Explore entrepreneur, investor, provincial and temporary business pathways with a strategy built around your experience, available capital, business concept and long-term Canadian goals.
IRCC currently lists the federal Start-up Visa Program as paused for new applications. The federal Self-Employed Persons Program is also paused indefinitely. Existing eligible files continue to be processed, while a new targeted entrepreneur pilot has been announced but full application criteria have not yet been published.
Provincial entrepreneur streams and certain temporary business or work-permit strategies may still be available, depending on the applicant and destination.
Canadian business immigration can involve different provincial, federal and temporary immigration processes.
The suitable pathway depends on your management experience, ownership history, source and amount of available funds, proposed Canadian business activity, destination province and willingness to actively manage the business.
Some programs begin with a temporary work permit or provincial business performance agreement. Permanent residence may only become available after the applicant establishes and operates the business and satisfies the relevant requirements.
Provincial entrepreneur programs are generally intended for experienced businesspeople who will invest in and actively manage an eligible business in the nominating province.
Requirements can include an exploratory visit, expression of interest, business concept, interview, net-worth verification, performance agreement, temporary work permit and evidence that the business has satisfied agreed operating conditions.
Relevant ownership or senior-management history during the program's required period.
Sufficient verified personal net worth and funds available for the proposed Canadian business.
A commercially credible proposal suited to the selected province and local market.
A genuine intention and ability to live in the province and manage day-to-day business operations.
Some streams require the business to create qualifying employment for Canadian citizens or permanent residents.
Business milestones may need to be completed before a provincial nomination is issued.
A profitable investment is not automatically suitable for an immigration program. Before committing significant funds, the proposed transaction should be reviewed from both commercial and immigration perspectives.
Request a Strategy ReviewA structured process connecting your entrepreneurial background, business proposal and immigration requirements.
We review your experience, available capital, language ability, destination and Canadian business objectives.
Potential provincial, temporary and permanent pathways are compared against your profile.
The proposed industry, location, ownership model and program compatibility are carefully considered.
A supporting-document strategy is prepared for your business, finances, experience and source of funds.
The applicable expression of interest, provincial application or temporary immigration application is prepared.
Where required, we help you understand business-establishment, reporting and subsequent nomination or residence steps.
We help you identify realistic immigration options and understand how program requirements affect your proposed investment and Canadian business activities.
Discuss Your Business GoalsAssessment of experience, funds and immigration objectives.
Comparison of relevant provincial entrepreneur options.
Organization of financial history and supporting evidence.
Aligning immigration requirements with the business proposal.
Forms, declarations and supporting-document review.
Guidance through requests, interviews and later stages.
General information about Canadian entrepreneur, business visitor and provincial business immigration pathways.
Buying a business does not automatically provide a work permit or permanent residence. The applicant and proposed business must independently meet the requirements of a valid immigration pathway.
No new applications are currently being accepted under the federal Start-up Visa Program. IRCC states that the program was paused on June 30, 2026, while accepted applications continue to be processed.
IRCC has extended the pause on new applications to the federal Self-Employed Persons Program until further notice. Existing applications remain subject to IRCC processing.
There is no universal investment amount. Minimum net worth and investment requirements differ by province, community, business type and entrepreneur stream. You should also maintain funds for settlement and operating costs.
Provincial entrepreneur streams generally require active and ongoing management. Passive investment alone normally does not satisfy entrepreneur-program requirements.
An eligible business visitor may attend meetings, events, conferences and certain other international business activities without entering the Canadian labour market. A visitor visa or eTA may still be required.
Visitor status does not generally authorize a person to work in Canada. If your planned activities involve entering the Canadian labour market or performing operational work, separate work authorization may be required.
Many provincial entrepreneur streams follow a staged process. Applicants may first receive approval to operate a business temporarily and may become eligible for nomination only after completing required business conditions.
The Government of Canada has announced plans for a new targeted high-impact start-up pilot. However, complete eligibility criteria and application instructions should be confirmed only after IRCC officially publishes them.
Business immigration programs, investment thresholds, provincial allocations and intake availability can change. This page provides general information and does not guarantee work authorization, nomination or permanent residence.
Let us assess your entrepreneurial background, investment plans and available Canadian immigration options.
Take the next step with personalized immigration guidance from Yes Immigration’s licensed professionals.
