Immigrant Investor Program

In February 2014, Federal Investor Immigrant Program was terminated as part of the Canadian Economic Action Plan. On June 19, 2014, Bill C-31 became law, and applications still in the backlog of the Federal Immigrant Investor program were terminated. If a selection decision was made prior to Feb. 11, 2014, those application were processed.

Applicants may consider Economic Class applications under Quebec Investor Immigrant Program (QIIP), British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC-PNP) in Canada as well as citizenship and residency programs in other countries. Please contact us for more details.

What is the purpose of the Immigrant Investor Program?

The Immigrant Investor Program (IIP) seeks to attract experienced business people and/or professionals with solid business or managerial experience, who can contribute to the development of a strong and prosperous Canadian economy with their capital, know-how, skills and experiences.

Under this program, you and your family become permanent residents of Canada and enjoy the highest quality of education for your children, medical service for your family and many other benefits that Canada would offer to you.

To Which Program Do You Apply?

There is currently only Quebec Immigrant Investor Program (QIIP) available for applicants, who plan to settle in the Province of Quebec (primarily French speaking).

Quebec Investor Immigrant Program

• Minimum Net-Worth Requirement: Must have legally obtained net worth of at least  C$800,000 (including spouse)
• Investment Requirement: Must deposit C$400,000 for 5 years with Quebec Government, at 0% interest
• Investment Period: 60 months
• Business / Management Experience Requirement: Must have at least 2 years managerial experience in the 5 years preceding the application. Assumed duties related to the planning, management and control of financial, human or material resources acquired through  – a legal farming, commercial or industrial business; or – a legal professional business where the staff, excluding the candidate, occupies at least the equivalent of 2 full-time jobs; or – an international agency or a government or one of its departments or agencies.

Canada Fast Track Immigration for Entrepreneurs and Business Owners

Canada Fast Track Program is for successful bona fide entrepreneurs and business owners, who want to open a branch or affiliate company In Canada and relocate to Canada for their businesses. The advantages of Canada fast track immigration are as follows:

• Fast Immigration processing for temporary residence and work permits valid for up to 2 years
• Multiple entry visa for whole family
• Each day spent in Canada counts towards citizenship
• Legal presence in Canada while waiting for permanent residency
• Business structure ready to operate

Procedural Phases and Processing Timeline

Phase 1: Application for temporary residence (Month 1 – 6)

• Establishing the Canadian subsidiary
• Drafting & approval of business plan by immigration authorities
• Application for temporary residents and work permits for applicant and family members

Phase 2: Relocation to Canada (Month 7 – 14)

• Approval of temporary residence and work permits valid for up to 2 years
• Constitution of immigration trust if necessary
• Settlement assistance with housing, schools, banking, health insurance, social insurance number etc.
• Starting business in Canada

Phase 3: Permanent Residency Application (Month 15 – 40)

• Renewal of temporary residence and work permits and changing status to permanent residence

Start-up Visa Program

The Start-Up Visa Program is designed for innovative entrepreneurs who can launch competitive start-up companies in Canada. With support of experienced private sector organizations in Canada that have expertise in working with start-ups, immigrant entrepreneurs can turn their business ideas into globally recognized companies.

Foreign entrepreneurs will require the support of a program partner, a Canadian angel investor group, venture capital fund, or a business incubator before they can apply to the Start-Up Visa Program. Applicants also have to meet certain criteria regarding language proficiency and educational qualifications.

Business Immigration under Provincial Programs

Provincial Governments are looking for entrepreneurs with solid business experience, who can contribute the provincial economy with their capital, experience, skills and knowledge. Entrepreneurs may choose to start a new business or purchase an existing business in Canada.  Each province may have its own business immigration program, hence, eligibility requirements, processing times and performance requirements may change from province to province.

In general, all applicants must show evidence that they have:

• Business experience
• A viable business investment plan
• Legally obtained net worth
• Have minimum investment amounts

Provinces sign performance agreements with entrepreneurs, and expect all entrepreneurs to provide active and ongoing management for their businesses.