Immigration Canada Québec

This category has been temporarily suspended on July 1st, 2011 - No applications will be processed under this category until further notice

As per the federal regulations, the entrepreneur is defined as an individual who:

a) has business experience;
b) has a legally obtained net worth of at least $300,000
c) provides a written statement to an officer that they intend and will be able to meet the conditions that within a period of not more than 24 months after the day that the entrepreneur becomes a permanent resident they intend and will be able to :

i) control a percentage of the equity of a qualifying Canadian business equal to or greater than 33 1/3 %;
ii) provide active and ongoing management of the qualifying Canadian business; and
iii) create at least one incremental full-time job equivalent in that business for Canadian citizens or permanent residents, other than the entrepreneur and their family members.

“qualifying business” means a business — other than a business operated primarily for the purpose of deriving investment income such as interest, dividends or capital gains — for which, during the year under consideration, there is documentary evidence of any two of the following:

(a) the percentage of equity multiplied by the number of full time job equivalents is equal to or greater than two full-time job equivalents per year;
(b) the percentage of equity multiplied by the total annual sales is equal to or greater than $500,000;
(c) the percentage of equity multiplied by the net income in the year is equal to or greater than $50,000; and
(d) the percentage of equity multiplied by the net assets at the end of the year is equal to or greater than $125,000.

“qualifying Canadian business” means a business operated in Canada by an entrepreneur — other than a business operated primarily for the purpose of deriving investment income, such as interest, dividends or capital gains — for which there is in any year within the period of three years after the day the entrepreneur becomes a permanent resident documentary evidence of any two of the following:

(a) the percentage of equity multiplied by the number of full-time job equivalents is equal to or greater than two full-time job equivalents per year;
(b) the percentage of equity multiplied by the total annual sales is equal to or greater than $250,000;
(c) the percentage of equity multiplied by the net income in the year is equal to or greater than $25,000; and
(d) the percentage of equity multiplied by the net assets at the end of the year is equal to or greater than $125,000.

Apart from the above definition, the applicant must satisfy the selection criteria. A minimum of two years (two one-years) of business experience in a qualifying business within the last 5 years is mandatory. Other selective factors are based on the age, the level of education, language proficiency and adaptability. The applicant is encouraged to perform an exploratory visit before applying.

The selection process is based on extensive documentary evidence showing the above requisites. An interview is set to assess the documentation and the credibility of the applicant’s business experience and source of funds.

The applicant has the onus to show that his total net worth was created through legal means.

Once in Canada, the applicant and the accompanying family members are subject to the conditional visa.

Other entrepreneur programs are available from different provinces. See Entrepreneur program – Other provinces and the Quebec Entrepreneur program.

You may also want to check the Quebec self-employed category if you are a sole business owner. This program offers great opportunities for the individual that qualifies.

For more precise information you may complete our evaluation form. We will be pleased to respond within 24 hours.

Bellemare & Vinet Attorneys

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