1) CANADA START-UP VISA 2020

Canada’s Start-up Visa Program targets immigrant entrepreneurs with the skills and potential to build businesses in Canada that :

Do you have an innovative business idea? If you can get support for your idea from one of the designated organizations, you may be able to immigrate to Canada. Immigrate with a Start -up Visa: Who Can Apply? Who can apply? To be eligible for the Start-up Visa Program, you must :

• Have a Qualifying Business Idea
• Get a letter of support from a designated organization
• Meet the language requirements
• Proof Of funds

Have a Qualifying Business Idea?

A qualifying business means you created a business that meets the following conditions.

• At the time you get a commitment from a designated organization :
• Each applicant holds 10% or more of the voting rights attached to all shares of the corporation outstanding at that time (up to 5 people can apply as owners)
• Applicants and the designated organization jointly hold more than 50% of the total voting rights attached to all shares of the corporation outstanding at that time
• At the time you receive your permanent residence:
• you provide active and ongoing management of this business from within Canada
• an essential part of the operations of the business happens in Canada
• this business is incorporated in Canada

Get a letter of support from a designated organization

You must get a letter of support from a designated organization (a business group that has been approved to invest in or support possible start-ups). You will need to :

• contact the designated organization to find out how to get its support
• convince the organization that you have a business idea that is worth supporting
• get a letter of support from the designated organization The process to pitch your idea is different for each organization. Each organization has its own requirements. For example, you may be asked to present your business concept in person or submit a detailed business plan.

If you reach an agreement with a designated organization, it will send you a letter of support. You need to include this letter when you submit your application to us. This is the proof you need to show that the venture capital fund, angel investor group, or business incubator is supporting your business idea.

The organization will also send a commitment certificate directly to us. We’ll use both your letter of support and the organization's commitment certificate to assess your application. Please note, we may ask you for more business information in order to take a final decision on your application.

If you don’t include the letter of support or meet any of the other requirements, we’ll refuse your application While your application for permanent residence is being processed.

Meet the language requirements

The ability to communicate and work in English, French or both languages will help your business succeed in Canada.

• contact the designated organization to find out how to get its support
• convince the organization that you have a business idea that is worth supporting
• get a letter of support from the designated organization

The process to pitch your idea is different for each organization. Each organization has its own requirements. For example, you may be asked to present your business concept in person or submit a detailed business plan.

If you reach an agreement with a designated organization, it will send you a letter of support. You need to include this letter when you submit your application to us. This is the proof you need to show that the venture capital fund, angel investor group, or business incubator is supporting your business idea.

The organization will also send a commitment certificate directly to us. We’ll use both your letter of support and the organization's commitment certificate to assess your application. Please note, we may ask you for more business information in order to take a final decision on your application.

If you don’t include the letter of support or meet any of the other requirements, we’ll refuse your application While your application for permanent residence is being processed. You must take a language test from an approved agency and include the results with your application, or we won’t process it.

You must meet the minimum level of the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 5 in either English or French in all of these four areas :

• speaking
• reading
• listening
• writing

Use your test results to find your CLB level.

If you don’t meet the minimum language skills, we’ll refuse your application.

Proof Of Funds

• The Government of Canada does not give financial support to new start-up visa immigrants.
• When you apply, you’ll need to give proof that you have the money to support yourself and your dependents after you arrive in Canada.
• You can’t borrow this money from another person.
• The amount you need depends on the size of your family.
• We update these amounts every year.

2) Quebec Business Immigration Program

The province of Quebec gives permanent residency to business-experienced individuals who are prepared to invest in Canada to improve the Canadian economy and generate jobs. This program provides business immigrants the only opportunity to obtain permanent residence status through passive investment.

There are three main business immigration programs in Quebec, with its own criteria

• Entrepreneur Program
• Investor Program
• Self Employed Worker

Entrepreneur Program :

To be eligible for this particular program you must :

1. Have total net legal assets C$300,000
2. At least two years of full-time business management experience alone
3. With spouse during a business where the applicant controls a minimum of 25% of the equity, within past 5 years
4. The business handled must include full-time responsibilities and obligations, i.e. the planning, management and control of financial and human resources.

Investor program :

To be eligible for this program you must :

1. Have legally acquired minimum assets of C$1,600,000 (single or accompanying spouse)
2. Have management experience in a legal farming, industrial enterprise, or legal professional business.
3. Demonstrate your intent to settle in Quebec and sign an investment agreement of C$ 800,000.

Self-employed worker :

1. Come to develop your own career by working in your occupation or trade
2. Have net legal assets of C$ 100.00 minimum.
3. Have at least two years of technical or business experience which you are willing to practice in the province of Quebec.

In addition, applicants must make a start-up deposit at a financial organization within the region where they shall practice their profession:

1. $25,000 CAD deposit outside the Montreal area
2. $50,000 CAD deposit in the Montreal area

Eligibility Conditions in General :

Applicants who meet the criteria above will also be assessed according to the following factors :

1. Age
2. Education
3. Work experience
4. Language proficiency (advanced intermediate oral and written French is required)
5. Personal suitability
6. Visits to Quebec and family in Quebec

3) British Columbia Immigration

British Columbia Immigration - New Regional Pilot Program for Entrepreneurs

Through matching applicants with qualifying communities, the BC PNP Entrepreneur Regional Pilot supports entrepreneurs wishing to start a company and settle in rural BC communities. As such, British Columbia immigration authorities have set eligibility requirements for candidates, as well as for communities.

