Canada Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) for Businesspersons and Investors

Canada provides a unique opportunity for business people and entrepreneurs to set up their own companies and realize the full potential of their ideas. A foreigner who meets certain conditions can obtain permanent residence status in Canada on a fast-track basis through its Federal Investor Program or one of several provincial programs.

Employers have long been able to bring foreign workers to Canada temporarily, but business people are now able to move here more easily on a permanent basis. Provincial nominees are given higher priority when invited to apply for permanent residency. That is because the province nominates them, not the federal government. This means that if you have already been nominated by a particular province or territory, it will be easier for you to get your permanent status through Express Entry. Businesspeople and investors can take advantage of a number of programs at the provincial level, including support for entrepreneurship.

Table of Contents

Here are some of the Provincial Nomination Programs or PNPs that may help businessmen and investors to migrate to Canada easily:

• Alberta
• International Graduate Entrepreneur Immigration Stream
• Self-Employed Farmer Stream
• Foreign Graduate Start-Up Visa Stream
• British Columbia
• The Entrepreneur Immigration stream
• Manitoba
• Business Investor Stream
• New Brunswick
• New Brunswick Business Immigration stream
• Newfoundland and Labrador
• International Entrepreneur Category
• International Graduate Entrepreneur Category
• Northwest Territories
• NWT Nominee Program Business Stream
• Nova Scotia
• Entrepreneur Stream
• International Graduate Entrepreneur Stream
• Ontario
• OINP Entrepreneur stream
• Prince Edward Island
• Work Permit Stream
• Saskatchewan
• Entrepreneur Category
• Farm Owner and Operator Category
• Yukon
• Yukon Business Nominee Program

Alberta

It's no secret that Alberta has seen better days. From the peak of its first energy boom to now, the province has had more economic upheaval than any other region in Canada over the last few decades. But just as history has shown us time and again, times of turmoil are often followed by times of great opportunity.

Now is the time to invest in Alberta, and here's why:

• A new government with a strong track record for balancing budgets

In 2015, the NDP (Alberta New Democratic Party) won a surprise victory against the PC dynasty (Progressive Conservative Association of Alberta) by promising to rebuild the province's economy from the ground up—and avoiding radical policy changes along the way. Their steady, sensible financial management has taken a huge amount of pressure off the energy industry and other sectors in Alberta – and it's making all the difference.

• A provincial economy that's coming back stronger than ever

Oil and gas prices may still be lagging, but Alberta is benefitting from an economic diversification boom that's brought new energy to the province's prospects. The technology, manufacturing and service sectors are all growing in Edmonton and Calgary—and providing significant opportunities for local businesses.

• Canada's lowest business taxes outside Atlantic Canada

Alberta has no provincial corporate income tax, which makes it a major draw for investors looking to set up shop here. With no sales tax, Alberta is also one of Canada's most affordable places for entrepreneurs to build a business.

• The most competitive personal income taxes in the country

Alberta offers some of the lowest personal income taxes in Canada, with rates that are more than $2,000 below neighbouring BC and almost $5,000 lower than Ontario.

• A highly-educated workforce that's eager to get back to work

Education levels in Alberta are some of the highest in Canada, with almost 40% of adults holding university degrees. With thousands of energy professionals out of work over the last few years—and more expected cuts on the way—the province is working hard to train workers for jobs in other sectors.

Alberta's got all the makings of a real comeback story—and it's happening right before our eyes. If you're looking to diversify your portfolio, or are considering investing in Alberta for the first time, now is the perfect time to jump into this thriving economy. Here are the provincial nomination program streams in Alberta designed to attract experienced business people and investors to the province of Alberta in Canada:

International Graduate Entrepreneur Immigration Stream

The Alberta International Graduate Entrepreneur Immigration Stream is intended for highly skilled international graduates who have graduated from certain Alberta academic institutions, and wish to establish an innovative entrepreneurial venture in the province. This stream will be available to both new applications and applicants currently in the application stage of the Graduate Entrepreneur Stream.

The stream will close to applicants on September 30, 2021. While it is now open for applications, the Alberta government has announced that they are planning to launch a pilot of the program which could be limited in scope and duration but designed to test how well certain aspects of the stream work. More information on this pilot will be made public as it becomes available.

"The pilot project will focus on key aspects of the stream and will be designed to test how well those aspects work in practice," says a recent update from Alberta immigration. "We're still working out the details, and we'll share more once we know more."

Starting with applications that were received after September 30, 2018, and extending for a period of seven years (until September 30, 2026), the stream will be based on the following criteria:

• the applicant graduated from an Alberta post-secondary institution in the past six months with a diploma or degree in one of eleven targeted programs;
• the applicant is able to demonstrate that they have at least CAD 50,000 in cash available to cover their living expenses and startup costs for one year;
• the applicant has a strong intent and ability to become successfully self-employed in Alberta within one year of arriving and can demonstrate that they will be able to build an innovative business idea based on the skills and knowledge gained through their education.
• undertaking a screening process that includes the following:

• consulting with industry and educational institutions;
• consulting with potential mentorship partners;
• engaging in a dialogue about Alberta's labour market needs, and how to help meet them; and,
• building an action plan based on the feedback received.

The stream will recognize five levels of ability in each of the five language skill areas: speaking, listening, reading, writing and translating. Applicants must meet the minimum language level over all the five skills to qualify for an Alberta Immigrant Nominee Certificate.

The stream will use a new AINP-specific system enabling eligible applicants to submit their applications online without engaging third parties (immigration consultants, notaries, etc.).

Successful applicants to the stream will receive a three-year work permit. If the applicant's business has been operating in Alberta for at least one year and they meet certain criteria, they may apply for permanent residency after two years. Applicants should note that while this permit enables them to work anywhere in Canada, it does not allow them to work for any other employer (unless they are working in the startup business).

Applicants who wish to establish their entrepreneurial venture outside of Calgary or Edmonton can do so. However, if an applicant's business is located outside of either city, they should make themselves aware of the implications this could have on their application. This includes having to meet higher language criteria and demonstrating that they have a plan for finding adequate mentorship in their community.

The application process consists of four stages: "application", "invitation", "nomination" and "permission to apply". Successful applicants will automatically progress from one stage to the next, so long as they meet all of the requirements for that stage. Applicants who are unsuccessful during one of the stages will be notified via email and will not need to re-submit their complete application package.

Applicants are strongly encouraged to consult with an immigration representative at Visa2Immigration if they have any questions or concerns about applying, or want to ensure that all required documentation is included in their application.

Self-Employed Farmer Stream

On March 12, 2019, Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) announced the opening of the Alberta Self-Employed Farmer Stream open to farmers who are currently residing in Canada working as independent farmers for three years or more; including those who have acquired farmland through legal means.

Applicants must meet all eligibility criteria to apply under the Alberta Self-Employed Farmer Stream, including finding a designated body that will be responsible for assessing their business plan and farm viability. Please note that if you are currently applying under the Alberta Farmer Business program, this new stream is not open to you as there are strict requirements that farmers must meet to qualify for the Alberta Farmer Business program.

