Business Permit for Immigration to Canada

Business permits are available to qualifying investors, entrepreneurs or self employed people that meet the required criteria.

The Citizenship and Immigration website states it goal in the issuance of Business permits as attracting "experienced business people to Canada who will support the development of a strong and prosperous Canadian economy".

A business permit can be applied for under one of three categories, but it should be noted that an application cannot be changed when submitted.

Immigrant investor program - whereby the immigrant investor is prepared to invest CDN $400,000, as a passive investment and demonstrate a net worth of CDN $ 800,000.

Entrepreneurs permit - the individual must have a minimum net worth of CDN 300,000 and be prepared to invest into or acquire a Canadian business that will add economically and job wise to the Canadian economy.

Self employed permit - this is restricted to farmers, athletes and artists who have sufficient funds to support themselves with self employed income.