Business & Investor Immigration Canada
Canada welcomes entrepreneurs and investors who want to build businesses and create jobs. Our licensed RCIC-IRB consultant provides strategic guidance through the Start-Up Visa Program, Owner-Operator LMIA pathway, Intra-Company Transfers, and other business immigration programs.
Program Overview
Everything you need to know about Business & Investor Immigration Canada
Canada offers several immigration pathways for entrepreneurs, investors, and business professionals. The Start-Up Visa Program targets innovative entrepreneurs who can secure support from a designated Canadian venture capital fund, angel investor group, or business incubator.
The Owner-Operator LMIA pathway allows business owners to obtain a work permit to manage their Canadian business, with a subsequent pathway to permanent residency. Intra-Company Transfers allow multinational companies to transfer key employees to their Canadian operations.
Our team has deep expertise in business immigration, helping entrepreneurs develop strong business plans, secure designated organization support, and navigate the complex requirements of each program. We work with you from the initial concept through to permanent residency.
Eligibility Requirements
Key requirements you need to meet
- For Start-Up Visa: a qualifying business concept and a letter of support from a designated organization
- For Owner-Operator: an existing or proposed business in Canada with LMIA support
- For Intra-Company Transfer: senior managerial, executive, or specialized knowledge role in a multinational company
- Meet language requirements (CLB 5 for Start-Up Visa)
- Sufficient settlement funds
- Clean criminal record and medical admissibility
- Viable business plan demonstrating economic benefit to Canada
Our Process
How we guide you from start to finish
Business Assessment
We evaluate your business concept, background, and goals to recommend the most suitable business immigration pathway. We assess the viability of your business plan and your eligibility for each program.
Business Plan & Designated Organization
For the Start-Up Visa, we help you develop a compelling business plan and connect with designated organizations. For Owner-Operator, we assist with business establishment and LMIA preparation.
Immigration Application
Once business requirements are met, we prepare and submit your immigration application, whether it is a work permit, Start-Up Visa permanent residency application, or intra-company transfer request.
Business Launch & PR
We support you through establishing your business operations in Canada and, where applicable, transitioning from a temporary work permit to permanent residency.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Business & Investor Immigration Canada
The Start-Up Visa Program is currently PAUSED as of January 2026. IRCC is not accepting new applications, and the existing backlog has a 10+ year processing time. Only applicants with a pre-existing 2025 commitment certificate from a designated organization may still be processed. We recommend exploring provincial entrepreneur streams or the Owner-Operator LMIA pathway as alternatives. Current as of March 2026.
The required investment varies by program. The Start-Up Visa does not have a specific minimum investment from the entrepreneur, but the designated organization must commit a specified level of support. Other provincial business programs may have specific investment and net worth requirements.
The Owner-Operator LMIA pathway allows entrepreneurs to obtain an LMIA for their own business in Canada, which supports a work permit application. After operating the business and gaining Canadian work experience, the business owner can apply for permanent residency through programs like Express Entry or Provincial Nominee Programs.
Yes. Most business immigration programs allow you to include your spouse or common-law partner and dependent children in your application. Under the Start-Up Visa, your family members can be included in the permanent residency application. Under work permit pathways, your spouse may be eligible for an open work permit.
