BC AND CANADIAN IMMIGRATION OPTIONS FOR BUSINESSMEN
There are a number of British Columbia provincial and Canadian Federal immigration options for businessmen. There is a provincial immigration program called the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (“BC PNP”). There is also a Federal immigration program.

The main Federal immigration option for the businessman is the Entrepreneur category. Under this category the applicant must have a net worth of C$300,000. He must have managed a significant business and controlled a percentage of the shares of the business for 2 out of the last 5 years. He would have to invest $150,000 in a Canadian business. The business would have to employ at least one Canadian full time.

The Federal Government is putting less emphasis on the Federal Business categories of Entrepreneur and Self-Employed. It should be noted it is currently taking 2-3 years after filing the application before the Federal Government will be able to process the Entrepreneur or Self-Employed application.

Within three years of becoming a permanent resident, the entrepreneur must have satisfied the terms and conditions of his immigration. The terms and conditions of the Entrepreneur category are the entrepreneur must have controlled (at least one-third of the business) and have actively managed a business for a period of one year, made the investment promised ($150,000) and hired the Canadians (minimum of 1 ) required. Documents must be filed proving these terms and conditions have been satisfied. Failure to do so would result in loss of status as Canadian Landed Immigrant.

All family members under Federal Business Immigration Programs are admitted on the same conditions as the applicant.

Finally, if the Businessman is a world class athlete, world class artist or a farmer, he may be eligible to immigrate under the Federal Self-Employed Business Immigration Category.


For professional guidance, assistance and assessment please contact us at:

BRIAN EDWARD TADAYOSHI TSUJI
Canadian Immigration and Business Law Office
Member of International Immigration Law Group
info@immigratingtocanada.com    bett@istar.ca

501-134 Abbott Street
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada V6B 2K4
Telephone: (604) 688-2286 :: Fax: (604) 687-2286