Business & Investor Immigration Canada
Canada welcomes entrepreneurs and investors who want to build businesses and create jobs, but the federal options have narrowed. Our licensed RCIC-IRB consultant provides strategic guidance on provincial entrepreneur streams, entrepreneur work permits (C11 and owner-operator LMIA), Intra-Company Transfers, and other business pathways.
Program Overview
Everything you need to know about Business & Investor Immigration Canada
The federal business programs are largely closed. The Start-Up Visa Program is paused: the only exception was for holders of a 2025 commitment certificate, who had to apply by June 30, 2026, and IRCC's processing time for the existing backlog is more than 10 years. The Self-Employed Persons Program has been paused since April 30, 2024. There is no federal investor program; Quebec runs its own Investor Program under its own rules.
Entrepreneurs who own and run a business in Canada may qualify for an LMIA-exempt work permit under the significant benefit category (C11) if the business will bring a significant economic, social or cultural benefit to Canada. This is different from the owner-operator route, which requires a positive LMIA. Neither permit leads to permanent residence on its own: self-employed work generally does not count toward the Canadian Experience Class, so permanent residence usually depends on a provincial entrepreneur stream or another program. Intra-Company Transfers allow multinational companies to transfer key employees to their Canadian operations.
Our team helps entrepreneurs assess which pathways are open to them, develop strong business plans, and navigate the requirements of each program, from the initial concept through to a permanent residence application where a pathway exists.
Eligibility Requirements
Key requirements you need to meet
- For provincial entrepreneur streams: the net worth, investment, business experience and language requirements set by each province (they vary widely and some streams are closed or paused)
- For a C11 entrepreneur work permit: ownership of a business in Canada that will bring a significant benefit to Canada
- For an owner-operator work permit: an existing or proposed business in Canada and a positive LMIA
- For Intra-Company Transfer: senior managerial, executive, or specialized knowledge role in a multinational company
- 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 & Program Requirements
We help you develop a business plan that meets the requirements of the chosen pathway, whether a provincial entrepreneur stream, a C11 work permit, or an owner-operator LMIA.
Immigration Application
Once business requirements are met, we prepare and submit your immigration application, whether it is a provincial application, a work permit, or an 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 was a federal permanent residence program for entrepreneurs backed by a designated venture capital fund, angel investor group or business incubator. It is now paused. The only exception was for holders of a valid 2025 commitment certificate, who had to apply by June 30, 2026; the program is closed to all other applications, and IRCC's processing time for the existing backlog is more than 10 years. We recommend exploring provincial entrepreneur streams or entrepreneur work permits as alternatives.
It depends on the program. There is no federal investor program. Provincial entrepreneur streams set their own minimum net worth and investment amounts, which vary widely by province and change often, and some streams are closed or paused. Quebec runs its own Investor Program with its own net worth, investment and language requirements.
Both let an entrepreneur work in their own Canadian business. A C11 work permit is LMIA-exempt: you must show that the business will bring a significant economic, social or cultural benefit to Canada. The owner-operator route instead requires a positive LMIA for the position you will hold in your business. Neither is a direct path to permanent residence: self-employed work generally does not count toward the Canadian Experience Class, so most business owners need a provincial entrepreneur stream or another program to become permanent residents.
Usually, yes. Permanent residence applications, such as one following a provincial nomination, can include your spouse or common-law partner and dependent children. On an entrepreneur work permit, your spouse may be eligible for an open work permit, depending on your occupation and permit, and your children may be eligible to study in Canada.
Ready to Start Your Immigration Journey?
Book a consultation to discuss your case