Canada is one of the most attractive destinations in the world for entrepreneurs and investors looking to expand their horizons. Its stable economy, multicultural environment, access to international markets, and strong legal framework make it a preferred destination for individuals looking to settle through business immigration programs. The Government of Canada offers several pathways for business-minded individuals to become permanent residents, with the Start-Up Visa Program standing out as a leading option.
In this blog, we’ll explore the core opportunities and requirements for entrepreneurs under business immigration law, with a special focus on the Start-Up Visa program. We’ll also highlight how business immigration consultants like Argus Immigration Consultancy can simplify the process for you.
Why Canada Is Ideal for Business Immigration
Before diving into the legal requirements, it’s important to understand why Canada is considered a top destination for business immigration:
- Economic Stability: Canada is widely recognized for having one of the world’s most stable and resilient economies.
- Supportive Ecosystem: The country offers funding opportunities, incubators, and accelerators for start-ups and growing businesses.
- Quality of Life: With excellent healthcare, education, and infrastructure, entrepreneurs can not only grow their businesses but also enjoy a high quality of life.
- Access to International Markets: Through trade agreements like USMCA, CPTPP, and CETA, Canadian businesses gain access to global markets.
Business Immigration Law in Canada
Business immigration law in Canada governs the pathways through which foreign nationals can gain entry and eventually permanent residency by establishing or investing in businesses within the country. These laws ensure that only genuine entrepreneurs and investors, who can contribute positively to the Canadian economy, are granted immigration benefits.
The federal and provincial governments each operate distinct programs tailored to different types of business immigrants—ranging from start-up founders to experienced investors and self-employed individuals. The legal process involves not only business planning and documentation but also immigration compliance, financial assessment, and, often, interviews with Canadian immigration officers.
The Start-Up Visa Program: A Gateway for Entrepreneurs
What Is It?
Canada’s Start-Up Visa Program (SUV) is designed for innovative entrepreneurs who have the skills and potential to build businesses in Canada that:
- Are innovative,
- Can create jobs for Canadians,
- Can compete on a global scale.
Eligibility Requirements:
Under business immigration law, the Start-Up Visa program requires applicants to meet five key criteria:
- Qualifying Business
At the time of applying, each applicant must hold at least 10% of the voting rights in the business. Together with the designated organization, they must control more than 50% of the voting rights.
- Letter of Support: From a Designated Organization
You must secure a commitment from one of the designated Canadian venture capital funds, angel investor groups, or business incubators. This shows that your business idea is credible and has potential.
- Language Proficiency
You must prove proficiency in English or French through an approved language test (CLB 5 minimum in speaking, reading, writing, and listening).
- Settlement Funds
You must show that you have enough funds to support yourself and your family after you arrive in Canada. The amount varies depending on your family size.
- Admissibility
Like all immigration programs, you must be admissible to Canada. Criminal background checks and medical examinations are mandatory.
Other Business Immigration Pathways in Canada
While the Start-Up Visa Program is widely recognized, there are other streams under business immigration law that cater to various investor profiles and business goals:
- Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) – Entrepreneur Streams
Several provinces offer entrepreneur immigration programs through their Provincial Nominee Programs. These include:
- Ontario Entrepreneur Stream
- British Columbia Entrepreneur Immigration
- Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP)
- Manitoba Business Investor Stream
Each stream has its own investment threshold, business experience requirements, and minimum net worth criteria. Successful applicants typically receive a work permit initially and, upon fulfilling business commitments, can apply for permanent residency.
Self-Employed Persons Program
This federal initiative is well-suited for individuals with experience in cultural, athletic, or agricultural fields who aim to settle in Canada as self-employed professionals. While not traditional entrepreneurs, they are evaluated based on experience, intent, and contribution to Canadian society.
Benefits of Canada’s Business Immigration Services
Canada’s business immigration services are structured to help investors and entrepreneurs:
- Gain permanent residency quickly,
- Bring their families to Canada,
- Build global businesses in a favorable legal and economic environment,
- Access support systems like funding, mentorship, and workforce.
However, navigating business immigration law is complex. It involves detailed documentation, legal compliance, interviews, and a deep understanding of what Canadian immigration officers are looking for in successful applications.
This is where business immigration consultants become invaluable.
The Role of Business Immigration Consultants
At Argus Immigration Consultancy, our business immigration consultants are licensed professionals authorized by the Immigration Consultants of Canada Regulatory Council (ICCRC). We assist clients with:
- Evaluating the best business immigration program for their needs,
- Crafting detailed business plans for SUV or provincial streams,
- Securing letters of support from designated organizations,
- Preparing documentation for admissibility and compliance,
- Post-landing assistance such as setting up business operations and finding housing.
When you search for an experienced immigration consultant near me, you’re not just looking for convenience—you’re also increasing your chances of success, especially when dealing with business plans, financial statements, and government interviews.
Challenges in Business Immigration and Solutions to Overcome Them
Lack of Business Experience or Documentation
Solution: We help clients structure their experience and credentials to meet program requirements.
Securing Designated Support
Solution: We have connections with incubators and can help refine pitches for venture capital funds.
Complex Financial Requirements
Solution: Our consultants ensure that clients meet settlement fund and investment thresholds with proper documentation.
Language Barriers
Solution: We guide clients through language test preparation and ensure all communication meets IRCC expectations.
