Step 01
Work permit
C11, C10 or C12 issued in two to six months. LMIA-exempt. Spouse receives an open work permit.
Pillar 03 · The jurisdiction we are licensed in
Canada business immigration.
Canada does not sell residence. It grants it to operators who build real businesses, create Canadian jobs and run them day to day. Eleven routes, and the two-step sequence that connects them.
11Active routes we file under
$100kLowest provincial entry point, CAD
12Months of operation before a PR filing
RCICRegulated here, not just advising on it
The short version
A work permit first. Permanent residence once the business is real.
Canada has no citizenship-by-investment programme and no federal passive investor route. What it has is a two-step system: an LMIA-exempt work permit that lets you enter and start trading within months, followed by permanent residence once the business has a trading history, employees and numbers to show.
That sequence is the whole page. The C11 permit is the front door for an owner-operator; C12 is for a foreign company opening a Canadian branch; C10 is for ventures large enough to argue their own case. Twelve months of genuine operation is what turns any of them into a provincial nomination.
This is also the one jurisdiction where we are the regulated party rather than a coordinator. Afshin Sarhangpour is a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant and an active member of the College of Citizenship and Immigration Canada, which means the file is prepared and submitted under a Canadian licence with a complaints process attached to it.
The two-step sequence
How a temporary permit becomes a passport.
Almost every Canadian business file runs this shape. The timings move; the order does not.
Step 02
Operate
Incorporate, trade, hire. Twelve months of demonstrable active management is the threshold.
Step 03
Nomination
A provincial nomination against met targets, or an Express Entry profile if the points support it.
Step 04
Permanent residence
PR granted for the whole family. Children under 22 included; spouse retains full work rights.
Step 05
Citizenship
Three years of physical presence within five, plus language and knowledge testing.
The federal Start-Up Visa is closed
IRCC stopped accepting new Start-Up Visa applications on 1 January 2026, and the transitional window for holders of a valid 2025 commitment certificate expired on 30 June 2026. Designated organisations are no longer issuing commitment certificates. The federal Self-Employed Persons Program has also been paused since April 2024.
A replacement pilot aimed at higher-growth firms has been announced, but no eligibility criteria, thresholds or intake dates have been published. We are not filing under it and would not advise planning around it. If you hold a pending SUV application it continues to be processed. Talk to us about work-permit options in the meantime.
All eleven, side by side
Compare the routes.
Figures are in Canadian dollars. Provincial intake opens in rounds rather than continuously, so timing depends on the draw calendar as much as on your file.
Show
| Route | Investment from | Timeline | Leads to | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| C11: Entrepreneur / Job CreatorFederal work permits | CAD $100,000 to $500,000 | 2 to 6 months | PR via PNP or Express Entry after 12 months | Open |
| C10: Significant Benefit to CanadaFederal work permits | Assessed on benefit, not a fixed threshold | 10 to 16 weeks | PR via PNP or Express Entry | Open |
| C12: Intra-Company TransferFederal work permits | CAD $50,000 to $500,000+ | 2 to 5 months | PR via PNP or Express Entry | Open |
| British ColumbiaProvincial Nominee Programs | CAD $100,000 (Regional) / $200,000 (Base) | Varies by intake round | Provincial nomination, then permanent residence | Open |
| SaskatchewanProvincial Nominee Programs | CAD $200,000 (outside cities) / $300,000 (Regina or Saskatoon) | Varies by intake round | Provincial nomination, then permanent residence | Open |
| ManitobaProvincial Nominee Programs | CAD $150,000 (outside Winnipeg) / $250,000 (Winnipeg) | Varies by intake round | Provincial nomination, then permanent residence | Open |
| Nova ScotiaProvincial Nominee Programs | CAD $100,000 (outside Halifax) / $150,000 | Varies by intake round | Provincial nomination, then permanent residence | Open |
| New BrunswickProvincial Nominee Programs | CAD $250,000 | Varies by intake round | Provincial nomination, then permanent residence | Open |
| Québec Immigrant Investor ProgramQuébec | CAD $1,200,000 | Varies by intake period | Québec Selection Certificate, then permanent residence | Open |
| Québec Immigrant Entrepreneur ProgramQuébec | Varies with accelerator or incubator support | Varies by intake period | Québec Selection Certificate, then permanent residence | Open |
| Québec Self-Employed ProgramQuébec | Varies by profession | Varies by intake period | Québec Selection Certificate, then permanent residence | Open |
Canada asks you to actually build something. That filters out more applicants than any capital threshold ever has.
