Canadian business immigration

Start or buy a business. Build your future in Canada.

A personalized immigration and business strategy for entrepreneurs and their families.

A law firm. A business strategy. A dedicated team.

Canadian immigration lawyers since 1991. We coordinate immigration advice, business planning and professional representation.

Business immigration to Canada

Your business can be the beginning of your Canadian future.

If you have the funds to buy or start a business in Canada, there may be immigration options for you and your family.

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There is no single plan that works for everyone. Your business experience, available funds, family, preferred location and long-term goals all matter. We develop strategic business and immigration plans customized for each person, then help carry them out.

Starting or buying a business is a significant decision. It is important to speak with an experienced immigration lawyer before you invest, commit to a business or choose an immigration pathway. The business and immigration strategy should work together from the beginning.

Rosenblatt Immigration Lawyers has advised clients since 1991. Our team can help with business opportunities, company setup, business plans, financial projections, work-permit applications and a realistic permanent-residence strategy. Explore our WP2PR™ approach below, see what our entrepreneur clients have to say, and tell us what you want to accomplish.

The right option depends on your circumstances and the requirements of the selected programs. Buying or starting a business does not by itself guarantee a work permit or permanent residence.

A pathway for the whole family

Work permit first. Business next. A plan for permanent residence.

For many entrepreneurs, the journey begins with an appropriate work permit, followed by buying or establishing and actively operating a Canadian business. The permanent-residence strategy should be planned from the beginning—and may involve either you or your spouse as the principal applicant.

Plan the business and work permit
We assess your experience, funds, family and goals, then identify a suitable work-permit strategy. The business plan, ownership structure and supporting evidence need to fit the chosen route.
Establish or acquire the business
With the required authorization, put the business plan into action and actively manage genuine Canadian operations. Some preparation, ownership or investment steps may be needed before the work-permit application; we plan the sequence for your circumstances.
Qualify for permanent residence
Build toward the requirements of an available permanent-residence program. We review both partners’ options and the evidence needed, rather than assuming that business ownership alone leads to PR.

Other routes to permanent residence

Your spouse may lead the PR application

A provincial entrepreneur stream is one option among many. For some families, a spouse or common-law partner may be the stronger principal applicant through Express Entry, an eligible worker nomination stream or another available immigration program.

We examine both partners’ education, language ability, work experience and employment opportunities. Your spouse must meet the selected program’s requirements independently; where eligible, the entrepreneur and dependent children can be included as accompanying family members.

One family. A customized pathway.

Our firm examines the available options for each family and coordinates the business, work-permit and permanent-residence plans. The strongest route may combine different programs and draw on either partner’s qualifications.

Plan Your Family’s Pathway

A work permit provides temporary status. Permanent residence depends on meeting the chosen program’s eligibility, selection and admissibility requirements. Requirements and the order of steps vary by program.

Featured Canadian entrepreneur pathway

WP2PR — Canada’s business immigration pathway

View Businesses for Sale

Our leading Canada pathway

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Work Permit to Permanent Residence

WP2PR is a strategic, lawyer-led pathway that uses the Canadian work-permit and immigration programs best suited to each entrepreneur and family. Every plan is different.

It can function much like self-sponsorship: you establish or acquire a Canadian business, and your new Canadian company supports a qualifying work-permit strategy so you can come to Canada, actively operate the business and bring your family. We coordinate the business, work-permit and permanent-residence plan from the beginning.

A personalized strategy using one or more available Canadian visa and immigration programs
Your Canadian company can support a qualifying work-permit strategy
No fixed WP2PR age requirement—we assess the complete applicant and strategy
No fixed WP2PR minimum investment—the funds must be sufficient for the proposed business
Bring your spouse and dependent children with you
Dependent children may attend public school without international-student tuition, subject to provincial and school-board eligibility
Your family may qualify for provincial healthcare coverage once the applicable provincial conditions are met
Move from planning to application when the business concept, capital and supporting evidence are ready
Designed for people with sufficient funds to establish or buy a viable business and support their family
Best suited to entrepreneurs prepared to work hard, actively manage the company and build real Canadian operations

A coordinated pathway—not a one-size-fits-all program. WP2PR is a Rosenblatt Immigration Law strategy using applicable Canadian programs and policies, not a separate government immigration class. We assess eligibility individually; approval, processing time and permanent residence cannot be guaranteed.

An established business. A new opportunity.

Buy an Existing Business in Canada

Buying an existing business can be a great option for entrepreneurs exploring a future in Canada.

A business with existing operations, customers and a trading history can offer a useful starting point. There are thousands of businesses for sale across Canada, including many opportunities that are never publicly listed.

Explore Sample Businesses for Sale

Every opportunity requires a deep dive.

Buying a business requires substantial due diligence. Involving a lawyer early is crucial: the financial, legal and commercial considerations must be assessed alongside the immigration strategy. We help you consider how the business, your proposed role and the purchase structure fit your goals before you commit.

Our Businesses for Sale page is a sample selection to illustrate different types of businesses and asking prices. It is a starting point for ideas and information. Each opportunity needs its own detailed review of the financial records, operations, contracts, liabilities and immigration suitability.

