Business and Investor Immigration
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Canada offers a variety of immigration pathways for individuals with entrepreneurial experience or investment capital who are looking to contribute to the country’s economic development. While immigration policy is largely administered at the national level, many provinces and territories operate their own specialized immigration streams under the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).
Each province has the authority to nominate individuals who meet their specific economic and demographic needs. These provincial business immigration streams are designed to attract experienced entrepreneurs, investors, and business owners who are interested in establishing or managing a business in Canada.
Most Provincial Nominee Programs include a business immigration category alongside their skilled worker streams. These business categories are ideal for candidates who:
Have prior experience in business ownership or management;
Possess sufficient personal net worth to invest in a business in Canada;
Intend to actively participate in the day-to-day operations of a Canadian business;
Are prepared to reside in the nominating province and contribute to its economy.
Once a candidate is nominated by a province or territory, they become eligible to apply for permanent residence through the designated immigration process.
At Odogwu, we specialize in guiding entrepreneurs and investors through the provincial business immigration process. As Licensed Immigration professionals, we are licensed professionals authorized to represent clients in all aspects of Canadian immigration.
Assessing your eligibility for various provincial business programs;
Preparing and submitting your provincial nomination application;
Assisting with the preparation of your business plan and financial documentation;
Guiding you through the process of obtaining permanent residence once nominated.
Our team brings a client-focused approach, ensuring your application is strategically prepared and professionally handled to maximize your chances of success.
The Quebec Investor Program offers an opportunity for experienced business individuals to obtain Canadian permanent residence by making a passive investment with the Quebec government. This program is designed for high-net-worth individuals who intend to settle in Quebec and contribute to its economic development.
Under this program, eligible applicants are required to make a government-secured investment of $1,200,000 CAD for a period of five years. At the end of this term, the investment is fully refunded without interest.
To qualify, applicants must meet the following conditions:
Net Worth: Possess a legally acquired net worth of at least $2,000,000 CAD, either alone or with a spouse or common-law partner. This amount must exclude any donations received within six months prior to submitting the application.
Management Experience: Demonstrate at least two years of full-time management experience within the five years preceding the application. This experience must involve planning, managing, and controlling financial, human, or material resources in one of the following:
A legal commercial, industrial, or agricultural business
A legal professional business with at least two full-time employees (excluding the applicant)
A government entity or international organization
Note: Management experience gained through internships, apprenticeships, or academic training does not qualify.
Investment Commitment: Agree to invest $1,200,000 CAD through a signed investment agreement with a financial intermediary (broker or trust company) authorized by the Quebec government.
Intention to Reside: Commit to residing in the province of Quebec.
The investment is guaranteed by the Government of Quebec and is held for five years.
Financing options are available through authorized brokers or financial institutions.
After the five-year term, the government will reimburse the full $1,200,000 CAD, typically within 30 days. If the applicant financed the investment, the reimbursed amount may vary depending on the financing terms.
During the assessment of your application, Quebec authorities will also evaluate:
Age
Education and professional qualifications
Language proficiency in French and/or English
Adaptability and integration potential
Contact us today to explore your options and begin your journey to Canadian permanent residence through Quebec.
The BC PNP Regional Entrepreneur Immigration Stream offers an opportunity for experienced entrepreneurs to establish, invest in, or purchase a business in British Columbia, contributing to the province’s economic growth and development. The process begins with a registration through the Entrepreneur Immigration Registration (EIR) system.
Applicants must first register with the EIR. Registrations are scored based on several factors, including:
Business ownership or senior management experience
Personal net worth
Proposed investment amount
Job creation potential
Adaptability
Business concept
The maximum possible score is 200 points, and only the highest-ranking registrants will be invited to submit a full application to the BCPNP.
To be eligible to register under the BCPNP Regional Entrepreneur Stream, applicants must meet the following minimum criteria:
Personal Net Worth: A minimum of CAD $600,000 in legally obtained personal net worth (may include your spouse’s or common-law partner’s assets).
