Although many international entrepreneurs come to Canada to start a new business venture from scratch, we have had many clients with already established small businesses abroad who want to branch out to Canada. Luckily, there are several business immigration pathways that can accommodate this type of client.
Federal Work Permit to Express Entry Pathway
There are a few work permits specifically intended for individuals looking to come to Canada temporarily to do business under a free trade agreement which we can use for business people coming to Canada. Once the entrepreneur is here and desires a more permanent stay in Canada, they may qualify to immigrate to Canada through a federal skilled worker Express Entry pathway. These applicants must have 1 year of skilled work experience, proven language ability, and meet education requirements. After meeting these requirements, their application is assessed using a 100-point grid. The current pass mark is 67 points. These points are based on the following applicant attributes:
age
education
work experience
whether you have a valid job offer
English and/or French language skills
adaptability (how well you’re likely to settle here)
Self-Employment Program
A business owner coming to Canada may also immigrate using the Self-employed Persons Program. This pathway is open to those with at least two years of relevant experience self-employed in cultural activities or athletics. Applicants are assessed based on the following attributes:
experience
education
age
language abilities
adaptability
Applicants must also meet medical, security and other conditions. In order to apply, an applicant must complete the application package, pay their application fees, and submit their application. This application is for those working the arts and cultural fields who will contribute to Canada with their craft.
Start-Up Visa Program
Canada’s Start-Up Visa Program is specifically created for entrepreneurs looking to build on their business in Canada. Applicants must have a qualifying business, a letter of support from a designated organization, meet the language requirements, and bring enough money to settle. The applicant’s business must have the potential to bring jobs to Canada and contribute to the country’s economy. Applicants must complete the application package, pay their application fees, and submit their application.
Provincial Nominee ProgramS
The Provincial Nominee Program creates province and territory-specific immigration pathways based on an applicant’s skills, education and work experience with the goal of contributing to the Canadian economy. Applicants must intend to live in the province whose program they are applying to and seek to become permanent residents of Canada. The application process will differ by province.
The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) has an Entrepreneur Stream for entrepreneurs who are starting or buying a new business in Ontario. This entrepreneur may be nominated for permanent residence once they have established their business successfully. For businesses in the Greater Toronto Area, an applicant must create at least two permanent full-time jobs for Canadian citizens or permanent residents. For business in the remainder of Ontario, they must create at least one permanent full-time job for a Canadian citizen or permanent resident. If nominated, an applicant can apply through the federal government through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
How we can assist you
After initially discussing the details of your case, we would first evaluate which immigration pathway would best fit you and your business goals. Once we pick the best pathway, we can determine the overall likelihood of your application’s success and create a plan to improve the areas that we determine might need some review.
Finally, I provide assistance with the entire application process, including putting together documentation and following up with the appropriate government agency. We tailor our services to guide you through every step of the way and work with you until your application is fully approved and you are settled in Canada.
Our Services
Calver and Associates is rated Canada's number one boutique immigration consultancy. We serve clients across Canada and internationally. Our Registered Canadian Immigration Consultant has over 10 years of experience in Canadian Immigration law and over four years of experience serving those in the Oshawa area.
We can assist with applications for both temporary and permanent residency in Canada. We handle applications for study permits, permanent residency, family class sponsorship, visitor visas, work permits, and Canadian citizenship. We also handle criminal inadmissibility cases by developing remedies for refusal.
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