Canada Immigration -

Business Class Immigration

The Entrepreneur Program

The Entrepreneur program is designed to encourage the entry of experienced business people to Canada who are able to make a substantial investment and thereby create employment and contribute to the economic growth of Canada. In order to be approved as an Entrepreneur, the applicant must first meet the regulatory definition of an Entrepreneur and then comply with the selection criteria for that category of immigrant.

Who is an Immigrant Entrepreneur ?

The following aspects of the regulatory definition should be factored into assessment of an Entrepreneur Immigrant:

• intends and has the ability to invest in a business, and has legally obtained net worth of at least CND$300,000;
• is ready to establish, purchase or make a substantial investment in a business or commercial venture in Canada;
• will make a significant contribution to the economy;
• will be able to employ at least one other Canadian citizen or permanent resident; and
• intends and has the ability to provide active and on-going participation in the management.

Selection

Entrepreneurs are assessed on seven factors:

• Education;
• Business Experience;
• Age;
• Knowledge of English and French;
• Adaptability

Applicants must achieve a total of 35 points or more out of a maximum of 100 in order to qualify as an Entrepreneur, unlike the Independent Class immigration applicants which have to achieve 75 points.

To operate a business in Canada you would require an employment authorization. We would not recommend going ahead with the purchase of a business until such time as you have been approved for your immigrant visas. We have been involved in cases where people have purchased businesses and then been refused - it can be a real problem.

Generally business applicants are subjected to more review and greater scrutiny so the processing time is often longer and you receive a conditional immigrant visa subject to fairly stringent terms and conditions which if not fulfilled can result in your removal from Canada. In many cases we recommend to entrepreneur clients that they apply as skilled workers if they are qualified rather than business applicants.

Features of the Entrepreneur Program

• there is CND$300,000 minimum net worth requirement;
• the entrepreneur must actively mange the business;
• the business must create employment for at least one person;
• the business must make significant contribution to the economy;
• all family members are admitted under the same terms and conditions as a principal applicant.

There are conditions applied to an Entrepreneur's Canadian Immigration Visa. An entrepreneur must establish or buy a business in Canada. There is no set amount to invest, but it should be sufficient to establish the business within two years, while supporting the entrepreneur and his family. The entrepreneur is expected to participate actively in managing the business. The business must contribute to the Canadian economy and create one or more jobs in Canada in addition to the jobs created for the entrepreneur and his family. The entrepreneur is admitted on the condition that these requirements are met within two years of landing, and is expected to meet regularly with an immigration officer to monitor compliance with the terms and conditions.

Complete our Free Online Assessment to see whether you qualify for the Entrepreneur rogram.