Experience:
At least 3 years as a business owner-manager, or
4+ years in a senior management role (managing at least 3 employees) within the last 10 years.
Education:
Minimum of 2 years post-secondary education, or
Active 100% ownership of a business (individually or jointly with a spouse/common-law partner) for at least 3 of the past 5 years.
Applicants must either start a new business or purchase and improve an existing one. The proposed business must benefit British Columbia’s economy. Once submitted, the business concept cannot be changed. The proposal is evaluated based on:
The feasibility and profitability of the business model
Minimum ownership of 33.3% (unless investing more than CAD $1 million)
A market entry strategy that makes sense
A competitive and realistic product/service offering
Minimum job creation:
1 job for the applicant
3 jobs if a key staff member is proposed
The investment amount must be a minimum of CAD $200,000, or CAD $400,000 if a key staff member is included in the application.
Additionally, the BCPNP will assess whether your previous business or management experience is transferable to your proposed venture in BC. The overall economic impact of your business on the region will also influence your score.
If you plan to purchase an existing business, your application must demonstrate:
A clear expansion plan
Financial viability and stability of the acquisition and proposed improvements.
If invited to apply, applicants have 4 months to submit a complete application. Upon approval:
A performance agreement is signed with the province (unique to each applicant).
The applicant receives a letter of support for a 2-year temporary work permit.
You must arrive in British Columbia within 12 months of receiving the work permit.
An arrival report must be submitted within 2 months of landing.
The business must be operational within 20 months of arrival.
At the end of this period, the BCPNP will evaluate whether the applicant has fulfilled the terms of the performance agreement. If all conditions are met, a nomination for permanent residence may be issued.
Let us guide you through every step of your entrepreneurial journey in British Columbia.
For individuals looking to invest in and actively manage a business in Manitoba, the Business Investor Stream (BIS) under the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) provides a pathway to permanent residence.
To begin the process, interested applicants must submit an Expression of Interest (EOI), along with a Business Intent Summary and conduct an Exploratory Visit to Manitoba. Please note: the exploratory visit must take place no more than 12 months prior to submitting your EOI.
To be considered under the Business Investor Stream, applicants must meet the following baseline requirements:
Personal Net Worth: Demonstrate a minimum verifiable net worth of CAD $350,000.
Business Experience: Possess a minimum of three years of business ownership and management experience, or three years in a senior management role with executive-level responsibilities.
Adaptability Score: Achieve a minimum of 60 points on Manitoba’s Adaptability Assessment Matrix, which evaluates various factors including:
Age
Business experience and knowledge
Net worth
Language proficiency in English and/or French (supported by valid IELTS or other approved test results no older than two years)
Connection to Manitoba
Skills and qualifications of accompanying family members
Investment Commitment: Pledge a minimum capital investment of CAD $150,000 into a qualifying Manitoba business.
Deposit Agreement: Sign a Good-Faith Deposit Agreement of CAD $100,000, which is fully refundable upon meeting the terms and conditions of the agreement.
Once the EOI is submitted, Manitoba reviews and ranks applicants based on their score. Only the highest-ranking candidates will receive an invitation to apply for a provincial nomination. Please be aware that submitting an EOI does not guarantee an invitation to apply, and receiving a nomination does not guarantee approval for permanent residency by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
The New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP) – Business Applicant Stream is designed to attract experienced entrepreneurs from around the world who are ready to establish, operate, and actively manage a business that will contribute to the province’s economic development.
The first step for potential applicants is to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) to the Government of New Brunswick. Only candidates with the most competitive profiles will be selected from the EOI pool and invited to apply.
Each profile is evaluated based on specific selection factors and assigned a score. While the minimum score to qualify is 50, receiving an invitation depends on how well a candidate ranks against others in the pool.