Speak with us before you buy →

International student planning an entrepreneurial pathway in Canada

Plan beyond the degree.Education, work authorization, business and permanent residence should support one strategy.

The next pathway to explore

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International Student to Entrepreneur

IS2EZ helps selected international students and recent graduates consider entrepreneurship when conventional graduate-to-permanent-residence routes are uncertain or highly competitive.

For a suitable family, parents may help establish or acquire a genuine operating business that employs the student or graduate in a legitimate management role. The resulting experience may later support eligibility for permanent residence where the requirements of an applicable program are met.

Plan before graduation or post-graduation work-permit expiry whenever possible
Match the business to the student’s education, experience and immigration options
Identify a legitimate business opportunity and a commercially viable operating plan
Structure the incorporation, acquisition, ownership and family investment properly
Create a genuine management role with real duties, wages, payroll and tax compliance
Coordinate study status, work authorization and the timing of each immigration step
Build relevant Canadian skilled-work, management or entrepreneurial experience
Compare Express Entry, Canadian Experience Class, provincial and business pathways

Family ownership alone does not create immigration eligibility. The business and employment must be genuine, documented and compliant, and the student must independently meet the requirements of the selected work-permit and permanent-residence programs. IS2EZ is a Rosenblatt Immigration Law strategy, not a separate government immigration class.

More About IS2EZ International Students & Graduates

Provincial and territorial pathways

Business immigration through the provinces.

A business plan approved by the province

Many provincial entrepreneur streams require the business proposal to be assessed and approved before the entrepreneur proceeds under that pathway. The entrepreneur signs a business performance agreement setting out commitments such as investment, active management and job creation.

After receiving provincial support and the required work permit, the entrepreneur implements the plan. Nomination generally follows only when the province is satisfied that the agreement and program requirements have been met. A separate federal permanent-residence application and approval are still required.

Choose a province or territory to open its business program details. Point grids stay closed until you select them.

Québec business programs — separate selection system →Saskatchewan — closed pathways notice →

Open the full program guide and comparisonRequirements, provincial pathways and optional point grids.

Current entrepreneur program comparison

Province / territory	Stream	Net worth	Experience	Investment	Language	Key notes	Status
Alberta	Graduate Entrepreneur	No fixed net worth	No mandatory minimum; business ownership or management experience can increase the EOI score	Varies by EOI score	CLB 7	Alberta graduate; business operation/ownership requirements	Open
Alberta	Foreign Graduate Entrepreneur	No fixed minimum stated on eligibility grid	At least 6 months of business ownership, management or qualifying accelerator/incubator experience	Urban $100k / regional $50k initial	CLB 5	Designated agency recommendation; 34% urban / 51% regional ownership	Open
Alberta	Rural Entrepreneur	$300k	At least 3 years as an active owner-manager or 4 years as a senior manager within the past 10 years	$100k	CLB 4	Rural community support; 51% new / 100% succession	Open
Alberta	Farm Stream	$500k	Farm management experience, skills and financial capacity must be demonstrated	$500k	Program-specific	Farm management skills and viable farm plan	Open
British Columbia	Entrepreneur Base	$600k	At least 3 years as an active owner-manager, 4 years as a senior manager, or an eligible combination	$200k	CLB 4	1 job; EOI + business concept	Open
British Columbia	Entrepreneur Regional	$300k	At least 3 years as an active owner-manager, 4 years as a senior manager, or an eligible combination	$100k	CLB 4	Community referral + exploratory visit; 1 job	Open
Manitoba	Entrepreneur Pathway	$500k	At least 3 years of full-time business ownership or senior-management experience in the past 5 years	$250k in Capital Region / $150k outside	CLB 5	3 years business owner/senior manager in past 5	Open / intake-managed
Nova Scotia	Entrepreneur	$600k HRM / $400k outside HRM	At least 3 years as an owner-manager or more than 5 years as a senior manager within the past 10 years	$150k HRM / $100k outside HRM	CLB 5	Operate business at least 1 year before nomination	Open / invitation-based
Prince Edward Island	Work Permit Stream	$600k	Business ownership or senior-management experience is assessed in the EOI point grid	$150k under performance agreement	CLB 4	Active management; performance agreement	Open / invitation-based
Newfoundland & Labrador	International Entrepreneur	$600k	At least 2 years as an owner-manager or 5 years as a senior manager within the applicable period	$200k and ≥33.3% ownership, or $1M equity	CLB 5	1 job; business plan; owner/manager experience	Open / invitation-based
New Brunswick	Business Immigration	$500k ($300k agriculture)	Qualifying business ownership or senior-management experience must be demonstrated	$150k	CLB 4	65/100; 1 job; operate ≥6 months before nomination request	Open
Northwest Territories	Business Stream	$500k Yellowknife / $250k outside	At least 3 years as an active owner-manager or 5 years as a senior manager within the past 7 years	$200k Yellowknife / $100k outside	CLB 4	First-come first-served in 2026; interview/process requirements	Open
Yukon	Business Nominee	$500k + $300k liquid	At least 3 years of entrepreneurial/business-management experience plus 5 years of relevant work experience	$300k	Language rules must be checked at filing	65-point grid; 3y business mgmt + 5y relevant work	Open
Saskatchewan	Entrepreneur & Farm	—	Not applicable—closed to new applications	—	—	Closed to new applications/EOIs since March 27, 2025	Closed

This comparison is a screening summary, not a substitute for the full eligibility rules. Invitation availability, annual allocations, business-sector restrictions and community participation can change during the year.

