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So you want to come to Canada to do business? Despite what the Governments, and
immigration promoters will tell you, you’re betting against the odds. 50% of all businesses fail
within the first 3 years...and most of those are started by Canadians!
Differences in language, cultures, ways of doing business, as well as lack of business contacts
make it even more difficult for Entrepreneurs to establish businesses. If you are not committed
to staying here to overcome these difficulties, you should seriously consider Investor
Immigration.
At Lowe & Company, we’ve helped Entrepreneurs from all over the world to immigrate to
Canada. After they arrive, we’ve used our business law background and local business contacts
to help them purchase, invest in, or set up businesses to fulfill their immigration conditions. If
you persevere, you can make it!
An Entrepreneur is an immigrant who is willing and able to invest in, and manage, a business
which will benefit Canada’s economy and employ Canadians. This is a 2 stage application
process.
Firstly, you must apply to immigrate as an Entrepreneur at a Canadian immigration office
outside of Canada; this process can take 1 to 3 years. If you qualify, you and your family
members will be granted Conditional visas for 3 years.
Secondly, after you land in Canada, you must make an investment, manage the business, and
then make a second application to Canada Immigration to remove the terms and conditions of
landing.
You will need to file regular reports with Canada Immigration as to the status of your business
investigations and operations, after you commence business. If you do not do so within the 2
years, you and your family may lose your permanent resident status.
HOW TO QUALIFY
To qualify as an Entrepreneur, you must show that:
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Have “Business Experience”;
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Have a legally earned net worth of $300,000 CDN; and
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Agree in writing that for one year in the first 3 years after you arrive in Canada,
you will:
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Invest in and control at least 33 1/3% of a qualifying Canadian Business;
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provide active and ongoing management of the qualifying Canadian Business, and
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create at least one additional full-time job in that business for Canadian citizens or
permanent residents, other than you and your family.
In addition, Entrepreneurs must obtain an assessment of at least 35 points, in accordance with the
Investor/Entrepreneur Point Grid.Entrepreneurs will also have to report to CIC of their efforts to comply with their conditions.
Family members will have to comply with the conditions as well.
BUSINESS EXPERIENCE
“Business Experience” for Entrepreneurs means the management of a “qualifying business” and
ownership of shares in a qualifying business for at least two years in the past 5 years. A
“qualifying business” must meet 2 of the following criteria, depending on the percentage of shares
that you own:
| Percentage owned |
100% |
50% |
25% |
10% |
| Annual Sales |
$500,000 |
$1,000,000 |
$2,000,000 |
$5,000,000 |
| Net Profit |
$50,000 |
$100,000 |
$200,000 |
$500,000 |
| Net Assets |
$125,000 |
$250,000 |
$500,000 |
$1,250,000 |
| Full time Employees |
2 |
4 |
8 |
20 |
The information on CanadaVisaLaw.com’s Web Site has been prepared so you may learn more about the services we offer.
These materials do not constitute legal advice, and are not intended to provide specific advice about your particular situation.
Because the law constantly changes and is subject to varying interpretations, we urge you to contact us regarding any specific
problem you may have, and we advise you not to take, or refrain from taking, any action based upon materials in this Web
Site without consulting legal counsel.
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