A number of requirements must be met before a farm can be designated under the new stream:

• Applicants must have been residents in Canada for at least three years.
• Applicants must have experience as a farmer or agricultural worker for at least five years, with 2 of the 5 years spent in Canada.
• Applicants must have experience with Canadian farm or agricultural labour law, including worker's compensation insurance and employment standards legislation.
• The applicant must be at least 18 years of age.
• To apply under this stream, applicants must meet medical health requirements; provide an affidavit confirming financial self-sufficiency; and provide the names of current and previous farm employers for at least 5 years.
• Applicants must have been awarded a high school diploma or equivalency certificate.
• Applicants must have sufficient language proficiency in either English or French to function on a day-to-day basis. Applicants will be assessed using language testing conducted by a designated service provider.
• Applicants must have farming or agricultural experience that is relevant to their farm activities in Canada. Farming experience refers to harvesting, planting, seeding, watering, fertilizing, maintaining livestock and animal care. Agricultural experience refers to caring for crops and horticulture; operating equipment used in the cultivation of land; making compost or other fertilizer; operating machinery used in the production of agricultural crops; preparing land for cultivation; making crop or animal nutrient requirements; and maintaining buildings, equipment or livestock on a farm.
• Applicants must have farming business management experience that demonstrates their ability to be self-employed as a farmer in Canada. Farming management experience refers to actively managing an agricultural enterprise by doing such things as acquiring land, livestock and equipment; handling the purchase and sale of supplies and seed; accessing farm loans and grants; developing a business or marketing plan; discussing financial matters with lenders, consultants and suppliers; maintaining accurate records of farming activities; resolving disputes between staff members, suppliers and customers.
• Applicants must have a farming financial experience that demonstrates their ability to be self-employed as a farmer in Canada. Farming financial experience refers to being responsible for all financial matters related to operating a farm, including preparation and analysis of financial statements; handling the receipt and disbursement of money; arranging bank loans or other forms of financing.
• Applicants must have farming human resources experience that demonstrates their ability to be self-employed as a farmer in Canada. Farming human resources experience refers to recruiting, selecting and training farmworkers; monitoring and motivating worker performance; maintaining relevant records such as attendance and disciplinary records; resolving disputes between customers, employees and other people who have dealt with them over time.
• Applicants must have farming safety experience that demonstrates their ability to be self-employed as a farmer in Canada. Farming safety experience refers to the department of labour laws related to farm safety; knowledge of emergency procedures and first aid; familiarity with the use of appropriate protective equipment for farming activities, such as hand tools, machinery, livestock handling equipment including animal restraints.
• Applicants must have five consecutive years of farm management experience in the past 10 years. The most recent three years' farming management experience must be within the past 5 years.
• Applicants must have a clean criminal record check with no disqualifying offences under Canadian law. Criminality related to drug trafficking, human trafficking and other serious criminality will result in an application being deemed ineligible for this stream.
• Applicants must not fail to provide information or documentation required for the application process without a valid reason.
• Applicants must disclose any relationship with other applicants and close family members within their immediate family (spouse, common-law partner, dependent children and parents).
• Farming experience before applying will be evaluated to determine whether it is eligible for inclusion in the point calculation. It will be considered ineligible if at least half of the five years of farm management experience has elapsed since it ended or if it occurred more than 10 years ago.
• Applicants must have an acceptable settlement plan demonstrating that they will settle in Alberta following their nomination by a participating province.
• Other criteria, such as age range are being finalized.

Foreign Graduate Start-Up Visa Stream

Alberta is one of the most fascinating and beautiful provinces in Canada. It is also a province that has an interesting demographic aspect to it compared with the rest of the Canadian provinces and territories. Amongst its population, there is a larger percentage of foreign-born residents than many other parts of Canada.

Alberta's economy is favourable for people who wish to start a business and then put that into practice. The province offers some of the lowest taxes in Canada, as well as low costs of living. There is also an existing startup community that can help those who decide to make Alberta their new home.

The Government of Alberta is offering the 'Alberta Foreign Graduate Start-Up Visa Stream' program for those who want to start a business and live in Alberta. Those who wish to qualify can be recent graduates of certain Canadian post-secondary institutions and meet the following criteria:

1. Be able to start a business in Alberta;
2. Have relevant experience as entrepreneurs within the past five years;
3. Have at least $250,000 in personal net worth;
4. Have legally obtained business or occupation qualifications.

The Alberta government will provide a one-year Entrepreneur Visa for foreign graduates with the intention of starting up businesses in the province. The visa provides an initial stay of 12 months, renewable for another 24 months after that, which can lead up to a total stay of 36 months in the province.

To qualify for this visa, candidates must have been accepted into one of Alberta's post-secondary institutions, either as a graduate student in a university or college degree in the last five years. This will allow for graduates from foreign academic backgrounds to come and contribute towards building a more vibrant and diverse business community in the province.

The $250,000 net worth requirement will help to ensure that potential entrepreneurs have enough capital available to start up a business in Alberta. This is not intended to be an investor visa, so people with the option of seeking investment from third parties such as family members or venture capitalist groups can apply for this visa.

The other requirement is that the applicants must have occupation qualifications that are recognized within Alberta, so although the opportunity to build an entrepreneurial business is available it does not provide a loophole for people to set up businesses without having any prior knowledge or experience in doing so.

To qualify, applicants need to show proof of completion of a degree in Alberta, or that they will be completing one within the coming year. As such, the federal government provides immediate open work permits for those who will graduate from their program in Alberta in time to apply for this visa.

British Columbia

The city of Vancouver, British Columbia in Canada is consistently ranked as one of the top destinations for individuals looking to migrate. It isn't just that the tourist attractions are beautiful or that it gets a lot of sun throughout the year. There are dozens of reasons why businessmen and investors love to migrate here.

It's about liveability, economic stability and new opportunities. It's also about having fun, being healthy and being green. Some of the best reasons why businessmen and investors love to migrate are access to education, health care, sports activities, social events, safety, clean energy options and new technologies.

The city has one of the most recognized skylines in North America featuring spectacular mountainous backdrops and much more. While the outdoors is important, getting outside isn't enough to make people want to move here.

What really sets the city apart is access to education, health care, sports activities, social events, safety and green technology features.

The quality of life here is not only great for residents but it's also perfect for businesses.

It's also important to mention that businesses are encouraged to hire young people under the age of 30. The reason being is that they will have their student loans repaid by the government for up to five years. Not only that but there are plenty of other benefits for hiring younger professionals including getting potential clients into your business through education discounts, access to sports activities and up to $5,000 for installing energy-efficient equipment.

The combination of liveability, economic stability and new opportunities make it one of the top places in the world to migrate. Add in top-notch education options, health care coverage, sports activities and social events plus safety features make this an easy choice if you are looking to emigrate.

The Entrepreneur Immigration stream

The British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program has released a report that recommends overhauling the entire entrepreneur immigration stream in 2021. The program is suggesting an increase to the Entrepreneur Stream intake from 500 applicants per year up to 1,500 to meet the demands of the market.

The recommendations suggest removing several narrow streams to make way for this increase and also to create a third, more flexible stream called the “Selected Stream”.

If these recommendations are implemented it will be welcome news for many entrepreneurs who have been struggling to navigate the Entrepreneur Immigration stream in BC. The report also recommends that all streams need to adapt their definition of "entrepreneur" to make room for new applicants.

The recommendations include removing the entrepreneur stream and business startup stream (which would move to a new International Graduate Entrepreneur stream) and creating a more flexible general Entrepreneur Stream, which would prioritize higher-skilled applicants who will succeed in British Columbia.

One of three new streams – called the "Selected Stream" – would be focused on entrepreneurs with a proven track record who have the skills and experience to grow their business.

Following an initial period to phase out of the existing streams, the new more flexible stream would focus on high-potential entrepreneurs with business experience who can support or lead their business activity in B.C.'s innovation sector. The more flexible general Entrepreneur Stream is intended to prioritize higher-skilled applicants and applicants better suited to meet labour market needs.

For more details, contact Visa2Immigration Canada business immigration experts at info@visa2immigration.com.

Manitoba

If you are looking for the highest return on investment, business growth opportunities or even better incentives, look no more. You have found your haven of opportunity in Manitoba.

Migration to Manitoba is now very popular among businessmen and investors because this province has all that it takes to produce the highest return on investment through its decentralized way of administration, high-quality life standard, excellent transportation system and best incentives.

Manitoba is the most preferred place for business start-ups according to a study conducted by The Economist magazine in 2010. This is because this province has one of the lowest corporate taxes in Canada with only 16% compared to its counterparts which are 19.5% in Ontario, 17.5% in Quebec and 21% in the rest of Canada.

This province has also one of the lowest tax rates on capital gains compared to any other province in Canada which is only 50%. This means that if you are planning to sell your property here, you will be exempted from paying taxes for your profit. That is only when you sell your property in Manitoba. If you are planning to move out of the province, this will not apply to your sale.

This province has also very high growth potential because its decentralized way of administration means that it encourages more business growth in all sectors which in turn produces additional revenue for the government. This increases the demand for more business and provides you with additional opportunities which you can explore.