Alberta Advantage Immigration Program — Entrepreneur Streams

Alberta Graduate Entrepreneur Stream

Current eligibility ↗Current point grid ↓

For graduates of Alberta post-secondary institutions who want to establish or operate a business in Alberta. Management or ownership experience is an optional scoring factor rather than a mandatory eligibility requirement.

View Graduate Entrepreneur EOI grid

Factor	Category	Details	Points
Business establishment	Management / ownership experience (not mandatory)	6 months business owner/manager experience	5
		>6 months to 1 year	10
		More than 1 year	15
	Economic benefit	Business in an identified economic development sector	15
		Business succession	5
		Create 1 job	5
		Create 2 jobs	10
		Create 3+ jobs	15
		Business in a rural community	5
	Investment	CAD $25,000 or less	5
		$25,001–$50,000	10
		$50,001–$75,000	15
		$75,001+	20
Human capital	Language — mandatory	CLB 7	5
		CLB 8	12
		CLB 9+	15
	Alberta education — mandatory	Bachelor’s degree or 2-year post-secondary diploma	5
		Two or more post-secondary degrees/diplomas	7
		Master’s degree or higher	10
Adaptability	Adaptability	Age 21–49	5
		Qualifying spouse/common-law partner characteristics	10
		Qualifying relative in Alberta	10

Maximum125

Official source: Alberta — Graduate Entrepreneur eligibility

Alberta Foreign Graduate Entrepreneur Stream

Current

LanguageCLB 5 minimum

Ownership34% urban / 51% regional

Initial investment$100k urban / $50k regional

EOI maximum200 points

View Foreign Graduate Entrepreneur EOI grid

Factor	Category	Details	Points
Human capital	Language	CLB 5	10
		CLB 6	15
		CLB 7	20
		CLB 8+	30
	Education	Bachelor’s	5
		Master’s	10
		Doctoral	15
		Degree completed within 5 years of EOI	+10
		STEM credential	+5
		Business credential	+5
	Business management / ownership	6 months — mandatory minimum	5
		>6 months to <1 year	10
		1–2 years	15
		>2 years	20
		Business ownership experience	+15
Business factors	Business plan	Business plan with projected financial information	40
	Initial investment — Urban	$100,000 mandatory minimum	5
		$100,001–$150,000	11
		$150,001–$200,000	18
		Over $200,000	25
	Initial investment — Regional	$50,000 mandatory minimum	5
		$50,001–$100,000	11
		$100,001–$150,000	18
		Over $150,000	25
	Additional investment after launch — Urban	$100,001–$150,000	5
		$150,001–$200,000	10
		$200,001–$250,000	15
		Over $250,000	20
	Additional investment after launch — Regional	$50,001–$100,000	5
		$100,001–$150,000	10
		$150,001–$200,000	15
		Over $200,000	20
	Job creation	1 job	5
		2 jobs	10
		3+ jobs	15

Maximum200

Official source: Alberta — Foreign Graduate Entrepreneur eligibility

Alberta Rural Entrepreneur Stream

Current

Net worth$300,000 minimum

Investment$100,000 minimum

LanguageCLB 4 minimum

EOI maximum175 points

View Rural Entrepreneur EOI grid

Factor	Category	Details	Points
Business	Community population	Less than 10,000	25
		10,001–50,000	17
		50,001–99,999	10
	Business experience	Owner-manager 3–<4 years	12
		Owner-manager 4–<5 years	16
		Owner-manager 5+ years	20
		Senior manager 4–<5 years	12
		Senior manager 5–<6 years	16
		Senior manager 6+ years	20
	Investment	$100,000–$399,999	5
		$400,000–$599,999	10
		$600,000–$799,999	15
		$800,000+	20
	Net worth	$300,000–$399,999	6
		$400,000–$499,999	8
		$500,000+	10
	Jobs / succession	1 job	4
		2 jobs	8
		3 jobs	12
		4 jobs	16
		5+ jobs	20
		Business succession	10
Human capital	Language	CLB 4	15
		CLB 5	20
		CLB 6+	25
	Education	High school	4
		Associate degree / diploma of at least 1 year	7
		Bachelor’s degree or higher	10
Adaptability	Canada / Alberta experience	Rural Alberta 12–24 months	10
		Rural Alberta >24 months	15
		Calgary/Edmonton 18–30 months	6
		Calgary/Edmonton >30 months	10
		Elsewhere in Canada 24–36 months	3
		Elsewhere in Canada >36 months	5
	Relatives	Relative in Alberta	5
		Relative in intended rural community	10
	Spouse characteristics	Spouse language CLB 4	3
		Spouse language CLB 5	4
		Spouse language CLB 6+	5
		Spouse one-year post-secondary credential	3
		Spouse bachelor’s degree or higher	5
	Age	21–49	5

Maximum175

Official source: Alberta — Rural Entrepreneur eligibility

Alberta Farm Stream

Current

Alberta’s Farm Stream is not an EOI point-grid stream. Key requirements include farm management skills, a viable proposed farming business, at least $500,000 in equity to invest in a primary production farming business and sufficient net worth/access to funds to support the investment.

