Entrepreneur Stream – Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)

The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) allows Canadian provinces and territories to nominate individuals who wish to immigrate to Canada and who are interested in settling in a particular province. Each province and territory have their own specific nomination guidelines. One popular stream under PNP is the Entrepreneur Stream, designed for experienced business owners or senior business managers who want to live in Canada while owning and managing a business in that province or territory.

While the eligibility requirements and application processes may vary among provinces, they are generally similar. Below are some of the provinces with notable Entrepreneur Streams under their PNP and their respective requirements and processes:

 

British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) – Entrepreneur Immigration Stream

Eligibility Requirements

• Minimum net worth of CAD $600,000
• Business and/or management experience
• A viable business proposal that will significantly benefit the provincial economy
• Ability and intent to settle and invest in British Columbia

Application Process

• Registration: Complete an online registration with details about your experience, business concept, and financial ability.
• Invitation: If your registration scores well, you will receive an invitation to submit an application.
• Application: Submit a complete application within four months of invitation.
• Business Establishment: If approved, sign a performance agreement, move to B.C., and implement your business plan.
• Nomination: Once you meet the terms of your performance agreement, you may be nominated for permanent residence.

 

Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) – Entrepreneur Stream

Eligibility Requirements:

• Minimum net worth of CAD $800,000 (if your proposed business will be within the Greater Toronto Area) or CAD $400,000 (if outside the GTA)
• Minimum investment of CAD $600,000 and control at least one-third of the equity in the business (if within the GTA) or CAD $200,000 (if outside the GTA)
• Business experience as an owner or senior manager of a business in the last five years
• Creation of at least two permanent, full-time jobs for Canadian citizens or permanent residents

Application Process:

• Expression of Interest: Submit an online EOI that demonstrates your business experience, net worth, and investment amount.
• Invitation: If you score well, you will be invited to submit a business plan within 90 days.
• Business Plan Review: The proposed business plan is reviewed.
• Temporary Work Permit: If approved, you will sign a performance agreement and apply for a Temporary Work Permit to establish your business in Ontario.
• Nomination: After 20 months, if you fulfill your performance agreement, you may be nominated for permanent residence.

 

 

Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP) – International Graduate Entrepreneur Immigration Stream

This stream is for recent international graduates from Alberta post-secondaries who want to establish or operate a business in Alberta.

Eligibility Requirements:

• • Completion of at least a two year diploma or degree from an Alberta post-secondary institution.
  • A Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) valid for at least 2 years at the time of your Expression of Interest (EOI) submission.
  • At least 6 months of work experience that can be a combination of actively managing or owning a business or equivalencies.
  • Minimum Language score of CLB 7.
  • Minimum investment of CAD $75,000 and own at least 34% of the business.

Application Process:

• Expression of Interest: Submit an EOI to the AINP.
• Invitation: If your EOI is accepted, you will be invited to submit a Business Application.
• Business Application: Upon invitation, submit your Business Application.
• Business Performance Agreement (BPA): If your application is approved, you will enter into a BPA with the AINP.
• Business Establishment: Establish your business in Alberta following the BPA.
• Final Report: Once you meet the terms of your BPA, you submit a final report to the AINP.
• Nomination: If your final report is approved, you may be nominated for permanent residence.

 

Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP) – Entrepreneur Stream

Eligibility Requirements:

• • Minimum net worth of CAD $600,000.
  • Minimum investment of CAD $150,000 to establish or purchase a business in Nova Scotia.
  • Minimum of 3 years’ business ownership experience (with 33.3% ownership minimum) or more than 5 years’ experience as senior business manager in the last 10 years.
  • Completion of a Nova Scotia Business Establishment Plan.

Application Process:

• Expression of Interest: Submit an EOI to the NSNP.
• Invitation: If your EOI scores well, you will be invited to apply.
• In-Person Interview and Business Establishment Plan Agreement: If approved, you’ll have an interview in Nova Scotia and sign a Business Establishment Plan Agreement.
• Business Establishment: You are given 1 year to start or purchase a business in Nova Scotia.
• Nomination: If you meet the terms of the Business Establishment Plan Agreement, you may be nominated for permanent residence.

 

The same pattern generally applies to other provinces like Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and the rest of the Maritime provinces (Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island and New Brunswick), though specific requirements and processes vary.

Remember, this is a complex process and professional assistance can be invaluable. At Pathway2Canada, we have the knowledge and expertise to help guide you through your Entrepreneur Stream application. We can advise you on the best province for your business concept, help you meet all requirements, and make the process as seamless as possible.