All these factors make Manitoba an excellent choice to invest considering that this province has the greatest return on investment in Canada if not all of North America.

Business Investor Stream

The Manitoba Business Investor Stream targets entrepreneurs who want to start or buy a business in Manitoba, and remain as permanent residents.

Applicants must secure a designated Manitoba business for an approved period of at least one year. This stream is also open to existing business owners interested in retaining their current level of investment and maintaining continuity of management.

Manitoba's business investor stream is geared toward applicants who have good character and strong personal ties to Manitoba. Applicants should be well established in their community and able to make a long-term commitment to the province through an active management role in the proposed enterprise.

Applicants must intend, after entering Canada as a permanent resident, to reside in Manitoba or within a 90-minute drive of the provincial border.

A business person who wishes to immigrate but does not have an existing 10% ownership interest in a Manitoba business, could consider either one of two options:

1. Buy an existing business or establish a new one.
2. Work for the same employer(s) for at least three years and earn $75,000 per year.

If an applicant is in Manitoba temporarily, such as for business or employment purposes only, they would not meet the requirement of obtaining a designated enterprise endorsement under this stream. Once the applicants have acquired a permanent status they will be able to acquire assets or start their own business(s) or work for a business in Manitoba.

The performance of the immigrant investor program in encouraging long-term economic benefits for Manitoba is best illustrated by the fact that in its first three iterations, 40 percent of all immigrants under this category were in management positions and another 35 percent had started up their own businesses within five years. The "invest" component of this stream ensures that business opportunities are available to Manitoba entrepreneurs who have the means, skills and desire to start up or grow their businesses.

The number of people who were nominated by Manitoba as business investors were:

• 2010-11: 33
• 2011-12: 57
• 2012-13: 52
• 2013-14 (April 1 to June 30): 51
• 2014-15 (July 1 to Sept. 30): 40
• 2015-16 (Oct. 1 to Dec. 31): 36
• 2016-17: 27
• 2017-18: 42
• 2018-19: 25
• 2019-20 (April 1 to June 30): 29
• 2020-21: 44 applications accepted till now.

New Brunswick

For several decades, New Brunswick in Canada has been regarded as one of the most popular destinations for business and investor immigrants. The project to attract international investors started under former Premier Frank McKenna in the 1990s. There are many reasons why New Brunswick is a good choice for immigration.

The province has low unemployment rates which translate into higher productivity, high rates of labour force participation, and increased consumer spending. A lot of people are into entrepreneurship in the region which means that there is a high rate of business formation in New Brunswick.

Today, New Brunswick has one of the most diversified economies in Canada with leading industrial sectors including forestry, mining, energy fuels, manufacturing, agriculture food processing, and tourism. It has a high percentage of employment in the service sector.

It also has modern infrastructure such as cell phone network coverage that is among the most advanced in North America, three international ports (Saint John, Richibucto and Belledune), 12 public airports and four heliports.

The biggest city in New Brunswick is Saint John, home to more than 50,000 people. It's an important port of call for cruise ships that visit Canada. However, Fredericton is the capital of New Brunswick which has a population close to 60,000 people.

The province is home to several post-secondary institutions. The University of New Brunswick (UNB) which was founded in 1785 is the oldest university in the state. The UNB has two branches - one located in Fredericton and the other branch located in Saint John. There are also four publicly funded colleges (Connell College, New Brunswick Community College, the French Language College and Collège communautaire du Nouveau-Brunswick).

New Brunswick is also home to many language schools including the Moncton Flight College which specializes in training pilots. New Brunswick's education system is similar to that of other Canadian provinces. It has public schools for children between 5 years old and 18 years old.

The province has a high quality of life. It's an attractive destination for immigrants because it provides a safe environment with low crime rates, is friendly to immigrants and has a temperate climate.

While the official language is English, there are also many people who speak both French and English in New Brunswick.

The cost of living in New Brunswick is low with the average price of housing just over $200 000. The cost of renting an apartment is also reasonable for most people with the average rent being $600 per month.

There are many opportunities to buy property at good prices in New Brunswick especially if there are some wooded lots available.

New Brunswick is one of the three Maritime Provinces which are home to about 8% of Canada's total population. The majority of New Brunswickers are descendants of immigrants who arrived mostly from France, Great Britain, Ireland, Germany and the United States between the mid-17th to early 20th centuries.

New Brunswick has a strong economy with many major business centers located within the province. These include natural resource industries, manufacturing, agriculture and forestry. The New Brunswick economy is traditionally based on forestry but this sector has declined over the last few decades due to the decreasing supply of trees in the region. New Brunswick's main export items are forestry products including wood pulp, newsprint and lumber.

The province has approximately 100 000 farms where primary products include dairy, cattle and poultry. Other primary industries are fishing, mining and manufacturing.

New Brunswick's manufacturing sector is well developed with many Canadian companies having factories in the province including McCain Foods which specializes in frozen foods, RJR MacDonald which operates three tobacco plants, Abitibi which manufactures newsprint and the Irving group of companies which operates a large number of sawmills.

There are many other industries in New Brunswick including rubber, plastics, textiles, machinery and beverages. The province has two large power plants which produce about 10% of Canada's electricity needs with one located at Lepreau and another at Belledune.

New Brunswick has grown economically over the past few years through its progressive business immigration policies which attract new businesses and provide incentives for local businesses to expand. The province has a great deal to offer new immigrants and investors with a low cost of living, economic growth opportunities and access to a top-quality education system.

New Brunswick Business Immigration Stream

New Brunswick's Business Immigration Program is part of the Regional Occupations and Skills Shortage Stream. This program offers an opportunity to entrepreneurs who want to establish a new business in New Brunswick. Successful applicants will receive a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) which can be used as a step towards Canadian permanent residence. The maximum age for applicants under this stream is 45 years.

The New Brunswick Business Immigration Stream has two streams:

• Business Experience: This stream is meant to support experienced business managers and business professionals who want to settle in the Province of New Brunswick. Applicants must be able to demonstrate that they will contribute their management or professional experience to a new or existing business in this province. They also have to be able to demonstrate that the business will create employment, and contribute to job creation in New Brunswick.

Applicants can establish a new business or purchase an existing one.

• Entrepreneur: This stream is meant for entrepreneurs who want to establish new businesses in this province. Applicants must have the intention of owning and managing their business and establishing their business in New Brunswick. They must also be willing to create employment for Canadians or permanent residents.

Applicants can establish a new business or purchase an existing one.

The following are the eligibility conditions that applicants have to meet under this program:

Language Skills

Applicants must prove that they have the language skills required for the job. Applicants applying through the Business Experience Stream must have functional English or French skills, which are proved by an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA), standardized language test results or a combination of both.

Entrepreneurs must have either Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 7 in all four language areas: listening, speaking, reading and writing, or an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) that shows that their studies were completed in English or French at a Canadian university, community college or certified secondary school.

Financial Resources

Applicants must demonstrate to Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) financial resources for one year. The amount required is equivalent to the sum of:

• New Brunswick's Low-Income Cut Off (LICO) for persons with disabilities, less the annual income of all household members; or
• New Brunswick's Low-Income Cut Off (LICO), less the annual income of all household members.

Employment Requirements

Applicants must meet certain employment requirements to be eligible for this program. For applicants under the Business Experience Stream, they must have been employed in a managerial or professional capacity with a successful business, or an international organization for at least two of the last five years immediately prior to applying under this stream.

For Entrepreneurs, applicants must demonstrate that they have experience in business management and development through their education, work experience or other means.

Applicants must have a detailed business plan that shows the structure of the company, their role in it and how they will create employment opportunities for Canadians or permanent residents. They also have to provide a written commitment from a financial institution showing that they have access to start-up funds or equity funding equivalent to at least one hundred and twenty-five thousand Canadian dollars. Applicants also have to submit a business plan including:

• Business – The structure of the business, their role in it and how they hope to create employment opportunities for Canadians or permanent residents;
• Employment – A detailed description of how they will create employment opportunities and job descriptions for Canadian citizens or permanent residents; and Business plan – A detailed business plan that shows the structure of the company, their role in it and how they will create employment opportunities for Canadians or permanent residents.