Guiding principle · NIMARIA, since 1998 Integrity · Personalisation · Efficiency · EthicsRoute by route
Federal, provincial and Québec, in detail.
Full terms, benefits and family eligibility for each. Jump to the level you are weighing, or read straight through.
Federal work permits
3 routesCanada does not sell residence. The federal route is a work permit that lets you enter, build and run a real business, and after twelve months of active management, apply for permanent residence through a provincial nomination or Express Entry.
C11: Entrepreneur / Job Creator
OpenLMIA-exemptOpen work permit for spouseThe main federal route for an owner-operator entering Canada to run their own business.
- Investment from
- CAD $100,000 to $500,000plus government & professional fees
- Indicative timeline
- 2 to 6 monthsto decision
- Term
- 1 to 2 years, renewablebefore or until PR
- Leads to
- PR via PNP or Express Entry after 12 monthssubject to meeting targets
Presence requirement Must actively manage the business in Canada
Key benefits
- LMIA-exempt
- No Labour Market Impact Assessment is required.
- Right to live and work
- Grants the right to live and work in Canada while building the business.
- Family benefits
- Spouses receive open work permits, and children can study without study permits.
- Pathway to PR
- After twelve months of active business management, the entrepreneur can apply for permanent residence through a Provincial Nominee Program or Express Entry.
Who you can include
Spouse
Eligible
Legally married spouse of any age, who receives an open work permit and may work for any employer in Canada.
Children
Eligible
Children under 22, who may study in Canada without a separate study permit. Children of any age living with a physical or mental disability and fully supported by the main applicant also qualify.
Parents
Not eligible
Not eligible.
Grandparents
Not eligible
Not eligible.
Siblings
Not eligible
Not eligible.
C10: Significant Benefit to Canada
OpenLMIA-exemptLarger operationsFor ventures whose economic, social or cultural contribution is substantial enough to stand on its own merits.
- Investment from
- Assessed on benefit, not a fixed thresholdplus government & professional fees
- Indicative timeline
- 10 to 16 weeksto decision
- Term
- Varies by rolebefore or until PR
- Leads to
- PR via PNP or Express Entrysubject to meeting targets
Presence requirement Must demonstrate substantial economic, social or cultural benefit to Canada
Key benefits
- For larger-scale operations
- Intended for entrepreneurs whose venture creates substantial economic, social or cultural benefit for Canada.
- No fixed investment floor
- Assessment turns on demonstrated benefit rather than a published capital threshold.
Who you can include
Spouse
Eligible
Legally married spouse of any age, who receives an open work permit and may work for any employer in Canada.
Children
Eligible
Children under 22, who may study in Canada without a separate study permit. Children of any age living with a physical or mental disability and fully supported by the main applicant also qualify.
Parents
Not eligible
Not eligible.
Grandparents
Not eligible
Not eligible.
Siblings
Not eligible
Not eligible.
C12: Intra-Company Transfer
OpenLMIA-exemptFor existing businessesFor an established foreign company opening a Canadian branch and moving a senior person across to run it.
- Investment from
- CAD $50,000 to $500,000+plus government & professional fees
- Indicative timeline
- 2 to 5 monthsto decision
- Term
- 1 to 7 years, depending on rolebefore or until PR
- Leads to
- PR via PNP or Express Entrysubject to meeting targets
Presence requirement Must work for the Canadian branch of the foreign company
Key benefits
- For expanding foreign businesses
- Designed for entrepreneurs extending an existing foreign business into Canada.
