Business Immigration to Canada
Business immigration to Canada is a popular path for entrepreneurs and investors. Canada has long been considered a land of opportunities and the optimal destination for millions looking for a better quality of life for themselves and their families. For centuries, immigrants have been the backbone of Canadian society, helping it grow and develop into one of the world’s strongest, multicultural, and democratic nations.
At Jane Katkova & Associates, we are Toronto immigration consultants.
We have provided immigration services for over 20 years. Established by Jane Katkova-Brown in 1995, we have proudly assisted thousands of families from numerous parts of the world seeking to immigrate to Canada and make Canada their new home.
If you require assistance with business immigration to Canada, reach out to our professional and knowledgeable team today!
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Canada’s Array of Business Immigration Programs and LMIA for Businesses
Start-up Visa Canada
Canada’s Start-Up Visa Program targets immigrant entrepreneurs who possess the skills and potential to build innovative businesses in Canada while creating jobs for Canadians and competing globally.
The potential business must get support from a designated Canadian organization for the immigrant entrepreneur to immigrate to Canada.
Canadian Start-up Visa Eligibility
To be eligible for a Canadian start-up visa, you must meet four requirements:
- Have a business that qualifies
You must own at least 10% of the voting rights tied to all the company’s shares. The designated organization and you must possess at least 50% of the voting rights linked to all the company’s shares.
- You should have a letter of endorsement from a specific organization
You must show that you have received funding from a venture capital firm, an angel investor organization, or a business incubator. To do so, you must propose your company idea to the organization and persuade them that it is worthwhile to support.
Each organization’s approach to pitching a business idea will be different.
If your pitch is successful, the organization will provide you a letter of support, which you must include with your start-up visa application.
- Meet the language requirements
You need to take a language test from an approved agency and demonstrate that you can speak, read, listen, and write at the minimum level of the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 5 in either English or French.
- Proof of funds
You need to demonstrate that you have enough funds to support yourself and your family upon arrival to Canada. The amount will depend on your family size.
Intra-Company Transfer
The intra-company transferee stream of Canada’s International Mobility Program allows high-skilled foreign nationals to work temporarily in Canada as intra-company transferees. If you work for a company with a subsidiary, branch, or affiliate in Canada or if the Canadian company is your parent company, you may be eligible to secure an LMIA-exempt work permit in Canada. The intra-company transferee provision applies to all countries.
Immigration to Canada as a Self-Employed Person
Under Canada’s Self-Employed Persons Program, permanent residence status is granted to eligible self-employed foreign nationals with relevant experience in cultural activities or athletics.
Candidates must have the experience, ability and intention to make a significant contribution to Canada’s cultural life or sports. You must meet the eligibility requirements and achieve at least a minimum passing mark under the selection criteria to be considered for immigration.
Note that there is no minimum net worth requirement. That said, you must have enough funds to settle in Canada along with your dependents and finance the work for which you were selected by yourself.
LMIA for Canadian Businesses
Are you a Canadian employer looking to hire a foreign national? Before your new employee can apply for a Canadian work permit, you must apply and obtain a positive LMIA. A positive Labour Market Impact Assessment is granted to an employer who can prove to the Canadian government that no Canadian citizen or permanent resident is ready, willing, or able to fill the required position in Canada. Only then a Canadian business owner may be given the green light to hire a foreign worker. The foreign worker must then apply for a work permit supported by the positive LMIA work permit before traveling to Canada for work.
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Why Hire Us For Business Immigration In Canada?
Our client-oriented focus guarantees that we handle each case with an individualized plan and an outside-the-box thinking approach addressing each client’s unique situation and ensuring that they take full advantage of the immigration programs and remedies available.
We care; we relentlessly fight in the best interests of our clients and achieve desired results. With 20+ years of expertise, our goal is to serve and provide high-quality, creative, and result-oriented assistance to our clients.
We are a highly experienced team of experts who stay current on changes in immigration regulations and conditions worldwide and are experienced in navigating Canada’s often complex and challenging immigration system.
Our stringent administrative monitoring makes sure that each application is meticulously and expertly handled from beginning to end and that your immigration file receives ongoing attention.