Official source: Alberta — Farm Stream eligibility

British Columbia Entrepreneur Immigration

Entrepreneur Immigration — Base Stream

Current

Net worth$600,000

Investment$200,000

JobsAt least 1

Minimum score115; concept min 40

View BC Base Stream — 200-point grid

Factor	Category	Details	Points
Self-declared	Experience (max 24; min 8)	Owner-manager 12–24 months	4
		25–36 months	6
		37–48 months	12
		49–59 months	15
		60+ months	20
		100% ownership for at least 36 of past 60 months	+4
		Senior manager 25–48 months	4
		Senior manager 49–59 months	8
		Senior manager 60+ months	12
	Personal net worth (max 12; min 5)	Liquid assets $50,000–$199,999	2
		$200,000–$399,999	3
		$400,000+	4
		Total net worth $600,000–$799,999	5
		$800,000–$1,999,999	6
		$2,000,000–$4,999,999	7
		$5,000,000+	8
	Eligible personal investment (max 20; min 8)	$200,000–$399,999	8
		$400,000–$599,999	10
		$600,000–$999,999	11
		$1.0–$1.99M	12
		$2.0–$3.99M	14
		$4.0–$7.99M	16
		$8M+	20
	Job creation (max 12; min 4)	1 job	4
		2	5
		3	6
		4	7
		5	8
		6	9
		7–9	10
		10–19	11
		20+	12
	BC development region (max 12)	Mainland/Southwest	0
		Vancouver Island and Coast; Thompson/Okanagan	6
		Cariboo	10
		Northeast; Kootenay; Nechako; North Coast	12
	Adaptability (max 40)	CLB 4	4
		CLB 5+	6
		Less than 2 years post-secondary	0
		Associate / diploma / trade credential	4
		Bachelor’s / post-graduate diploma	7
		Master’s / doctorate	10
		Age 25–34	4
		Age 35–44	8
		Age 45–54	6
		Age 55–64	4
		Age 65+	0
		BC exploratory visit 1–3 years ago	3
		Visit <1 year, not proposed regional district	5
		Visit <1 year in proposed regional district	8
		Canadian work/business/study experience ≥12 months	8
Business concept	Commercial viability (max 30)	Business model: unsatisfactory / fair-good / excellent	1 / 5 / 10
		Market/products: not addressed / at least one factor addressed	1 / 4
		Investment $200–399k / $400–599k / $600–799k / $800k+	1 / 2 / 3 / 4
		Investment assessment: basic fit / strong fit	4 / 6
		Ownership 100% / >50% to <100%	4 / 3
		Risk factors present / none	0 / 2
	Transferability of skills (max 15)	Owner-manager: 12+ months unrelated	5
		≤12 months direct or 12–36 months related	7
		13–24 months direct or 37+ months related	9
		13–24 direct + 37+ related	10
		25–36 direct	11
		25–36 direct + 37+ related	12
		37–60 direct	13
		37–60 direct + 37+ related	14
		>60 direct	15
		Senior manager: 12+ months unrelated	0
		≤12 direct or 12–36 related	2
		13–36 direct or 37+ related	4
		13–36 direct + 37+ related	6
		37–60 direct	8
		37–60 direct + 37+ related	9
		>60 direct	10
	Economic benefits (max 35)	No key sector / significant economic benefit substantiated	3
		1 key sector OR 1 significant benefit	10
		1 key sector AND 1 significant benefit	16
		1 key sector AND 2 significant benefits	23
		Job plan does not correspond to business	1
		Job plan corresponds to business	6
		One high-skilled job	4
		Two high-skilled jobs	6

Maximum / qualifying minimum200 / 115

The business concept portion must score at least 40 points.

