PNP Entrepreneur Visa

Within Canada, its various provinces and territories administer Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) designed to facilitate permanent residency. These initiatives cater to entrepreneurs as well and are individually defined by distinctive prerequisites. Securing a PNP nomination grants an individual the opportunity to acquire a work permit for employment in Canada. By fulfilling the program’s criteria, one can also progress toward obtaining PR status.

For participation in a specific entrepreneur-oriented PNP, an applicant must express the intention to live in the respective province and manage a qualifying business there. A meticulously outlined business strategy is typically demanded.

Although the eligibility criteria for entrepreneur-focused PNPs differ across programs, they generally encompass the following prerequisites:

Prior qualifying business experience is a prerequisite for the applicant.
The applicant must possess a minimum net worth, acquired through legal means, and this will be subject to verification by an independent accounting firm authorized by the province.
Investment of a substantial minimum sum in a qualifying business within the province and/or owning a specified percentage of the qualifying business is mandatory.
The qualifying business established in Canada must align with PNP eligibility criteria, as certain business types are proscribed.
Residency within the province and active involvement in the day-to-day operations of the qualifying business are obligatory for the applicant.
The qualifying business based in the province should generate employment opportunities for Canadian citizens or permanent residents.
Typically, a performance agreement will be necessitated, and the nomination will be contingent on the applicant demonstrating fulfillment of PNP requirements.
Additional PNPs prerequisites might encompass an exploratory trip to the province, evidence of language proficiency, and/or specific age limitations.

It’s crucial to thoroughly evaluate the prerequisites of the entrepreneur PNP before submitting an application for consideration.

For further information regarding specialized PNP programs tailored for investors and entrepreneurs, follow the infos below!

Self-Employed Farmer Stream

Farming Skills 1

You need to demonstrate your competence in farm management abilities by:

Providing financial documentation of your current farm business
Presenting documentation that verifies your work experience, training, and education in the field
Submitting a comprehensive business plan
Offering evidence indicating that a Canadian financial institution is willing to invest in your business plan

Requirements

British Columbia Entrepreneur Immigration

Personal Requirements

Business Requirements

Regional Pilot

Personal Requirements

You are required to initiate a novel business and establish residence in a regional community with a population of fewer than 75,000 individuals.
Completing an exploratory visit to the designated community is obligatory.
Your investment in a qualifying business should amount to a minimum of $100,000 CAD.
Your personal net worth must be at least $300,000 CAD.
You must hold a minimum of 51% ownership in the company.
Your business must generate employment for at least one new position.

Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP)

Entrepreneur Pathway

Business Experience

Language Requirements

Attaining a minimum score of level 5 on the Canadian Language Benchmark test is a requirement.

Education Requirements

Completion of high school is mandatory.

Business Investment

For businesses situated in the Manitoba Capital Region, a minimum investment of $250,000 is required.
If the business is situated outside of the Manitoba Capital Region, a minimum investment of $150,000 is necessary.
The investment should be directed towards a qualifying business in Manitoba.
The business venture must generate at least one job opportunity for permanent residents or Canadian citizens.

Business Requirements

Your business research visit must be conducted no more than one year prior to submitting your application.

Net Worth Requirement

You need to possess a minimum net worth of $500,000 CAD.

Farm Investor Pathway

Farming Experience

You need a minimum of three years of experience owning and operating a farm

Language Requirements

You must be fluent in either French or English

Investment Requirements

Farmer Research Visit

You need to undertake a farm business research visit within the province

Farm Business Activities

Economic Adaptability

You must demonstrate adaptable practical farming skills, technical knowledge, and experience in technological farming practices for Manitoba’s primary farm production industry.

Net Worth

You are required to have a net worth of at least $500,000 CAD.

Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP)

Entrepreneurial Stream

Requirements

Your business should demonstrate a genuine and qualifying connection to the province
Your age should fall between 22 and 55 years
You should have achieved a Canadian Language Benchmark level of 5 or higher in all four language categories of either French or English
You should have completed a minimum of two years of post-secondary education after high school
Your personal net worth, verified and amounting to at least $600,000 CAD, is required
Over the past 5 years, you need to have accrued at least 3 years of experience managing and owning at least 33.3% of a business, or have completed 5 consecutive years in a senior business management role
Your intention to permanently reside in the province while owning and managing your local business is expected
You must be capable of making a minimum investment of at least $250,000 CAD to initiate your business

Newfoundland & Labrador Provincial Nominee Program (NLPNP)