To qualify under the NBPNP – Business Applicant Stream, candidates must meet the following criteria:
Age: Between 22 and 55 years old
Language Proficiency: Proficient in English and/or French to manage a business in New Brunswick (proof through a valid language test such as IELTS taken within the last two years may be required)
Education: Minimum of a high school diploma
Experience: A minimum of 3 out of the last 5 years in business ownership or senior management
Intent and Ability: Demonstrate the intent to live in New Brunswick and actively operate the proposed business
Understanding of Local Market: Show a clear understanding of New Brunswick’s business environment
Net Worth & Investment:
Minimum personal net worth of CAD $300,000
Commit to a minimum business investment of CAD $125,000
Be able to place a refundable deposit of CAD $75,000 under the province’s Deposit Agreement, which is returned if program conditions are met.
If selected from the EOI pool, the candidate will be invited to apply and must:
Schedule and attend a mandatory in-person exploratory visit to New Brunswick
Participate in an interview with provincial officials
Submit a comprehensive business plan aligned with provincial economic priorities
Upon a successful review, New Brunswick may nominate the applicant for permanent residence. At this stage, the Deposit Agreement is signed, and the applicant proceeds to apply for permanent residency through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) offers an Investment Pathway designed for international investors seeking to establish or expand business operations in Ontario. Through this stream, eligible entrepreneurs and investors may be nominated for Canadian permanent residence if their business proposal significantly benefits Ontario’s economy.
The process begins with the submission of an Investment Referral Form to the Ontario Ministry of Citizenship, Immigration and International Trade (MCIIT). This form is forwarded to the appropriate secondary ministry based on the nature of the proposed business and its economic sector. Applications are evaluated and ranked based on their potential impact.
To be considered for nomination under this stream, the investment must:
Receive formal endorsement at the Deputy Minister level from a relevant Ontario ministry, including support for the number of key nominee positions requested.
Involve a minimum capital investment of $3 million CAD.
Result in the creation of at least five net new permanent full-time jobs for Canadian citizens or permanent residents in Ontario. If more nominee positions are requested, additional job creation is required accordingly.
Both new business ventures and expansions of existing operations are eligible under this stream, provided they align with Ontario’s economic priorities.
Each nominee position must:
Be essential to the long-term success of the proposed investment.
Fall under a skilled occupation classified under NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 (formerly NOC 0, A, or B).
Be a permanent, full-time position based in Ontario.
Offer compensation at or above prevailing wage rates, as outlined by Service Canada’s Labour Market Information.
Not displace workers involved in any ongoing labour disputes or negatively affect local employment or training opportunities for Canadian citizens or permanent residents.
If the investment is endorsed by the appropriate ministry, the applicant will receive instructions to proceed with the OINP application. This application is reviewed by both the relevant ministry and the MCIIT.
If approved, a nominee application package is issued. Applicants have 60 days to complete and submit the package along with a non-refundable application fee of $3,500 CAD.
Upon receiving a provincial nomination from Ontario, applicants may then apply to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for permanent residence. While the federal application is being processed, applicants may request a temporary work permit to begin operations.
The 100% Ownership Stream under the Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program (PEI PNP) is designed for individuals who wish to own and actively manage a business in PEI. This pathway is ideal for experienced entrepreneurs who want to settle in the province and contribute to its economic development.
Applicants must first complete and submit a Self-Assessment Form and a Business Proposal to the PEI PNP. If the submission is deemed eligible, the applicant will be invited for an in-person interview in Prince Edward Island. Following the interview, the applicant must submit a comprehensive Business Plan and a Settlement Plan for approval.
Once the business and settlement plans are accepted, the province will issue a Provincial Nomination Certificate, allowing the applicant to apply for Canadian permanent residence.
To qualify under this stream, the applicant must:
Have a personal net worth of at least CAD $600,000, legally obtained and verifiable.
Hold a minimum education level equivalent to a Canadian high school diploma.
