Business Class immigrants are people who can invest in, or start businesses in Canada and are expected to support the development of a strong and prosperous Canadian economy. The Business Immigration Program seeks to attract people experienced in business to Canada.

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

There are three classes of Business Immigrants:

Investors

The Immigrant Investor Program seeks to attract experienced persons and capital to Canada. Investors must demonstrate business experience, a minimum net worth of CDN $800,000 and make an investment of CDN $400,000. This investment is placed with the Receiver General of Canada. 

Participating provinces then use your investment to create jobs and help their economies grow. Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) will return your investment to you, without interest, in approximately five years. 

Entrepreneurs

The Entrepreneur Program seeks to attract experienced persons that will own and actively manage businesses in Canada that will contribute to the economy and create jobs. Entrepreneurs must demonstrate business experience, a minimum net worth of CDN $300,000 and are subject to conditions upon arrival in Canada.

When you immigrate to Canada as an entrepreneur, you must have the intention and the ability to control a percentage of equity of a qualifying Canadian business. You must provide active and ongoing management of the qualifying Canadian business. Your business must create at least one new full-time job for a Canadian citizen or permanent resident. You must meet these requirements within three years of becoming a permanent resident. 

Before your immigrant visa is issued, your are required to sign a statement that you intend and will be able to meet the conditions of permanent residence.

Self-employed

As a self-employed person, you must have relevant experience in cultural activities, athletics or farm management. You must also have the intention and ability to establish a business that will, at a minimum, create an employment opportunity for yourself. You must make a significant contribution to cultural activities or athletics or purchase and manage a farm in Canada.

Conditions of permanent residence are not imposed on self-employed persons. You must have enough money to support yourself and your family members after you arrive in Canada.