Canadian Immigration Xperts

Business Immigration

Canada`s Business Immigration Program was created to promote the economic development of the country by attracting successful business people who have the ability and resources to establish businesses in Canada. The federal, provincial and territorial governments encourage prospective business immigrants to invest in the Canadian economy. Over the years, thousands of foreign business people have found Canada to be an excellent place to invest capital and apply their particular business know-how to Canadian projects and endeavours. Business immigrants, who represent nearly 10% of total immigrants, include investors, entrepreneurs and self-employed individuals. Selection criteria vary for each category. The Immigration and Refugee Protection Act states that the foreign national may be selected to come to Canada as a permanent resident as a member of a Business Class. Selection of immigrants under this category is made on the basis of the applicant`s business experience and net worth. The board will also take into account the performance of the applicant`s business in the 5 years prior to filing the application and the immigrant`s potentiality to successfully establish a business in Canada upon arrival.

Canada offers three classes of business immigrants:

Federal Program:

• Investors
• Entrepreneurs
  
• Self-Employed Persons

Business immigration to Québec

Business immigration to Québec differs from that of any other province. Under the Canada-Québec Accord, business applicants must be selected by Québec in order to be granted approval and settle in its territory.

The criteria by which Québec selects its immigrants is guided by the province’s immigration objectives. The applicant must qualify for one of the three businesspeople immigration programs: entrepreneur, investor or self-employed worker.

Immigrating to Québec is a three step process. Firstly, the applicant will have to submit an Application for a Selection Certificate and secondly, pass the selection interview which is normally one and a half hours in duration. If selected, candidates will receive a Certificat de selection du Québec (CSQ) from the government of Québec. The applicant can then apply for a federal assessment of the application for permanent residence in Canada at the Canadian Visa Mission of their country of citizenship or current permanent residence.

Quebec Program:

• Investors
  
• Entrepreneurs
  
• Self-Employed Persons

Once the application has been submitted, you may not change the class under which you have applied.