ENTREPRENEUR PROGRAM

This program is for those who will own and manage businesses in Canada.  Entrepreneurs must demonstrate business experience and a minimum net worth of $300,000 CAN. Entrepreneurs will be required to provide documentation proving that within two of the past five years they controlled and managed a Qualifying business.

A qualifying business means any two of the following are met:  number of full-time employees, sales, net income and equity.  For example if the Entrepreneur has 100% ownership of the business, the business must have at least two of the following – minimum of two full-time employees, sales of $500,000 CAN, a net income of $50,000 and an equity of $125,000.  The values change if the Entrepreneur has a less percentage ownership.

After being granted permanent residence status, the Entrepreneur must document that for a period of at least one year in a period of no more than three years after obtaining residence, he/she owned and managed a Qualifying Canadian business that meets any of the two criteria of sales, net income, number of full-time employees and equity.  A minimum of one third ownership is required.

Quebec Nominee Program

Applicant must have assets of at least $300,000 and at least two years experience in running a business during the five years preceding the date the application was submitted. The business must have a capital equity of $100,000 CAN.  After obtaining residence the Applicant must employ a Quebec resident for one year within the three years of obtaining residence.

Alberta Nominee Program

The Alberta program has three categories:  Entrepreneur, Self-Employment and Investor.

For the Entrepreneur program you must have a net worth of at least $300,000 CAN, and business experience.  The entrepreneur must employment one Canadian citizen or permanent resident for one year within the three years after obtaining residence.

For the Investor program the Applicant must have a minimum net worth of $800,000 CAN and make a minimum investment of $400,000 CAN.  The Applicant must also have successfully operated, controlled or directed a business.

For the Self Employed program you must have relevant experience in cultural activities, athletics or farm management.

New Brunswick Program

 The Applicant must have a guaranteed job offer in his/her intended occupation or a business plan that will create employment for the applicant.  The job offer and the business plan must be approved by provincial authorities.  One exploratory visit to New Brunswick must be made by the Applicant.

Manitoba Program

The Manitoba program has two categories: Skilled Worker program and the Business program.

For the Skilled Worker program, the Applicant must be in a profession on the Manitoba Occupations List and have settlement supports in Manitoba such as a job offer or close relative.

For the Business program, the Applicant must have a minimum net worth of $250,000 CAN, a minimum amount of equity investment of $150,000 CAN, demonstrated business experience or senior management experience and conduct an exploratory visit to the province.  A cash deposit of $75,000 must be made to the province.

Prince Edward Island Program

PEI program has two categories:  Skilled Worker program and Entrepreneur program.

For the Entrepreneur program the Applicant must have a minimum net worth of $400,000 CAN and a willingness to invest a minimum of $200,000 CAN to establish a new enterprise.  There must be $100,000 CAN business investment deposit made to the province which will be returned after one year’s residency.  A good faith deposit of $25,000 CAN is also required which will be returned after one year’s residence.  If the Applicant’s English and/or French are deficient, a $20,000 CAN deposit will be required and only returned when the Applicant demonstrates moderate language skills.

For the Skilled Worker’s program the Applicant must be in profession on the Skilled Labour Shortages list and a job offer from a local employer.

Nova Scotia Program

Nova Scotia has three categories:  Skilled Worker, Family Business Worker and Economic. For the Skilled Worker category the Applicant will require a job offer from a Nova Scotia employer.  The employer must have made a genuine effort to recruit Canadian citizens or permanent residents.

The Economic category is currently being redesigned and no applications are being accepted.

For the Family Business category is a job offer to a close family member from a relative with an established business.  The position is one that can not be filled by a Canadian citizen or permanent resident and the relative has the required qualifications