Business Program for Immigration to Canada as an Entrepreneur
For those entrepreneurs looking at immigration to Canada options the Federal Entrepreneur Program may be the most appropriate option.
To successfully apply as an entrepreneur the following must be proven:
- The entrepreneur applicant for a business program must be able to prove they have at least 2 years experience (as an equity shareholder) during the 5 years preceding the application in a qualifying business. This business cannot have been run solely for the purpose of investment income.
- Applicants must be able to show a net worth of CDN $300,000 that has been gained via legal activities.
- Applicants must be able to pass the background and medical requirements.
Application Criteria for the Entrepreneurs Program for Canada
Aside from the financial requirements entrepreneurs will need to demonstrate the following:
- Suitable medical and security clearances
- 2 years business experience
- Either as an equity owner or managing at least 5 staff.
- Be able to support themselves and family on arrival in Canada
| Number of Family Members |
Funds Required |
| 1 |
$11,115 |
| 2 |
$13,837 |
| 3 |
$17,011 |
| 4 |
$20,654 |
| 5 |
$23,425 |
| 6 |
$26,419 |
| 7 or more |
$29,414 |
- Score at least 35 points in the selection grid.
A maximum of 100 points is available.
Education scoring
| Educational level |
Score |
| Did not complete high school |
0 |
| Completed high school |
5 |
| Completed a 1 year diploma, trade certificate or apprenticeship with at least 12 years full-time or full-time equivalent study |
12 |
| Completed a 1 year diploma, trade certificate or apprenticeship t s with at least 13 years full-time or equivalent study |
12 |
| Completed a 1 year university degree at the bachelor’s level and completed at least 13 years of full-time or full-time equivalent study |
15 |
| Completed a 2 year diploma, trade certificate or apprenticeship at the bachelor’s level and completed at least 14 years of full-time or full-time equivalent study |
20 |
| Completed a 2 year university degree at the bachelor’s level and completed at least 14 years of full-time or full-time equivalent study |
20 |
| Completed a 3 year diploma, trade certificate or apprenticeship at the bachelor’s level and completed at least 15 years of full-time or full-time equivalent study |
22 |
| Completed 2 or more university degrees at the bachelor’s level and completed at least 15 years of full-time or full-time equivalent study |
22 |
| Completed a masters or PhD and at least 17 years of full-time or full-time equivalent study |
25 |
Business Experience
Points are only scored for business experience within 5 years of application date
| Years of Business Experience |
Score |
| 2 |
20 |
| 3 |
25 |
| 4 |
30 |
| 5 |
35 |
Age
| Age |
Score |
| 16 and under |
0 |
| 17 |
2 |
| 18 |
4 |
| 19 |
6 |
| 20 |
8 |
| 21 - 49 |
10 |
| 50 |
8 |
| 51 |
6 |
| 52 |
4 |
| 53 |
2 |
| 54 and older |
0 |
Ability in English or French
First language
| (maximum of 4 points per language skill area) |
Listen |
Speak |
Read |
Write |
Total |
| High |
|
|
|
|
|
| Moderate |
|
|
|
|
|
| Basic |
|
|
|
|
|
| None |
|
|
|
|
|
Second Language
| (maximum of 2 points per language skill area) |
Listen |
Speak |
Read |
Write |
Total |
| High |
|
|
|
|
|
| Moderate |
|
|
|
|
|
| Basic |
|
|
|
|
|
| None |
|
|
|
|
|
Adaptability
| Have been on a research trip within the last 5 years |
6 points |
| Have participated in a joint federal provincial immigration initiative |
6 points |
|
Business Permits