Applicants may also provide additional documents such as:

• Proof of professional qualifications (for example, licences, memberships, etc.)
• Statements from employees, clients or suppliers attesting to the applicant's experience in a business.
• Proof of academic degrees, diplomas or certificates from Canadian universities, colleges or secondary schools.

Personal Details

Applicants must provide personal details such as:

• Family Information: Applicant's family members must meet certain criteria to be eligible for this program. Applicants must provide personal details of their family members, such as names, dates of birth, countries of residence and relationship to the applicant.
• Assessment: Applicants are assessed based on their ability to establish a business in Canada. This includes a review of a number of criteria related to:
• Experience in a managerial or professional capacity with a successful business, government or international organization.
• Personal details such as education and work experience, including the history of self-employment.
• Details of how they will create employment opportunities for Canadians or permanent residents.
• Business plan including the structure of the business, their role in it and how they hope to create employment opportunities for Canadians or permanent residents; and a detailed description of how they will create employment opportunities and job descriptions for Canadian citizens or permanent residents.
• Proof of professional qualifications (for example, licences, memberships, etc.)
• Statements from employees, clients or suppliers attesting to the applicant's experience in a business.

Essential Skills Work Experience

Applicants who want to immigrate as an Entrepreneur or Self-Employed Person must have at least 2 years of full-time work experience in a managerial or professional capacity with a successful business, government or international organization.

Education

Applicants must have an education as well as other means for developing management and professional skills that will help them acquire the language skills needed to perform their jobs effectively.

Suggested CRS Scores

Self Employed: 160, Entrepreneur: 161-180

New Brunswick is looking to significantly expand its current Business Investor Stream. The new stream will allow for up to 100 applications per year (with no more than 50 applying through each immigration category) and the minimum investment amount is set at CAD 300,000.

Newfoundland and Labrador

In 2021 the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador is scheduled to become Canada's 10th province, which can have great implications for business immigration. As a province, it offers a much lower minimum investment requirement than as a territory, includes entrepreneur immigrants in its Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draw, and has much more favourable tax rules for foreign workers as well as for those who establish a business there.

The province has its own PNP stream for entrepreneurs and investors which is offered as a territory under the Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program. Immigrants who establish businesses in Newfoundland and Labrador have more favourable tax treatment compared to immigrant businesspeople who establish their businesses elsewhere in Canada.

Cities such as St. John's stand out as a place where businesses can be started at a lower cost with less red tape than some other places in Canada. Businesspeople can take advantage of many immigration programs created over recent decades that do not require sponsorship by a Canadian employer. These programs are especially beneficial for those who are interested in moving to Canada as part of an investor or entrepreneur immigration program. Nowadays, business immigration in the province allows maximum flexibility, including language skills, which allows you to work in multiple countries.

Foreign nationals with Canadian education credentials or work experience in their field of training or expertise are more competitive when applying for immigration.

The immigrant entrepreneur program for Atlantic Canadian enterprises is a good choice if you are looking to establish or acquire an existing business, while there is no minimum investment level required under the Newfoundland and Labrador investor program. In addition, the Immigrant Investor Venture Capital program allows investors to get their permanent residency in Canada in exchange for a minimum investment in an eligible venture capital business in Newfoundland and Labrador.

International Entrepreneur Category

The Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program (NLPNP) applicants must meet all eligibility criteria to apply.

• To meet the definition of an International Entrepreneur, individuals must have a minimum net worth of CDN$600,000 and be willing and able to provide a legally binding commitment of CDN$150,000 for a period of two years to an NLPNP approved Venture Capital Fund that is registered with Industry Canada or a designated financial intermediary. The commitment will be returned at the end of the two-year investment period provided that it is still with the Venture Capital Fund and has not been transferred to another individual.
• In addition, applicants must have a minimum of two years of experience as a senior manager within the past five years in running or owning a successful business. International Entrepreneurs must also be able to demonstrate that they will settle in the province and actively manage a new or existing business.

"The demands on the Provincial Nominee Program are constantly changing, so we are continually reviewing our immigration programs to ensure that they meet current needs not only for Newfoundland and Labrador but across Canada," said Honourable Perry Trimper, Minister Responsible for the Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program. "The International Entrepreneur stream is a perfect addition as we look to grow our economy through encouraging entrepreneurship."

International Entrepreneurs are expected to actively manage the new or existing business they have committed to invest in, while also being physically present in Newfoundland and Labrador for an average of at least 730 hours per year. International Entrepreneurs will be required to invest a minimum amount of CDN$150,000 into their company or start-up in an approved Venture Capital Fund, and to maintain a minimum amount of CDN$200,000 in funds available for the purpose of establishing or operating a business.

International Graduate Entrepreneur Category

The Newfoundland and Labrador PNP International Graduate Entrepreneur stream permits applicants who have completed at least two years of full-time study in an approved program at a public post-secondary institution in Canada to apply.

Applicants must have completed or are in the process of completing a minimum two-year undergraduate degree, diploma, graduate certificate or graduate-level certificate in any discipline. Applicant must have been a student in good standing and have completed at least two years of full-time study from an approved institution within the past five years.

Applicants with a degree obtained through a distance learning program will also be considered provided that he or she has successfully completed at least three years of full-time study.

This stream allows Newfoundlanders and Labradorians with an established business in Newfoundland and Labrador, to apply for a Provincial Nomination. This category also provides the opportunity for graduates of Memorial University of Newfoundland (MUN) or College of the North Atlantic (CNA), who have completed at least two years of full-time study in an approved program at a public post-secondary institution in Canada, to apply for Permanent Resident Status.

This category requires the Provincial Nominee to have an established business in Newfoundland and Labrador, submit a Business Plan, be actively involved in the day-to-day management of the said business, meet language requirements, submit proof of settlement funds and have a minimum of two years of business experience upon application. The applicant must also be in good standing with the licensing body responsible for regulating his/her profession in Newfoundland and Labrador, if applicable.

Successful applicants to this Category are nominated by the government of Newfoundland and Labrador for Permanent Resident Status. Successful applicants will receive a Letter of Nomination from the government of Newfoundland and Labrador, which must be submitted with an application for permanent residence to IRCC.

The applicant must meet all mandatory requirements for this stream:

• Provincial nomination;
• Language abilities (minimum CLB 7 in all four language abilities);
• Personal suitability (including adequate settlement funds for the applicant and any accompanying dependents) or Provincial nomination of accompanying spouse/common-law partner;
• Business experience, either within the past ten years or at the time an application is being submitted. Applicants must have completed a minimum of two years of post-secondary education (applicant must have obtained a degree, diploma or graduate-level certificate) in an approved program at a Canadian post-secondary institution.
• Minimum two years' active involvement in the day-to-day management of their business;
• Compliance with applicable legislation and regulations that govern their profession in Newfoundland and Labrador

Applicants may need to obtain a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), through Service Canada, if they need a work permit while developing the Business Plan under this Category.

Northwest Territories

One of Canada's objectives is to establish sovereignty over its Arctic lands. A major impediment in achieving this is the lack of physical presence in the region. By establishing settlements on its Arctic lands, Canada will be able to demonstrate sovereignty over these areas.

Canada's Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs, Carolyn Bennett said that NWT can become a model for other arctic countries when it comes to business immigration. She also called NWT an "anchor of activity" in the area. She said that Canada plans to use Indigenous communities as a springboard for economic development in the Arctic region.

The NWT Legislative Assembly has passed legislation intended to entice people living outside of NWT to relocate to the territory by using special exemptions and tax credits. It has also made changes to its business immigration program in 2018. In addition, Northwest Territories has the policy to entice people from other provinces in Canada to settle in the territory.

In 2021, when citizens from NWT will vote for their own provincial status, it is likely that individuals will be able to obtain full Canadian citizenship and an NWT passport through direct ancestry.

The Northwest Territories of Canada is a vast territory with abundant resources and waterways. Its landscape varies from the Arctic tundra in the north to the subarctic forest in the south. It has a modern, thriving economy. In 2018, the NWT unemployment rate was 2.8%, one of the lowest in Canada. Its per capita income is the highest in Canadian territories.

