Investing Your Way to Canada

Canada offers a range of immigration options for investors and entrepreneurs. These programs vary by required investment, business experience, level of personal involvement, and whether they are federally or provincially administered. Below is an overview of the key pathways to permanent residency through investment.

‍Start-Up Visa Program

‍This federal program is aimed at founders of innovative, globally scalable businesses. Unlike most other immigration streams, the Start-Up Visa has no formal minimum investment requirement. Instead, it focuses on the strength of the idea, support from a designated Canadian organization, and the potential to build a viable business.Up to five co-founders may apply under one project, with each eligible for PR. The core requirement is a Letter of Support from a business incubator, venture capital fund, or angel investor group approved by IRCC.

While you’re not required to invest your own funds, in practice, you must demonstrate that your business is ready to launch in Canada. That includes costs related to product development, early marketing, salaries, and living expenses. On average, successful Start-Up Visa projects raise between CAD 75,000 and 200,000, combining outside investment and the team’s internal contributions.

‍Note: The Canadian government does not verify the source of these funds, but your designated organization must believe in the project. That’s why expert guidance from firms like CBGA is essential, investor interest often depends on the strength of your presentation and plan.

These programs operate on a similar model: you start or purchase a business in a specific province, invest a required amount, and manage operations locally. In return, the province nominates you for permanent residency.

Each province has its own requirements. Here's a comparative summary of key PNPs:

Once seen as a straightforward route for high-net-worth individuals, this program required an investment of CAD 1.2 million into a risk-free government-backed scheme for five years, and proof of CAD 2 million in personal net worth.

The program was paused in 2019 and has since been restructured. As of January 1, 2024, Quebec reintroduced the program with new requirements, including French language proficiency, management experience, and residency in the province prior to applying for PR. The investment threshold remains at CAD 1.2 million.

‍Due to its complexity and language barrier, most CIS-region applicants now opt for federal or provincial programs instead.

Immigration through investment isn’t a single unified program, it encompasses multiple pathways. Each one has different requirements for minimum contributions, capital verification, and the applicant’s role in the business. Here’s a breakdown of the most popular options:

‍Start-Up Visa

‍This federal route has no official minimum, but in practice, most projects involve CAD 75,000 to 200,000. These funds go toward product development, marketing, office space, and covering some application expenses. Funding may come from personal savings or external backers. The main requirement is receiving support from an IRCC-approved investor or incubator.

‍Ontario Entrepreneur Stream

‍Part of the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP), this stream is for entrepreneurs willing to start or buy a business in Ontario. Investments range from CAD 200,000 to 600,000, depending on the business location. Lower thresholds apply outside the Greater Toronto Area. Applicants must demonstrate managerial experience and active participation in the business. Only four people were nominated in 2023 under this stream.

‍British Columbia Entrepreneur Program

‍The base category requires CAD 200,000 in investment and CAD 600,000 in personal net worth. Applicants must have at least three years of entrepreneurial or managerial experience. Funds are typically used for rent, licenses, equipment, and creating at least one Canadian job.

‍Alberta Rural Entrepreneur Stream

‍Designed for small-town development, this stream requires a minimum investment of CAD 100,000 and net worth of CAD 300,000. Entrepreneurs must manage operations directly and relocate to the area. An exploratory visit and a business plan are also required.

‍New Brunswick Business Stream

‍Applicants must invest at least CAD 150,000 and prove CAD 500,000 in personal assets. The stream requires local residence, active business management, an exploratory visit, and a business plan presentation during an interview.

‍Manitoba Business Investor Stream

‍Minimum investment ranges from CAD 150,000 to 250,000, depending on the location. The applicant must have entrepreneurial experience and take part in day-to-day business operations. Additional requirements include CAD 500,000 in net worth and an in-person interview.

‍Note: In most cases, a Letter of Support and temporary residence permit are issued before submitting the final PR application. While using personal funds is not mandatory, founders must show partial financial commitment to their business for credibility with Canadian partners.

All programs cover both startup costs and ongoing business expenses, including marketing, logistics, accounting, and legal support. Some allow partial refunds if the business fails despite compliance. However, most routes involve entrepreneurial risk, and refunds are not guaranteed.

‍Important: Investment size alone does not guarantee PR approval. Immigration officers assess business viability, your role, job creation potential, and overall economic benefit. Even if financial requirements are met, weak areas in your application can still result in a denial.

Each province sets its own investment levels and eligibility criteria. This allows entrepreneurs to choose the model best suited to their experience, budget, and long-term goals.

‍British Columbia

- Investment: CAD 200,000
- Net worth: CAD 600,000
- Must live in the province, have managerial experience, actively manage the business, and create at least one job.

‍Ontario

- Investment: CAD 200,000 to 600,000
- Net worth: CAD 400,000 to 800,000
- Requires two years of management experience, a detailed business plan, and active operational involvement.

‍Alberta

- Offers urban and rural options through the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP).
- Rural stream starts at CAD 100,000 in investment and CAD 300,000 in assets.
- Requires an exploratory visit and willingness to relocate.

‍New Brunswick

- Investment: CAD 150,000
- Net worth: CAD 500,000
- Requires three years of experience, a visit to the province, and a business plan presentation.

