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What is the Business Immigration Program?

The Business Immigration Program seeks to attract experienced business people
to Canada who will support the development of a strong and prosperous Canadian
economy.

Business immigrants are expected to make a $400,000 investment or to own and
manage businesses in Canada.

Canada has three classes of business immigrants, each with separate
eligibility criteria: investors, entrepreneurs
and self-employed persons. Each application can be made for
only one class and once the application is submitted, the class cannot be
changed.

Who Qualifies as a Business Immigrant?

Business immigrants are selected based on their ability to become
economically established in Canada.

Investors

The Immigrant Investor Program (IIP) seeks to attract experienced business
persons and their capital to Canada. Investors must demonstrate business
experience and a legally obtained minimum net worth of CAN $800,000, and must
make an investment of CAN $400,000.

Entrepreneurs

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 demonstrate business experience and a minimum
legally obtained net worth of CAN $300,000, and are subject to conditions upon
arrival in Canada.

Self-employed persons

The Self-Employed Persons Program seeks to attract applicants who have the
intention and ability to become self-employed in Canada. Self-employed persons
are required to have either (a) relevant experience that will enable them to
make a significant contribution to the cultural or athletic life of Canada, or
(b) experience in farm management and the intention and ability to purchase and
manage a farm in Canada.

2006-04-09T22:51:00.000-07:00

CANADA is a land of immigrants. It is a home to various cultures blended
into one dynamic entity.

Immigration has been an essential component of Canada's
economic and social fabric-so much so, that it affects all aspects of
Canadian society and will continue to do so as more and more people from
various backgrounds are making Canada their home.

Canada leads the way once again. The G7 summit gave Canada the highest
marks. With very low inflation and impressive success in cutting budget
deficits, the country has recorded sustained growth recently, which has lead
to joy creation - an optimistic remark made by the Summit of Eight meeting.

In fact, Canada has been voted 'The Best Country in the World'
consecutively for the fourth time, and there is a great deal of contribution
made by the immigrants who arrive in Canada from different countries,
backgrounds, faiths and religions. This wonderful blend of cultures and this
fine combination of human values, tolerance and opportunities make Canada
the obvious choice to millions of people around the world.

Immigrating to Canada as a Skilled Worker

Will You Qualify as a Skilled Worker?

Skilled workers are people who may become permanent residents because they
are able to become economically established in Canada.

To be accepted as a Skilled Worker, applicants must:

meet the minimum work experience requirements;

prove that they have the funds required for settlement; and

earn enough points in the six selection factors to meet the pass mark.

Minimum Work Experience Requirements:

Skilled workers are people who may become permanent residents because they
have the ability to become economically established in Canada.

You must meet the following minimum work experience requirements to allow you
to apply as a skilled worker:

You must have at least one year of full-time work experience. You must
have been paid for this work.

Your work experience must be in the category of Skill Type 0, or
Skill Level A or B on the Canadian National Occupational Classification (NOC).

You must have had this experience within the last 10 years.

National Occupation Classification (NOC)

The NOC is a classification system for jobs in the Canadian economy. It
describes duties, skills, talents and work settings for occupations.

Determine Your NOC Category

Follow these steps to see if your work experience meets the requirements to
apply as a skilled worker.

Proof of Funds:

You must have enough money to support your family for six months after you
arrive in Canada.

Language Skills:

Language skills are an important factor in the selection process. Points are
given for your ability in one or both of Canada’s official languages, English
and French.

two options to document your language abilities;

approved language tests; and

Canadian Language Benchmarks.

International Immigrants Guide

What is the Business Immigration Program?

Who Qualifies as a Business Immigrant?

Will You Qualify as a Skilled Worker?