Investors

This priority stream of the Entrepreneur Category is designed for applicants who intend to invest CDN $10 million or more. In addition to faster processing, once an applicant is nominated under this stream, they can request the nomination of up to ten key members of their management team. However, each team member will be required to submit a separate application for assessment. If you submit your application and are found to be ineligible, you may re-submit under the general entrepreneur category. Saskatchewan PNP - Science and Technology

This priority stream of the Entrepreneur Category is designed for applicants who:

- Are the owner of a patent which they intend to commercialize through an active investment in Saskatchewan; or
- Have an innovative IT idea, which they intend to commercialize through active investment in Saskatchewan; or
- Have the intention to actively invest in a partnership with an existing Saskatchewan science and technology-based firm.

In addition, applicants must meet the following requirements:

As part of assessing your entrepreneurial or business management experience, your scientific education and/or research-based work experience will also be considered.

New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)-Business

Under this program, the province of New Brunswick selects and nominates experienced business people from all over the world who intend to own and actively manage a business that contributes to the economy of the province.

Requirements for the applicant:

Between 22 and 55 years of age.
Has sufficient English or French language ability to actively manage a business in New Brunswick.
Have, at minimum, a high school diploma.
Has the intention to live and operate a business in New Brunswick, and assume the day-to-day management of the business.
Has relevant and proven management experience in three out of the last five years.
Can demonstrate an understanding of the business environment in New Brunswick. This knowledge may be gained during your business trip.
Must prepare a business plan of economic benefit to New Brunswick. This plan will need to be approved by an official of the Government of New Brunswick.
Has a personal net worth of at least $300,000 CAD.
You must score a minimum of 50 points in the selection factors. These include age, language ability, education, adaptability and management experience
You will need to make at least one business trip to New Brunswick before submitting your immigration application. It must be for at least five full business days.
You will need to attend an interview following your business trip
You will need to make a conditionally refundable deposit of $75,000 CAD
Invest at least $125,000 in a business in the province

Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)-Business

Under the Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), you may qualify under one of four categories:

100% Ownership
Partial Ownership
Work Permit

Prince Edward Island PNP 100% Ownership

To qualify in this category, an applicant must:

Meet the age, education, work experience, adaptability and language skills required to establish and operate a business in the province
At the time of application, provide a business proposal and a business plan which details the start up or purchase of a business in Prince Edward Island
Have a settlement proposal sketching out their intention to move and settle in the province.
Demonstrate a minimum personal net worth of $600,000 CAD, legally obtained
Make a minimum investment of $150,000 in order to start or purchase an eligible business in the province
Have unencumbered personal funds of at least $150,000 for the required escrow deposit
Control 100% of the business, and provide active an on-going management of the business from within the province

Prince Edward Island PNP Partial Ownership

To qualify in this category, an applicant must:

Meet the age, education, work experience, adaptability and language skills required to establish and operate a business in the province
At the time of application, provide a business proposal and a business plan which details the start up or purchase of a business in Prince Edward Island
Have a settlement proposal sketching out their intention to move and settle in the province.
Demonstrate a minimum personal net worth of $600,000 CAD, legally obtained
Make a minimum investment of $150,000 in order to start or purchase an eligible business in the province Have unencumbered personal funds of at least $150,000 for the required escrow deposit
Control at least 33 1/3% of the equity in the business or make an investment of at least $1,000,000 CAD in the business

Newfoundland and Labrador PNP Immigrant Entrepreneur (under revision)

To qualify for the Immigrant Entrepreneur Category, the applicant must establish or purchase a business that is within the province's Strategic Sector list, including knowledge-based industries, manufacturing, natural resources, agriculture and agrifoods, health care, tourism, fishing, and cultural industries, although employment in other industries may also be valid. In addition, the applicant must score at least 50 points on a Self-Assessment (proposed business, work experience, business experience, education, adaptability, age, language ability, financial resources).

Applicants must also:

Have a minimum of five years of senior management or entrepreneurial experience in a business similar to the one proposed;
Have a minimum net worth of CDN $450,000, of which at least CDN $350,000 should be in liquid assets;
Be prepared to sign a Performance Agreement promising a minimum business investment of CDN $200,000 to establish a new business or purchase all or part of an existing business;
Be prepared to make a CDN $100,000 deposit that will be returned once the obligations of the performance agreement has been met; and
Prior to the completion of the application, be willing to make an exploratory visit to Newfoundland and Labrador at the applicant's expense, and submit a detailed business plan.

Northwest Territories Nominee Program (NTNP)-Business

The Entrepreneur Business Category

This program is designed for entrepreneurs or owners of businesses who wish to immigrate to the Northwest Territories and establish businesses in the province. Business projects which involve a product that is new to the province, or that would generate significant benefits will be given priority.

In order to qualify for this category, the applicant must:

Create a business plan
Invest at least $300,000 CAD to either start or buy a business within the corporate boundaries of Yellowknife, NWT. If the business is outside of Yellowknife, the required investment is at least $150,000 CAD. Have a minimum personal net worth of $500,000 CAD if the business is within Yellowknife, or $250,000 CAD if the business is outside Yellowknife.
Have $75,000 CAD kept in a trust account
Show sufficient knowledge and understanding of the province and its economy
Be able to communicate in one of the official languages
Possess the necessary experience and education to successfully effectively implement their business plan.

The Self-Employed Business Category

This category is intended to appeal to professionals who can provide a service that is in demand in the province, either by establishing business outlets or professional practices. Professionals that will be employed by a business or other organization should refer to the Skilled Worker Program, as this category only applies to those who are self-employed.

In order to qualify for this category, the applicant must:

Have a profession identified as a professional skill shortage
Meet any certification or accreditation requirements for this profession
Be licensed/ accepted by the body governing the profession, if applicable
Be able to communicate in one of the official languages
Show sufficient knowledge and understanding of the province and its economy
Possess adequate funds in order to start and operate the professional practice and support themselves and their dependents for six months
Create a business plan for their business or practice

Yukon Nominee Program (YNP) Business

This program allows the government of Yukon to nominate qualified individuals with business skills who wish to own and operate a business in the province. While it is not an investment program, applicants are required to put money into their business to ensure its viability.

In order to qualify for this category, the applicant must:

Have at least five years of senior management or direct entrepreneurial experience in a business similar to the one they wish to establish
Show a minimum net worth of $250,000 CAD, including liquid assets of at least $150,000 CAD.
Show sufficient knowledge and understanding of the province and its economy, by having visited the province at least once. Business applicants are required to meet with one of the program's officers during their visit
Be able to communicate in one of the official languages
Plan to be actively involved in the day-to-day management and operation of the business
Minimum equity investment of $150,000 CAD. This must purchase at least 33.33% of the business.