Business Immigration
Start, invest, or transfer your business to Canada — expert RCIC guidance for entrepreneurs and investors
Business Immigration Pathways
Canada welcomes entrepreneurs, investors, and innovators through several federal and provincial programs.
Start-Up Visa Program
Canada's Start-Up Visa (SUV) program grants permanent residence to entrepreneurs who have a qualifying business idea that is supported by a designated Canadian organization — either a venture capital fund, angel investor group, or business incubator. Unlike traditional investor programs, the SUV does not require a minimum investment from the applicant — instead, it requires securing support from a designated Canadian organization.
- Requires commitment from a designated organization
- Language: CLB 5 in all four abilities
- Sufficient settlement funds required
- Up to 5 co-founders can apply together
Intra-Company Transfer (ICT)
Multinational companies can transfer qualifying employees from a foreign operation to a Canadian affiliate, subsidiary, or parent company under an LMIA-exempt work permit (C12). Eligible positions include executives, senior managers, and employees with specialized knowledge. The ICT pathway is one of the most commonly used routes for business immigration.
- LMIA-exempt under CUSMA/GATS/bilateral agreements
- Qualifying relationship between companies required
- Employee must have 1 year experience at sending company
- Pathway to PR via Express Entry or PNP
Owner-Operator LMIA
Foreign nationals who own or control a Canadian business can obtain a work permit through an LMIA if they can demonstrate genuine job creation and economic benefit to Canada. Unlike standard LMIAs, Owner-Operator applications are assessed differently — the applicant and the employer are the same person, requiring proof of business ownership and genuine operational control.
- Minimum ownership stake required (typically 50%+)
- Business plan and financial projections required
- Demonstrates genuine job creation for Canadians
- Pathway to PR via PNP entrepreneur streams
PNP Entrepreneur Streams
Most Canadian provinces have dedicated entrepreneur and investor streams under their Provincial Nominee Programs. These programs typically require a minimum net worth, minimum business investment in the province, and a commitment to actively manage and operate the business. Successful nominees receive a provincial nomination, then apply for permanent residence from within Canada.
- Available in most provinces (BC, AB, ON, MB, SK, NS, etc.)
- Net worth and investment thresholds vary by province
- Exploratory visit may be required
- Leads directly to Canadian PR nomination
Frequently Asked Questions
It depends on the program. Canada's federal Start-Up Visa Program does not require a minimum investment from the applicant — the investment comes from a designated Canadian organization that supports your venture. Provincial entrepreneur programs, however, typically have minimum net worth requirements (ranging from $300,000 to $1,000,000+ depending on the province) and minimum business investment thresholds. The Owner-Operator LMIA pathway also does not have a prescribed minimum investment, but the business must be viable and demonstrate genuine job creation. Mohamed Aboud can assess your financial profile and recommend the most appropriate business immigration pathway for your situation.
Yes, absolutely. The Start-Up Visa is specifically designed for founders bringing new innovative business concepts to Canada. Provincial entrepreneur programs also generally accept new businesses rather than requiring acquisition of existing Canadian businesses. The key is demonstrating that your business concept is viable, will create jobs for Canadians, and that you have the experience and resources to execute your business plan. A strong, detailed, and realistic business plan is central to any business immigration application, and Mohamed Aboud works with clients to develop and present compelling business plans to immigration decision-makers.
Processing times vary significantly by program. The federal Start-Up Visa currently has processing times of approximately 36 months for permanent residence, though a temporary work permit can often be obtained more quickly while the PR application is in process. Intra-Company Transfer work permits typically process in days to weeks (especially with premium or port-of-entry processing). PNP entrepreneur streams typically take 6–24 months from application to provincial nomination, plus 6–18 months for the subsequent PR application. Owner-Operator LMIA processing typically takes 3–6 months. Mohamed Aboud provides realistic timelines as part of the initial strategy session.
Bring Your Business to Canada
Book a strategy session with Mohamed Aboud | RCIC-IRB to identify the right pathway for your business profile and goals.