Official source: WelcomeBC — Entrepreneur Immigration

Entrepreneur Immigration — Regional Stream

CurrentCurrent language scale

Net worth$300,000

Investment$100,000

JobsAt least 1

Minimum score105

View BC Regional Stream — 200-point grid

Factor	Category	Details	Points
Self-declared	Experience (max 24; min 8)	Owner-manager 12–24 months	7
		25–36 months	12
		37–48 months	16
		49–59 months	19
		60+ months	22
		100% ownership for ≥36 of past 60 months	+2
		Senior manager 25–48 months	4
		49–59 months	8
		60+ months	12
	Personal net worth (max 6; min 2)	Liquid assets $10,000–$49,999	1
		$50,000–$199,999	2
		$200,000+	3
		Total net worth $300,000–$999,999	2
		$1M+	3
	Eligible personal investment (max 10; min 6)	$100,000–$349,999	6
		$350,000–$599,999	8
		$600,000+	10
	Job creation (max 15; min 10)	1 job	10
		2–4 jobs	11
		5–7 jobs	13
		8+ jobs	15
	Community population (max 6)	40,000–75,000	1
		20,000–39,999	2
		15,000–19,999	3
		10,000–14,999	4
		5,000–9,999	5
		Under 5,000	6
	BC development region (max 12)	Lower Mainland/Southwest	1
		Vancouver Island and Coast	2
		Thompson-Okanagan	6
		Cariboo / Fraser-Fort George	10
		Central/East Kootenay / Kootenay Boundary	10
		Nechako / North Coast / Northeast	12
	Adaptability (max 67)	CLB 4	5
		CLB 5	10
		CLB 6	15
		CLB 7+	23
		Less than 2 years post-secondary	0
		Associate/diploma	6
		Bachelor’s/post-grad	14
		Master’s/doctorate	16
		Age <25	2
		25–29	8
		30–44	16
		45–54	10
		55–64	4
		65+	0
		Canadian experience 12–24 months	4
		Canadian experience >24 months	8
		Family member in community ≥12 months	4
Business concept	Commercial viability (max 30)	Business model unsatisfactory / fair-good / excellent	1 / 8 / 12
		Market/products not addressed / addressed	1 / 4
		Investment $100–299k / $300–499k / $500–799k / $800k+	1 / 2 / 3 / 4
		Investment assessment: basic fit / strong fit	5 / 8
		Ownership 100% / >50% to <100%	2 / 1
	Transferability (max 15)	Owner: 12–35 mo related / direct	2 / 5
		Owner: 36–59 mo related / direct	6 / 10
		Owner: 60 mo related / direct	12 / 15
		Senior manager: unrelated	0
		Senior: 12–35 mo related / direct	1 / 4
		Senior: 36–59 mo related / direct	5 / 6
		Senior: 60 mo related / direct	8 / 10
	Economic benefits (max 15)	No significant economic benefit substantiated	0
		One significant economic benefit substantiated	5
		Job plan does not correspond to business	1
		Job plan corresponds to business	10

Maximum / qualifying minimum200 / 105

There is no separate minimum business-concept score. The language scale is CLB 4 / 5 / 6 / 7+.

Official source: WelcomeBC — Entrepreneur Immigration

Manitoba Business Investor Stream — Entrepreneur Pathway

Current assessment formCurrent assessment factors

Spouse and second-official-language adaptability factors can add points. Investment scoring tiers measure the proposed investment amount above the minimum required investment.

View Manitoba Entrepreneur Pathway self-assessment grid

Factor	Category	Details	Points
Human capital	Age (max 10)	Under 25	0
		25–30	4
		31–35	6
		36–45	10
		46	8
		47	6
		48	4
		49	2
		50+	0
	Education (max 10)	2-year post-secondary	4
		3-year+ post-secondary	6
		Master’s	8
		PhD	10
	Business experience (max 30)	Owner 11+ years	30
		Owner 7–10 years	25
		Owner 3–6 years	20
		Senior manager 7+ years	10
		Senior manager 3–6 years	5
	Language (max 25)	CLB 5	10
		CLB 6	15
		CLB 7	20
		CLB 8+	25
Business	Net worth (max 10)	$500k–$1M	5
		>$1M–$1.5M	6
		>$1.5M–$2M	7
		>$2M–$2.5M	8
		>$2.5M–$3M	9
		>$3M	10
	Investment (max 15)	Investment $200k–$499,999 above the required minimum	10
		$500k–$899,999 above minimum	12
		$900k+ above minimum	15
	Economic priorities (max 5)	Export-active business with recurring Manitoba activities	5
		Business location or succession outside Manitoba Capital Region	5
	Business research visit (max 20)	At least 5 consecutive days with relevant business research	10
		At least 10 consecutive days with extensive business/lifestyle research	20
Adaptability	Adaptability (max 25)	Spouse CLB 5+ in first official language	10
		Applicant/spouse CLB 5+ in second official language	10
		Close relative in Manitoba >1 year	5
		Child enrolled full-time in Manitoba ≥6 months	5
		Applicant/spouse previous Manitoba post-secondary study/work	5

Maximum150

Official source: Manitoba — Entrepreneur self-assessment form

Atlantic Province Entrepreneur Streams

New Brunswick — Business Immigration Stream

CurrentCurrent thresholds

The current stream requires, among other criteria, $500,000 net worth ($300,000 for agriculture), $150,000 investment, CLB 4 and 65/100.

View New Brunswick selection grid

Factor	Category	Details	Points
Human capital	Age (max 10)	19–49	10
		50–59	5
	Language (max 25)	CLB 7+ first official language — all four abilities	20
		CLB 5–6 — all four abilities	16
		CLB 4 — all four abilities	12
		Second official language CLB 4+ — all four abilities	5
	Education (max 20)	Master’s or doctorate	20
		Bachelor’s / qualifying post-secondary credential	16
		Trade / 2-year qualifying diploma	13
		High school	10
Experience	Business ownership / senior management	Owner 10/10 years	15
		Owner 6–9/10 years	12
		Owner 2/5 years	8
		Senior manager 10/10 years	9
		Senior manager 6–9/10 years	7
		Senior manager 2/5 years	5
Business plan	Economic benefit / plan (max 25)	Exploratory business visit ≥5 business days within 12 months	5
		Transfer 5 years ownership experience into same industry/sector	4
		Business >20 km outside Fredericton, Saint John and Moncton	5
		Investment >$500,000	3
		Investment $150,000–$499,999	2
		Relevant statutes/regulations/by-laws/accreditation addressed	3
		Detailed relevant market research	5
Adaptability	Spouse adaptability	Qualifying spouse New Brunswick work/study/language factor	5

Maximum / minimum100 / 65

Official source: New Brunswick — Business Immigration Stream

Nova Scotia — Entrepreneur Stream

Current eligibilityCurrent point grid

Current live eligibility uses lower thresholds outside the Halifax Regional Municipality: net worth $400,000 and investment $100,000. The EOI grid shown below preserves the established scoring bands, which means a $100k–$149,999 investment can meet the outside-HRM eligibility threshold but does not receive the 10-point investment band.

