Understanding the Different Types of Business Visas Available in Canada

You might be dreaming of setting up your business in Canada, joining the clan of immigrants who make up 33% of business owners with paid staff. In fact, there are over 600,000 self-employed people in the country. But before you pack your bags, you must understand how to get a relevant business visa. This blog breaks down all the different types so you can kickstart your Canadian business. Let's dive in!

What are Canadian Business Visas?

A Canadian business visa opens up a world of opportunities for individuals keen on conducting business, making investments, or working in Canada, whether it's for a temporary stint or a more permanent endeavor. Here are some Canadian business visas:

• Start-Up Visa Program
• Self-Employed Persons Programs
• Business Visitor Visa
• Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) for Businesses

Start-Up Visa (SUV) Program

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— INC - Immigration News Canada  (@CanadaImmigra20) June 27, 2023

Through the Start-Up Visa Program, entrepreneurs can relocate to Canada alongside their families as permanent residents to establish eligible new businesses, entailing automatic permanent residency and eligibility for Canadian citizenship after three years.

Eligibility Criteria for Start-Up Visa Program

• Own more than 10% of the total voting rights associated with all company shares.
• Together hold over 50% of the total voting rights alongside the designated entity, tied to all company shares.
• Confirmation from a designated entity like an angel investor, venture capital fund, or business incubator. Angel investors require a minimum investment of $75,000, while venture capital funds mandate $200,000
• Language proficiency test in French or English from an approved agency, meeting level 5 proficiency in listening, speaking, reading, and writing
• Demonstrate financial capability to support yourself and dependents upon arrival in Canada, with amounts contingent on the number of dependents accompanying you.

How to Apply

1. Head over to the official website of the Canadian government to reach the Startup Visa program application portal. 
2. Fill out the online application form diligently, providing precise details about your startup venture. 
3. Upload essential supporting documents like your business plan, investment commitment, ownership stake, police clearance certificate, and medical exam report. 
4. Pay the required processing fees and then submit your application online.

Self-Employed Persons Program

How to migrate to Canada as a Self-Employed person

The Self-Employed Persons Program targets people who want to become self-employed in Canada. ​They must have a relevant experience in cultural activities or athletics, and intend to make a significant contribution to Canada.

— Moyosore (@ThisisMoyo) March 23, 2021

The Federal Self-Employed Persons Program offers a direct path to Canadian permanent residency, targeting business immigrants with experience in athletics or cultural activities.

Eligibility Criteria for Self-Employed Persons Program

• A minimum of two years of recent experience in athletics or cultural endeavors at an elite level
• Demonstrate financial capability to support yourself in Canada and show substantial economic contribution potential in these fields
• A score of at least 35 points on the selection grid based on the following criteria:
  • Experience – 35 points maximum
  • Education – 25 points maximum
  • Language Proficiency – 24 points maximum
  • Age – 10 points maximum
  • Adaptability – 6 points

How to Apply

1. Register on the IRCC permanent residence online application platform.
2. Complete the Generic Application Form for Canada (IMM 0008), Schedule A—Background/Declaration (IMM 5669), Supplementary Information—Your travels (IMM 5562), and Additional Family Information (IMM 5406).
3. Upload signed forms and supporting documents.
4. Pay application fees, including biometrics and the Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF), and submit your application.

Business Visitor Visa

Foreign nationals visiting Canada for short-term international business purposes, less than six months, are classified as business visitors. Family members can accompany them, each requiring a separate visitor visa application.

Entry is facilitated through the CETA and CUSMA Business Visitor programs, which are exempt from LMIA or work permit requirements. Nonetheless, an eTA may be necessary based on individual circumstances, so it's advisable to check beforehand.

Eligibility Criteria for Business Visitor Visa

You'll need to demonstrate:

• Your intention to stay in Canada for under six months
• Your business and income originating outside of Canada
• Your lack of interest in Canadian job market involvement
• Your engagement in international business activities
• Citizenship in a participating country if applying via a trade agreement
• Clean record free of criminal or immigration-related convictions
• Valid passport used for eTA application
• Travel document ensuring re-entry to your home country
• Invitation letter from your Canadian host company
• Relevant documents like contracts or sales agreements
• Contact info for your Canadian business host

How to Apply

Canada business visitor visa applications cannot be submitted in advance. Applicants must specify their entry for international business activities and may need to prove this to the border services officer at their port of entry. Some visitors are visa-exempt but may require an electronic travel authorization (eTA) for air travel to Canada.

Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) for Businesses

Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) enable provinces to select foreign entrepreneurs for immigration based on their business intentions, with the opportunity to settle in a designated province and pursue permanent residency. Each province tailors its PNP to meet its unique economic and labor demands.

Eligibility Criteria for PNPs

• Detailed business blueprint
• Minimum two-year managerial background
• Evidence of hands-on managerial engagement
• Proficiency in English and/or French
• Government deposit, except for Ontario and Quebec, to guarantee the stipulated investment commitment.

Some provinces award extra points for business research visits. Net worth and age criteria differ among provinces.

How to Apply

1. Select a province or territory as your desired destination for immigration. 
2. Review the eligibility criteria for each Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) to ensure suitability. 
3. Directly submit your application to your selected province or territory. 
4. Upon approval, the province or territory will nominate you for Canadian permanent residence. 
5. Stay updated on the latest PNP invitation draws. 
6. You can apply for permanent residence through the Canadian federal government, either online via Express Entry alignment or through a paper-based application if it is not aligned.

Conclusion

Knowing about all the different Canadian business visas is super important. Whether you're eyeing the Start-Up Visa Program, the Self-Employed Persons Program, the Business Visitor Visa, or the Provincial Nominee Program, each one offers its own opportunities. So, get into the nitty-gritty, plan your path, and kickstart your business