Canada offers several investment visa in Canada for entrepreneurs and business owners. Some give permanent residence (PR) directly (Start‑Up Visa, Québec Investor), while others begin with a work permit (ICT, C11, PNP Entrepreneur) and can lead to PR once you run a real business here. This isn’t legal advice; policies change. Check official sources or consult a licensed professional.
Snapshot
- Eligibility: Innovative founders (SUV), owners/managers with a foreign company (ICT), entrepreneurs showing “significant benefit” (C11), provincial entrepreneurs (PNP), passive high‑net‑worth investors (Québec Investor).
- Key steps: Choose a route → set up in Canada or secure support → apply for work permit/PR → operate and hire → apply for PR when eligible.
- Typical timelines: Work permit ≈ 2–6 months [VERIFY]. PR varies 12–36 months by program [VERIFY].
- Core documents: Business plan, letter of support (LOS), proof of ownership & relationship (ICT), funds, identity/civil docs, police checks, medicals.
- Fees: IRCC application fees + biometrics; employer compliance fee may apply for LMIA‑exempt employer‑specific permits [VERIFY].
- Next step: Book a free assessment to map the fastest, lowest‑risk path for your case.
Want a quick readout for your case? Get a friendly one‑pager.
Investment in Canada at a Glance
| Program | Who it’s for | Typical proof or numbers | Simple steps |
|---|---|---|---|
| Start‑Up Visa (SUV) | Innovative founders with a letter of support (LOS) | Min investment: $200k (VC) or $75k (angel). No cash minimum if accepted by an incubator. Optional 3‑year open work permit while PR is in process. | Get a letter of support → apply for PR; open WP lets you build the business. |
| Intra‑Company Transfer (ICT) | Owners/managers moving to a Canadian branch of an existing foreign company | Real operating company abroad + related entity in Canada | ICT work permit → run the Canadian arm → later apply for PR via a federal or provincial program if eligible. |
| C11 Entrepreneur WP (IMP) | Entrepreneurs/self‑employed who show “significant benefit” to Canada | Solid business plan, funds to start and live | LMIA‑exempt work permit under the IMP → operate → use a PR stream later (often PNP). |
| Provincial Nominee (PNP), Entrepreneur | Start/buy & run a business in a province | Investment/net‑worth varies by province | Expression of Interest → WP + performance agreement → PR after you meet targets. |
| Québec Investor (QIIP) | Passive investor route managed by MIFI | Conditions set by Québec (French‑language and other rules apply) | Apply via Québec’s investor program → get CSQ → federal PR. |
| Self‑Employed (federal) | Cultural/athletic self‑employed | Points grid; proof of contribution | The program is paused, so plan another path for now. |
Introduce the Investment visa in Canada
1) Start‑Up Visa (SUV): Direct PR
What it is: PR for up to five founders with an approved designated organization. Minimum funding: $200,000 (VC) or $75,000 (angel); no cash minimum if accepted by a designated incubator (you still need a letter of support).
While you wait: You may qualify for an optional open work permit (up to 3 years) so you can move to Canada and build a business (and take other work to support your family). Since Oct 3, 2024, this permit is open, not employer‑specific.
Processing priorities (2024–2026): IRCC prioritizes files backed by Canadian VC or angel capital and incubators that are members of Canada’s Tech Network; it also caps each designated organization to 10 start‑ups per year to focus on quality.
Mini‑example: Layla joined a Waterloo incubator, secured her letter in June, and used the OWP to relocate and work with local mentors.
2) Intra‑Company Transfer (ICT): work permit → PR later
What it is: Transfer yourself (or key staff) to a related Canadian entity as a manager, executive, or specialized‑knowledge worker. It’s LMIA‑exempt under the International Mobility Program.
Compliance tip: Many employer‑specific, LMIA‑exempt cases must submit an offer of employment via IRCC’s Employer Portal and pay the employer compliance fee; some categories are exempt.
PR path: After you build real operations (revenue, staff, filings), you can pursue PR through a federal or provincial stream if you qualify.
Mini‑example: Armin opened a Vancouver branch, hired two staff, landed three clients, and then transitioned toward PR once the Canadian arm matured.
3) C11 Entrepreneur Work Permit (IMP): work permit → PR later
What it is: An LMIA‑exempt work permit for entrepreneurs/self‑employed who bring significant benefit (jobs, innovation, local impact). You operate first, then often move to PR via a PNP entrepreneur or other stream. (IRCC periodically updates guidance; details can be case‑specific.)
Mini‑example: A family bought a small Ontario manufacturer, kept the team, added two part‑time roles, and began exporting, strong “significant benefit” evidence.
4) Provincial Nominee (PNP) Entrepreneur: two‑step PR
What it is: Provinces nominate entrepreneurs who start/buy and run a business locally. The common pattern: expression of interest → work permit → performance agreement → nomination → PR (after meeting targets).
Examples:
- British Columbia Entrepreneur Immigration: establishes or manages a B.C. business; see program pages for streams and requirements.