- Right to live and work
- Grants the right to live and work in Canada while establishing the Canadian branch.
Who you can include
Spouse
Eligible
Legally married spouse of any age, who receives an open work permit and may work for any employer in Canada.
Children
Eligible
Children under 22, who may study in Canada without a separate study permit. Children of any age living with a physical or mental disability and fully supported by the main applicant also qualify.
Parents
Not eligible
Not eligible.
Grandparents
Not eligible
Not eligible.
Siblings
Not eligible
Not eligible.
Provincial Nominee Programs
5 routesProvincial entrepreneur streams are now the primary route to permanent residence for business immigrants. Each province sets its own thresholds, but the shape is the same: arrive, build a real business, hit the targets, earn a nomination.
British Columbia
OpenBase & Regional streamsTwo tiers, with the regional stream aimed at smaller and rural communities.
- Investment from
- CAD $100,000 (Regional) / $200,000 (Base)plus government & professional fees
- Indicative timeline
- Varies by intake roundto decision
- Term
- Until nomination and PRbefore or until PR
- Leads to
- Provincial nomination, then permanent residencesubject to meeting targets
Presence requirement Must live in and actively manage the business in British Columbia
Key benefits
- Base stream
- Minimum investment of CAD $200,000 with a net worth of CAD $600,000.
- Regional stream
- Minimum investment of CAD $100,000 with a net worth of CAD $300,000, designed for entrepreneurs in smaller, rural communities.
- Right to live and work
- Full rights in British Columbia, with access to a strong economy and high quality of life.
Who you can include
Spouse
Eligible
Legally married spouse of any age.
Children
Eligible
Dependent children under 22. Children of any age living with a physical or mental disability and fully supported by the main applicant also qualify.
Parents
Not eligible
Not eligible.
Grandparents
Not eligible
Not eligible.
Siblings
Not eligible
Not eligible.
Saskatchewan
OpenEntrepreneurGraduate streamThresholds split between the two major cities and everywhere else.
- Investment from
- CAD $200,000 (outside cities) / $300,000 (Regina or Saskatoon)plus government & professional fees
- Indicative timeline
- Varies by intake roundto decision
- Term
- Until nomination and PRbefore or until PR
- Leads to
- Provincial nomination, then permanent residencesubject to meeting targets
Presence requirement Must live in and actively manage the business in Saskatchewan
Key benefits
- Entrepreneur stream
- Minimum investment of CAD $300,000 in Regina or Saskatoon, or CAD $200,000 in other areas.
- International Graduate Entrepreneur stream
- A separate route for recent graduates of Saskatchewan institutions.
- Right to live and work
- Full rights in Saskatchewan, with access to a growing economy.
Who you can include
Spouse
Eligible
Legally married spouse of any age.
Children
Eligible
Dependent children under 22. Children of any age living with a physical or mental disability and fully supported by the main applicant also qualify.
Parents
Not eligible
Not eligible.
Grandparents
Not eligible
Not eligible.
Siblings
Not eligible
Not eligible.
Manitoba
OpenEntrepreneurStudent pilotAmong the lowest capital requirements of any provincial stream outside the capital.
- Investment from
- CAD $150,000 (outside Winnipeg) / $250,000 (Winnipeg)plus government & professional fees
- Indicative timeline
- Varies by intake roundto decision
- Term
- Until nomination and PRbefore or until PR
- Leads to
- Provincial nomination, then permanent residencesubject to meeting targets
Presence requirement Must live in and actively manage the business in Manitoba
Key benefits
- Business Investor Stream: Entrepreneur Pathway
- Minimum investment of CAD $250,000 in Winnipeg or CAD $150,000 in other areas.
- International Student Entrepreneur Pilot
- A separate route for international graduates of Manitoba institutions.
- Cost of living
- An affordable cost of living relative to the larger provinces.
Who you can include
Spouse
Eligible
Legally married spouse of any age.
Children
Eligible
Dependent children under 22. Children of any age living with a physical or mental disability and fully supported by the main applicant also qualify.
Parents
Not eligible
Not eligible.