Be between 21 and 59 years of age at the time of application.
Demonstrate transferable business management or ownership experience.
Achieve a minimum IELTS score of 4.0 (General Training) obtained within the last two years.
Submit a business plan demonstrating full (100%) ownership in a business that meets program eligibility.
Commit to active and ongoing management of the business from within PEI.
Enter into an Escrow Agreement, including a refundable deposit of CAD $200,000 to be held by the province. This amount is refunded once the applicant meets all the performance terms outlined in the agreement.
Invest a minimum of CAD $150,000 into establishing or acquiring a new or existing PEI business.
Provide a Purchase and Sale Agreement, if purchasing an existing business.
The PEI PNP places special emphasis on applicants whose business plans align with the province’s economic priorities. Preference may be given to proposals that:
Establish or grow export-oriented businesses.
Utilize primary sector resources in industries such as agriculture, fishery, and forestry.
Promote economic diversification in rural communities across PEI.
Support the development of innovative sectors, including:
Biosciences
Information Technology
Aerospace
Renewable Energy
At Odogwu, we are licensed Immigration Professionals with extensive experience supporting entrepreneurs in navigating the provincial nomination process.
We assist our clients in preparing strong applications, designing viable business plans, and meeting all PEIPNP requirements to increase the likelihood of a successful nomination.
Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program – Entrepreneur Category (SINP-E)
At Odogwu, we assist aspiring entrepreneurs through the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program – Entrepreneur stream (SINP-E), a pathway designed for individuals seeking to establish or purchase a business in Saskatchewan and ultimately obtain Canadian permanent residency.
The process begins by submitting an Expression of Interest (EOI) to the SINP Entrepreneur pool. This is not an application, but a way to express your interest in operating a business in Saskatchewan. Your EOI will be assessed and ranked based on the Entrepreneur Points Assessment Grid. High-ranking candidates are periodically invited to apply to the program.
Candidates are selected based on factors such as:
Age
Business experience and management background
Official language proficiency
Net worth (higher net worth leads to higher scores)
Investment amount
Business innovation and relevance to Saskatchewan’s economy
Exploratory visit to Saskatchewan (optional but beneficial)
If selected, you will receive an invitation to apply and, after review, a letter of support for a two-year temporary work permit. This permit must be filed with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) within three months.
Upon arrival in Saskatchewan on a temporary work permit, you must implement your Business Establishment Plan (BEP) and sign a Business Performance Agreement (BPA) with the province. This agreement outlines the key performance targets you must meet, including investment, job creation, and operational timelines.
Your BEP should clearly demonstrate your alignment with the objectives of the program and the province’s economic priorities.
After successfully fulfilling the terms of your BPA within the two-year work period, you may become eligible to apply for a provincial nomination through the SINP. Once nominated, you can proceed to apply to IRCC for Canadian permanent residency.
To be eligible to submit an Expression of Interest, you must:
Possess a minimum of $500,000 CAD in personal and business net assets
Have at least three years of entrepreneurial or business management experience within the last ten years
Plan to invest at least $300,000 CAD in Regina or Saskatoon, or $200,000 CAD in other Saskatchewan communities
Start your entrepreneurial journey in Saskatchewan with confidence. Let Odogwu help you make Canada your business destination.
The Yukon Business Nominee Program (YBNP) offers a pathway to permanent residence for experienced entrepreneurs and business professionals who intend to establish or invest in a business in Yukon.
The process begins with submitting an application for evaluation. Each application is reviewed based on the program’s official Nominee Assessment Grid, and candidates must meet the following minimum requirements to be considered:
Minimum Score: Applicants must score at least 56 points on the Nominee Assessment Grid.
