Support for businesses investing in Canada
Services include market research support, business plan development, business establishment and growth, partner networking, operational setup, and the compilation of operational documentation based on the agreed-upon scope.
This project is oriented toward entrepreneurs investing in and directly developing business operations in Canada, incorporating assessments of current Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP) and suitable Business Work Permits. Product status, ownership rights, budget, and implementation feasibility must be verified prior to signing an investment agreement.
Implementation Plan
- Select province, location, and customer segment based on market research.
- Evaluate technology, licenses, partners, and commercial operational feasibility.
- Prepare a business plan: capital sources, investment costs, revenue, working capital, and staffing plan.
- Define ownership percentage and the investor's direct operational responsibilities.
Points to verify
The scope of business consulting, service fees, and implementation timeline are confirmed by a quote and agreement. Immigration documentation and advice are handled by a qualified lawyer or RCIC.
Provincial Nominee Programs for consideration
- BC Entrepreneur Immigration – Base: for starting a new business or purchasing and developing an eligible business in BC.
- BC Entrepreneur Immigration – Regional: considers only starting a new business that fits the participating community's priorities; requires community visits and introductions; not for purchasing existing businesses.
- Alberta Rural Entrepreneur Stream: for starting a new business or purchasing a business in an eligible rural community, requiring community support and an operational plan.
The suitable program is selected based on province, industry, investment capital, net worth, experience, language proficiency, and the ability to operate directly. This is a framework for assessment and does not confirm that the project has been approved by the province.
Business Work Permit for investors
- C11 – Work Permit for self-employed individuals/business owners: must demonstrate significant benefit to Canada and meet temporary residence requirements; this is not a PR program.
- C60 – Work Permit for PNP entrepreneur candidates: assessed after being accepted by a province into an entrepreneur program and receiving a work permit support letter. A support letter is not a PR nomination.
- ICT – Intra-company transferee: only assessed when there is an active foreign business, a qualifying corporate relationship with the Canadian entity, and the transferee meets the requirements; does not apply solely by purchasing shares.
Can businesses hire additional foreign workers?
This can be assessed if there is a genuine vacancy, legal business activity, ability to pay wages, and appropriate staffing needs. With this model, personnel suitable for the chosen business model may be considered. Opening or purchasing a business does not automatically grant the right to hire foreign workers.
- TFWP / LMIA: assessment of the position, NOC, salary level, recruitment in Canada, financial capacity, and employer compliance. Labor caps and cases where low-wage applications are not accepted depend on the region, industry, and regulations at the time of submission.
- C16 – Francophone Mobility: may be considered for hiring individuals with French listening and speaking proficiency at NCLC 5 or higher for jobs outside of Québec, if all conditions are met; exceptions apply for certain primary agricultural jobs.
Hiring foreign workers does not replace mandatory positions designated for Canadian citizens or permanent residents under the entrepreneur program. The Work Permits for business owners and employees are assessed separately.
Scope of services and fees
Services are quoted by stage and workload. Fees are non-refundable and based on consulting work, not on the outcome of a Work Permit, nomination, or PR. Fees apply to one company with up to 5 founders; larger scopes are quoted separately.
Costs for lawyers/RCIC, government fees, specialized accounting, field surveys, third parties, software, and banking are confirmed separately under an agreement.
KeyApply Support
KeyApply assists with model assessment, market research, business verification, business plan development, and operational and staffing plans according to the agreed-upon scope. Consulting and representation for immigration files are handled by a qualified lawyer or RCIC.
Investing in, purchasing, or opening a business does not guarantee a Work Permit, provincial nomination, or PR. Investment costs, execution fees, lawyer/RCIC fees, and government fees are confirmed separately; consulting prices on the website are not business purchase prices.
Frequently Asked Questions: Entrepreneur Investment and Family Immigration
Click on a question to see the answer. Conditions must be checked at the time of submission.
Can I participate in the entrepreneur program if I have never been to Canada?
Yes, if you meet the requirements for management experience or business ownership, finances, language proficiency, and other program conditions. An on-site survey is required if the program stipulates it.
Is a 100,000 CAD investment enough for the whole family to immigrate?
This is only the minimum business investment for certain program streams, not the total budget. You must also demonstrate net worth and prepare for filing fees, living expenses, operating costs, and contingencies.
Which sectors have low startup costs?
You could research small bakeries, food retail, or local services that meet community needs. You need to check eligible industries, licenses, job creation potential, and realistic estimates before investing.
Which program provides the fastest decision?
No program guarantees the fastest result. You must separate the provincial approval time, work permit, operational phase, nomination, and federal PR processing time.
Can my spouse and children accompany me?
You may apply for appropriate documents for family members if they meet current conditions. Spousal work rights and children's study rights are not automatically guaranteed.
Do children get free public school tuition?
This depends on the province, school board, child's age, and the family's residency status. You must verify with the local authorities before deciding.
Can I apply if my English is not good?
Some provincial entrepreneur programs set a minimum requirement of CLB 4. However, you must meet the specific requirements of each program and have the communication skills to manage the business.
What if I have no business experience?
Having capital alone is not enough. You must have experience in ownership or senior management and meet mandatory criteria; if you do not qualify, you should consider other paths.
Is Alberta or BC more suitable for a family with young children?
You should compare each community based on schools, housing costs, climate, healthcare, business opportunities, and local support. It is impossible to conclude that one entire province is better.
Can I buy an existing business?
It depends on the program. Alberta Rural may consider eligible business purchases; BC Regional primarily requires starting a new business that fits the community and does not apply to purchasing existing businesses.
Can I open a shop in Toronto or Vancouver under the Rural/Regional stream?
No. These streams only apply to eligible rural/regional community areas; you must check boundary and industry priorities.
Do I have to create jobs for Canadians?
Programs usually require creating qualifying jobs for Canadian citizens or permanent residents. You must check the specific quantity and standards for each stream.
Will I get PR if I don't meet my business goals?
No guarantee. Fulfilling your business commitments and meeting nomination conditions directly affects your PR path.
Is C11 a direct immigration program?
No. C11 is a temporary work permit for eligible cases and does not automatically lead to a nomination or PR.
What information should I prepare for an assessment?
Age, education, management or business experience, net worth, investment capital, English proficiency, number and age of children, and the preferred province.