Canada Business Visas

Eligibility Requirements for Start-Up Visa Program

To qualify for the Start-Up visa Program, you must meet the following eligibility requirements.

1. Have a qualifying business: For your business to qualify for this visa program,

• You must hold above 10% of the total voting rights attached to all the company shares.
• You and the designated entity must jointly own over 50% of the total voting rights attached to all the company’s shares.

2. Receive a commitment from a designated entity such as an angel investor, venture capital fund, or business incubator. The minimum investment amount for angel investor(s) is $75,000, while that of venture capital fund(s) is $200,000.
3. Language proficiency: You must prove that you meet the language requirements by taking a French or English test at an approved agency. Your score must meet the level 5 minimum requirement in listening, speaking, reading, and writing.
4. Sufficient settlement funds: you must provide proof that you can financially support yourself and your dependents when you arrive in Canada. The amounts depend on the number of dependents you’re coming with.

Overview

The Federal Self-Employed Persons Program is a direct route to becoming a permanent resident in Canada. The program is designed for business immigrants with relevant experience in athletics or cultural activities.

However, you must show that you’ll be self-employed in Canada and that your work will make a significant economic contribution to Canada.

Eligibility Criteria for Self-Employed Persons Program

You must meet the following eligibility requirements to qualify for this program.

1. You must have two years minimum relevant experience in athletics or cultural activities at a world-class level.
2. Your experience must be within the last five years before you apply for this program.
3. You must prove that you can fund your stay in Canada.
4. You must prove that you’ll significantly contribute to Canada’s economy in athletics or cultural activities.

You must score at least 35 points (out of 100) on the points-based selection grid to prove that you’ll contribute significantly to athletics and cultural activities. The points are obtained by meeting the following criteria.

• Experience – 35 points maximum
• Education – 25 points maximum
• Language Proficiency – 24 points maximum
• Age – 10 points maximum
• Adaptability – 6 points

You’ll also undergo security and criminal checks and medical examinations.

How to Apply

Applications for the Self-Employed Persons Program are made online. The process includes:

1. Create an account on the IRCC permanent residence online application portal
2. Fill out the following digital application forms

• Generic Application Form for Canada (IMM 0008)
• Schedule A – Background/Declaration (IMM 5669)
• Supplementary Information – Your travels (IMM 5562)
• Additional Family Information (IMM 5406)

3. Complete and sign the pdf forms that apply to you.
4. Upload signed forms and relevant supporting documents to the application portal.
5. Pay the application fees, including the biometric fee and Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF).
6. Submit your application.

Within a few weeks of your application, you will receive a letter scheduling an appointment at a VAC, where you’ll provide your biometric information. Processing time for the Self-Employed Visa program can take up to 22 months.

Overview

Business visitors are foreign nationals who visit Canada for short-term (less than six months) international business purposes. The application process for a Canadian Business Visa is the same as that for a regular visitor visa or a temporary resident visa.

Two specific programs grant entry into Canada without a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) or work permit. They are:

• CETA Business Visitors
• CUSMA Business Visitors

However, depending on your circumstances, you may still need an electronic travel authorisation (eTA). You should check if you need one before travelling.

Canada Business Visa Requirements

To be eligible for a business visitor visa, you must provide evidence that:

• You intend to stay in Canada for less than six months.
• Your business and source of income are outside of Canada.
• You do not want to join the Canadian labour market.
• You’re participating in international business activities.
• You’re a citizen of a participating country if you’re applying via a trade agreement.
• You have no criminal or immigration-related convictions.

How to Apply

A Canada business visitor visa application cannot be made in advance; you must apply at a Canadian Port of Entry (POE). To qualify, you’ll have to provide certain documents to the border services officer. Some of these documents include:

• Passport (should be the same as the one you used in applying for your eTA).
• A valid travel document that guarantees re-entry to your home country.
• Letter of invitation from your host Canadian company.
• Other relevant documents such as contracts, warranty or sales agreements, etc.
• Contact details of your Canadian business host.
• Proof of sufficient funds to cover your stay in Canada and your return trip.
• Proof that you’re coming to participate in an international business activity.
• Evidence that you intend to stay in Canada for less than six months.
• Evidence that your main business and income source is outside Canada.
• Proof that you do not pose a health or security risk to Canadians.