Given the possibility that applications will be denied or processed administratively, it is critical to have a business immigration expert on hand knowledgeable with the available choices and who can file an appeal or judicial review of an unfavorable decision as soon as possible. Our team at Jane Katkova and associates are ready to hold the government accountable for its acts, and we will never hesitate to search every possible avenue.
Contact Us and Let’s Get Started
Immigration matters in Canada is a very complicated thing. Jane Katkova and associates are here to help you navigate the complex immigration procedure and provide you peace of mind by being there for you every step of the way. Every client receives a proactive and empathetic approach. You’ll want to have us on your side because of our outstanding client service and enthusiasm for people!
We would be delighted to meet you (or hear from you) in our offices, whether you plan to visit, study, work in Canada or wish to immigrate and make Canada your permanent home. We love what we do, and we are looking forward to serving you.
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This message is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the immigration case manager with whom you work at Jane Katkova and Associates or send an email to support@katkova.com.
FAQs about Business immigration to Canada
Immigration matters in Canada is a very complicated thing. Jane Katkova and associates are here to help you navigate the complex immigration procedure and provide you peace of mind by being there for you every step of the way. Every client receives a proactive and empathetic approach. You’ll want to have us on your side because of our outstanding client service and enthusiasm for people!
We would be delighted to meet you (or hear from you) in our offices, whether you plan to visit, study, work in Canada or wish to immigrate and make Canada your permanent home. We love what we do, and we are looking forward to serving you.
Canada welcome Successful business people and entrepreneurs if they are looking for opening new doors and obtain valuable opportunities. Canadian Business Immigration programs are popular because they motivate and encourage business people. It makes the immigration to Canada easier.
Both federal and provincial governments offer business programs for immigrants to settle and start businesses in Canada.
In General, Business Immigration programs are categorized into two main programs:
Business visitors and business people are not the same. A business visitor is someone who comes to Canada to take part in international business activities. He can visit without being part of the Canadian labor market. Business visitors usually stay in Canada for a few days or a few weeks. They are able to stay for up to six months. Business visitors do not need a work permit. However, Business people come to do work in Canada under a free trade agreement. Business people can enter and work in Canada if they qualify under one of Canada international agreements (CUSMA, FTAs, GATS).
Canada welcomes successful business people who are looking for new opportunities and challenges. The Business Immigration Program encourages the immigration of these individuals.
Depending on the program and the province you are going to invest, the money to invest ranges from $150,000 to $800,000 CAD.
Of course, you can. Canada is one of the best countries that welcomes foreign investment and allows entrepreneurs open their business. Canada immigration programs are leading in the world by providing opportunities for international businesses, entrepreneurs and their families.
One of these ideal programs is Intra-Company Transfer work permit which is exempt from LMIA (Labour Market Impact Assessment).
Business ownership needs organization, a lot of discipline and hard work to be successful. Undoubtedly, starting a business is really challenging for an immigrant business person.
Canada welcomes successful business people who are seeking new opportunities and challenges. The Business Immigration Program encourages and facilitates the admission of these individuals.
Canada is one of the most business-friendly economies in the world. That is why many entrepreneurs and business people would like to immigrate to Canada. The government of Canada, as well as certain Canadian provinces have some programs ideal for entrepreneurs. The Programmes are like Start-Up Visa program, Self-employed Person program, and also Provincial Entrepreneur Programs. C11, an LMIA-exempt Work Permit, is another appealing option for an entrepreneur to run their own business in Canada.
Permanent residents, also known as landed immigrants, are able to legally start businesses in Canada. Both the federal and provincial/territorial governments welcome permanent residents/business immigrants. They also offer services to help immigrants start a business and settle in Canada.
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This notification is solely for your information. Should you have any queries, please reach out to your designated immigration case manager at Jane Katkova and Associates, or alternatively, you can email at support@katkova.com
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Quick answer
Canada offers several business routes: the Start-Up Visa for innovative founders, intra-company transfers for existing companies, provincial entrepreneur streams, and regular LMIA-based work permits. The owner-operator LMIA exemption ended in 2021 and the federal Self-Employed Persons Program paused new intake in 2024, so route selection matters more than ever.
Which business route fits your situation?
