Any foreigner who wishes to start a business is eligible to do so in Canada provided they meet the set requirements. Thousands of foreigners troop to Canada every year for purposes of starting an investment program.
The Canadian Business Immigration Programs mainly aims to promote investments and create more employment opportunities in the country. This is achieved through migration of persons with ability to create or invest successfully in Canada’s ventures.

Types of Business Visas in Canada

• Entrepreneurs
• Investors
• PNP Business programs
• Corporate immigration
• Self-employed persons

1. Entrepreneur Initiative

Entrepreneurs are invited to apply for this immigration program since it creates job opportunities and contributes to the Canadian economy. Prospective applicants who successfully complete the application process are allowed to obtain a business permit and live in Canada as well.
Qualified applicants are free to start a business in Canada and can as well obtain a permanent residential status.
The table below illustrates the average number of people that have recently been given permanent residential status through federal business immigration programs;

What qualifications are required for an entrepreneur program?

To be eligible for the entrepreneur program, the applicant must meet the following criteria:

• Hire at least one Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
• Within two years of arrival in Canada, develop, acquire, or create a valuable investment in an enterprise.

2. Program for Investors

To immigrate to Canada as an investor, you must apply through the general Start-Up Visa program. To increase your chances of getting the visa, you must demonstrate creativity by developing jobs that will give Canada a competitive edge internationally. Additionally, you must meet other conditions:
Conditions applicable to the Start-Up Visa program

• Possess a valid business license
• Demonstrate a reasonable command of both English and French
• Obtain a letter of support from a recognized institution (receive a commitment of at least $200,000 CDN from a designated Venture Capital Organization or $75,000 from a designated Business Incubator).
• Have enough money to support your stay in Canada

3. Business Programs under the PNP (Provincial Nominee Programs)

Persons from all over the world can apply to move to Canada under a variety of investment categories. There are currently only two federal government investment programs operating, but interested investors can apply through the PNP or explore special options offered by the Quebec. The QIIP (Quebec Immigrant Investor Program) is tailored to experienced management professionals who would want to settle in Canada and intend to settle in Quebec.
Other entrepreneurs can apply through the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) for Entrepreneurs. Provincial governments and territories are free to develop their own programs to meet their specific needs. As a result, they monitor and manage these programs independently of one another.
There are several business investment avenues through PNP programs across Canada:

• British Columbia PNP
• Manitoba PNP
• New Brunswick PNP
• Northwest Territories PNP
• Nova Scotia PNP
• Ontario PNP
• Prince Edward Island PNP
• Quebec PNP
• Saskatchewan PNP

When applying for a PNP, seek professional assistance. On ordinary, the PNP application process appears to be straightforward. As a result, most applicants choose to cocomplete it independently. This should never be the case, however. Where the application process is not carried out effectively, the likelihood of the case being denied is high. Serious repercussions may ensue as a result of issues such as misrepresentation. This could result in a ban on entry to Canada as well as inadmissibility.

4. Self-Employed Individuals Program

This program is for individuals who intend to establish or acquire a business in Canada that will have a positive impact on the economy and cultural life of Canadians.
The main program Requirements for Self-employed Individuals are:

• A minimum of two years of related experience, which must have occurred within the last five years.
• Willingness and capacity to establish a self-employed business in Canada
• Must meet the program's eligibility requirements (not less than 35 points)
• Must adhere to security, medical, and other requirements.

Several factors are taken into account during the selection process, including the following:

• Age
• Experience
• Education
• Adaptability
• Language skills

What are the requirements for the program?

The applicant has to meet the following thresholds in order to join the entrepreneur program;

• Participate actively in the management of the business
• Participate actively in the management of the business
• Develop, buy or create a valuable investment in an enterprise in Canada within 2 years of arriving in Canada.

5. Corporate Immigration

This program is for those who have commenced a business and are aspiring to expand it in Canada. It is particularly developed for small, medium, and large companies that may need to shift some of their employees abroad.
Legal procedures must be followed while transferring employees to Canada. It is advisable to seek professional specialist. The immigration consultant will not only help both you and your employees in your application process. This can greatly help to reduce the chances of refusal.
Business immigration services provided can include:

• Business Visa services
• Document services
• Processing passport
• Processing passport

These business immigration services help in smoothening the application process; such that one can know where to obtain specific information related to his or her application.
These business immigration services help in smoothening the application process; such that one can know where to obtain specific information related to his or her application.

• Investor visa application
• Work permits application
• Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA’s) guidance
• Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP) guidance
• Intra-company Employee transfer application

For those wanting to immigrate to Canada and set up a business, Canada offers a range of alternatives both at the federal territorial, and provincial levels. Immigrants who meet certain requirements are awarded permanent residence in Canada in exchange. The business programs offered by each of the Canadian provinces allow business people in Canada to qualify for Permanent Residency.