Business Investor

What Business and Investor Immigration programs are available in Canada?

While immigration to Canada is mostly the jurisdiction of the Federal Government in Canada, each of Canada’s provinces has its own small immigration program whereby the provincial government can nominate individuals for immigration to their province based on their own specific criteria. Once nominated by a province, the individual can apply for permanent residence through the federal immigration program. These Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) usually include a skilled worker category and a business immigration category.

This summary describes the different Business Immigration programs currently available by each province:

Investor Programs

• Quebec

Business PNP Programs

• British Columbia
• Manitoba
• New Brunswick
• Ontario
• Prince Edward Island
• Saskatchewan
• Yukon
• North West Territories

Quebec Investor Program

This program enables business persons to immigrate to Canada by providing the sum of $1,200,000 CAD to the Quebec government, which is invested for five years and refunded without interest.

To be eligible, you must:

• Have net assets of at least $2,000,000 CAD obtained legally.
• Have experience in management in a legal farming, commercial, industrial, professional business, or a government/international agency.
• Intend to settle in Québec and sign an agreement to invest $1,200,000 CAD.
• Understand that the investment is guaranteed by the Gouvernement du Québec and refundable after five years (interest-free).

Other factors such as age, training, and language skills are also considered during assessment.

British Columbia Nominee – Regional Entrepreneur

Applicants must register under the Entrepreneur Immigration Registration and receive a competitive score. Only the top applicants receive invitations.

Eligibility requirements include:

• Minimum net worth of $600,000.
• More than 3 years of owner/manager experience, or over 4 years of senior management experience supervising at least 3 employees.
• Two years post-secondary education OR 100% business ownership for 3 of the last 5 years.

Applicants must propose a business contributing to BC’s economic growth. BC reviews feasibility, ownership percentage, market strategy, scalability, job creation, and risk.

Minimum personal investment: $200,000 (or $400,000 with key staff). After nomination, applicants must sign a performance agreement, enter on a work permit, and establish the business within 20 months.

Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program – Business Applicant

Applicants must file an Expression of Interest (EOI), make an Exploratory Visit, and submit a Business Intent Summary.

To be eligible, applicants must:

• Have minimum net worth of $350,000.
• Have 3+ years of business ownership/management OR senior executive experience.
• Score at least 60 on the Adaptability Assessment Matrix.
• Commit to invest at least $150,000.
• Provide a $100,000 refundable deposit.

Manitoba selects top EOIs. Nomination is not guaranteed even after application.

New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP) – Business Applicant

The program nominates qualified business owners/managers to own and operate businesses in NB.

Eligibility includes:

• Age 22–55
• Proficiency in English/French (IELTS may be required)
• Minimum high school diploma
• 3 years ownership/senior management experience and understanding of NB market
• Net worth of at least $300,000
• Ability to invest minimum $125,000 and provide a $75,000 deposit

Selected candidates submit business plans and attend interviews before nomination.

Ontario Immigration Nominee Program – Investment Stream

Requires submitting an Investment Referral Form and meeting high-impact investment conditions.

Eligibility requires:

• Official endorsement by an Ontario ministry
• Minimum $3,000,000 investment
• Creation of at least five full-time jobs for Canadians/PRs

Positions must be skilled (NOC 0/A/B), full-time, permanent, and meet prevailing wages.

After approval, applicants have 6 months to apply to IRCC for PR.

Prince Edward Island – 100% Ownership Stream

Applicants must complete a self-assessment, business proposal, interview, settlement plan, and business plan.

Requirements include:

• Minimum net worth of $600,000
• High school education
• Age 21–59
• Management experience
• Minimum IELTS 4.0
• $200,000 deposit under an Escrow Agreement (refunded upon meeting conditions)
• $150,000 minimum business investment

Saskatchewan Immigration Nominee Program – Entrepreneur (SINP-E)

Applicants must file an EOI, be ranked on the points grid, and receive an invitation.

Requirements include:

• $500,000 minimum net assets
• 3 years of business management/entrepreneurial experience
• Investment of $300,000 in Regina/Saskatoon OR $200,000 elsewhere

After meeting performance agreement terms, applicants may be nominated for PR.

Yukon Business Immigration Nominee Program

Applicants must pass an assessment based on investment size, net worth, age, education, experience, language ability, and previous visits.

Requirements include:

• Minimum 56 points on the assessment grid
• IELTS 6.0 or TEF 4
• $250,000 net worth
• $150,000 liquid assets
• Relevant business experience

After a two-year work permit and compliance with business plan requirements, applicants may be supported for PR.

North West Territories Nominee Program – Entrepreneur

Applicants submit a self-evaluation and business plan for review.

Requirements include:

• $300,000 equity for business in Yellowknife OR $150,000 outside Yellowknife
• Net worth of $500,000 in Yellowknife OR $250,000 outside
• $75,000 trust account deposit
• Knowledge of NWT economy
• Communication skills
• Relevant education and experience

If approved, applicants receive nomination for a temporary work permit; if successful, they may apply to IRCC for PR.

Federal Government Requirements for All Provincial Nominations

A provincial nomination does not guarantee approval for permanent residence. IRCC assesses medical, criminal, and security admissibility before issuing PR.

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