The NWT's landmass is larger than Australia, which has a population of 24 million people. However, the NWT doesn't have roads or railways connecting its southern part with northern parts. The capital of NWT, Yellowknife is located near the center of the territory. It is more accessible by air than it is via road or rail.

NWT has a population of 44,000 people making it one of the most sparsely populated areas in Canada. By comparison, Yukon with an area larger than NWT has a population 25 times more than NWT. In 2016, NWT had 437 births and 183 deaths, yielding a population growth of 0.3%.

In 2018, NWT introduced a new business immigration program that replaces the previous Immigrant Investor Venture Capital Pilot Program. The main change is that applicants will no longer have to invest CAD$200,000 in the territory's economy. Instead, they will have to invest CAD$100,000 in a government-guaranteed investment fund, which would then be invested into NWT businesses.

To qualify for the program, applicants need to have a net worth of CAD$300,000, which can include their primary residence. They also need to deposit CAD$100,000 in the territory's Investment Support Program. The funds are refundable five years later if none of them has been used.

NWT Nominee Program Business Stream

The Canada Express Entry system is a pool-based selection process for Canadian permanent residence, in which candidates are nominated by the provincial government for their intended destination of residence. The North West Territories Nominee Program (NWTP) Business Stream enables business people to apply under the Canadian Experience Class through Express Entry.

Since its launch on March 29, 2017, the NWTP Business Stream has received over 1 million requests for Express Entry profiles.

The NWTP was established in 2000 to help grow the economy of the Northwest Territories (NWT) by attracting northern immigrants who can contribute to economic development through their knowledge and skills. The Government of Canada administers the program under the Nominee Program Agreement, which allows the Government of the North West Territories (GNWT) to nominate individuals who can establish or acquire a business in the NWT and contribute economically to northern communities. Individuals nominated under the program become permanent residents through either the Federal Skilled Worker Class or Canadian Experience Class streams through Express Entry.

The NWTP Business Stream is an Express Entry-aligned, NWT-managed stream with the following requirements:

• Intended Destination of Residence: Northwest Territories (NWT)
• Language Requirements: Applicants must meet CLB level 4 in English or French. Those who do not meet language requirements and have a sibling who is a Canadian citizen enrolled in full-time secondary education in the NWT may qualify for an exemption.
• Minimum Age: Applicants must be at least 18 years of age and they must not have a child in their care who is under the age of 18.
• Business Immigration Stream Requirements: Applicants must make a minimum non-guaranteed investment of CAD$100,000 to establish or acquire a business in the NWT. Applicants must be able to demonstrate stable and transferable assets of CAD$150,000 if they are making an investment of over $100,000.

Investments may include fixed assets (e.g., real estate) or personal assets (e.g., stocks, bonds, term deposits). Applicants may count assets that are not legally available to them (e.g., resources under litigation) as long as they can demonstrate how the assets will be produced over time and the assets have been included in NWT income tax returns for at least five years prior to application.

Applicants may count business equity investments of $100,000 or greater. Applicants may also include up to $50,000 in cash to cover expenses related to the establishment or acquisition of their businesses. The minimum investment must be made before applying for immigration and it must be unencumbered upon approval.

Nova Scotia

Nova Scotia is a Canadian province located on Canada's Atlantic coast. It was established as a British colony in the 17th century and became an independent nation shortly after its founding, with its own constitution and government. Nova Scotia has several natural resources, including vast forests and mineral deposits of coal, salt and gypsum. It also boasts a stable, long-term economy with a well-educated workforce. In 2011, the province had the highest number of STEM graduates per capita among all Canadian provinces and territories.

As a result of its thriving economy and stable political environment, Nova Scotia is attractive to business investors from around the world who are interested in immigrating to Canada through one of its many business investment immigration programs. If you are interested in immigrating to Canada through one of the following programs, it is best to start planning for your move today.

The Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP) allows the province of Nova Scotia to nominate qualified foreign workers, international graduates and existing business owners who wish to live, work and own a business in Nova Scotia.

Entrepreneur Stream

The Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP) announced its Entrepreneur Stream for applications under Express Entry on July 10, 2019.

The NSNP Entrepreneur Stream is for immigrant entrepreneurs who would like to live and work in Nova Scotia. The selection criteria require that applicants have experience in business management and entrepreneurship and that they demonstrate the intention and ability to successfully establish or purchase a business in Nova Scotia. Applicants for this stream must receive an Invitation To Apply (ITA) before they are able to submit their complete application.

Applicants must have post-secondary education. The NSNP Entrepreneur Stream is for immigrant entrepreneurs who would like to live and work in Nova Scotia. Applicants must receive an Invitation To Apply (ITA) before they are able to submit their complete application. Applicants must have post-secondary education.

Please note that this Express Entry stream is not available at this time.

Eligibility Requirements for NSNP Entrepreneur Stream:

• Applicants must have experience in business management and entrepreneurship. They must also demonstrate the intention and ability to establish or purchase a business in Nova Scotia.
• Applicants must receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) before they can submit their complete application.
• Priority is given to applicants with skills that will enable them to contribute to the economy of Nova Scotia quickly after they arrive. These include highly skilled employees and entrepreneurs with a strong track record in business.
• Applicants must have post-secondary education or training from an institution recognized by the Canadian Association of Accredited Schools, Colleges, Universities, and Institutions (CAISCU) or from a body that is a signatory to the International Qualifications Framework developed by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD).
• Education requirements are waived for applicants who have at least 10 years of cumulative work experience in business management or entrepreneurship throughout the past 20 years.
• Applicants must be between 21 and 55 years old. Applicants under 21 years old are not eligible to apply. Applicants over 55 years old may be eligible to apply under the NSNP Entrepreneur Stream 2030 with requirements and criteria different from those for applicants between 21 and 55 years old.
• Applicants must have a minimum level of English or French language skills.

Eligible Countries: Applicants from all countries can apply (excluding applicants from Quebec as per the Canada-Quebec Accord). Applicants from Quebec may be eligible to apply under the separate Quebec Business Immigration Program.

International Graduate Entrepreneur Stream

The Nova Scotia Office of Immigration (NSOI) requires Expressions of Interest from graduates who are interested in this stream. Graduates with at least one year of experience working within their field can apply for this NSNP stream. Graduates may also apply with no work experience but must be accepted to the program within their first year of graduate studies.

The Nova Scotia Demand: Express Entry stream is open to applicants who have a recent Masters, Ph.D. or Doctoral degree from an eligible university in Canada and meet specific criteria for experience and language ability. Applicants must be living outside Canada during the application process.

Eligibility requirements for the International Graduate Entrepreneur Stream:

Applicants must have:

• completed a master's or doctoral degree in Nova Scotia within the past seven years;
• have an existing business, whether it is self-employed or entrepreneurship, that was created within Nova Scotia within the past five years; and
• current full-time employment in Nova Scotia.

Prospective applicants are invited to submit an online Expression of Interest (EOI) via the NSOI Express Entry portal. The system will guide you through a series of questions that will determine your eligibility and your rank. You must complete and submit an EOI to be considered in the Express Entry pool of candidates for employment-based immigration in Nova Scotia.

To be considered for the Express Entry to Nova Scotia, applicants must:

• have a full-time job offer from a Nova Scotia employer; or
• have at least three years of successful self-employed business experience within the past five years related to their field of study and have a minimum of three employees.

You must express your interest in the International Graduate Entrepreneur Stream through Express Entry and submit an EOI.

Application rounds for the International Graduate Entrepreneur Stream will not be advertised and there is no deadline to apply. However, we encourage prospective applicants to submit an EOI as soon as possible so that they can be considered by employers during their hiring process. The EOI system is dynamic and job offers and self-employment business experience can be added or removed at any time.

Once you are invited to apply for permanent residence under this stream, applicants who wish to be nominated by the Province of Nova Scotia must submit an application for permanent residence (APR) to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). After your APR is submitted, you will receive further instructions from IRCC.

