BUSINESS IMMIGRATION
"How do I get a work visa?"
We hear this question a lot, and the answer is a little more complicated than you might think. In Canada, you do not generally "get a work visa" and then "get a job." Often, it's the other way around: you secure a visa through a job offer or through your qualifications. Your chances of becoming a permanent resident of Canada also increase exponentially if you can take advantage of the country's various business immigration programs.
Work Permit Programs
The Start-Up Visa and Provincial Nominee Programs are perfect for those who wish to run their own business. The Work Permit option is for those who need or want to work for someone else - but note that even then, your chances increase according to your qualifications and background. The Self-Employed option is for recognized experts in their field who can hit the ground running in Canada. Read about the particulars of each option below and contact us with questions.
Start-Up Visa
The government of Canada opened the Start-Up Visa program in 2014 as a three-year pilot project, but kept it after seeing success. The project is somewhat like the TV show Shark Tank for prospective immigrants: if you have a good and viable business idea, you can be linked to angel investors who will enable you come to Canada and start your business. The two main things the government wants from the entrepreneur's business is that it has the backing of a designated organization, and that the business will create jobs for Canadians.
Program Highlights
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achieve permanent residency in Canada for you and your family members
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open and operate a successful business
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you are not obligated to invest your own funds in the business
Primary Requirements
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a business that is innovative, can create jobs for Canadians, and can compete on a global scale
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attract the interest and financial support of a designated organization
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meet language requirements (CLB 5)
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have enough money to settle in Canada (depends on family size, but currently starts at $12,960 for the individual entrepreneur)
Note: It is possible to secure a temporary work permit to start running the business before achieving permanent residency. However, you must have the backing a designated organization.
Work Permits
We can help secure work permits and visas for a variety of workers, businesses, and entrepreneurs. We can help with:
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temporary workers (Labour Market Impact Assessment)
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business people through the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA)
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intra-corporate transferees
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caregivers and live-in caregivers
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post-grad students who wish to remain in Canada
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International Experience Canada applicants
Primary Requirements
There are a variety of requirements for each of the above streams. Please contact us for help with your specific situation.
Provincial Nominee Programs
Canada's provinces each have their own Provincial Nominee Programs, some that include entrepreneur streams. They use these programs to fulfill a province's economic needs.
In order to decide which program is right for you, contact us for a consultation. We would know fairly quickly which program would do the most for you, including the shortest amount of processing time.
Self-Employed Persons
Applicants who have relevant experience in cultural or athletic activities may be eligible to apply under the Federal Self-Employed program. Successful candidates will essentially have to demonstrate their desire and ability to contribute to cultural or athletic life in Canada, in addition to other selection factors. Examples of qualifying occupations are:
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Authors and writers
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Musicians, singers, and actors
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Translators and journalists
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Interior designers
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Graphic designers
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Athletes and coaches
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Photographers, film producers and directors ​
Note that the government of Canada describes eligible people in this category as being "world-class" in their field. You would have to show that you have been self-employed in your profession, and are recognized as an expert. If you have won awards or been written about in the press, you would be on the right track.
