Looking for a way to immigrate to Canada as an Entrepreneur? Start with a Work Permit under the International Mobility Program. This opens several pathways to Permanent Residency after a minimum of one-year in Canada on a work permit.
The Intra-Company Transferee (ICT) Work Visa is one of the fastest ways an entrepreneur can get approved to work and eventually become a Permanent Resident. Processing time takes less than 6 months! This program works best for entrepreneurs who already have an existing business abroad and want to run an affiliate or new business in Canada. This visa allows business owners to relocate to Canada and establish a new business.
Entrepreneurs who would like to pursue the ICT work visa must incorporate their company in Canada. Their existing business also must have been in operation in another country for at least 12 months. If these conditions are fulfilled, a 1-year work permit may be granted to work in Canada. With this program, business owners will get a work permit first and can transition to permanent residency only after 1 year of employment in Canada. Family members can join the main applicant. The spouse may get an open work permit and children may get study permits. Children may attend a public school for free. The applicant and the family members can get access to free health care during the validity of their work permits.
Foreign entrepreneurs applying for this type of visa must meet the following conditions:
- Have an active business in their home country;
- Have an active business in Canada;
- Have a physical office in Canada;
- Have at least 1 Canadian employee
Who is eligible under the ICT Program:
- Business owners who have been working in a foreign company for at least 12 months in the past 3 years;
- Managers who have been working in a foreign company for at least 12 months in the past 3 years;
- Key workers who have been working in a foreign company for at least 12 months in the past 3 years.
Initial Investment for the ICT Program:
No minimum investment amount is required, but the foreign company (or the owner) must show sufficient funds in their bank account to start operations in Canada. We recommend that applicants show at a minimum of around CA$150,000.
After just one year of fulfilling the conditions of the ICT Work Visa, the applicant can apply for PR under the Express Entry system.
