Overview Of Business Class Immigration To Canada

Business people wishing to immigrate to Canada have three different options offered by the Canadian government. You can obtain a business class visa as one of three classes: an Investor, an Entrepreneur or as a Self-Employed person.

Taking the Investor Business Visa first. This is for experienced business people, with the ability to prove their experience, who are able to invest C$800,000 in Canada”s economy. They will also need a minimum net worth of C$1.6m that can be proved to be legally obtained. As a condition of the issue of their permanent visa they will be asked to make the investment of C$800,000 for a minimum of 5 years and 2 months. After this the Citizen and Immigration Canada (CIC) will return the investment to the investor. During and after this period the investor will be able to legally and permanently live and work in Canada.

For those business people without this kind of disposal income, but have a legally obtained net worth of C$300,000 may apply for an entrepreneur”s Canadian business visa. They will need to again prove their business experience of at least two years. They will then be asked to start and maintain a qualifying business that employs Canadians as well as benefit Canada. You are usually allowed three years to meet the entrepreneur criteria.

There is also a self employed visa that an entrepreneur can apply for. This visa is intended for those people who can start a small business that creates a job for themselves that benefits Canada culturally. There is also an option for the self employed person to start and operate a farm. This business visa is particularly attractive to artists, athletes, musicians, actors etc. Whilst there is no minimum net worth requirements, checks will be made to ensure that the person has enough money to start the business and the business will be profitable enough to support them and their family. The selection procedure for this class of business visa is quite tough and artists are generally expected to be of world class level.

For all classes of Canadian business visa the applicant will also need to pass:
“A detailed medical to ensure that they are fit and free from illness and disease.
“Security checks to ensure that they are not a threat to Canada”s national security.
“Criminal checks. This usually involves obtaining a police certificate to ensure absence of a criminal record. Any person over 18 who accompanies you will also need a police certificate.

All business visa applicants will also need to score at least 35 (the current pass rate) points out of 100 points from the selection criteria grid which checks:

“Education
“Business experience
“Age
“Ability in English and/or French
“Adaptability

So if you have a good net worth and can contribute to Canada”s business, wealth and cultural activities you should be able to obtain a Canadian Business Visa.