Canada has emerged as one of the top countries for business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs.
As per the new Immigration Levels Plan 2024-26, Canada is targeting 5,000 immigrants through business programs in 2024. This number will eventually surge to 6,000 in 2025 and 2026.
If you wish to become a permanent resident or citizen of the country, a Canada Business Visa is the ideal immigration pathway for you. You can apply as a business owner, investor, or entrepreneur. However, to get citizenship, you first have to get PR status and be physically present in Canada for three years.
Want to know more about the Canada business visa process? Keep reading.
How to apply for a Canada Business Visa?
Step 1 – Check if you are eligible to apply
Before anything, you must check if you are eligible to apply for a business visa for Canada or not. Meet the business as well as eligibility for Canada PR set by the Canadian immigration authorities:
Your stay should be six months max.
You should not enter the Canadian labour market.
Your main business location and income source must be outside Canada.
The documents you provide should validate your application.
You must have a significant net worth.
Have experience in running a business.
You must have the will to invest in an active business in Canada.
Step 2 – Pick the right business immigration program
See, there are so many business immigration programs offered by the Canadian government. So, you must see which one suits your business needs and apply. For instance, there is the Start-Up Visa Program, the Entrepreneur Program, and the Self-employed Program. Remember that each program has unique requirements that you must fulfil and then, apply.
Step 3 – Make a solid business plan
It is an extremely important requirement to apply for a Canadian business visa that you must come up with a business plan. This plan should outline your investment in the country. It should include details about the nature of your business, the amount you are planning to invest, and the expected return on the investment made. In addition, also describe your business experience and qualifications.
Step 4 – Fill out the application form
Once you are done with the business plan, go ahead and complete the business visa application forms. Simply download the form from the official Canadian government website. Add personal and business information like your name, residential address, and financial details.
Step 5 – Pay the application fee
The application fee will depend on the business immigration program you choose. For programs - Quebec business immigration, Self-employed people, and Start-up visa, the fees are as follows:
Application fee - $2,140 (The processing fee is $1625 and the right of permanent residence fee is $515)
Application fee - $1,625 (without right of permanent residence fee)
Application including your spouse or partner - $1,365 (The processing fee is $850 and the right of permanent residence fee is $515)
Application including your spouse or partner (without the right of permanent residence fee) - $850
Application including a dependent child - $230 (per child)
Step 6 – Submit your business visa application
Once you have paid the fee, you must submit your application – by online or mail. If you submit it online, upload the documents as requested, like business plans or financial documents. For mail application submission, send the documents needed with your application form.
Step 7 – Wait for the decision
Now the waiting game begins. Your business visa application might take 1 – 8 months to process on average. However, it may be delayed as per the volume of applications, incorrect or missing documents, or other reasons. You can keep track of the processing time on the official website.
Step 8 – Obtain your Canada business visa
If the authorities of Canada are satisfied with all the information and documents you provided, you will receive a business visa for Canada. You can then enter the county and start a business. After arrival in Canada, you must physically spend three years in the country and meet other eligibility criteria to apply for Canada PR Visa.
So, what’s next?
Getting a Canada Business Visa can be a complex process no doubt. The eligibility requirements, choosing the right immigration program, preparing a business plan, and more can stress you out. Therefore, you must seek professional advice from the Best Immigration Consultant in India, Nationwide Visas. Their qualified immigration experts are equipped with the proficiency to assess your case accurately and advise the most suitable course of action.
