Entrepreneur

Applicants are assessed under the same selection criteria applied to independent applicants, except for the category of occupational demand and arranged employment (please see Skilled Workers for details).  Entrepreneurs are required to obtain points in the category of experience.  An entrepreneur must attain a total of 25 points in all of the categories.  It is important to note that visa officers may refuse an application regardless of the units of assessment, if, in their opinion, there are good reasons that units do not reflect the chances of the applicant becoming successfully established in Canada

In order to be desire for immigration to Canada in the entrepreneur category, the applicant must meet the definition of an entrepreneur, especially two concepts of intention and ability to start and manage a business in Canada.  The applicant must satisfy the visa officer that they have a clear understanding of the Canadian market and economic conditions, and have a reasonable plan of action.

The business could take one of many forms. Fail to do that, with these conditions within two years of arriving in Canada could lead to removal of an entrepreneur and his/her family from Canada.

As an Entrepreneur Applicant, you must show that you have taken all reasonable steps to establish a business venture in Canada.  You may be required to demonstrate that the appropriate attention has been paid to all issues related to regulations, start up, investment, financing, and marketing. 

The Entrepreneur Program seeks to attract experienced persons that will own and actively manage businesses in Canada that will contribute to the economy and create jobs. Entrepreneurs must demonstrate business experience, a minimum net worth of CDN $300,000 and are subject to conditions upon arrival in Canada.

Immigrating to Canada as an Entrepreneur:

To qualify as an entrepreneur, you must have business experience. This means that you must have managed and controlled a percent of equity of a qualifying business. Entrepreneurs must have a legally obtained net worth of at least CDN $300,000.

When you immigrate to Canada as an entrepreneur, you must have the intention and the ability to control a percentage of equity of a qualifying Canadian business. You must provide active and ongoing management of the qualifying Canadian business. Your business must create at least one new full-time job for a Canadian citizen or permanent resident. You must meet these requirements within three years of becoming a permanent resident.

Before your immigrant visa is issued, your are required to sign a statement that you intend and will be able to meet the conditions of permanent residence.

Entrepreneur, Regulatory Requirements:

"Entrepreneur" means a foreign national who