Prospective applicants with questions about this stream may contact Canadian immigration experts at Visa2immigration at info@visa2immigration.com.

Ontario

When it comes to business or investor immigration, there are many different provinces that offer support. One of the places that is becoming known for its excellent programs is Ontario in Canada. There are a few reasons why Ontario province has become so popular amongst foreign nationals looking to do business and invest in the country:

• Ontario is one of the most populous provinces in Canada, and as such has some of the biggest cities on the continent. This means that there are many potential opportunities for those looking to invest or do business in Ontario. There are large investment projects currently underway by those who have immigrated to this province, and these projects will offer a number of jobs and revenue for years to come.
• The large cities that are here in Ontario, such as Toronto and Mississauga, attract a lot of business opportunities. There are many different companies that set up headquarters in these cities, and so there is always something going on to drive job growth. If you do business or invest in one of the city centres, you will be able to tap into the workforce that is already in place.
• Ontario is also a popular area for business and investment because of its proximity to the US border. There are many cities in southern Ontario with high populations, and so it is easy for those who choose this province to open up shop near the border and offer their products or services to the American market.
• Ontario is also ideal for those who are looking to do business or invest because of its growing economy. The provincial government has introduced incentive programs that are designed to attract foreign investment and business opportunities, which will help to stimulate growth in this area. Many people choose Ontario as their destination because they know there are always good incentives available to them, and because of this, they are able to start projects that may not otherwise be possible.
• Ontario is also one of the safest provinces in Canada, which is something that potential investors often look for when searching for their next opportunity. The city centres are safe, so you can feel comfortable opening up an office or factory without worrying about crime.

To learn more about Ontario and why it is a good place to do business or invest, contact the Canadian Visa Experts at Visa2Immigration now!

OINP Entrepreneur stream

The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) is a business immigration program that nominates individuals who want to start a business in the province of Ontario. It gives applicants the chance to establish themselves in Canada with confidence and by leveraging their foreign experience, expertise, and international networks. Each year, OINPs Entrepreneur Stream allocates up to 1,900 nominations to prospective applicants who intend on starting a business in Ontario. These entrepreneur nominees are then awarded the title of the provincial nominee, which allows them to move to Ontario for permanent resident status.

With the OINP Entrepreneur Stream program, foreign entrepreneurs who intend on starting businesses in the province will have access to more funding and funding options. In addition, the program will also provide applicants with more time to prepare their applications before they are due. These factors, along with increased flexibility for investors, may encourage potential applicants to undertake a business venture in Ontario.

Ontario has an overall goal under its Business Immigration Strategy to attract more experienced foreign entrepreneurs who can create jobs and drive innovation for growth in their communities. By 2025, the province aims to allocate up to 3,800 nominations for immigration under the OINP Entrepreneur Stream.

Eligibility Requirements for the OINP Entrepreneur Stream:

• Be aged 18 or over
• Have relevant business experience in one of 31 National Occupational Classification (NOC) Skill Levels 0, A, B, or C
• Be prepared to start a business in Ontario
• Have the intention of settling in Ontario
• Hold relevant immigration documents (such as work/study permit, temporary resident visa)
• Be proficient in English or French

Applicants must also have relevant business experience. This means that they should have either started their own businesses or worked in the management field for at least two years. Applicants can also be considered if they have experience investing in companies and enterprises within the last five years even if it wasn't their own.

Applicants must show that their businesses have the capacity to generate economic growth and create jobs for Ontarians. The expected revenues and impact on the community must be outlined in detail when applying for the OINP Entrepreneur Stream.

Lastly, applicants who receive a nomination certificate from OINP will then apply for permanent resident status through the Federal Government. As such, applicants must also provide evidence that they meet all of Ontario's eligibility requirements and application criteria and that they can successfully settle there.

Sub-categories of OINP Entrepreneur Stream

OINP offers two sub-categories under the Entrepreneur Stream:

• International Graduate Entrepreneurs, and
• Experienced Businesspersons.

Applicants who apply under the International Graduate Entrepreneurs sub-category must have graduated from a Canadian post-secondary institution and intend to create their own businesses in Ontario that align with one of the following NOC Skill Levels: 0, A, or B.

To be eligible for nomination, applicants must be able to show that they have the experience and business skills required to run a self-employed enterprise, as well as knowledge of sectors where future opportunities exist.

Under the Experienced Businesspersons sub-category, applicants must be qualified as experienced businesspersons under OINP Stream: Business Immigration and must not be currently working for another business in Ontario. They must also provide evidence that they have a minimum net worth of $500,000 and the intention to settle in Ontario if they receive a nomination. Furthermore, applicants can invest up to $1 million into their proposed business and demonstrate that it will create jobs and benefit Ontario's economy if they receive a nomination certificate from OINP.

Businesses eligible for OINP Entrepreneur Stream

Businesses that are eligible to apply under the OINP Entrepreneur stream include those related to any of the following sectors, provided they generate at least one NOC level 0, A or B job. These include:

• Manufacturing;
• Natural resources;
• Information, culture and recreation;
• Mining, quarrying and oil and gas extraction;
• Agriculture, forestry and fishing;
• Utilities (water and sewer);
• Construction; and
• Professional, scientific and technical services.

Applicants must make a minimum investment of $100,000 if their business does not create jobs. If it does create jobs through the use of approved investors' funds, then the minimum investment is reduced to $50,000. Applicants are also required to invest a further $500,000 if they use their own personal assets.

If applicants have an idea for a business that does not fit into these sectors but which will bring economic benefits to the province of Ontario, they can still apply under OINP Stream: Business Immigration.

Prince Edward Island

Prince Edward Island is one of the two Maritime provinces in Canada situated east of New Brunswick. Prince Edward Island's climate offers warm summers and cool winters with sunshine, making it an attractive place for tourists to visit. The province is known for its beaches of red sandstone which are among the most beautiful beaches found all over Canada. There are also many protected beaches that are favoured destinations for tourists from around the world.

But this place is not just a perfect getaway or tourist spot, people who want to immigrate and settle in Canada should consider Prince Edward Island as it has got many benefits to offer immigrants willing to relocate and settle there. Not only that but also investors looking for an opportunity to find a good business environment in Canada and with great returns on investment should consider the province of Prince Edward Island. A number of reasons can be cited which explain why Prince Edward Island is good for business and also for immigration into Canada:

