INVESTORS AND ENTREPRENEURS

Canada provides a range of opportunities for individuals who want to invest or build a business while supporting the country’s economic development. Several specialized immigration pathways allow qualified investors and entrepreneurs to obtain work permits or pursue permanent residence, each with its own requirements and eligibility criteria. Below is an overview of the main options available for those interested in investing in or launching a business in Canada.

WHY INVEST IN CANADA?

Canada offers a stable economy, access to global markets, a highly skilled workforce, and a business-friendly environment.

PROVINCIAL NOMINEE PROGRAM(PNP)
ENTREPRENEUR STREAMS

Many provinces across Canada offer entrepreneur-focused immigration pathways through their Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs). These streams aim to attract business owners and investors who are ready to launch or oversee a business in a particular province. Several programs also prioritize candidates interested in establishing businesses in smaller communities or regions outside major urban centres to support local economic development.

While not every province offers an entrepreneur stream, those that do have distinct requirements. In most cases, applicants must:

Set up and actively run a business within the province.
Meet minimum investment and job creation obligations.
Operate the business for a specified period before becoming eligible for provincial nomination.

Once an applicant satisfies the program’s requirements, the province may issue a Provincial Nominee Certificate, enabling them to apply to the Federal government for permanent residence.

For entrepreneurs who are prepared to invest in a province and contribute to its economic growth, PNP entrepreneur streams present a strong and strategic immigration option.

WORK PERMITS FOR INVESTORS AND ENTREPRENEURS

INTRA-COMPANY TRANSFEREE (ICT)

The Intra-Company Transferee program allows multinational companies to relocate key employees to their Canadian operations without requiring a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). This is a fast track work permit for executives, senior managers, and employees with specialized knowledge to support Canadian growth and operations.

Why Choose the ICT Pathway?

Fast-track work permit processing
No LMIA required
Ideal for company expansion into Canada
Supports both senior and specialized staff
Flexible pathway toward long-term immigration options

Who Is Eligible

Employees of a Multinational Company
The applicant must be employed by a company that has real and ongoing operations in at least one country outside of Canada.
Executive, Managerial, or Specialized Knowledge Staff
Individuals must have worked in a senior or specialized role for at least one continuous year within the last three years.
A New Canadian Expansion
The foreign company must be expanding into Canada. This pathway cannot be used if Canada would be the company’s only operational location.

Steps After The Intra-Company Transferee Work Permit

While The Intra-Company Transferee program itself does not directly grant permanent residence, it often serves as a strategic stepping stone to PR through:

Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP)
Canadian Experience Class (Express Entry)
Entrepreneur or business immigration pathways

With proper planning, it can be transformed into a long-term immigration strategy for both the company and the employee.

C11 - SELF-EMPLOYED WORK PERMIT / ENTREPRENEUR WORK PERMIT

Note: The Self-Employed Persons Program is temporarily paused.

Canada provides a distinct temporary residence pathway for entrepreneurs and self-employed individuals looking to establish or operate a business. These work permits are designed for applicants whose activities can deliver meaningful cultural, social, or economic value to the country. Although they do not directly grant permanent residence, they can open doors to future immigration options, including potential eligibility for provincial nomination programs.

Requirements

To qualify for an entrepreneur or self-employed work permit, applicants must meet several key requirements.

The proposed business must Significant Benefits to Canada
Applicants must show that their stay in Canada is temporary.
Applicants must own and control at least 50% of the business
A Comprehensive Business Plan is required.

START-UP VISA PROGRAM

Note: As of January 1, 2026, the Start-Up Visa Program is paused. IRCC will stop accepting commitment certificates after Dec 31, 2025. Applicants with a valid 2025 commitment certificate must apply by June 30, 2026

Immigration applications can be complex and require careful preparation. Our team provides expert guidance from eligibility assessment through submission, helping ensure accurate, well-documented applications and a stronger path forward.