Canada Business Visa
Canada Business Immigration
Canada, an economically rich country, offers immense opportunities to business visitors. Thousands of businessmen undertake short-term visits to Canada in search of new and exciting business opportunities. Under the Business Visitor visa category, foreign nationals may visit Canada for short periods to partake in business dealings with Canadian companies. The eligible applicants are permitted to explore business opportunities, interact with Canadian business counterparts, and participate in trade conferences. However, this visa does not allow applicants to assume employment in Canada. Business Visitor visa is best suited for travelers intending to experience Canadian culture, tour sites, and enjoy leisure activities while exploring various business options.
Why setup business in Canada
Excellent Economy and Resources of Canada
The economy of Canada is a highly developed market economy. It is the 10th largest GDP by nominal has the third highest total estimated value of natural resources, valued at US$33.2 trillion in 2019. Canada is considered an "energy superpower" due to its abundant natural resources and a small population of 37 million inhabitants relative to its land area.
Practically Zero Corruption and Ease of Doing Business
According to the Corruption Perceptions Index, Canada is one of the least corrupt countries in the world, and is one of the world's top ten trading nations, with a highly globalized economy.Also among the 190 Countries, Canada is ranked in the Top 25 countries for ease of doing business.
Window to US, Number 1 Economy of World
US, Canada and Mexico enjoy the benefit of one of most matuered and trust Tarde Treaty in the world. Since North American Foreign Trade Agemennt (NAFTA) was enacted, U.S. foreign direct investment in Canada and Mexico has more than tripled to $500.9 billion. In 2017, U.S. investors poured $391.2 billion into Canada and $109.7 billion into Mexico. NAFTA treaty also provides an excellent opportunity to Canadian Businesses and Employees to work in US and benefit from excellent growth of US Economy.
Citizenship after 3 yr PR & Flexibility to work in US
Everyone becomes eligible for Canadian citizenship after just three years of permanent residence in the country. Canadian Citizens with relevant professional expertise can work in US on TN (Treaty NAFTA) visa.
Other Important benefits
Quality of life with respect to education of children, free healthcare for everybody, pollution free environment, low crime rate, zero gun violence etc. Are some of the other reasons why businesses are shifting to Canada.
Who Qualifies for a Canada Business Visa?
4 Main Categories to Business Visas in Canada
Individuals with business/managerial experience and relatively high net-worth may apply for a Canadian permanent residence under the Canada Business Immigration Program in one of the following four sub-categories:
- Investors
- Entrepreneurs
- Self Employed Persons
- PNP Business Programs
1. Start-Up Visa Investor Program
The Start-up Visa Program allows investors to immigrate to the Maple Leaf Country and settle in the country. To be eligible for this program, you will have to fulfil the requirement of being innovative in a way that helps in generating employment for Canadians and have international recognition.
1) Own a qualifying business
Applicants, whether alone or as a group (up to 5 applicants), must own more than 50%, with each applicant owning at least 10% of the shares.
2) Get a letter of support from a designated organization, authorized by the Canadian Government. This could be either :
- Venture capital fund; or
- Angel investor group; or
- Business incubator
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
- Net worth: No minimum requirement
- Investment: Invest CAD $100,000 to CAD $200,000 in a Canadian Business
- Age: No minimum/maximum age restrictions
- Language proficiency: Minimum Level 5 of Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) in speaking, listening, reading & writing in either English or French
- Criminal Record: Should not hold any criminal history
- Medical Record: Should not possess any serious health condition
- Settlement Funds: Meet IRCC’s proof of funds requirement
STEP BY STEP PROCESS
Step 1: Seed Stage and Assessment of Eligibility based on candidate’s background, language skills, personal assets and business and employment history.
Step 2: Preliminary Business Plan and Creation of Company
Step 3: Complete the Business Plan, Submission of the Project to the Business Incubator, and Receive the Letter of Support
Step 4: Prepare and Submit the Application for Canada Permanent Residence to IRCC & business startup launch
Step 5: Receive Canadian Permanent Residence
BENEFITS OF INVESTING UNDER START- UP VISA PROGRAM
- One of the best countries to do business in the G20
- Easier access to the US market for business and travel
- Quick pathway to get Canadian Permanent Residency permit for you & your family members
- Accompanying Spouses can work in Canada while Children can attend Canadian schools
- Access to Canada’s excellent healthcare system
- Access to various Social-Security benefits
2. Entrepreneur Program
Because they create employment opportunities and contribute to the Canadian economy, entrepreneurs are encouraged to apply for this immigration stream. Successful applicants are able to open a business in Canada, as well as gain permanent residence status in the country.
Requirements for Entrepreneurs
To qualify for the Entrepreneur Program, applicants must:
- Establish, purchase or make a substantial investment in a business in Canada within 2 years of landing in Canada which will result in a significant contribution to the economy
- Engage in active and ongoing participation in the management of the business
- Employ at least one Canadian citizen or permanent resident other than the entrepreneur and his dependents.
To ensure that these conditions are met, entrepreneurs are required to report to immigration officials their progress, on a regular basis within this two year period.
3. Self-Employed Persons Program
The Self-Employed program allows the self-employed person to move to Canada as a permanent resident. To qualify under this program, you must:
- Have relevant work experience in cultural activities or athletics; and
- Contribute significantly to the country's cultural and athletic life.
After you have met the definition of a Self-Employed person, you have to score 35 out of 100 points based on the following criteria:
- Education (Maximum 25 points)
- Experience (Maximum 35 points)
- Age (Maximum 10 points)
- Language Skills - English or French (Maximum 24 points)
- Adaptability (Maximum 6 points)
One of the main features of Canada's Self-Employed program is that there is no minimum net-worth requirement. Also, applicants are required to have at least two years of work experience in their respective fields of work to qualify for this program.
For more details on Self-Employed Visa
4. Business PNP Programs
The PNP programs pave way for many business investment avenues:
- British Columbia PNP
- Manitoba PNP
- New Brunswick PNP
- Northwest Territories PNP
- Nova Scotia PNP
- Ontario PNP
- Prince Edward Island PNP
- Quebec PNP
Documents Required For Canada Business Visa
To apply for a Canada Business Visa, you need the following documentation:
- Passport & travel history
- Background documentation
- Documents from your company
- Documents proving you will not be staying beyond the stipulated time
- Completed application & consulate fees
- Adequate medical insurance
For more information or to see if you qualify, please make an enquiry with one of our qualified and experienced Migration Consultants.