International Entrepreneur

Personal Requirements

You should be aged between 21 and 59
Submit a verified business plan.
Completion of high school is necessary.
Plan to reside permanently in the province while owning and managing a local business to contribute to local economies.
Participate actively and consistently manage the business
Possess a personal net worth of at least $600,000 CAD.
Be capable of investing a minimum of $200,000 CAD to establish a business in which you hold at least a third ownership.
Create at least one job for a permanent resident or citizen of Canada.
Demonstrate that your business primarily aims to generate profit through goods or services.
Have a minimum of two years of business ownership and management experience within the last five years, or five years of senior management experience within the last five years.
Achieve at least level five in all four categories of the Canadian Language Benchmark Test in either French or English.
Complete an Expression of Interest (EOI).
Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) from Newfoundland and Labrador immigration.

Business Requirements

When Starting A Business

When Buying A Business

Purchase a business under the same owner for the last five years.
Conduct a preliminary visit to meet the current owners.
Acquire a business currently in operation.
Provide comparable employment terms to the current workforce.
Evidence fair market valuation efforts.

Partnership Requirements

International Graduate Entrepreneur

Personal Requirements

Be at least 21 years old.
Provide a verified business plan.
Hold a tertiary qualification earned through at least two years of study at Memorial University or College of the North Atlantic.
Possess a valid post-graduation work permit.
Plan to permanently reside in the province while owning and managing a local business that benefits the local communities economically.
Hold at least one year of experience in actively managing and owning the current business (at least one-third ownership).
Create at least one job for a permanent resident or citizen of Canada.
Demonstrate that your business primarily aims to make a profit through services or goods.
Attain at least level seven in all four categories of the Canadian Language Benchmark Test in either French or English.
Complete an Expression of Interest (EOI).
Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) from Newfoundland and Labrador immigration.

Business Requirements

When Starting A Business

When Buying a Business

Acquire a business with consistent ownership for five years.
Conduct an exploratory visit to meet the current owners.
Choose an active and ongoing business.
Provide comparable employment terms to the existing staff.
Demonstrate efforts to determine the business's fair market value.

Northwest Territories Provincial Nominee Program (NTNP)

Business Stream

Investment Requirements

Net Worth Requirements

A minimum of $500,000 to start or buy a business within Yellowknife's corporate boundaries.
A minimum of $250,000 to start or buy a business outside of Yellowknife's corporate boundaries.
A deposit of $75,000 for good faith to the Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment upon acceptance of your application.

Personal Requirements

Own at least one-third of the business. Alternatively, if you own less than that, you must have invested at least $1,000,000 CAD in the business.
Attain Canadian Language Benchmark level 5 in either English or French.
Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the territory's economy to ensure your business contributes to its growth.
Complete at least one business trip to the territory for researching its business environment.
Possess the experience and qualifications to successfully execute your business plan.
Intend to permanently settle in the Northwest Territories.

Nova Scotia Provincial Nominee Program (NSPNP)

Business Stream

Requirements

Be aged 21 or above.
Demonstrate your commitment to permanently reside in the province while actively managing and owning your business.
Possess a minimum personal net worth of $600,000 CAD.
Be capable of investing $150,000 CAD in your intended business.
Hold a minimum of three years of experience in managing and owning at least one-third of a business, or a senior management position experience of at least five years.
Attain Canadian Language Benchmark level 5 or higher in all four language categories in either French or English.
Complete an online Expression of Interest submission for the province.
Obtain an Invitation to Apply from Nova Scotia Immigration.

International Graduate

Requirements

Express the intent to permanently reside in the province while actively managing and owning your business.
Demonstrate ownership and management of a business within the province for at least one year, with a 100% ownership stake.
Have successfully completed a full-time tertiary degree or diploma of a minimum two-year duration at a recognized university or community college in Nova Scotia.
Attain Canadian Language Benchmark level 7 or higher in all four language categories in either French or English.
Hold a valid post-graduation work permit.
Complete an online Expression of Interest submission for the province.
Receive an Invitation to Apply from Nova Scotia Immigration.

Nova Scotia Provincial Nominee Program (NSPNP)

Corporate Stream

Business Applicant Requirements

Have been operational for a minimum of three years prior to submitting the application.
Possess a qualifying structure, such as a public corporation, sole proprietorship, or partnership.
Make an investment of at least $5 million CAD to expand into Ontario or acquire an existing business within the province.