There is no single business immigration route; the right one depends on whether you are founding a new venture, expanding an existing company, or investing in a province. The table below compares the main options so you can narrow the field before committing capital. For the full picture, see our overview of business immigration to Canada.
| Route | Best for | Key requirement | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Start-Up Visa | Innovative, scalable founders | Letter of Support from a designated organisation; CLB 5; settlement funds | Permanent residence |
| Intra-company transfer | Executives and specialists in an existing company | Qualifying related Canadian entity; LMIA-exempt (C12) | Temporary work permit |
| PNP entrepreneur stream | Owner-operators targeting one province | Provincial criteria: investment, net worth, business plan | Nomination toward PR |
| Regular LMIA work permit | Filling a specific role in a Canadian business | Positive labour market impact assessment | Temporary work permit |
What changed, and what no longer works?
Two outdated routes still cause confusion. First, the dedicated owner-operator LMIA exemption ended in 2021; a business owner can still apply for a regular LMIA-based permit, but it is assessed on ordinary labour market grounds with none of the former advantages. Second, the federal Self-Employed Persons Program paused new intake in 2024, so treat it as unavailable unless IRCC reopens it — always confirm the current status before relying on it. If you were counting on either, the practical alternatives are the Start-Up Visa Canada, a provincial entrepreneur stream, or an intra-company transfer.
What evidence should you prepare?
Business applications live or die on documentation. A strong file shows a real, active enterprise and a credible plan, not just capital. Assemble:
- Proof of the business: incorporation, ownership and voting-rights records, and financial statements.
- A clear business plan with market analysis, staffing and realistic financial projections.
- Evidence of source and lawful movement of funds, and available settlement funds.
- For the Start-Up Visa: the Letter of Support and terms from the designated organisation.
- For an intra-company transfer: proof of the qualifying relationship between the foreign and Canadian entities, and of an active Canadian operation.
- Language results meeting the relevant benchmark, and personal and corporate tax history.
What if your application stalls?
Business and investor files often carry longer background and security screening, which is the most common source of extended delay. If your application sits well past published timelines, confirm the wait against current IRCC processing times and send a written status request. Where the file is simply not being decided, a writ of mandamus in Canada asks the Federal Court to compel a decision under section 18.1 of the Federal Courts Act. It compels a decision, not an approval. If a decision has already been made and you believe it is unreasonable, that is a matter for Canadian immigration litigation rather than a delay remedy.
Choose the right business route the first time
Route selection is the decision that saves the most time and money. Tell us about your company and goals and we will map the strongest pathway for your facts.
Frequently asked questions
Can I still use an owner-operator LMIA to move to Canada?
No. The dedicated owner-operator LMIA exemption ended in 2021. A business owner may still pursue a regular LMIA-based work permit, but it is assessed on ordinary labour market grounds. Most entrepreneurs now look at the Start-Up Visa, a provincial entrepreneur stream, or an intra-company transfer instead.
Is the Self-Employed Persons Program open right now?
New intake to the federal Self-Employed Persons Program was paused in 2024. It targets people with relevant experience in cultural activities or athletics. Because its status can change, confirm the current position with IRCC and keep an alternative route such as the Start-Up Visa ready.
What is the difference between the Start-Up Visa and an intra-company transfer?
The Start-Up Visa is a permanent residence route for founders with an innovative business backed by a designated organisation. An intra-company transfer is a temporary work permit moving an executive, manager or specialised-knowledge worker into a qualifying related Canadian entity. One builds toward PR; the other relocates existing talent.
Does an intra-company transfer need an LMIA?
No. An intra-company transfer is LMIA-exempt under the C12 category. It requires a qualifying relationship between the foreign and Canadian entities, a role at executive, senior-managerial or specialised-knowledge level, and evidence the Canadian operation is real and active.
My business application is stuck well past normal times. What can I do?
Check the wait against current IRCC processing times and send a written status request. If the file is simply not being decided, a writ of mandamus asks the Federal Court to compel a decision — not an approval. Business files often face longer security screening, the most common cause of delay.
Reviewed by our immigration team · Updated September 2026.
Disclaimer: This section is general information about Canadian business immigration law and procedure, current as of 2026. It is not legal advice and no solicitor-client or representative-client relationship is created by reading it. Rules, deadlines and requirements change; the right pathway depends on the facts of your case. Speak to a qualified immigration professional about your own circumstances before acting. Jane Katkova & Associates has advised clients on Canadian immigration matters since 1995.