- Manitoba Business Investor Stream (Entrepreneur & Farm): run a business on a work permit before nomination.
5) Québec Investor (QIIP): Québec‑selected PR
What it is: A passive investor route administered by MIFI (Québec). The program has Québec‑specific conditions (including language and staged selection). You apply to Québec first for selection, then the federal stage for PR. See the official pages for current criteria.
Helpful next step: Book a 15‑minute consult if you’re targeting Montréal or Québec City.
6) Federal Self‑Employed (arts/culture/athletics): intake paused
Status: IRCC paused intake through the end of 2026 to cut backlogs and reform the stream. Plan an alternative route for now.
7) Buying a Business or Franchise
Purchasing an existing café, shop, factory, or franchise can help you show real activity quickly (clients, systems, staff). Many buyers use C11 or a PNP entrepreneur stream as the immigration vehicle, then pursue PR after meeting program rules.
Micro‑table: how the process usually flows
| Step | What it is | How long | What you need |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Pick your route | SUV, ICT, C11, PNP, or Québec Investor | 1–2 weeks [VERIFY] | Background, goals, budget |
| 2. Set up support | Get letter of support (SUV) or set up/affiliate your Canadian entity | 2–12+ weeks [VERIFY] | Pitch, plan, incorporation docs |
| 3. Apply | Work permit or PR | 2–6 months WP; PR 12–36+ months [VERIFY] | Forms, fees, biometrics |
| 4. Operate | Run the business (revenue, payroll, taxes) | Ongoing | Contracts, hires, filings |
| 5. Get PR | Apply once criteria met | Varies by program [VERIFY] | Proof you met targets |
Documents you’ll typically need (checklist)
- Business plan tailored to the program (market, hires, budget).
- Corporate ties: proof of ownership/affiliation for ICT (parent–subsidiary–affiliate).
- Letter of support from a designated organization for SUV.
- Funds to start and support your family.
- Identity & civil docs, police certificates, and medical exams.
- Employer Portal submission & compliance fee for many LMIA‑exempt, employer‑specific permits (not needed for open work permits or certain exemptions).
Costs & timelines (honest ranges)
- Work permits: Government fees + biometrics; employer compliance fee may apply for employer‑specific, LMIA‑exempt cases.
- PR fees: Vary by program and family size.
- Processing time: Work permits often take 2–6 months; PR can take 12–36+ months, depending on program, queue, and background checks.
- Business costs: Incorporation, lease, payroll, taxes, insurance, professional fees, and budget according to sector and province.
🚨 2025 spotlight: national security reviews of investments
Canada updated its National Security Review Guidelines under the Investment Canada Act on March 5, 2025. Sensitive sectors (critical tech, data, critical minerals, etc.) may face pre‑ or post‑closing scrutiny. If your plan touches these areas, structure early and get advice.
Regular investing vs. immigration (what does not give PR)
Buying stocks, ETFs, GICs, or a home does not grant PR. Immigration status comes from immigration programs, not financial products. For cash management while you build the business:
- GICs at CDIC member banks: coverage generally up to $100,000 per insured category per member.
- Ontario credit unions (FSRA): $250,000 coverage for non‑registered deposits and unlimited coverage for registered accounts (RRSP/TFSA, etc.).
Always confirm coverage with your institution and the regulator.
Real‑life snapshots
- Maria: a graphic designer, used SUV with an angel group; her 3‑year open work permit let her freelance while building her app.
- Armin: logistics owner: transferred under ICT, hired locally, then targeted a PNP entrepreneur stream once revenue stabilized.
- A family manufacturer: came on C11, kept staff, added part‑timers, and built an export client base.
Step‑by‑step: how most invest in Canada and move to PR
- Pick a route (SUV direct PR, or ICT/C11/PNP first).
- Set up: secure a letter of support (SUV) or incorporate/affiliate in Canada.
- Apply for a work permit or PR; if LMIA‑exempt and employer‑specific, complete Employer Portal steps first.
- Operate: hire, pay taxes, keep clean records.
- Apply for PR once your program conditions are met (e.g., provincial performance agreement, revenue/jobs targets).
FAQs
Yes, but only through immigration programs (e.g., Start‑Up Visa or PNP entrepreneur). Property and market investments alone don’t grant PR
Support from a designated VC ($200k) or angel group ($75k), or incubator acceptance with no cash minimum, and a letter of support
Often yes. There’s an optional open work permit (up to 3 years); since Oct 3, 2024, it’s an open permit. Family members may also apply for permits if eligible
ICT moves you to a related Canadian entity as a manager/executive/specialist (LMIA‑exempt). C11 is for entrepreneurs/self‑employed who show significant benefit. Both can be used to build a PR case later
Intake is paused through the end of 2026 while IRCC works through the backlog and considers reforms.
Yes. Provinces like B.C. and Manitoba run entrepreneur streams with their own investment and job rules. You usually run the business first, then get nominated for PR.
No. Real estate can be part of life here, but only immigration programs lead to PR.
Source: IRCC.Canada.ca
