Entrepreneurs Program

The Entrepreneur Program seeks to attract experienced business persons who will own and actively manage businesses in Canada that contribute to the economy and create jobs. Entrepreneurs must:

• show that they have business experience
• have a minimum net worth of C$300,000 that was obtained legally and
• respect the conditions for entrepreneurs after they arrive in Canada.

Entrepreneurs: Who can apply

To be eligible under the Entrepreneur Program, you must meet the following requirements:

• Have at least two years of business experience.
• Have a net worth of at least C$300,000 that was obtained legally.
• Meet the selection criteria for the Entrepreneur Program.
• Meet medical, security and other requirements.

Business experience in respect of an entrepreneur, means a minimum of two years of experience consisting of two one-year periods of experience in the management of a qualifying business and the control of a percentage of equity of the qualifying business during the period beginning five years before the date of application for a permanent resident visa and ending on the day a decision is made on the application.

Full-time job equivalent means 1,950 hours of paid employment.

Minimum net worth means in respect of an entrepreneur, $300,000.

Net assets, in respect of a qualifying business or a qualifying Canadian business, means the assets of the business, minus the liabilities of the business, plus shareholder loans made to the business by the foreign national who is making or has made an application for a Permanent resident visa and their spouse or common-law partner.

Net income, in respect of a qualifying business or a qualifying Canadian business, means the after tax profit or loss of the business plus remuneration by the business to the foreign national who is making or has made an application for a permanent resident visa and their spouse or common-law partner�s income.

Net worth, in respect of an entrepreneur, means the fair market value of all of the assets of the entrepreneur and their spouse or common-law partner minus the fair market value of all of their liabilities.

Medical, security and other requirements

You and your family members must pass a medical examination and security and criminal checks.