There are three categories of business immigration. These applications require significant documentation to support them and the definitions are both complex and rigidly applied.
The definition of "Self-Employed" is as follows: "’self-employed person’ means a foreign national who has relevant experience and has the intention and ability to be self-employed in Canada and to make a significant contribution to specified economic activities in Canada.” Although technically open to all immigrants, this category of business immigration is more often employed by artists and craftspeople. To be eligible for immigration under this category, an applicant must meet the criteria. They must have the intent and ability to begin and operate a business. This must be demonstrated by a proven history of experience. The applicant must demonstrate that they have sufficient monies to establish themselves and their business and have a demonstrable history in their chosen fields. Most importantly, they must establish that they can make a "significant contribution" to the economy or cultural and artistic life in Canada.
Self employed applicants must meet the minimum requirements on the selection criteria applicable to all immigrants and described in the Skilled Worker section, but can also be awarded up to 35 points for experience
Business Immigration: Entrepreneur
“entrepreneur” means a foreign national who
(a) has business experience;
(b) has a legally obtained minimum net worth; and
(c) provides a written statement to an officer that they intend and will be able to meet the conditions referred to in subsections 98(1) to (5). (entrepreneur)
A difference between the entrepreneur category and the self-employed category is that entrepreneurs must satisfy landing conditions within three years before they are given a permanent status. Landing can be removed from an entrepreneur who does not met the conditions of landing. This category is more suited to "pure" business applicants who have a history of business management. Note that entrepreneurs must be actively involved in their business. Entrepreneurs must meet a definition of business experience and must have a net worth of $300 000.
There is a separate category for entrepreneurs who are selected by a province in Canada.
An entrepreneur must be assessed on the point system, but need only receive 35 points.
Business Immigration:
Investor
For those immigrants with significant funds, who do not wish to be actively involved in a business, the investor category is a consideration. Canada has recently altered the investor category. Currently, an investor must have successfully owned, operated or directed a business and have a minimum net worth of $800,000. This amount must have been earned by the investor’s own efforts. For example, it cannot have been inherited. The investor then invests a minimum of $400,000 (Canadian). The investment is fully guaranteed and paid to Citizenship and Immigration Canada as set out in the Subscription Procedures and Subscription Agreement contained in the CIC Website.
There are no landing conditions to satisfy. An investor requires 35 points.
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