BUSINESS CLASS

Business Class: Self-Employed Persons and Start-Up Visa Program

The Business Immigration Programs fall within the scope of the economic classes. The purpose of this stream is to select those applicants who have experience in certain businesses back home and can contribute to the economy of Canada, for example, by creating jobs.

The two categories under business programs are: Self-Employed Persons Program and Start-Up Visa Program. Applicants under this stream do not apply through Express Entry (EE).

 

Self-Employed Persons Program

This program allows people to immigrate to Canada permanently as a self-employed person. The self-employed individuals who want to take this immigration processing avenue must:

  • have relevant experience solely in cultural activities or athletics at a world-class level and
  • be willing and able to make a significant contribution to the cultural or athletic life of Canada

The applicants will be assessed based on the following selection criteria:

  • Age
  • Education
  • Language ability in English or French
  • Relevant experience
  • Adaptability (such as education of spouse, previous work in Canada, or having a family member in Canada)

If the applicants can obtain a minimum score of 35 out of 100, they will meet the minimum requirement for this stream.

 

Start-Up Visa Program

The purpose of this program is to attract and retain innovative entrepreneurs who can contribute to the innovation needs of the Canadian economy.

Applicants do not need to invest their own money. However, a start-up business must be:

  • Innovative,
  • Meet the criteria of a qualifying business, and
  • Receive support from one of the designated business organizations

 

The applicants must receive a letter of support from one or more of the following designated business organizations:

  • Venture capital funds: must agree to invest a minimum of $200,000
  • Angel investor groups: must agree to invest a minimum of $75,000
  • Business incubators: must accept the applicant into one of their programs

Each of these organizations has its own intake process for proposals and criteria used to assess them. Once an organization chooses to support the applicant’s business idea, it will issue a Letter of Support.

The eligible applicant must have:

  • a qualifying business
  • support from one of the designated business organizations
  • language ability in English or French (CLB 5 or above)
  • sufficient settlement funds
  • the intention of residing in a province or territory other than Quebec
  • no problem of admissibility to Canada

Consult with our experts at V-Land Immigration to make sure you will take the best option for your desirable pathway.