Grandparents
Not eligible
Not eligible.
Siblings
Not eligible
Not eligible.
Nova Scotia
OpenLowest provincial thresholdGraduate streamThe lowest published entry point of any provincial entrepreneur stream, outside Halifax.
- Investment from
- CAD $100,000 (outside Halifax) / $150,000plus government & professional fees
- Indicative timeline
- Varies by intake roundto decision
- Term
- Until nomination and PRbefore or until PR
- Leads to
- Provincial nomination, then permanent residencesubject to meeting targets
Presence requirement Must live in and actively manage the business in Nova Scotia
Key benefits
- Entrepreneur stream
- Minimum investment of CAD $150,000, or CAD $100,000 outside the Halifax Regional Municipality.
- International Graduate Entrepreneur stream
- A separate route for graduates of Nova Scotia institutions.
- Right to live and work
- Full rights in a coastal province with a lower cost base than central Canada.
Who you can include
Spouse
Eligible
Legally married spouse of any age.
Children
Eligible
Dependent children under 22. Children of any age living with a physical or mental disability and fully supported by the main applicant also qualify.
Parents
Not eligible
Not eligible.
Grandparents
Not eligible
Not eligible.
Siblings
Not eligible
Not eligible.
New Brunswick
OpenLowest overall costA single entrepreneurial stream, and the lowest total programme cost of the provincial routes.
- Investment from
- CAD $250,000plus government & professional fees
- Indicative timeline
- Varies by intake roundto decision
- Term
- Until nomination and PRbefore or until PR
- Leads to
- Provincial nomination, then permanent residencesubject to meeting targets
Presence requirement Must live in and actively manage the business in New Brunswick
Key benefits
- Entrepreneurial stream
- Minimum investment of CAD $250,000.
- Lowest overall cost
- The lowest-cost provincial nominee programme of those we file under.
- Right to live and work
- Full rights in New Brunswick.
Who you can include
Spouse
Eligible
Legally married spouse of any age.
Children
Eligible
Dependent children under 22. Children of any age living with a physical or mental disability and fully supported by the main applicant also qualify.
Parents
Not eligible
Not eligible.
Grandparents
Not eligible
Not eligible.
Siblings
Not eligible
Not eligible.
Québec
3 routesQuébec selects its own economic immigrants under the Canada–Québec Accord, which is why its programmes look nothing like the rest of the country’s. It also holds the only substantially passive investment route left in Canada.
Québec Immigrant Investor Program
OpenPassive investmentFinancing availableRelaunched in January 2024 with materially stricter criteria than the version it replaced.
- Investment from
- CAD $1,200,000plus government & professional fees
- Indicative timeline
- Varies by intake periodto decision
- Term
- 5 yearsbefore or until PR
- Leads to
- Québec Selection Certificate, then permanent residencesubject to meeting targets
Presence requirement Declared intention to settle in Québec
Key benefits
- Passive investment
- One of the few remaining substantially passive investment programmes in Canada.
- Financing option
- A financing option is available in place of the full capital commitment.
Who you can include
Spouse
Eligible
Legally married spouse of any age.
Children
Eligible
Dependent children under 22. Children of any age living with a physical or mental disability and fully supported by the main applicant also qualify.
Parents
Not eligible
Not eligible.
Grandparents
Not eligible
Not eligible.
Siblings
Not eligible
Not eligible.
Québec Immigrant Entrepreneur Program
OpenIncubator-backedFor founders arriving with the backing of a recognised Québec accelerator or incubator.
- Investment from
- Varies with accelerator or incubator supportplus government & professional fees
- Indicative timeline
- Varies by intake periodto decision
- Term
- Until selection and PRbefore or until PR
- Leads to
- Québec Selection Certificate, then permanent residencesubject to meeting targets
Presence requirement Must establish and operate the business in Québec
Key benefits
- For backed entrepreneurs
- Structured around support from a business accelerator or incubator rather than a fixed capital threshold.
Who you can include
Spouse
Eligible
Legally married spouse of any age.
