Business Applicants
One can enter Canada as an "Entrepreneur" if the entrepreneur intends and has the ability to establish, purchase or make a substantial investment in a business or commercial venture in Canada that will make a significant contribution to the economy, and will create or maintain employment opportunities in Canada for one or more Canadian Citizens or permanent residents.
In addition, the entrepreneur must intend and have the ability to provide ongoing participation in the management of the business or commercial venture. There is no minimum net worth required of the entrepreneur applicant, however, the entrepreneur must have enough funds to support the operating costs of the business and his/her dependents.
The advantage of the " Entrepreneur Class "over the " Investor "class is that there is no set minimum investment requirements either in terms of net worth or capital required to operate the proposed business. The investment amount can be as low as $ 80, 000 Canadian provided the applicant can demonstrate that the business will contribute to the Canadian economy and will create or maintain employment for one or more Canadians and/or permanent residents.
As a general guideline, however, applicants under this class should have about $ 350, 000 Canadian in net worth and a typical investment in a business of approximately $ 150, 000 Canadian.
If accepted the "Entrepreneur" applicant will be issued a 2 year conditional visa. The visa is conditional in that the entrepreneur will have two (2) years, upon arrival in Canada, to meet the requirements of the business visa or the visa may be revoked.
Consulting a lawyer to help with the Immigration process and with the setting up of the business in Canada is advisable. The lawyer can ensure that the client’s business proposal is reasonable so the client can meet the requirements of the business visa. A lawyer can also help with the legal aspects of setting up a business in Calgary, Alberta and ensuring the removal of the terms and conditions of the conditional visa.
An investor must have successfully operated, controlled or directed a business, and must have a net worth, accumulated by his or her endeavors, of at least $ 500, 000.00 Canadian. In addition, an investor must make an investment of at least 250, 000.00 to 350, 000.00 in a province of Canada for at least 5 years.
The funds must be in an approved investment as determined by the Federal government.
A self-employed immigrant must intend and have the ability to establish or purchase a business in Canada that will create an employment opportunity for his/her self and will make a significant contribution to the economy or the cultural or artistic life of Canada.
There is no requirement for a self-employed person to provide jobs for others. Examples of self-employed applicants are professional athletes, artists, actors, farmers and writers.
The advantages of the Self-employed category over the Entrepreneur category is that there is no inivestment, net worth or arranged employment requirement and the visa is unconditional, however, the candidate must have specific artistic or other skills that will lead to self employment and contribution to the artistic or cultural life of Canada.
Applicants under this class must be relatives of Canadian citizens or permanent residents of Canada. The family member in Canada who has operated a successful family business for at least one year may sponsor a family member to work in the management or running of the family business. The family member must be the best choice considering issues of experience and family loyalty.
If you want to fill out the free assessment form to see if you would qualify to come to Canada, click here.
