PNP Entrepreneur Visa
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
- Commit a minimum of $500,000 CAD to a primary production farming business in the province
- Present a comprehensive business plan that outlines your investment intentions. Priority will be given to business plans with the highest potential to contribute to Alberta's agri-food targets.
British Columbia Entrepreneur Immigration
British Columbia Entrepreneur Immigration
Personal Requirements
- Possess a net worth of at least $600,000 CAD
- Demonstrate your experience in business or management
- Fulfill the necessary legal prerequisites for immigration to Canada
Business Requirements
- Initiate a new qualifying business or acquire and enhance an existing business
- Commit a minimum of $200,000 CAD to the business
- Establish a business that generates at least one full-time job opportunity for a permanent resident or citizen of Canada
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
- Three years of full-time work experience within the past five years as an engaged business owner or a senior manager in a prosperous enterprise are mandatory.
- To garner points as a business owner, you should possess a minimum ownership stake of one-third in the business.
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
- Your farm business must be located in rural Manitoba
- You need to invest a minimum of $300,000 CAD in tangible assets for the farm business
- Your application must include a comprehensive farm business plan
Farmer Research Visit
You need to undertake a farm business research visit within the province
Farm Business Activities
- Your farm business must be actively engaged in rural Manitoba
- You must reside on and manage the farm
- The farm business should focus on primary agriculture production
- You should also carry out value-added farm business activities within the province
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
- Comply with legal requirements.
- Qualify as a permanent establishment according to Canadian Income Tax Regulations.
- Potential for contributing to the province's economic growth.
When Starting A Business
- Supplementary to your current role.
- Closely connected to the business.
- In accordance with local wage norms.
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
- Commit at least $200,000 CAD in investment and hold at least a one-third share in the partnership.
- Make an investment of at least $1,000,000 CAD.
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
- Serve a genuine career purpose, not just for immigration.
- Comply with legal standards.
- Qualify as a permanent establishment per Canadian Tax Regulations.
- Have the potential to boost the province's economic growth.
When Starting A Business
- Be in addition to your own role.
- Have a direct connection to the business.
- Align with the community's wage norms.
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
- A minimum of $300,000 CAD for a business within Yellowknife.
- A minimum of $150,000 CAD for a business outside Yellowknife's corporate boundaries.
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:
- Consist of permanent, full-time roles
- Offer salaries that meet or exceed the average wage for the respective job type
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
- Hold a minimum of 3 years of business experience within the past 5 years
- Have gained business experience as a senior manager or active business owner
Net Worth
- If located in the Greater Toronto Area, a minimum net worth of $1,500,000 CAD is required
- For locations outside the Greater Toronto Area, a minimum net worth of $800,000 CAD is necessary
- In the information and communications sector, a minimum net worth of $800,000 CAD is required regardless of location
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
- Your intention to initiate a business in Saskatchewan.
- Ownership of at least one-third of the business, unless you invest a minimum of $1,000,000 CAD in the business.
- Your dedication to actively participate in the continuous management of the business.
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
- Be either newly established or purchased from previous owners.
- Be under your management.
- Not serve as a passive investment.
- Belong to one of the following sectors:
- 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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