Explore Canada’s pathways for entrepreneurs, investors, and self-employed professionals to launch or expand business operations and obtain permanent residence.
What is Business Immigration?
Canada offers a range of immigration pathways tailored for individuals who can contribute to its economy through entrepreneurship, business investment, or specialized self-employment. These pathways exist at both the federal and provincial levels, with some offering direct permanent residency and others beginning with a work permit.
Federal Business Immigration Programs
● Start-Up Visa (SUV)
○ For innovative entrepreneurs with support from a designated venture capital firm, angel investor, or incubator.
○ No minimum net worth or investment from the applicant.
○ Direct pathway to permanent residence.
● Self-Employed Persons Program
○ For individuals with experience in cultural or athletic fields.
○ Requires at least 2 years of relevant self-employment or world-class experience.
○ Must demonstrate the intent and ability to be self-employed in Canada.
Provincial Business Streams (PNP Entrepreneur Programs)
● Offered in most provinces (e.g., BC, Ontario, Alberta, Saskatchewan, PEI).
● Require a minimum net worth and business investment.
● Candidates often arrive on a work permit first and apply for PR after operating the business.
Business Work Permit Pathways
These are employer or entrepreneur-led work permit streams that allow you to establish and manage a business in Canada while building a path to permanent residence.
● Owner-Operator LMIA Pathway
○ For individuals buying or starting a Canadian business and seeking a work permit via LMIA.
○ Must hold controlling interest and be actively involved in day-to-day operations.
○ PR possible via Express Entry or PNP later.
● Entrepreneur Work Permit – C11
○ For entrepreneurs or self-employed individuals bringing significant benefit to Canada.
○ LMIA-exempt under R205(a), C11.
○ Ideal for startups, business buyers, or professionals setting up Canadian operations.
○ May lead to PR through Express Entry or PNP.
● Significant Benefit Work Permit – C10
○ For individuals with exceptional talent or proposals offering cultural, economic, or social benefit.
○ Often used for executives, high-profile creatives, or other unique candidates.
○ LMIA-exempt under R205(a), C10.
● Intra-Company Transfer (ICT)
○ For executives, managers, or specialized knowledge workers transferring from a foreign office to a Canadian branch.
○ Must have at least 1 year of work with the foreign company in the last 3 years.
○ LMIA-exempt under R205(a), C12.
○ Can lead to PR via Express Entry or other pathways.
● CUSMA Investor/Trader & Business Visitors
○ For U.S. or Mexican citizens under the Canada–U.S.–Mexico Agreement (CUSMA).
○ Business visitor permits (no work permit) for short stays.
○ Work permits available for Investors (who commit capital in a Canadian business) or Traders (engaged in substantial trade).
○ LMIA-exempt under R204, CUSMA provisions.
Comparison Table
| Program | LMIA Required | Work Permit or PR | Investment Required | Direct PR Option |
| Start-Up Visa | ❌ | Optional WP, then PR | From Designated Org | ✅ Yes |
| Self-Employed Persons Program | ❌ | PR only | ❌ | ✅ Yes |
| PNP Entrepreneur Streams | ❌ | WP → PR | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Owner-Operator LMIA | ✅ | WP → PR | ✅ Yes | ❌ Not Direct |
| C11 Entrepreneur | ❌ | WP → PR | ✅ Varies | ❌ Not Direct |
| C10 Significant Benefit | ❌ | WP → PR | Case-by-case | ❌ Not Direct |
| Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) | ❌ | WP → PR | ❌ | ❌ Not Direct |
| CUSMA Investor / Trader | ❌ | WP → PR (Investor) | ✅ Capital commitment | ❌ Not Direct |
Our Services
At Sapra Immigration, we help business-minded individuals and companies by:
● Assessing eligibility for federal, provincial, or LMIA-exempt pathways
● Structuring strong business cases and immigration strategies
● Coordinating with incubators, investors, or legal teams
● Drafting business plans and performance agreements
● Supporting temporary to permanent transitions