Entrepreneur visa

Canada offers several immigration pathways for entrepreneurs who want to invest in, launch, or manage a business in the country. There is no single federal “Entrepreneur Visa” — instead, it refers to a group of programs that allow business owners to obtain a Work Permit and, over time, transition to Permanent Residency.

Most entrepreneurs begin through one of the Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP) or the C11 Entrepreneur Work Permit, both of which recognize the economic benefit that new businesses bring to local communities. Depending on the type of business and its innovation level, the Start-Up Visa Program may also be an option. Each pathway has its own focus, investment level, and timeline — but all share the same goal: enabling business owners to build and operate real companies in Canada while securing long-term status.