How to Get Canada Residency by Investment

February 2, 2024 Jane Canada Immigration, Immigration and Travel, Jobs In Canada 0

Canada has visa programs for foreign entrepreneurs, business owners, and investors who want Canadian PR through investment.

Canada’s strong economy attracts investors and entrepreneurs. 

However, there’s no specific way to get permanent residency in Canada just by investing.

Different investment visa programs in Canada need you to invest in a business actively for Canadian PR. 

Besides those, there are other ways to invest in a Canadian business and get a Canada PR Visa.

This guide explains the top 5 Ways How to get a Canada Residency by Investment.

5 Ways How to Get Canada Residency by Investment

Here are 5 Ways How to get a Canada Residency by Investment:

Residency by Investment

 

  • Intra-Company Transfer Visa (C12 Visa)
  • C11 Work Permit
  • Entrepreneur LMIA
  • Business-Oriented Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
  • Québec Investor Programs

#1. Invest in a Canadian

With the ICT program, you can bring your business to Canada as a foreign owner. After a year of running it here, you can apply for permanent residency.

You can kick start a business in Canada and get a special work permit as the big boss. Then, you can go for Canadian permanent residency. Plus, your spouse and kids can get work and study permits.

Benefits of the Intra-Company Transfer Visa:

  • Live and run your business in Canada.
  • Bring your family along.
  • Kids can go to public school for free.
  • No need for a big investment.
  • You don’t have to be in Canada all the time.
  • The process is quicker.
  • You can aim to stay in Canada permanently.

Here’s a handy guide on how to switch from Intra-Company Transfer to PR in Canada.

#2. C11 Work Permit

The C11 Entrepreneur Stream, also known as the C11 Work Permit, is part of a Federal immigration program called the International Mobility Program.

It’s for people who want to invest in or start a business in Canada. If you succeed in the C11 stream, you can apply for permanent residence after running your business for a year.

Usually, the C11 work permit lasts for two years, but it can be extended if your business in Canada is doing well.

Thinking of starting or investing in a business in Canada? You should talk to a licensed business immigration expert. Not all businesses qualify for this program.

PS: There’s no set minimum investment needed for a C11 Work Permit.

#3. Entrepreneur LMIA

The Entrepreneur LMIA, also known as Owner-Operator LMIA, is different from LMIA-exempt work permits like C12 Visa and C11 Visa.

Also, you can apply for LMIA and come to Canada as an entrepreneur.

With Entrepreneur LMIA, you can get your application processed in just 2 to 3 months.

You can work in Canada as a manager of your own business or any other Canadian business.

After two years of working, you can apply for permanent residence in a full-time role.

No specific amount of money is required for this pathway.

#4. Business-Oriented Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)

Every Canadian province aims to bring in foreign business owners and investors to improve their economic situation.

They offer different Business Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) options.

These programs let you invest in certain businesses and then apply for permanent residency. We may not cover all provinces in this article, feel free to read it elsewhere.

#5. Québec Investor Programs

Québec provides three immigration paths for investors.

  • Quebec Immigrant Investor Program (QIIP): This program targets investors looking to invest in a business in Québec. However, it’s currently on hold until April 1, 2023. It’s often referred to as the Quebec Golden Visa. 
    • Minimum Investment Requirement: $1,200,000
  • Québec Entrepreneur Program: The Québec Entrepreneur Program is for those planning to launch and manage an innovative business in Québec with support from an organization. It has two streams, each with different eligibility criteria.
    • Minimum Investment Requirement: Variable
  • Quebec Self-Employed Worker Program: The Quebec Self-Employed Worker Program is for individuals aiming to establish themselves in Québec as self-employed workers. For detailed requirements, please refer to the official website. 
    • Minimum Investment Requirement: $25,000 or $50,000, depending on the location.

Eligibility to Apply for Canadian Residency by Investment Visas

All these programs have specific eligibility criteria and application processes, but many share common elements such as:

  • Running a successful business or having sufficient funds to start one in Canada.
  • Possessing at least $250,000 to invest in your Canadian business.
  • Having the necessary skills for business development and management.
  • Being able to utilize your business experience to establish a business in Canada.

If you meet the requirements for business immigration and are from countries like:

  • the United States, 
  • the United Kingdom,
  • the United Arab Emirates, 
  • Australia, 
  • India, or any other country worldwide, you are likely to get approval for your business immigration application. Specifically, if you fall under categories like:
    • Investor
  • Entrepreneur
  • Self-employed person
  • Executive or senior manager
  • Skilled worker and professional

If you’re unsure about the type of business or investment you’d like to pursue in Canada, research some investment immigration ideas to discover suitable opportunities and gain inspiration.

FAQs

#1. Can I get Canadian residence by investment?

In short, there are no programs to buy Canadian citizenship. However, by investing in a Canadian business, you can eventually become eligible for citizenship.

Initially, you’ll get a work permit to run the business. After 1-2 years of operation, you can apply for permanent residency, and eventually citizenship, once requirements are met.

#2. How much for a Canadian visa investment visa?

The Canada investment visa typically requires a minimum investment between $250,000 and $350,000. 

However, federal immigration programs don’t set specific investment limits.

Your investment amount depends on factors like your business type, location, and industry competition.

Conclusion

It’s important to understand that investment alone won’t grant you Canadian citizenship.

Rather, Business immigration programs make the way, and then meeting various legal requirements brings about Canadian residency by Investment.

Be cautious of claims offering Canadian citizenship for sale; such programs don’t exist, and there are no plans to create them under the current immigration framework.