The stated goal of Canada Business Immigration Program is to promote economic development and employment by attracting investors, entrepreneurs and self-employed individuals from outside Canada with venture capital, business acumen and entrepreneurial skills. The Canadian business immigration programs also seek to develop new commercial opportunities and improve access to growing foreign markets by welcoming people who are familiar with those markets and their special requirements and customs. Individuals with business/managerial experience and relatively high net worth may be eligible to apply for a Canada Immigration (permanent resident) Visa under one of the Canadian business immigration programs under one of the following three sub-categories:

Entrepreneur Start-up Visa Program:

The entrepreneur program is designed for applicants who wish to open or control a percentage of a Canadian business. Start-Up Visa Entrepreneurs must secure funding and support from a designated Canadian investment organization. To do so, they must have a plan for a unique business that will be created in Canada.

Entrepreneur applicants must have a net worth of at least CAD $300,000. In addition, they must have previously managed and controlled a percentage of equity of a qualifying business for at least two years within the five years before the date of the business immigration application. Furthermore, once in Canada, entrepreneur immigrants must own and actively manage a business in Canada that will contribute to the Canadian economy and job market.

Features of the Entrepreneur Program There are immigration conditions imposed upon admission into Canada. Within three years of becoming a permanent resident, the entrepreneur must have:

• Controlled and actively managed a qualifying Canadian business for a period of at least one year
• Created employment opportunities through their Canadian business for others
• The conditions are removed once they have been satisfied by the entrepreneur