START-UP

Canada’s Start-up Program targets immigrant entrepreneurs with the skills and potential to build businesses in Canada that:

• are innovative
• can create jobs for Canadians
• can compete on a global scale

To be eligible, you must:

• have a qualifying business
• get a letter of support from a designated organization
• meet the language requirements
• bring enough money to settle

Your business idea or venture must get the support of one or more of the designated organizations listed below:

• Venture capital funds
• Angel investor groups
• Business incubators

Organizations choose which business proposals to review. Each organization has its own intake process for proposals and criteria used to assess them. For example, you may be asked to present your business concept in person or submit a detailed business plan.

If an organization decides to review your business idea, it’ll assess the potential of your proposal and whether or not it’ll succeed. If an organization chooses to support your business idea, it’ll give you a Letter of Support.

You must get at least one of these groups to agree to invest a minimum of $200,000

SELF EMPLOYED

The Self-employed Persons Program allows people to immigrate to Canada permanently as a self-employed person.

If you’re interested in this program, you must:

• have relevant experience in cultural activities or athletics and
• be willing and able to make a significant contribution to the cultural or athletic life of Canada

To immigrate as a self-employed person, you must:

• have relevant experience
• be willing and able to be self-employed in Canada
• meet the program’s selection criteria and
• meet medical, security and other conditions

Relevant experience

• taken part in cultural activities or athletics at a world-class level or
• been a self-employed person in cultural activities or athletics

Selection criteria

• experience
• education
• age
• language abilities
• adaptability