1. A stable economy: The province of Prince Edward Island has a strong economy that is not only steady but also growing steadily. This makes it an excellent place to do business or even invest. The unemployment rate in the province is few percentage points higher than the national average for Canada for 2016 which was 6%. The growth rate of the economy is expected to rise thus making Prince Edward Island a good place for business and an even better one for immigration into Canada.
2. Access to other provinces: It is easy to get a visa for Prince Edward Island because even the residents of the province have access to other parts of Canada. This means that investors can do all types of business in this province and also gain access to healthcare, education and employment opportunities throughout Canada. That makes Prince Edward Island an even better place for investment.
3. Affordable housing: The real estate market in Prince Edward Island is affordable and one can easily buy or rent residential accommodations at reasonable prices. Apartments and cottages are available to suit all types of budgets and lifestyles. The average price for a home in the province is CAD 209,000.
4. Availability of business opportunities: The province has a number of industries that make it an ideal place to invest. These industries include the growing of potatoes, fishing, tourism and many more. According to several studies on quality of life in Canada done by different organizations, Prince Edward Island is one of the best places to live in Canada.
5. Availability of skilled labour: There are many opportunities for investors in Prince Edward Island because there is the availability of skilled labour who seek jobs from time to time. The province has a well-organized system for the recruitment of skilled workers from other provinces and even other parts of the world.
6. Economic diversification: This province is doing its best to create new opportunities and new investment products which will benefit investors. By diversifying its economy, it is preparing itself to deal with financial crises and volatility in the global markets which are known to affect various sectors that contribute significantly to the provincial economy.
7. Growing population: An increased number of people are moving to this province when it comes to immigration into Canada. The population of the province is expected to rise in the years ahead which means that there will be increased demand for housing, healthcare and employment opportunities. That makes Prince Edward Island a good place for business and even better one for immigration into Canada.
8. Health care facilities are good: The healthcare facilities here are well maintained and equipped with all modern infrastructure needed by patients for fast recovery. There are also a number of nursing homes in the province where seniors can enjoy their retirement years comfortably. The overall health care services are excellent, benign and affordable too.
9. Low crime rate: Prince Edward Island is a safe place to live as the crime rate here is lower than in other parts of Canada. The province has been ranked as one of those places where you can rest assured that you and your loved ones are safe.
10. Opportunities for year-round outdoor activities: Prince Edward Island has a lot to offer in the way of outdoor activities. Activities include fishing, golfing, hiking and camping. There are also a number of sandy beaches which people can visit during all seasons. This makes the place a wonderful destination not only for tourists but also for those looking for a good business environment.
11. Perfect for dairy farming: The province of Prince Edward Island offers investors many opportunities in the field of dairy farming. The province has a number of small farms which have a number of dairy cattle. This means that the right to lease a farm can be obtained at a price that is quite low as compared to other parts of Canada.
12. Prince Edward Island has a better environmental score: According to some independent studies, the province enjoys an excellent score when it comes to environmental sustainability which is not something that can be said of all provinces in Canada. That means living here is more environment-friendly than other areas in Canada meaning there will be fewer problems for new residents.
13. Prince Edward Island has a better quality of life than other provinces: The province also ranks high in terms of quality of life. Statistics show that it comes second after Nova Scotia when compared to all the other provinces, territories and even countries across the world. All this makes Prince Edward Island an excellent place for immigration into Canada as well as a better place to live.
14. Prince Edward Island has one of the highest standards of living in Canada: This province offers a high standard of living for its residents as well as those who come from outside because it has a well-developed infrastructure and other facilities which make it stand out from other parts of the country. It is a good place for education, healthcare and employment opportunities.
15. Prince Edward Island is a beautiful place: Prince Edward Island has a beautiful natural environment which makes it perfect for tourism and investment in real estate. The beaches, mountains, lakes, rivers and forests combine to make this province a paradise on earth. It is an ideal place to live because one can enjoy the outdoor lifestyle all year round.
16. Prince Edward Island is easy to do business in: Prince Edward Island has a good system for doing business which includes an official portal through which any new proposal can be registered and processed within weeks. The provincial government is constantly working to make it even easier to live, work or invest here by streamlining the business processes.
17. Prince Edward Island offers key residency by investment programs: The province has already initiated steps towards offering investment-friendly immigration options for newcomers. This is mostly aimed at attracting entrepreneurs who are willing to take advantage of the local business opportunities here. Two main immigration programs have been proposed which include a Provincial Nominee Program and another program that is yet to be finalized.

Work Permit Stream

The PEI PNP Work Permit Stream for Businesses and Investors is an employer-driven stream under which businesses can hire foreign workers to fulfill specific skills shortages. To be eligible, the business must first obtain a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) from Employment and Social Development Canada/Service Canada. Once approved, the LMIA will be transferred to PEI immigration for processing.

To be eligible, a business must meet the following criteria:

• The business must be operating in Canada legally with a valid Business License or permit issued by an authorized federal or provincial/territorial authority; and,
• The business must have a physical location in PEI for recruitment activities.

In addition, the business must fulfill one of the following selection criteria:

• The business is a start-up or expansion to an existing business in PEI where there is a significant economic benefit for PEI; or
• The business has a significant investment in a PEI organization and will sustainably create new jobs in PEI; or
• The business satisfies a future, ongoing labour market need in the region.

A business must have a plan for job creation by hiring skilled workers through the PEI PNP Work Permit Stream which will fulfill specific labour needs of the business.

The following are considered acceptable recruitment activities: active advertisements posted on employment boards/websites, use of external recruiters, or hosting information/job fairs. If recruitment activities are being conducted outside of PEI, they must be authorized by Employment and Social Development Canada/Service Canada.

The following criteria must be met by the business to hire a foreign worker under the PEI PNP Work Permit Stream:

• The business must provide a permanent, full-time job offer in a skilled position for a foreign worker;
• The salary offered to the foreign worker cannot be less than the prevailing wage rate;
• If offering a managerial or professional position, the individual must hold at least two years of post-secondary education (college/university) or be able to prove five years of relevant work experience;
• The foreign worker must demonstrate the ability to speak and write fluently in either English or French.

It is mandatory for all employers wishing to hire foreign workers through this stream to sign an Employer Participation Agreement (EPA). The business will also need to show compliance with the PEI Immigration Act.

An employer must show that they are acting in good faith and not underpaying their workers to access the PEI PNP Work Permit Stream. The business must provide Employment and Social Development Canada/Service Canada with a mandatory Offer of employment letter which provides accurate pay rates for each position offered; it will need to be signed by both the employer and employee.

The business must provide proof of sufficient funds to pay the foreign worker in accordance with prevailing wages for their occupation to access this stream. Alternatively, evidence can be provided that they have invested a certain amount in an approved PEI Investment Project. If investing in an existing or new business applying under the Business Investor Stream, the business must provide a completed Confirmation of Spousal Support form from the spouse/common-law partner accompanying the applicant.

The business must have enough financial capital for startup or expansion to continue and sustain itself and fulfil its commitment to maintaining its Canadian business operations thereafter. The business must also fulfill one of the following criteria:

• Be operating in Canada with a valid Business License or permit issued by an authorized Canadian federal, provincial/territorial authority; OR be registered with Industry Canada for access to the Capital Investment Program; OR have made a significant capital investment in PEI within 24 months of receiving the nomination.
• The business must have completed two years of successful operation in their home country for a minimum of 30 hours per week at the same location for two years. The business may also have a subsidiary or affiliate company, which has been operating in their home country for a minimum of two years and is connected to the PEI branch/affiliate via common ownership.
• The business must demonstrate an economic benefit to PEI including providing additional employment opportunities, increased revenues or improved productivity. There is no minimum operating requirement to access this stream.
• The proposed project must be of significant value for the province and be approved by PEI Investment Priorities (PIIP).

Saskatchewan

Canada is one of the world's most preferred destinations for people looking to immigrate. Canada is richly endowed with natural resources - diamonds, oil, gold, uranium even water! The Canadian economy has been growing at an impressive rate in the past few years. The country has a strong manufacturing base, modern services industry and high standard of living. To add to this, the country is safe and offers a great quality of life.

Canada has traditionally had a high immigration rate due to its acceptance of people from all over the world. Due to the global economic slowdown, there has been more interest in immigrating outside of Canada. The unemployment rate in Canada is very low at 6% whereas it is more than double in the USA at 12%.

Canada is one of those countries which does not put restrictions on investor immigration. The country has a huge backlog as well as high demand for skilled workers so there is no quota or limit on how many investors can immigrate to Canada.

The Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) is one of Canada's Provincial Nominee Programs which are administered by provinces. It helps individuals come to the country through a fast track process giving them access to Canada PR within 6 months, provided they meet all eligibility criteria for this program.

Saskatchewan has an open business immigration system that allows investors outside Canada to immigrate if they fulfill certain criteria it provides. In Saskatchewan, individuals who wish to come and establish a business in the province can apply for this program.

This is one of the best immigration programs because there are no restrictions on how many immigrants enter Canada through this program, unlike other provinces which have quotas or caps on these programs.

Entrepreneur Category

Business Entrepreneur Visa program in Saskatchewan is a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) for Canada. It aims toward high-growth potential and promising new companies that need capital to get started. It has a special focus on immigrants with business experience who are looking for opportunities in the province of Saskatchewan, Canada.

The Business Entrepreneur Stream is one through which an applicant can get nominated by SINP for immigration to Canada. Visa2Immigration Canadian business immigration specialists can offer you detailed information about this program's eligibility criteria, the application process, nomination guidelines etc.

The Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) is a business immigration program that was launched in 2001. It aims to contribute to the economy of the province of Saskatchewan by attracting both local and foreign investors, entrepreneurs, self-employed persons, individuals with special work experience etc. The SINP also provides for international credential recognition.