Points are awarded based on:
Proposed business investment amount
Verified personal net worth
Age (maximum points awarded between ages 29 to 40)
Previous visit(s) to Yukon
Education and training
Ownership or senior management experience
Language proficiency
Language Requirements:
Minimum CLB 6 on the IELTS (International English Language Testing System)
OR minimum Level 4 on the TEF (Test d’Évaluation de Français)
Entrepreneurial or Management Experience:
Applicants must demonstrate relevant experience in managing or owning a business.
Minimum Net Worth:
A minimum net worth of CAD $250,000, legally obtained and verifiable through documentation.
Liquid Assets:
A minimum of CAD $150,000 in liquid, transferable assets such as cash, bonds, or equivalents.
Once an applicant is approved under the YBNP, they will receive a Letter of Recommendation to support their application for a two-year work permit through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). During this period, the applicant must establish or invest in a qualifying business in Yukon.
Upon receiving the work permit, the applicant must submit a detailed business plan outlining their proposed investment. The business must align with one of the industries listed on Yukon’s Strategic Sector List.
Applicants must meet one of the following two investment pathways:
Business Establishment:
Establish and actively manage a new business
Invest a minimum of CAD $150,000
Own at least 33.3% (one-third) of the business
Equity Investment:
Make a minimum equity investment of CAD $1,000,000 in an existing business operating in a Strategic Sector.
At the conclusion of the two-year work permit period, applicants will be assessed based on their business performance and adherence to the terms of their business plan. If all requirements are successfully met, the Yukon Business Nominee Program may support the applicant’s permanent residence application to IRCC.
At Odogwu, we support aspiring business immigrants in navigating the Northwest Territories Nominee Program (NTNP) – Entrepreneur Stream. This pathway is designed for individuals who wish to start or invest in a business that brings economic value to the Northwest Territories (NWT), while offering a unique lifestyle in Canada’s northern region.
Prospective applicants must begin by completing a self-assessment to determine their eligibility. If deemed eligible, candidates can submit a formal application to the Government of the Northwest Territories for review.
The program is open to all economic sectors. However, preference is given to proposals that introduce new products or services to the region or that offer substantial benefits to the local economy. Applicants may either launch a new venture or purchase an existing business, provided the business plan demonstrates clear, incremental advantages for the territory.
To qualify for this stream, applicants must meet the following minimum criteria:
Investment Requirement:
A minimum of $300,000 CAD in equity if the business is located within Yellowknife’s corporate boundaries.
A minimum of $150,000 CAD if the business is outside of Yellowknife.
Personal Net Worth:
At least $500,000 CAD for businesses in Yellowknife.
At least $250,000 CAD for businesses outside Yellowknife.
Good Faith Deposit:
A refundable $75,000 CAD deposit held in trust. This will be returned without interest once the terms of the Business Performance Agreement are successfully met.
Knowledge of the NWT:
A reasonable understanding of the region, including its economic landscape and market opportunities.
Communication Skills:
Adequate language proficiency to operate a business and engage with the community.
Education & Experience:
The necessary qualifications and business management experience to successfully implement the proposed business plan.
Once your business plan is approved by the Assistant Deputy Minister, you may receive a nomination for a temporary work permit. This allows you to enter Canada and begin operating your business according to the terms set out in the Business Performance Agreement.
If you meet the requirements of that agreement during the designated timeframe, the Northwest Territories may nominate you for permanent residence. At this stage, you can submit your application to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for final processing.
At Odogwu, we guide you through the provincial nomination process with precision and care. However, it’s essential to understand that receiving a provincial nomination does not automatically guarantee approval for permanent residency.
All permanent residence applications submitted through a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) must undergo a final assessment by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). During this stage, IRCC will assess your admissibility, which includes a review of:
Criminal history
Medical background
Compliance with the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA)
Even if you meet all the provincial criteria and receive a nomination, IRCC can refuse the application if you are found inadmissible under federal immigration regulations.
As Licensed Immigration Professionals, our role is to ensure your application is complete, accurate, and aligned with current immigration policies, significantly increasing your chances of a successful outcome.