View Nova Scotia Entrepreneur EOI grid

Factor	Category	Details	Points
Human capital	Language (max 35)	CLB 7+ in all four abilities	28
		CLB 6 in all four abilities	24
		CLB 5 in all four abilities	20
		Second official language CLB 5+ in all four abilities	+7
	Education (max 25)	Canadian high school / equivalent	8
		Nova Scotia high school	10
		1-year post-secondary	12
		2-year post-secondary	19
		3-year+ post-secondary	21
		Two+ credentials, one ≥3 years	22
		Master’s	23
		Entry-to-practice professional degree	23
		PhD	25
Experience	Ownership / management (max 35)	Business owner 3–5 years, ≥1/3 ownership	20
		Senior manager >5 years	20
		Business owner >5 years, ≥1/3 ownership	35
Business	Net worth (max 10)	$400,000–$999,999	5
		$1M–$1.5M	7
		>$1.5M	10
Human capital	Age (max 10)	21–24	5
		25–32	7
		33–39	10
		40–44	7
		45–55	5
		56+	0
Adaptability	Adaptability (max 10 combined)	Spouse/partner CLB 4+	5
		Applicant ≥2 years full-time Nova Scotia study	10
		Spouse/partner ≥2 years Nova Scotia study	5
		Applicant ≥1 year authorized Nova Scotia work	10
		Spouse/partner ≥1 year Nova Scotia work	5
		Qualifying relative in Nova Scotia	5
Business	Nova Scotia economic priorities (max 10)	Export-oriented business	5
		Business location outside Halifax Regional Municipality	10
		Business succession — qualifying existing business	10
	Investment (max 15)	$100,000–$149,999: may satisfy current outside-HRM eligibility minimum, but earns no points on the established grid	0
		$150,000–$300,000	10
		>$300,000	15

Maximum150

Nova Scotia issues invitations to highest-ranked candidates; draw cut-offs vary. Confirm current eligibility and selection criteria before filing.

Official source: Nova Scotia — Entrepreneur Stream

Prince Edward Island — Work Permit Stream

Current

Net worth$600,000

LanguageCLB/NCLC 4

Age21–59

Application fee$10,000

The stream uses an EOI profile and a performance agreement. The current guide states a maximum EOI score of 200, plus a possible 10-point second-official-language bonus.

View PEI Business Impact EOI grid

Factor	Category	Details	Points
Human capital	Age (max 30)	21–24	10
		25–29	30
		30–44	30
		45–49	20
		50–54	10
		Over 54	0
	Language (max 50 + bonus)	CLB 10	50
		CLB 9	50
		CLB 8	45
		CLB 7	40
		CLB 6	30
		CLB 5	20
		CLB 4 / qualifying post-secondary language proof	0
		Second official language — qualifying evidence	+10 bonus
	Education (max 20)	Master’s/PhD	20
		Bachelor’s 3+ years	17
		Trade/technical diploma 2+ years	12
		Secondary school	0
Experience	Business ownership / management (max 50)	Owner >50% + manager — 5/7 years	50
		Owner >50% + manager — 3/5 years	40
		Owner 20–50% — 5/7 years	35
		Owner 20–50% — 3/5 years	25
		Senior manager — 5/7 years	30
		Senior manager — 3/5 years	20
Business	Community endorsement (max 15)	Rural community endorsement	15
		Capital region endorsement	10
Adaptability	Adaptability (max 35)	Child enrolled in PEI ≥6 months	10
		Spouse PEI post-secondary graduate	5
		Spouse/dependent CLB 6+	10
		Spouse work experience 3 years in past 5	5
		Close family in PEI ≥12 months	10
		Farming experience + plan, if applicable	10

Maximum200 + up to 10 bonus

Official source: PEI — Work Permit Stream

Official source: PEI — Business Impact application guide / point grid

Newfoundland & Labrador — International Entrepreneur

Current

Age21–59

Net worth$600,000

Investment$200,000 + ≥33.3% ownership, or $1M equity

LanguageCLB 5

View Newfoundland & Labrador EOI selection grid

Factor	Category	Details	Points
Human capital	Language (max 32)	First official language CLB 7+	24
		CLB 6	22
		CLB 5	20
		Second official language CLB 5+	8
	Education (max 30)	PhD	24
		Master’s	20
		Post-secondary 2+ years	15
		Canadian high school / equivalent	12
		Canadian post-secondary 2+ years bonus	+6
Experience	Business experience (max 24)	Business owner-manager 3+ years	15
		Business owner-manager 2–3 years	5
		Senior manager >5 years	9
Business	Economic priorities (max 12)	Priority sector (technology, agriculture, aquaculture, natural resources)	8
		Other eligible sector	4
		Rural location outside St. John’s CMA	+4
Human capital	Age (max 12)	21–30	10
		31–40	12
		41–50	8
		51–59	4
		60+	0
Adaptability	Adaptability (max 10)	Qualifying relative in NL	6
		Prior NL work 2+ years	4
		Prior NL work 1–2 years	2

Maximum / historical qualifying minimum120 / 72

Invitation thresholds may vary. Confirm the current EOI process before filing.

