BUSINESS IMMIGRATION APPLICATION

The Canadian High Commission in London is the office responsible for processing applications from residents of Bahrain, Denmark, Channel Islands, Faroe Islands, Finland, Greenland, Iceland, Ireland, Isle of Man, Kuwait, Norway, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Sweden, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom and Yemen.

THE THREE BUSINESS CLASSES

Canada has three classes of business immigrants; investors, entrepreneurs and self-employed persons. You must choose to apply under only one of these classes, even if you meet the requirements for more than one class. Features of each type are listed below to help you make that decision. Note that you cannot change the class you are applying under once you have submitted your application.

INVESTORS

Investors must have business experience. They must have either:

(a) managed a qualifying business and controlled a percentage of equity of a qualifying business for at least two years in the period beginning five years before the date of application, OR

(b) managed at least five full-time job equivalents per year in a business for at least two years in the period beginning five years before the date of application.

The investor class applicant must have a net worth of at least $800,000. They are required to make an investment of $400,000, paid to the Receiver General of Canada. The full amount of the investment (without interest) is repaid to the investor after five years. The exact date of repayment depends on when the $400,000 is received by Citizenship and Immigration Canada. At the latest, the amount would be returned five years and 3 months after the date of payment. The return of the investment is fully guaranteed by participating provinces and territories.

• Investors are not required to start a business in Canada;

• Investments are fully guaranteed by provinces and territories that participate in the program;

• The provinces and territories control the investment during the five year lock-in period;   AND

Entrepreneurs must have business experience. They must have managed a qualifying business and controlled a percentage of equity of a qualifying business for at least two years in the period beginning five years before the date of application. The entrepreneur class applicant must have a net worth of at least $300,000. Additionally, they must have the intention and the ability to:

• Control a percentage of equity of a qualifying Canadian business equal to or greater than 33 1/3 %

• Provide active and ongoing management of the qualifying Canadian business;   AND

• Create at least one incremental full-time job equivalent for one or more Canadian citizens or permanent residents other than the entrepreneur applicant and their family members.

Entrepreneurs are required to sign a statement that they intend and will be able to meet the conditions or permanent residence. Features of the Entrepreneur Program:

• A minimum net worth requirement of $300,000;

• A requirement that within three years of becoming a permanent resident, the entrepreneur must have controlled and have actively managed a qualifying Canadian business for a period of at least one year, and that the business must have created employment opportunities for others; AND

• All family members are admitted under the same conditions as the principal applicant; the conditions are removed once the entrepreneur satisfies the conditions.

Self-employed immigrants must have relevant experience. Points are awarded for relevant experience within the five-year period immediately preceding the date of application. Features of the Self-employed persons program:

• No immigration conditions are imposed on this class.

• Self-employed immigrants must have the experience, intention and ability to:

• establish a business that will, at a minimum, create an employment opportunity for themselves and that will make a significant contribution to cultural activities or athletics in Canada;   OR

According to the legislation, Business Class applicants are people who may become permanent residents on the basis of their ability to become economically established in Canada. Business Class applicants must:

• earn enough points in the five factors (business experience, education, language ability, age, adaptability) to meet the pass mark,

AND

 APPLICATION FORMS

Application forms to apply for a Permanent Resident Visa as a Business Application are available for viewing or download on the FORMS page.  On the forms page, you will find a checklist and a guide to assist you in preparing the application.

To accompany the application forms, there is a guide that:

    • explains the application process;

    • provides instructions on how to fill out the forms, and

    • provides information about the necessary documents and fees.

THE APPLICATION

Most applicants apply directly to this office, but should you seek the assistance of an immigration consultant it is entirely your responsibility to determine their competence, and you should note that no special consideration is given to such applicants.

When your application is complete and all the documentation is assembled together with the appropriate fee, send them to: