Overview:

The Business Immigration Program pursues economic development and employment objectives in Canada by attracting people with capital and strong business and entrepreneurial skills. The Program also seeks to develop new commercial opportunities.

The Business Immigration Program currently has three categories:

•  Entrepreneurs,
•  Investors,
•  Self-employed category.

Proof of a strong business background along with a solid and liquid asset base is required to be provided to the visa post. The basic requirements of business immigration program are:

•  Substantial net worth
•  Business-related experience

Business Immigration- Points needed

The Business Immigrant Program selection criteria are also based on a point system. The pass mark for these criteria is 35 points. There are five (5) selection factors within the point system by which the Applicant is assessed, namely:

•  Business Experience (maximum of 35 points) – the amount of business experience the Applicant has obtained beginning five years prior to the date of application.

•  Age (maximum 10 points) – The current age of the Applicant. The ideal age is between twenty-one and forty-nine (21-49) years.

•  Education (maximum 25 points) – The highest level of education attained, and the total number of years of education by the Applicant.

•  Language Ability (maximum 24 points) – The Applicant's ability to speak, listen, write, and read in either one or both of Canada's official languages - English or French. Please note that if the Applicant claims points under the language factor, proof of language proficiency must be provided.

•  Adaptability (maximum 6 points) – The elements for receiving points under this factor vary depending on the category chosen.

Entrepreneur Category

In order to successfully apply as an Entrepreneur, the Applicant must have an intent and ability to do business in Canada . Business experience is the best indicator of the Applicant's intent and ability to perform in Canada . The Applicant must show they have managed a Qualifying Business and controlled a percentage of equity of a Qualifying Business for at least two years in the period beginning five years prior to the date of application.

There are a number of factors that a visa officer will consider when assessing whether an Applicant qualifies under the Entrepreneur category. These factors include the following:

•  Net worth (minimum of CDN$300,000.00);
•  Past and present fields of activity;
•  Level of expertise;
•  Specialized business training/education;
•  Standing and recognition in the business community;
•  Market research;
•  Exploratory visits to Canada ;
•  Preparation for the move to Canada ;
•  Educational background;
•  Memberships in professional associates;.
•  Official language proficiency;
•  Ownership of assets in Canada ;
•  Relatives in Canada ; and
•  Other knowledge of Canada or connections with Canada .

Once in Canada, the applicant must manage a Qualifying Canadian Business for a period of one year, within three years of coming to Canada, and the business must employ at least one Canadian citizen or permanent resident (other than the entrepreneur and his/her dependents). There are conditions attached to the visa and periodic reports are needed to be submitted to the Immigration department.

Qualifying Business

A Qualifying Business is one that was not operated primarily for the purpose of gaining investment income (i.e. interest, dividends or capital gains). In each of any two years in the five year period prior the date of application, the business:

•  The percentage of equity multiplied by the number of full-time job equivalents is equal to or greater than two full-time job equivalents per year;

•  The percentage of equity multiplied by the total annual sales is equal to or greater than CDN$500,000.00;

•  The percentage of equity multiplied by the net income in the year is equal to or greater than CDN$50,000.00; and

•  The percentage of equity multiplied by the net assets at the end of the year is equal to or greater than CDN$125,000.00.

Qualifying Canadian Business

A Qualifying Canadian Business is one that is operated in Canada by the Entrepreneur, but is not operated primarily for the purpose of gaining investment income (i.e. interest, dividends or capital gains). Further, the Entrepreneur must show that in any year within the three-year period after he/she became a Permanent Resident that:

•  The percentage of equity multiplied by the number of full-time job equivalents is equal to or great than two full-time job equivalents per year;

•  That the percentage of equity multiplied u the total annual sales is equal to or great than CDN$250,000.00;

•  That the percentage of equity multiplied by the net income in the year is equal to or greater than CDN$25,000.00; and

•  The percentage of equity multiplied by the net assets at the end of the year is equal to or greater than CDN$125,000.00.

Investor Category

Investors must show the following to qualify:

•  Successfully operated, directed or controlled a Qualifying Business, and
•  Have an accumulated net worth of at least CDN$800,000.00.
•  Applicant will be required to invest CDN$400,000.00

There is no day-to-day work required to support the investment, and no conditions that are attached to the Permanent Resident (unlike the Entrepreneur category). The full amount is returned to the Investor after five (5) years without interest.

The Federal Investor Program is for those Applicants who plan to reside in a province or territory other than Quebec . Should an Investor wish to reside in Quebec , he/she should apply directly to the Quebec Immigrant Investor Program.

Self Employed Category

Self-employed Applicants are required to either purchase or establish a business in Canada in which they themselves will be employed. Previously owning a business is not a requirement. Most Applicants applying under this category have a career that is either of a cultural or artistic nature such as a farmer, musician, athlete or artist. Their business plan must be such that it provides for themselves and their families and will also benefit Canada 's culture and economy. Thus, the Applicant is required to show all documents relating to the money that they have earned from their previous endeavors as well as the taxes that have been paid.