Official source: Newfoundland & Labrador — International Entrepreneur eligibility

Territorial Business Programs

Northwest Territories — Business Stream

Open in 2026

The Business Stream remains separate from the 2026 Employer-Driven EOI system and operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Current investment minimums are $200,000 in Yellowknife and $100,000 outside Yellowknife. The current published business guidelines also set application-process, net-worth, ownership, interview and business-performance requirements.

Official source: NWT — Business Stream guidelines

Yukon — Business Nominee Program

CurrentCurrent thresholds

Yukon’s current eligibility material and assessment grid require at least $300,000 in investment, $500,000 net worth, $300,000 liquid assets and at least 65 points.

View Yukon Business Nominee assessment grid

Factor	Category	Details	Points
Financial	Investment value	Less than $300,000	Ineligible
		$300,000–$400,000	6
		$400,001–$750,000	8
		$750,001+	12
	Personal net worth	Less than $500,000	Ineligible
		$500,000–$750,000	6
		$750,001+	8
	Liquid assets	Less than $300,000	Ineligible
		$300,000–$450,000	6
		$450,001+	8
Human capital	Age	Under 21	0
		21–49	10
		50–51	8
		52–53	6
		54–55	4
		56+	0
Adaptability	Prior visits	Less than 3 days	0
		3–6 days	4
		7–10 days	6
		11+ days	8
Human capital	Language	Below CLB 4 in any category	0
		CLB 4–6 in each category	8
		CLB 7+ in each category	12
Experience	Entrepreneur/business management	Less than 3 years	Ineligible
		3–5 years	8
		6+ years	10
	Relevant work experience	Less than 5 years	Ineligible
		5–7 years	8
		8+ years	10
Human capital	Education	No high school diploma	Ineligible
		High school	10
		1-year post-secondary	12
		2-year post-secondary	16
		Bachelor’s	18
		Master’s / PhD	20
Business	Location	Whitehorse	0
		Community outside Whitehorse	5

Minimum required score65

The assessment-grid document states CLB 4 is not required to submit the grid but is required before nomination; Yukon’s current application instructions should be checked at filing because language instructions have changed over time.

Official source: Yukon — Business Nominee eligibility

Official source: Yukon — Assessment point grid

Saskatchewan — Entrepreneur & Farm pathways

Closed

Do not market as an active option. Saskatchewan permanently closed its Entrepreneur and Farm pathways to new applications, expressions of interest and invitations effective March 27, 2025. Existing files continue under transition rules.

Official source: Saskatchewan — Entrepreneur category notice

Québec business immigration — separate selection system

Structural correction: Québec is not a Provincial Nominee Program. It selects business immigrants under its own Québec programs.

Investor Program

Current core conditions include $2 million net worth, qualifying management experience, spoken French level 7, a 5-year $1 million investment and a $200,000 financial contribution through an authorized financial intermediary, plus Québec stay requirements.

Official source: Québec — Investor conditions

Entrepreneur — Stream 1

Innovative business or innovative project with support from a specialized innovation organization. The start-up profile requires at least 10% contribution to the original capital.

Official source: Québec — Innovative business conditions

Entrepreneur — Stream 2

Business start-up. The start-up profile includes two years of business-management experience in the prior five years, $600,000 net worth and minimum start-up/operating expenses of $300,000 in Montréal or $150,000 outside.

Official source: Québec — Business start-up conditions

Entrepreneur — Stream 3

Business takeover. A business in the acquisition profile must generally have operated for at least five years; the new-acquisition profile includes $600,000 net worth and takeover expenses of $300,000 in Montréal or $150,000 outside.

Official source: Québec — Business takeover conditions

Federal and LMIA-exempt work-permit options

Work-permit strategies for business owners and key employees

There is no single business-owner work permit. The right route depends on the applicant’s nationality, ownership and corporate structure, proposed role, business plan, economic benefit, employer and long-term immigration strategy.

C11 — Entrepreneurs and self-employed

An LMIA-exempt option under R205(a) where the proposed work is expected to create significant economic, social or cultural benefit for Canada. The evidence must establish the applicant’s role, the business’s viability and its credible benefit.

R204 — International agreements

Agreements such as CUSMA, CETA and CPTPP may support work permits for qualifying traders, investors, professionals, contractual service suppliers or intra-company transferees. Nationality and category-specific rules apply.

Intra-company transfers

Qualifying executives, senior managers and specialized-knowledge employees may transfer from a related foreign enterprise to a genuine Canadian parent, subsidiary, branch or affiliate. The corporate relationship, prior employment and Canadian operation must be documented.

C16 — Francophone Mobility

French-speaking or bilingual workers with eligible employment outside Quebec may qualify without an LMIA when the language, job-offer and employer-compliance requirements are met.