‍Manitoba

- Investment: CAD 250,000 (urban), CAD 150,000 (rural)
- Net worth: CAD 500,000
- Applicants must manage the business for at least 12 months and attend an interview.

‍Saskatchewan

- Investment: CAD 300,000 (urban), CAD 200,000 (rural)
- Net worth: CAD 500,000
- Active management and local residency required. Must create jobs.

‍Note: Most provincial programs require an in-person visit, a comprehensive business plan, and an interview with immigration officials. These steps help assess the project’s value and the entrepreneur’s seriousness.

Among all the pathways, the Start-Up Visa remains the most accessible and forward-thinking program for entrepreneurs. Unlike most PNPs that focus on capital and prior business ownership, it emphasizes innovation and growth potential. That’s why it’s favored by IT specialists, tech founders, and professionals with strong ideas but limited capital.

‍Key Advantages

- No age or management experience requirements—just a compelling, innovative idea and the ability to build a viable business in Canada.

- No need for native-level English—only CLB 5 (intermediate IELTS scores) is required, which is achievable for most technical professionals.
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- Entire families can immigrate: spouses receive open work permits, and children get study permits and access to public schools.
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- You don’t need to invest personal funds if you’re backed by an approved incubator or investor.

- No geographic restrictions—you can settle anywhere in Canada after receiving PR, unlike PNPs that tie you to a specific province.

Compared to provincial streams, which demand residency in the selected province, frequent reporting, and formal job creation, the Start-Up Visa offers a more dynamic and idea-driven approach.

‍Important: This is the only Canadian immigration program where your idea is the key. It’s not about how much you can invest—it’s about how scalable and viable your concept is. With the right support and preparation, you can go from idea to PR without major capital.

The Start-Up Visa Program offers a structured but straightforward path. The journey begins with a strong idea and ends with permanent residency in Canada. Below is a breakdown of the key stages.

‍1. Develop Your Idea and Business Plan

‍You need a clear concept for an innovative product or service with global market potential. It could be an IT solution, marketplace, educational platform, fintech tool, or any scalable business idea. At this stage, your team (up to five co-founders) prepares pitch materials and builds a professional business plan.

‍2. Find a Designated Organization

‍Next, you approach IRCC-approved organizations — business incubators, angel investor groups, or venture capital firms. Your goal is to present your idea and secure a Letter of Support. Most applicants go through an accelerator program or pitch their project for evaluation.

‍3. Secure the Letter of Support

‍This document confirms that the organization is committed to supporting your project. Without it, you cannot apply for immigration. By this point, your team should be fully assembled, your documentation ready, and your market strategy well-defined.

‍4. Submit Your Application

‍Once the Letter of Support is issued, you compile your immigration package: forms, IELTS results, police certificates, medical exams, and other standard documents. In most cases, a work permit is issued first, followed by permanent residency after successful review.

‍5. Obtain PR and Grow Your Business in Canada

‍Within 12–16 months, you and your family will receive permanent residency. You can then fully launch your business, access Canadian services, and enjoy the benefits of PR, including healthcare, education, and social support.

‍Case Study

‍Alexey and Marina from Yekaterinburg developed a prototype for an IoT service to manage smart homes remotely. Although they didn’t have an operational business, they had a strong team, a prototype, and early market research. With help from CBGA consultants, they created a compelling pitch and business plan and applied to a Canadian incubator. Within two months, they received a Letter of Support. Their work permit and PR application were submitted simultaneously. One year later, the family moved to Vancouver, received permanent resident status, and began building their business. Today, the project is in its pilot sales phase with local partners.

The Start-Up Visa isn’t the only route to Canadian permanent residency through entrepreneurship. For individuals who may not have an innovative business idea but do have capital and management experience, there are other viable options.

‍1. Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)

‍This is the most common route. Nearly every province offers programs for entrepreneurs ready to invest in and manage a business locally. After meeting the investment and business operation requirements, the applicant receives a provincial nomination, which forms the basis for a PR application. This path typically takes 18 to 30 months and has a high success rate for compliant applicants.

‍2. Federal Pilot Programs

‍Certain regions—particularly in Northern and Atlantic Canada—participate in pilot projects designed to attract entrepreneurs. For instance, the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) may offer business pathways for applicants supported by local agencies or employers. These options are less predictable but can suit niche business cases.

‍3. Employer-Based Routes

‍In some cases, entrepreneurs create a company, hire themselves as executives, and apply for a work permit. After one or two years of active operations, they may become eligible for PR under programs like Canadian Experience Class. While indirect, this approach is viable, especially when the focus is on running the business rather than making large upfront investments.

Each of these routes requires strong personal involvement in the business, time spent in Canada, and the ability to demonstrate clear economic value to the region. Professional support from advisors like CBGA helps structure your case correctly and reduce the risk of rejection.

Canada is not only a country with a high quality of life, it’s also an ideal place to grow a business. Immigration through investment lets you align your relocation with your entrepreneurial ambitions.

Whether you choose a provincial program or a Start-Up Visa, the key to success is a clear strategy, proper preparation, and strong local partnerships. The Canadian system values ideas, commitment, and long-term contributions to the economy, not just capital. If you’re ready to build something meaningful, the door to Canada is open.