ENTREPRENEUR

This category is becoming more difficult in our opinion because in order to lift the conditions, the applicant must meet provincial approval in priority development sectors and then satisfy the terms and conditions imposed on the business within two years of operation, in order to obtain permanent residence status. Such a list is provided at the end of the hand-out.

Great emphasis is placed on the applicant's proven track record in business, expertise, financial resources and entrepreneurial spirit.

To Satisfy Immigration, You Will Need To Do 4 Things:

1) Make a substantial investment.

Capital investment is usually in the region of $150,000. Investments in priority development sectors will more easily satisfy Immigration, but that does not mean that other sectors are not acceptable.

Keep in mind that if you were to invest this amount of money, you would need a personal net asset worth greater than your investment. In Greater Vancouver you will require at least $500,000 by the time you settle your family. For example:

2) Make a significant contribution to the economy.

The proposed business should provide employment opportunities for one or more Canadian citizens or permanent residents, other than the entrepreneur and his dependents. The applicant must also have the ability to actively participate in the day to day management of the business.

3) Create or continue employment.

You have to create a new full-time job or continue a full-time job that would otherwise be lost if it were not for the entrepreneur's investment. A full-time job requires a minimum of 35 hours a week. Provincial minimum wage in B.C. is $7.00/hr, but the wage must be commensurate with the relevant industry sector.

4) Actively participate in the management of the business.

You must provide day-to-day management of the business. However, this does not mean that you cannot be involved with other businesses.

A business proposal is presented both to Immigration and the provincial Business Immigration Branch. The provincial authorities will then decide if it is viable and report back to the federal Immigration. If you are refused, there is no formal appeal.

Bonus points - 45.

Why do you need to submit a proposal to be scrutinised by two authorities? -

In a nutshell, the federal branch of Immigration is concerned that you meet the criterion for the category and the provincial branch is concerned that the business conforms to provincial requirements and that it has a strong chance of success.

Can I invest in my own business?

Entrepreneurs can invest in their own project or a partnership provided they are actively involved in the management of the business and the business can fit into the necessary criteria.

Independent Self-Employed

Entrepreneur Investor

Interview Questionnaire

I.S.A. Home Page

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