Job Creation Requirements

The business is required to generate five full-time roles for permanent residents or Canadian citizens per key staff position. These positions must:

Business Requirements

Demonstrate a clear connection to the parent company as a subsidiary, branch, or affiliate
Operate as a profit-generating enterprise by selling goods or services
Derive the main income from active, earned sources
Comply with local legal standards and regulations
Establish itself as a permanent business entity within the province

Key Staff Requirements

Your business can nominate up to five key staff members for the initial setup of the business, and if these individuals meet the criteria, they might be eligible for Canadian permanent residence. The key staff members must:

Hold essential roles in the business's establishment
All occupy senior, executive, managerial, or specialized positions within your company
Possess a minimum of three years' experience in their intended occupation within your company over the last five years
Have maintained continuous employment in that position for at least a year prior to submitting the application
Not have familial ties to individuals with over 10% equity in the company
Not own any equity in the company, unless it's below 10% and part of their employment contract's compensation
Hold full-time, permanent positions adhering to Ontario's wage standards

Entrepreneur Stream

Experience

Net Worth

Investment Requirements

In the Greater Toronto Area, you must own a minimum of one-third of the company and make a minimum investment of $1,000,000 CAD
For locations outside the Greater Toronto Area, you must own a minimum of one-third of the company and invest a minimum of $500,000 CAD; or
In the information and communications sector, regardless of location, you must own a minimum of one-third of the company and invest a minimum of $500,000 CAD.

Involvement

You need to be hands-on in the daily management of the business.

Business Requirements

Operate as a profit-generating business through the sale of goods and services
Comply with all legal requirements of Canada and Ontario
Maintain a permanent presence within the province
Remain located within the province at all times
Generate a minimum of two permanent full-time jobs for Canadian permanent residents or citizens within the initial 20 months of operation, adhering to Ontario's wage standards

Additional Requirements When Buying An Existing Business

Undertake a business visit to the province within a year of submitting your expression of interest
Purchase a business with a consistent ownership for the past five years
Ensure a complete transfer of the business to either yourself or a business partner
Allocate a portion of your personal investment to enhance and grow your province-based business
Maintain employment for existing employees who were part of the business prior to your ownership

Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program (PEI PNP)

Work Permit Stream

Requirements

Have a minimum net worth of $600,000 CAD.
Hold a high school diploma or an equivalent secondary school qualification.
Be aged between 21 and 59 years.
Be capable of transferring your management skills, previous work experiences, or business ownership background to your new venture in Prince Edward Island.
Attain at least Canadian Language Benchmark level 4 proficiency in either English or French.
Express the intention to permanently live and work within the province.
Actively participate in the day-to-day operations and continual management of the business.

Saskatchewan Provincial Nominee Program (SINP)

Entrepreneur Category

Minimum Entry Criteria

Possess a minimum net worth of $500,000 CAD.
Hold a minimum of three years of business management or entrepreneurial experience gained within the last 10 years.
Express the intention to invest at least $300,000 CAD if your business is located in Regina or Saskatoon, or a $200,000 investment if located elsewhere.

Business Establishment Plan Requirements

You must create at least two positions for permanent residents or Canadian citizens in Saskatchewan if your new business is located in Regina or Saskatoon.

Farm Owner and Operator

Requirements

A personal net worth of $500,000 CAD or higher.
Signed a performance agreement that demonstrates your commitment to purchasing and actively managing a farm in Saskatchewan.
Successfully completed an exploratory visit to the province, spanning at least five working days.
The ability to provide evidence of your farm operation expertise and experience.
A proposal outlining a viable commercial farming opportunity.

Farm Owner and Operator – Young Farmer Stream

Requirements

Possess a personal net worth of $300,000 CAD or higher.
Be under the age of 40.
Demonstrate a minimum of three years of experience in farm ownership, farm management, or practical farming.
Provide a proposal for a commercial farming opportunity in Saskatchewan.
Ensure employability of either yourself or your spouse to supplement farming income.

Yukon Provincial Nominee Program (YNP)

Business Nominee Program

Personal Requirements

Attain a minimum score of 65 on the points assessment grid.
Have completed high school.
Acquire three years of experience as an entrepreneur or business manager.
Possess five years of relevant work experience.
Not hold refugee status.
Have no pending applications for other provincial or territorial nominee programs.
Maintain a minimum net worth of $500,000 CAD, with at least $300,000 in liquid assets.
Demonstrate the intention to settle permanently in Yukon.
Occupy a position in your company classified under National Occupational level 0 or A.
Show the capability to make a minimum investment of $300,000 in capital.

Business Requirements

Information technology
Manufacturing
Value-added processing
Forestry
Tourism products, attractions, services, and facilities
Energy
Mining or mineral development
Agriculture
Cultural industries
Film and video production

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