The Entrepreneur Program seeks to attract experienced businesspersons that will own and actively manage businesses in Canada that will contribute to the economy and create jobs.
Entrepreneurs must demonstrate business experience and a minimum net worth of 300,000 CAD.
An Entrepreneur's net worth need not have been created by his/her own endeavors but, rather, must have been "legally obtained" (i.e. inheritance, gift, etc.). Assets of an Entrepreneur's spouse/common-law partner/same-sex partner are also included when assessing net worth.
An Entrepreneur can demonstrate business experience is through management and control of a qualifying business of sufficient size. Entrepreneurs will be required to provide documentation proving that, within any two (2) of the last five (5) years, they controlled and managed a Qualifying Business that meets any two (2) of the defined requirements/attributes for full-time (37.5 hours per week or more) employees, sales, net income and equity.
In the ownership option, Investors will be required to provide documentation, proving that, within any two (2) of the last five (5) years, they controlled and managed a Qualifying Business that meets any two (2) of the defined requirements/attributes for full-time (37.5 hours per week or more) employees, sales, net income and equity.
The following chart sets out the minimum requirements for a Qualifying Business at various percentages of ownership..
| ATTRIBUTE % OWNERSHIP OF BUSINESS |
100 % |
50% |
20% |
| FULL-TIME EMPLOYEES |
2 |
4 |
10 |
| SALES (CAD) |
500,000 |
1,000,000 |
2,500,000 |
| NET INCOME (CAD) |
50,000 |
100,000 |
250,000 |
| EQUITY (CAD) |
125,000 |
250,000 |
625,000 |
Assuming that an individual successfully applies for and receives Canadian Permanent Residence as an Entrepreneur, he/she will be required to document that, for a period of at least one (1) year within a period of not more than three (3) years after landing, he/she owned and managed a Qualifying Canadian Business that meets any two (2) of the defined requirements/attributes for full-time (37.5 hours per week or more) employees, sales, net income and equity.
Selection Grid
In addition to the above requirements, Entrepreneurs will be assessed against the following selection grid. Applicants must obtain a minimum of 35 points.
| Factors Assessed |
Maximum Points |
| Education |
25 |
| Business experience |
35 |
| Age |
10 |
| Proficiency in English and/or French |
24 |
| Adaptability |
6 |
| Total |
100 |
For a FREE assessment of your eligibility to immigrate to Canada on the basis of this category, CLICK HERE. |
BUSINESS CLASS
Investor