Eligibility Requirements for SINP Business Entrepreneur Stream:

• Applicant must have at least 51% share of a qualifying business.
• Total funds/capital required for starting a business in Saskatchewan should be CAD$300,000 or more from either personal or borrowed sources.
• The applicant should make a significant contribution to the management and growth of the business.
• The applicant should provide mentorship to any co-founder or senior staff member for at least one year after he/ she gets permanent residence status in Canada, under this program.
• Applicant's previous entrepreneurial experience outside Saskatchewan is also important as it will contribute to his nomination by SINP Authority.
• Applicant should have the proper business structure through which he/she can invest in Saskatchewan, Canada. Some of these are incorporated companies, partnership firms etc.
• Applicant has to show that he/ she will settle in Saskatchewan after getting permanent residence status in Canada under this program i.e., SINP Authority will not nominate the applicant without knowing his/ her future plans of living in Saskatchewan.

Factors that affect SINP nomination for Entrepreneurs

The following are some of the other factors that SINP Authority considers before making its final decision on an applicant's nomination for immigration to Canada under Business Entrepreneur Stream:

• The business plan submitted by an applicant needs to be well-developed, properly researched and backed with the necessary financial data. The business plan must also have a high potential for success in Saskatchewan, Canada. Although a detailed business plan is not mandatory for this stream of SINP, it is an important factor that will contribute to an applicant's nomination by Authority.
• Personal net worth of an applicant is also considered by SINP Authority while making its final decision for nomination. The net worth of the applicant has to be CAD$300,000 or more.
• Applicant must not have any legal trouble in his/her home country or his/her past track record must be clean vis-à-vis law.
• Applicant should also be able to demonstrate business qualifications like experience, knowledge etc.
• An applicant must not be involved in any illicit activities like human trafficking, smuggling etc.
• Applicant must show that he/she can speak English or French well enough for running his/ her business in Saskatchewan, Canada after immigration to Canada.
• The applicant's past entrepreneurship record and its success factor will also be taken into consideration by SINP Authority for making a decision on his/ her nomination under Business Entrepreneur Stream. However, these factors are not as important as those listed above.
• SINP Authority may take into account the number of employees that an applicant's business will hire.
• Applicant should also show that he/she has enough means of subsistence after immigration to Canada under this program.

Saskatchewan Nominee Program Entrepreneur Stream is one of the most popular categories in Canada Immigration. If you want to apply for Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program, contact our Canada experts at Visa2Immigration.com.

Farm Owner and Operator Category

The Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) assists employers in attracting and retaining foreign nationals by nominating skilled workers to immigrate to Saskatchewan.

The Farm Owner and Operator category is designed for individuals who wish to own and operate businesses where primary sources of income are derived from their farming operations. Such categories include:

• Farm Owner Category
• Farm Manager/Operator Category

Applicants in the Farm Owner and Operator category must be at least 18 years of age or older, able to speak, read and write English fluently, have two years post-secondary education (or equivalent), have farming experience, demonstrate an intention to settle in Saskatchewan, meet financial requirements and have the necessary farm management skills.

If an applicant is not currently engaged in farming, the ability to enter into a written agreement with a designated agricultural organization (DAO) is required.

The duration of the nomination process under the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program Farm Owner and Operator category is approximately 12 months from nomination submission to visa issuance.

Please note: Farm Owner and Operator applicants who wish to apply under the Joint Venture Agreement must meet the Farm Owner Category applicant requirements. These applicants will also need to be endorsed by a DAO.

Yukon

The Yukon in Canada has become a destination of choice for people seeking an attractive business and investor immigration program with relaxed business and investment criteria. This is not surprising given the fact that the territory is known to offer international investors substantial benefits, including no requirement for them to live or work there.

Foreigners intending to invest in this territory are not required to establish a physical presence either. Additionally, they are given the opportunity to work in Canada without first obtaining permanent residency status.

Businesses looking to relocate their operations to the Yukon can choose between four main categories, including sole proprietorship, business partnership, corporation and co-operative.

Requirements for entrepreneurs investing in this territory are relatively easier when compared to other business immigration programs around the world.

Yukon Business Immigration Highlights

• No physical presence is required

Foreigners wishing to relocate their businesses are not required to establish a physical residence in the Yukon. They can even do so from outside Canada, provided they have an office or representative there.

Investors do not need to live in or work in the territory to gain permanent residency status for themselves and their family members (spouse and children) under the YBI program. The only conditions are that they should purchase at least C$400,000 worth of property and rent it for a minimum fixed term to the territory's government (two years).

• Negligible business experience is required

The main requirement for applicants investing in this territory is to meet the net worth criteria. However, the amount required is very small when compared to other business immigration programs.

In this case, the only requirement is to have a minimum net worth of C$300,000. However, it should be noted that applicants must either earn or inherit this amount from elsewhere.

• It is important to note that both the real estate and the business investment requirements are very negotiable under this program. Prospective investors can choose an amount or arrangement that is most suitable to them and their businesses.
• Investors wishing to immigrate to the Yukon under the YBI must meet C$100,000 in business investment requirements. This amount can be invested in a combination of two of the following: assets (C$75,000), a business (C$25,000) and/or a combination of both.
  All applicants must invest in the Northwest Territories Business Registry, thus creating important opportunities for their businesses to expand beyond the Yukon market.
• Investors are also allowed to carry forward any excess funds towards future applications under this program if they choose to do so.
• Foreigners who invest in this territory are given the opportunity to work without a work permit. They can do so for a period of up to one year after purchasing their required property.
• Requirements for investors acquiring real estate under this program are relatively relaxed compared to other foreign investment immigration programs around the world. In this case, prospective applicants only need to purchase at least C$300,000 worth of property and rent it for a minimum fixed term to the Northwest Territories government (two years).
• The only real estate investment option is residential real estate. Thus, applicants who wish to invest in this territory must do so by purchasing or building homes that will be used as their permanent residence. If they wish to carry out business operations from a leased property, they must own a home elsewhere.

Yukon Business Nominee Program

The Government of Yukon is working to promote economic growth by attracting new business investment to the territory. The Business Nominee Program enables the government to expand its efforts toward this goal, while also strengthening Yukon's economy and communities. A nominee is an individual who has been approved as a candidate for admission into the Business Nominee Program.

The program is a two-step process that can lead to permanent resident status in Canada. If an individual investor's investment activity meets the Business Nominee Program criteria, he or she may be nominated for permanent residence by the Government of Yukon. The nominee must then apply for permanent residence through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

Criteria for nomination include:

• The individual is seeking to carry on a business in Yukon that will benefit the territory. The Government of Yukon may consider, without restricting other types of businesses, all endeavours including:
• retail businesses;
• manufacturing;
• information technology;
• wholesale trade;
• agriculture;
• agri-food processing;
• transportation;
• tourism;
• construction;
• home-based businesses;
• arts and culture;
• educational institutions;
• health care facilities;
• accommodation services (including hotels, motels, bed and breakfasts);
• food services (including restaurants, cafes, diners),
• retail stores, and
• recreational facilities.
• The primary source of funding for the business is not derived from the Individual Investor Venture Capital program or the Business Skills Immigration Program.
• The individual has obtained at least one year's experience in business management within five years before making an application to the Government of Yukon under this program. Such experience refers to employment as a senior manager with significant decision-making authority and accountability for the overall performance of a junior management team, including staff supervision and overseeing budgets.
• The individual has successfully completed an education program that is administered by a Canadian institution, or one that is substantially equivalent as determined by IRCC. For example, such institutions include Yukon College and the University of Alaska Fairbanks in the United States, and institutions recognized by the Council on Post-Secondary Education in Canada.
• The individual has attained at least intermediate proficiency in either French or English, as determined by IRCC.
• The individual is deemed to be unilingual and literate in the official language of their choice: English or French.

In addition to these requirements, there are mandatory measures that must be met to be eligible for nomination. These are:

• The individual must have a minimum of CAD$100,000 in legally acquired personal net worth.
• All applicants to this program must have legal status in Canada by being either a permanent resident or a citizen of Canada.

Individuals who are nominated by the Government of Yukon under this program may be able to apply for Canadian Permanent Residence.