Other R205 pathways

Canadian-interest exemptions can include reciprocal employment, charitable or religious work and other public-policy categories. Each exemption code has its own purpose, eligibility requirements and supporting evidence.

LMIA-supported work permits

Where no exemption applies, a Canadian business may need a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment before the worker applies. Recruitment, wages, business legitimacy and program restrictions must be addressed.

From strategy through execution

We help with the entire process.

A strong application requires the business and immigration case to tell the same story. We develop the strategy, build the supporting business case and prepare the complete immigration application so every part works together.

Business and immigration strategyWe create a customized plan based on your experience, finances, family, proposed role and long-term immigration goals.

Finding the right businessWe help clients identify and assess a suitable business opportunity that fits their background, resources and immigration strategy.

Business setup and presentationWe incorporate Canadian businesses and prepare detailed business plans, financial projections and professional PowerPoint presentations.

Applications and submissionsWe prepare the work-permit application, supporting evidence and legal submissions, and represent clients throughout the process.

One coordinated team. We help with the business, corporate and immigration work required to move from an initial idea to a properly structured and carefully documented application. Permanent residence is not automatic, so every work-permit strategy should be developed as part of a realistic longer-term plan.

U.S. EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program

Explore a U.S. investment pathway

Invest US $800,000.
Explore a direct Green Card pathway.

A direct investment pathway to U.S. permanent residence for qualified investors, their spouses and unmarried children under 21.

US $800,000qualifying investment

3–5 yearstypical investment term

Lawful fundsmust be documented

Live, work and study anywhere in the United States
No employer sponsorship or points grid
Passive regional-centre investment options
One application can include your qualifying family

Free EB-5 Assessment Learn More About EB-5

Statue of Liberty with the New York skyline — **America is the #1 destination for immigrants.**If you can invest, we can help.

The US $800,000 level applies to qualifying rural, high-unemployment-area and infrastructure investments; the standard minimum is generally US $1,050,000. Capital must remain at risk. Immigration approval and repayment cannot be guaranteed.

WP2PR client video testimonials

Hear from our WP2PR entrepreneurs.

Our clients share their business immigration journeys to Canada.

Let’s plan your next move.

Speak with an experienced immigration professional who will listen to your situation and help you understand what comes next.

Call +1 (416) 644-4000 WhatsApp +1 (416) 788-3227

Immigration rules are complicated and change frequently. That is why your first step should be a conversation with an experienced immigration lawyer. David Rosenblatt will help you understand your options and devise a proper strategic immigration plan that is right for you.

It is your life and your future. You need the right solution and a team that can carry out a disciplined, carefully prepared application process. We create Canadian business immigration strategies for people who can invest in and operate a genuine business. For U.S. EB-5, we provide investment immigration guidance through VisaV and coordinate with qualified U.S. immigration counsel.

We have provided extensive preliminary information throughout this website. When you are ready to discuss how the rules apply to you, there are many ways to reach us.

David Rosenblatt at the Rosenblatt Immigration Law office

David L. Rosenblatt, JD, CSImmigration Lawyer · Certified Specialist in Citizenship and Immigration Law

Your Immigration Lawyer

David L. Rosenblatt, JD, CS

Canadian Immigration Lawyer · Certified Specialist

David L. Rosenblatt is a Canadian immigration lawyer and a Certified Specialist in Citizenship and Immigration Law, certified by the Law Society of Ontario. He has more than 35 years of experience helping people with their Canadian immigration matters.

It starts with a confidential consultation, where you receive reliable answers, practical immigration solutions and a strategic plan suited to your circumstances.

“It is critical to get the right immigration advice from the beginning. There is a great deal of misinformation, often from unqualified people giving advice. The process starts with the right immigration strategy and succeeds through careful, flawless execution. Contact us if you need help.”

Isha GirdharCertified Canadian Immigration Consultant
RCIC · English, Hindi, Urdu and Punjabi

Your business can be the beginning of your Canadian future.

Work permit first. Business next. A plan for permanent residence.

Plan the business and work permit

Establish or acquire the business

Qualify for permanent residence

Your spouse may lead the PR application

One family. A customized pathway.

Featured Canadian entrepreneur pathway

Work Permit to Permanent Residence

Buy an Existing Business in Canada

Every opportunity requires a deep dive.

International Student to Entrepreneur

Business immigration through the provinces.

A business plan approved by the province

Current entrepreneur program comparison

Alberta Advantage Immigration Program — Entrepreneur Streams

British Columbia Entrepreneur Immigration

Manitoba Business Investor Stream — Entrepreneur Pathway

Atlantic Province Entrepreneur Streams

Territorial Business Programs

Québec business immigration — separate selection system

Investor Program

Entrepreneur — Stream 1

Entrepreneur — Stream 2

Entrepreneur — Stream 3

Work-permit strategies for business owners and key employees

C11 — Entrepreneurs and self-employed

R204 — International agreements

Intra-company transfers

C16 — Francophone Mobility

Other R205 pathways

LMIA-supported work permits

We help with the entire process.

Invest US $800,000.Explore a direct Green Card pathway.

Hear from our WP2PR entrepreneurs.

Let’s plan your next move.

Start Your Business Immigration Enquiry

Invest US $800,000.
Explore a direct Green Card pathway.