One of the most common questions we hear at Imperial Immigration, a leading Canadian immigration consultant in Edmonton, is: “Can I just invest money and get Canadian permanent residency?”
The short answer: No.
Unlike some countries that offer “golden visas,” Canada has no direct citizenship- or PR-by-investment program. Instead, business immigration falls into two categories:
- Business PR Programs—for entrepreneurs seeking permanent residency (PR) from the start.
- Business Work Permits – temporary permits to establish a business, which may later lead to PR through federal or provincial programs.
In both cases, passive investment is not enough—you must actively operate a business and meet strict program requirements.
Business PR Programs: Direct PR Options
Business PR programs allow applicants to pursue permanent residency without first holding a work permit (though many streams include a business setup stage).
Start-Up Visa (SUV) Program
Designed for innovative entrepreneurs who can create jobs and compete globally.
- Requires: a qualifying business, a letter of support from a designated organization, meeting language requirements, and proof of settlement funds.
- The business must be innovative, job-creating, and globally competitive.
- Not available for Quebec applicants.
Self-Employed Persons Program
Targets cultural, artistic, or athletic professionals with self-employment experience.
- Examples: artists, musicians, coaches, or writers.
- Currently paused until January 2027.
Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) Entrepreneur Streams
Most provinces require applicants to first obtain a work permit, operate the business, and meet compliance obligations before PR nomination.
- Direct nomination is rare—Alberta’s Graduate Entrepreneur Stream is one exception, limited to local graduates on valid PGWPs.
Business Work Permits: Indirect PR Pathways
Work permits let you operate a Canadian business first. After 12–24 months, successful entrepreneurs can apply for PR via provincial or federal programs.
C11 Entrepreneur Work Permit
- LMIA-exempt permit under the International Mobility Program.
- Best for solo entrepreneurs or seasonal/self-employed professionals.
- Requires majority ownership and proof of “significant benefit” to Canada.
- Can lead to PR after successful business operation.
C10 Significant Benefit Work Permit
- For unique cases where applicants provide measurable cultural, social, or economic benefits.
- Approval depends on solving real Canadian needs, not just investment size.
- Example: an automotive repair shop in remote Yukon succeeded; a generic Toronto e-commerce platform did not.
LMIA Pathway for Business Owners
- Requires completing a Labour Market Impact Assessment to “hire yourself.”
- Applicants must show ownership, active involvement, financial viability, and specialized expertise.
- Success depends on proving no Canadians are available for the role.
Intra-Company Transfer (ICT)
- Allows established multinational companies to transfer executives, managers, or specialized staff to Canadian branches.
- Applicants must have worked at the overseas company for at least 12 months in the past 3 years.
- Only strong, financially stable companies with international operations qualify.
Choosing the Right Path
Business PR Programs are best if:
- PR is your top priority.
- You have an innovative business idea.
- You’re ready for stricter upfront requirements.
Business Work Permits are better if:
- You want to test the Canadian market first.
- You prefer flexibility and gradual transition.
- You want to build Canadian business experience before applying for PR.
Key Takeaway
Canada does not offer a golden visa. Every pathway requires:
- Active business operation
- Job creation or measurable economic/cultural impact
- Meeting program-specific eligibility criteria
For most entrepreneurs, the process looks like this:
Work Permit → Business Operation (12–24 months) → PNP Nomination or Federal Program → PR Application → Permanent Residency (2–4 years total).
Success in Canadian business immigration isn’t about writing a cheque—it’s about building a business that Canada truly needs.
If you’re exploring these options, working with a top immigration consultant in Edmonton like Imperial Immigration can make the process smoother. With expertise in both business PR programs and work permit pathways, our team helps entrepreneurs navigate requirements and maximize their chances of success.
