Federal Entrepreneur Visa Canada

Canada is looking for skilled business owners with recent business experience, seeking to invest in Canada. In exchange for the foreign capital into its economy, Canada offers many advantages for families of foreign entrepreneurs seeking to establish a new home.

The Federal Business Program is seeking to attract experienced business owners to Canada who will support the development of a strong and prosperous Canada. Foreign investment in existing businesses in Canada or the establishment and management of new business helps to foster a climate of continual business development. The dynamic Federal Entrepreneur visa allows applicants meeting the relevant requirements to file an application. Applicants must also meet some additional basic visa requirements including a points-based assessment.

As of July 1, 2011, this program is now closed , pending further review. It is expected that following the review, further changes will be made to this program. As you may be eligible for another Canadian Business Entrepreneur Business Visa, we invite you to take our Free Business Visa Eligibility Assessment.

Federal Entrepreneur Visa Basic Requirements

The Entrepreneur Program seeks to attract experienced business persons who will own and actively manage businesses in Canada that contribute to the economy and create jobs. Entrepreneurs must:

• Show that they have at least 2 years of business experience;
• Have a minimum net worth of CDN $300,000 that was obtained legally;
• Obtain at least 35 points on a points-based assessment; and
• Respect the conditions placed upon them as entrepreneurs once they arrive in Canada.

Successful applicants of the Federal Entrepreneur program will be granted conditional permanent residence in Canada. Once the application is approved, entrepreneurs must commit to managing and owning a qualifying Canadian business for at least one year after becoming a permanent and within three years of arriving in Canada and the business must have created the equivalent of at least one full-time job for a Canadian citizen or permanent resident. Upon successful completion of the conditions, entrepreneurs can apply for the removal of all conditions and for the granting of permanent residence.

Federal Entrepreneur Visa Entitlements

The Federal Entrepreneur visa provides applicants with the opportunity to invest in or establish a business anywhere in Canada (except Quebec), and great flexibility with regards to the nature of business venture, subject to meeting the requirements for the category. Other benefits of holding permanent residence include access to government-subsidized health care, subsidized education and the ability to apply for citizenship once eligible.