Eligibility for candidate

The criteria target eligible entrepreneurs who wish to grow a business in a regional BC community (under 75,000 inhabitants)

1. Conduct an explorative visit to the Community.
2. Have at least $100,000 in qualifying business investment.
3. Get a personal minimum net worth of $300,000.
4. Have three-plus years of proactive company owner-manager experience or four-plus years as senior manager over the last 5 years.
5. Take a minimum ownership stake of 51 percent
6. Creating at least one new job for a Canadian citizen or permanent Canadian resident

During the explorative visit, candidates must deliver their business plan to the appointed pilot representative of the group, whom will apply a referral form as part of the candidate's registration to the BC PNP.

Eligibility for a Community :

To be qualified, the B.C. The municipality must have a population of less than 75,000 and must be situated 30 kilometers from a city of more than 75,000 people.

The group needs to show it can deliver a framework of settlement and business services to the newcomer entrepreneur. Prior to conducting explorative visits and recommending prospective EI Regional Pilot applicants, it is the responsibility of community members to undergo immigration and pilot-specific training.

Submit Registration and obtain score :

Once the candidate is in a position to receive the referral, the applicant will be able to submit their application to the BC PNP. This application will consist of information such as age, work experience, education, language skills, net worth and details related to the business proposed.

Upon submission of the profile, candidates are assigned a score and ranked against each other using the BC Entrepreneur Regional Pilot Ranking System.

Invitation to interview in Vancouver :

Candidates with the most points are invited to submit a complete application under the scheme, through regularly held BC PNP drawings. The applicant can be required to give an interview in Vancouver. The candidate's submission will be reviewed within the four months following receipt.

Qualified applicants obtain a letter of support for work permits from the BC PNP and may then apply to the Government of Canada for a temporary work permit for a period of two years.

The program will begin early January to registration and thus will run for an initial two-year duration.

4) New Brunswick Entrepreneur Program

British Columbia Immigration - New Regional Pilot Program for Entrepreneurs

Through matching applicants with qualifying communities, the BC PNP Entrepreneur Regional Pilot supports entrepreneurs wishing to start a company and settle in rural BC communities. As such, British Columbia immigration authorities have set eligibility requirements for candidates, as well as for communities.

New Brunswick Entrepreneur program

The New Brunswick Entrepreneur program which is governed by the Department of Post- Secondary Education Training and Labor (PETL), is available for successful economic immigration Entrepreneurs willing to create, run and actively manage an enterprise while living and settling in Permanently, New Brunswick. Officers of the immigration system review applications based on the eligibility criteria and factors of selection. Please notice that meeting eligibility criteria does not guarantee an appointment. Applicants that have the greatest potential to develop themselves economically in New Brunswick will be given priority.

Eligibility Requirement :

To qualify as a Business Applicant candidate must :

1. Be between the ages of 22-55.
2. Hold a high school diploma at least.
3. Demonstrate sufficient ability to actively manage a business in New Brunswick in English and/or French.
4. Clearly shows a desire to operate and live a company in New Brunswick.
5. The applicant must assume a daily management role in the enterprise.
6. Show appropriate and proven experience in three of the last five years of management.
7. Provide a business plan, verified by an official of the Government of New Brunswick, showing how the company would benefit New Brunswick.
8. Have a minimum personal net worth of $300,000, CAD
9. Provide successful settlement and support of dependent family members with no third-party assistance for up to two years.
10. Before nomination, submit a signed copy of the deposit agreement and a conditionally refundable deposit of CAD $75,000.
11. In factors of selection, score at least 50 points.

Factors to be considered while Selection :

If all other eligibility requirements (as outlined above) are fulfilled and the business plan accepted, applicants will be evaluated on the basis of five factors of selection (Age, Education, Language ability, Adaptability). Candidates need to score a minimum of 50 points to qualify for the program.

5) Ontario Investor Program

If you have an idea for a business or are able to buy an existing business in Ontario. Then, the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) Entrepreneur Stream may be your Canadian immigration choice. Successful applicants will get a letter of support for temporary work permits based on a performance agreement to set up the business in Ontario.

Eligibility Criteria :

To qualify, the candidate must satisfy the minimum requirements for all the factors listed below :

1. Experience : At least 24 months of full-time experience as a business owner or as a senior manager in the last 60 months.
2. Net Worth :
   • If the desired project is located in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA): C$ 800,000.
   • If the desired project is located in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA): C$ 400,000.
   • If the proposed business is in the ICT / Digital Communications sector: C$400,000, regardless of location.
3. Personal Investment: Minimum net worth of $800,000 in the GTA where your proposed business will be. Initial net worth outside of the GTA is $400,000.
4. Job creation :
   • If the proposed business is located in the GTA: for Canadian citizens / permanent residents, at least two permanent full-time jobs.
   • If the proposed business is located outside the GTA: for Canadian citizens / permanent residents, at least one permanent full-time jobs.
5. Exploratory visit: If buying an established company, make at least one business-related visit to Ontario during the 12 months prior to submitting the Expression of Interest.