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
  • Step 1: Determine Eligibility
  • Step 2: Create Your Express Entry Profile
  • Step 3: Gather Necessary Documents
  • Step 4: Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA)
  • Step 5: Prepare Your Application
  • Step 6: Submit Your Complete Application within timeframe
  • Step 7: Respond to Additional Information Requests
  • Step 8: Receive Your Decision
  • Step 9: If Approved, Receive Your Confirmation of Permanent Residence (CoPR) Document

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Visitor Visa, also known as a Temporary Resident Visa?
Eligible Family Members
• Spouses or common-law partners
• Dependent children
• Parents and grandparents
• Under certain conditions: siblings, nephews, nieces, or grandchildren
What is a Visitor Visa, also known as a Temporary Resident Visa?
Eligible Family Members
• Spouses or common-law partners
• Dependent children
• Parents and grandparents
• Under certain conditions: siblings, nephews, nieces, or grandchildren
What is a Visitor Visa, also known as a Temporary Resident Visa?
Eligible Family Members
• Spouses or common-law partners
• Dependent children
• Parents and grandparents
• Under certain conditions: siblings, nephews, nieces, or grandchildren
What is a Visitor Visa, also known as a Temporary Resident Visa?
Eligible Family Members
• Spouses or common-law partners
• Dependent children
• Parents and grandparents
• Under certain conditions: siblings, nephews, nieces, or grandchildren