Business Immigration to Canada: Start-Up Visa & Entrepreneur Programs

Updated January 10, 202610 min read

Canada welcomes entrepreneurs and business people who can contribute to the economy. Several programs exist for business owners, investors, and self-employed individuals.

Start-Up Visa Program

The Start-Up Visa (SUV) program targets innovative entrepreneurs.

Requirements:

•A qualifying business idea

•A letter of support from a designated organization:

- Venture capital fund (minimum $200,000 investment)

- Angel investor group (minimum $75,000 investment)

- Business incubator (acceptance into their program)

•Language ability: CLB 5 in English or French

•Enough money to settle in Canada (proof of funds)

Benefits:

•Permanent residence for you and your family

•Can apply with up to 5 co-founders

•Work permit available while PR application is processed

Processing time: 12–16 months (as of 2026)

Self-Employed Persons Program

For individuals with relevant experience in cultural activities, athletics, or farm management.

Requirements:

•At least 2 years of relevant experience in the 5 years before applying

- Cultural activities: musicians, artists, performers

- Athletics: athletes, coaches

- Farm management (limited)

•Ability and intent to be self-employed in Canada

•Meet selection criteria (experience, education, age, language, adaptability)

Processing time: 22–36 months

Owner-Operator LMIA

While not an official immigration program, the owner-operator LMIA pathway is used by business people who want to:

1.Purchase or start a business in Canada

2.Obtain an LMIA to hire themselves as the operator

3.Get a work permit based on the LMIA

4.Eventually apply for PR through Express Entry or PNP with the work experience gained

Considerations:

•The business must be genuine and operational

•You must pay yourself at least the prevailing wage

•The business must have a positive economic impact

•Provinces may have specific requirements

This pathway requires careful planning and is best done with an experienced consultant.

Provincial Entrepreneur Streams

Many provinces offer entrepreneur immigration streams:

Ontario: Entrepreneur Stream — Requires a minimum investment of $600,000 (GTA) or $200,000 (outside GTA) and creation of at least 2 full-time jobs.

British Columbia: Entrepreneur Immigration — Base stream requires $200,000+ investment and creation of 1+ jobs. Regional Pilot has lower requirements.

Saskatchewan: Entrepreneur Category — Minimum $300,000 investment in Regina/Saskatoon or $200,000 elsewhere.

Manitoba: Business Investor Stream — Requires a net worth of $500,000 and $250,000 investment.

Atlantic provinces: AIP has no specific entrepreneur stream but the Start-Up Visa is available nationally.

Requirements vary significantly by province. Research thoroughly or consult with an RCIC who specializes in business immigration.

Find a Business Immigration Expert

Navigate start-up visa and business pathways

Find a Consultant Take Free AI Assessment

Need Help?

Business immigration programs have complex requirements and significant financial commitments. A consultant specializing in business immigration is essential.

Find a Consultant

More Guides

Express Entry

Complete guide to Canada's Express Entry system. Learn about CRS scores, eligibility, draws, processing times, and how to improve your ranking in 2026.

Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP)

Guide to all Canadian Provincial Nominee Programs. Learn about Ontario PNP, BC PNP, Alberta PNP, and more — eligibility, streams, and processing times.

Family Sponsorship in Canada

Complete guide to sponsoring your spouse, parents, grandparents, or children for Canadian permanent residence. Eligibility, costs, and processing times.

Studying in Canada

Complete guide to study permits in Canada. DLIs, post-graduation work permits, working while studying, and pathways from student to permanent resident.

Business Immigration to Canada: Start-Up Visa & Entrepreneur Programs

Updated January 10, 202610 min read

Canada welcomes entrepreneurs and business people who can contribute to the economy. Several programs exist for business owners, investors, and self-employed individuals.

Start-Up Visa Program

The Start-Up Visa (SUV) program targets innovative entrepreneurs.

Requirements:

•A qualifying business idea

•A letter of support from a designated organization:

- Venture capital fund (minimum $200,000 investment)

- Angel investor group (minimum $75,000 investment)

- Business incubator (acceptance into their program)

•Language ability: CLB 5 in English or French

•Enough money to settle in Canada (proof of funds)

Benefits:

•Permanent residence for you and your family

•Can apply with up to 5 co-founders

•Work permit available while PR application is processed

Processing time: 12–16 months (as of 2026)

Self-Employed Persons Program

For individuals with relevant experience in cultural activities, athletics, or farm management.

Requirements:

•At least 2 years of relevant experience in the 5 years before applying

- Cultural activities: musicians, artists, performers

- Athletics: athletes, coaches

- Farm management (limited)

•Ability and intent to be self-employed in Canada

•Meet selection criteria (experience, education, age, language, adaptability)

Processing time: 22–36 months

Owner-Operator LMIA

While not an official immigration program, the owner-operator LMIA pathway is used by business people who want to:

1.Purchase or start a business in Canada

2.Obtain an LMIA to hire themselves as the operator

3.Get a work permit based on the LMIA

4.Eventually apply for PR through Express Entry or PNP with the work experience gained

Considerations:

•The business must be genuine and operational

•You must pay yourself at least the prevailing wage

•The business must have a positive economic impact

•Provinces may have specific requirements

This pathway requires careful planning and is best done with an experienced consultant.

Provincial Entrepreneur Streams

Many provinces offer entrepreneur immigration streams:

Ontario: Entrepreneur Stream — Requires a minimum investment of $600,000 (GTA) or $200,000 (outside GTA) and creation of at least 2 full-time jobs.

British Columbia: Entrepreneur Immigration — Base stream requires $200,000+ investment and creation of 1+ jobs. Regional Pilot has lower requirements.

Saskatchewan: Entrepreneur Category — Minimum $300,000 investment in Regina/Saskatoon or $200,000 elsewhere.

Manitoba: Business Investor Stream — Requires a net worth of $500,000 and $250,000 investment.

Atlantic provinces: AIP has no specific entrepreneur stream but the Start-Up Visa is available nationally.

Requirements vary significantly by province. Research thoroughly or consult with an RCIC who specializes in business immigration.

Find a Business Immigration Expert

Navigate start-up visa and business pathways

Find a Consultant Take Free AI Assessment

Need Help?

Business immigration programs have complex requirements and significant financial commitments. A consultant specializing in business immigration is essential.

Find a Consultant

More Guides

Express Entry

Complete guide to Canada's Express Entry system. Learn about CRS scores, eligibility, draws, processing times, and how to improve your ranking in 2026.

Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP)

Guide to all Canadian Provincial Nominee Programs. Learn about Ontario PNP, BC PNP, Alberta PNP, and more — eligibility, streams, and processing times.

Family Sponsorship in Canada

Complete guide to sponsoring your spouse, parents, grandparents, or children for Canadian permanent residence. Eligibility, costs, and processing times.

Studying in Canada

Complete guide to study permits in Canada. DLIs, post-graduation work permits, working while studying, and pathways from student to permanent resident.