Children
Eligible
Dependent children under 22. Children of any age living with a physical or mental disability and fully supported by the main applicant also qualify.
Parents
Not eligible
Not eligible.
Grandparents
Not eligible
Not eligible.
Siblings
Not eligible
Not eligible.
Québec Self-Employed Program
OpenFor professionalsA narrow route for self-employed professionals with relevant experience. Not to be confused with the federal Self-Employed Persons Program, which has been paused since April 2024.
- Investment from
- Varies by professionplus government & professional fees
- Indicative timeline
- Varies by intake periodto decision
- Term
- Until selection and PRbefore or until PR
- Leads to
- Québec Selection Certificate, then permanent residencesubject to meeting targets
Presence requirement Must practise the profession in Québec
Key benefits
- For self-employed professionals
- Open to self-employed professionals who can demonstrate relevant experience and the means to support their practice.
Who you can include
Spouse
Eligible
Legally married spouse of any age.
Children
Eligible
Dependent children under 22. Children of any age living with a physical or mental disability and fully supported by the main applicant also qualify.
Parents
Not eligible
Not eligible.
Grandparents
Not eligible
Not eligible.
Siblings
Not eligible
Not eligible.
How a Canadian file runs
Five stages, in order.
01
Eligibility & net worth
Business experience, capital, net worth and language ability tested against the specific provincial thresholds before any route is recommended.
02
Province & business case
Choosing the province your sector actually works in, then building the business plan the nomination will later be audited against.
03
Work permit filing
C11, C10 or C12 prepared and submitted, with source-of-funds evidence and the supporting documentation IRCC expects to see.
04
Arrival & operation
Incorporation, banking, premises and hiring, then twelve months of documented active management against the targets in the plan.
05
Nomination & PR
Provincial nomination or Express Entry filing, permanent residence for the family, and the residency count towards citizenship.
Common questions
Asked before every engagement.
No, and this is the single biggest misconception we correct. Canada has no citizenship-by-investment programme and no federal passive investor route. Québec’s investor programme is the closest thing left, and even that requires a declared intention to settle. Everywhere else you are expected to arrive, run a business and employ people.
Because for most applicants there is no direct route any more. The C11 work permit gets you into Canada legally within a few months so you can incorporate, lease premises and start trading. Twelve months of demonstrable operation is what makes a provincial nomination or Express Entry application credible. It is a sequence, not a detour.
Yes. Every provincial entrepreneur stream requires you to live in that province and actively manage the business, and the nomination depends on meeting agreed job-creation and investment targets. If you are looking for a permit you can hold from a distance, Canada is the wrong country and we will say so.
IRCC closed it to new applicants on 1 January 2026, and the transitional window for holders of a valid 2025 commitment certificate expired on 30 June 2026. A replacement pilot aimed at higher-growth firms has been announced but not yet defined. Until intake criteria are published it is a watch item, not something you can plan around.
Yes, on the federal work permit routes. Spouses of C11, C10 and C12 holders receive open work permits and can work for any employer in Canada, and children under 22 can attend school without a separate study permit. That is one of the strongest arguments for the work-permit route over waiting for permanent residence.
Nova Scotia outside the Halifax Regional Municipality has the lowest published entry point at CAD $100,000, as does British Columbia’s regional stream. But capital is rarely the binding constraint: net worth thresholds, business viability, language scores and provincial intake rounds all matter more, and the cheapest province is not much use if your sector has no market there.
Only for Québec, where it is not formally mandatory across all streams but is heavily weighted in selection and in practice decisive. Elsewhere English is sufficient, though every route has a language-testing requirement at some stage.
Canadian citizenship requires three years of physical presence within a five-year period as a permanent resident, plus language and knowledge testing. Counting from a work-permit arrival, a realistic total is five to seven years, and it depends entirely on the business meeting its targets.
Take the first step
Tell us where you want your family to be in five years.
Start with the free preliminary assessment, or book a private thirty-minute consultation. Both are confidential, and neither commits you to anything.
Everything you send is held in confidence and used solely to assess your suitability as a prospective client.