The Immigrant Entrepreneur Program seeks to attract experienced business persons, who will own (and actively manage) a business in Canada in order to contribute to the Canadian economy and create new job opportunities for Canadians and/or permanent residents of Canada.

Unlike the Investor category, you will not be required to make an investment. However, once in Canada as a permanent resident, you will be required to comply with the conditions of the Entrepreneur program in order to keep your permanent residency status.

Note: If you intend to settle in the province of Quebec, you must first be selected by the province of Quebec under the Canada-Quebec Accord. Immigration Quebec has its own selection criteria and regulations for the business class. Once you are selected, you will receive a Certificate of Selection of Quebec – the official immigration document issued by the Government of Quebec.

To qualify as an Entrepreneur under the Federal Entrepreneur category, you must:

• For at least two (2) one-year periods – within the five-year period preceding your application - have managed (and controlled) a percentage of the equity of a qualifying business;
• Have a NET worth equal to or greater than CAD $300,000 (legally obtained and transferable);
• Intend (and be able) to actively manage a Canadian business and control a percentage of the equity of this business, and;
• Intend to create at least one (1) full-time job for a Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Canada, other than yourself (or your family members) for a period of at least one (1) year within three (3) years of arriving in Canada.

To determine your eligibility to apply for a permanent resident visa under the Federal Entrepreneur category, you will be assessed based on five (5) selection factors:

The Federal Business Class selection factors are:

• Education
• Business experience (within the past five years)
• Age
• Language proficiency (in English or French)
• Adaptability (you have made a business exploration trip to Canada or have participated in joint federal–provincial business immigration initiatives).

As a business Class applicant, you must also show to the Canadian Authorities that you have enough money to support yourself (and your dependants) after your arrival in Canada.

To be issued a permanent resident visa under this category, you must:

• Obtain at least 35 points on the Business Class Selection grid;
• Successfully pass a selection interview with an immigration officer (or be exempted thereof);
• Sign a statement that you intend to meet the conditions of the Entrepreneur program after becoming a permanent resident, and;
• Pass a medical examination and security/criminal background checks.

Once you become a permanent resident of Canada, you will have three (3) years to prove to Immigration Authorities that you have complied with the conditions of the Entrepreneur program. If you do not comply with the conditions of this program, your permanent residency visa (including those of your family members) could be revoked.

If you are an individual who is seeking to immigrate to Canada and you require legal assistance with regard to your application, Attorney Melanie M. Pelletier invites you to complete a FREE ASSESSMENT*.

Once Attorney Pelletier has determined that you have a favorable chance to attain permanent residency status in Canada, you will receive an agreement for professional services, by e-mail or fax.

If you are seeking professional advice and/or assistance with regard to the application process or the review of your application forms (before official submission to Immigration Canada), please e-mail Attorney Melanie M. Pelletier at: info@immcanattorney.com

* Any information provided will be kept in strict confidence.