Post-Landing Support for Entrepreneurs
Business immigration doesn’t end with visa approval. That’s why Argus Immigration offers post-landing assistance, helping clients:
- Register their businesses in Canada,
- Find commercial property or co-working spaces,
- Connect with local business networks and investors,
- Assist in hiring talent and meeting local regulations.
Our comprehensive approach ensures not just immigration success but long-term business success in Canada.
Processing Time & Fees
Start-Up Visa (SUV) Program
- Processing Time: The average processing time is approximately 31–37 months for complete applications, due to the program’s complexity, backlog, and thorough vetting of business proposals. Delays may occur if additional documents or interviews are required.
- Application Fees (per applicant):
- Main Applicant: $1,625 (includes $1,440 processing fee + $85 biometrics).
- Spouse or Common-Law Partner: $1,050 (includes $965 processing fee + $85 biometrics).
- Dependent Child: $230 (no biometrics required for children under 14).
- Right of Permanent Residence Fee: $515 per adult (main applicant and spouse/common-law partner), payable upon approval, before permanent residency is granted.
- Note: Fees vary based on family size. Applicants must also demonstrate sufficient settlement funds (e.g., $13,757 for a single applicant, $27,296 for a family of 4, as per 2025 IRCC guidelines).
Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) – Entrepreneur Streams
- Processing Time: Processing times vary by province and stream, typically ranging from 12 to 24 months:
- British Columbia (BC PNP Entrepreneur Immigration): 12–15 months for base stream; 6–8 months for Regional Pilot (if applicable).
- Ontario (OINP Entrepreneur Stream): 18–24 months, including business establishment phase.
- Alberta (AAIP Entrepreneur Stream): 15–20 months.
- Manitoba (MPNP Business Investor Stream): 12–18 months.
- Note: These times reflect nomination processing; additional IRCC processing for permanent residency may add 6–12 months.
- Application Fees: Fees vary by province and are non-refundable:
- British Columbia: $3,500 (main applicant) + $85 biometrics.
- Ontario: $3,500 (main applicant) + $85 biometrics.
- Alberta: $3,500 (main applicant) + $85 biometrics.
- Manitoba: $2,500 (main applicant) + $85 biometrics.
- Spouse/Dependent Fees: Typically $500–$1,050 for spouses and $150–$230 per dependent child, plus biometrics ($85 per adult).
- Right of Permanent Residence Fee: $515 per adult, payable to IRCC upon PR approval.
- Note: Some provinces require performance agreements or minimum investments (e.g., $200,000 in Ontario), which are separate from application fees.
Self-Employed Persons Program
- Processing Time: The average processing time is approximately 24–36 months, as this program is lower priority compared to economic streams like SUV or PNP. Delays may occur due to limited annual quotas.
- Application Fees (per applicant):
- Main Applicant: $1,625 (includes $1,440 processing fee + $85 biometrics).
- Spouse or Common-Law Partner: $1,050 (includes $965 processing fee + $85 biometrics).
- Dependent Child: $230 (no biometrics for children under 14).
- Right of Permanent Residence Fee: $515 per adult, payable upon approval.
- Note: Applicants must demonstrate self-employed experience in cultural, athletic, or agricultural fields and meet a points-based assessment.
Key Notes
- Fee Accuracy: All fees are sourced from IRCC’s 2025 fee schedule (www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship) and provincial websites. Biometrics ($85 per person, $170 max per family) are mandatory for applicants aged 14–79.
- Processing Time Variability: Times are estimates based on IRCC and provincial data. Delays may occur due to incomplete applications, security checks, or high application volumes.
- Additional Costs: Applicants should budget for third-party costs, such as language tests (e.g., IELTS: ~$300), medical exams (~$300–$500), and legal/consultant fees.
- Settlement Funds: SUV and PNP applicants must prove sufficient funds to support themselves and their families (e.g., $13,757 single, $35,224 for a family of 5 for SUV, per IRCC 2025).
- Start-Up Visa: Updates processing time from 12–16 months to 31–37 months and fees from $1,540 to $1,625 (with biometrics).
- PNP: Specifies provincial fees (e.g., $3,500 for BC, Ontario) instead of a vague $1,500–$2,000 range and clarifies 12–24-month processing.
- Self-Employed: Updates processing time from 12–18 months to 24–36 months and fees to $1,625.
Comparison Table: Start-Up Visa vs. PNP Entrepreneur Stream vs. Self-Employed Program
| Program | Eligibility | Processing Time | Investment Required | Other Requirements |
| Start-Up Visa Program | Innovative entrepreneurs with a business idea | 12–16 months | Varies (funded by designated organizations) | Letter of Support, Language Proficiency |
| PNP Entrepreneur Stream | Experienced entrepreneurs with investment capabilities | 12–18 months | Varies by province (typically $200,000–$400,000) | Business Experience, Investment Commitments |
| Self-Employed Program | Individuals in cultural, athletic, or agricultural fields | 12–18 months | None | Experience, Contribution to Canadian Society |
Final Thoughts
Canada continues to welcome innovative minds and global investors through its various business immigration pathways. Whether you’re a tech start-up founder, an established business owner, or an investor, Canada offers opportunities backed by strong business immigration law and support systems.
But the process is complex, competitive, and often overwhelming without expert help.
At Argus Immigration Consultancy, we specialize in providing strategic and personalized business immigration services. Our licensed professionals are here to guide you every step of the way—from initial assessment to business setup in Canada.
Looking to start your journey? Your Canadian dream starts here. Shocking but true: Even high-net-worth entrepreneurs are rejected—because they underestimate this one IELTS detail.
