Everything You Need to Know about Canada Business Visa Requirements

Without a doubt, Canada is one of the most attractive destinations for business people and entrepreneurs. The country offers the best qualities, from a thriving economy to a high quality of life, so the ground is ready for you to flourish.

However, many ways exist to apply for a work permit in Canada. Once you’ve found the right pathway, you have to meet the specific Canada business visa requirements to be eligible for a work permit.

In this guide, we’ll discuss the main visa program types and their requirements so that you can choose the right course for your business growth.

Top 3 Canadian Business Visa Programs

Canada offers various visa options to attract professionals, from entrepreneurs to business owners. These programs address economic concerns, such as labour shortages, and hopefully encourage innovation by drawing skilled workers.

We’ve compiled a list of the top 4 federal and provincial business visa programs and comprehensively discussed the requirements of each Canada business visa program.

Please keep in mind that these visa programs are different from the Canada business visitor visa. This particular program is categorized under the temporary business visa.

It is suited for business visitors who want to do corporation activities in Canada but don’t intend to enter the labour market.

Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) Visa Program

The intra-company transfer (ICT) program is designed for companies with branches in Canada or foreign companies that want to expand their business there.

This visa allows companies to transfer essential personnel, such as executives, managers, or specialists, to their Canadian location.

Those who apply for an ICT work permit can eventually secure their way to permanent residence (PR) through the Express Entry system or Provincial Nominee Programs(PNP). Initial permits are issued for 1-3 years and can be extended (up to 7 years for executives and 5 years for specialized workers).

This program best suits established companies that want to bring leadership or specialized talent to a Canadian office.

One merit is that through this program, ICT applications are exempt from providing Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), which would shorten their processing time.

How Can You Apply for the ICT Visa Program?

There are a few straightforward steps you should take. The first thing you might be wondering is if you’re eligible to apply for an ICT program.

Well, there are a couple of eligibility criteria you should consider:

The company must employ you for at least one year in the last three years before the transfer.
The Canadian operation must be a qualifying organization (e.g., branch, subsidiary, parent company affiliate).
Your role in Canada must be similar to the one you held abroad or require the same expertise.
The parent company you work for should be financially stable and capable of supporting the foreign company.

Once you’ve checked your eligibility, it’s time to compile a business plan. This is mostly done to show that feasibility research has been conducted and that business owners clearly understand what they’re investing their money in.

Then, gather the required documents. Here is the ICT program required documents checklist:

You must compile proof of your employment, whether from your contract, recent paycheck, or work history.
You should also highlight the company relationship by providing documentation showing that the Canadian office is part of the same organization.
Another requirement depends on your case or industry. You may be asked to undergo a medical exam and a police certificate.
Also, language proficiency in English or French is often required.

However, for a more detailed list of requirements, it’s better to check IRCC’s official website or consult an expert immigration lawyer.

The final step is applying through the IRCC portal. Remember to clarify that your work permit is exempt from providing LMIA. Then, you wait.

The processing time may differ from 3 months to 6 months.

Start-Up Visa Program

Canada’s Start-Up Visa (SUV) program is for entrepreneurs who want to launch new businesses. It provides a direct route to obtaining their PRs.

This program is best suited for entrepreneurs supported by a designated organization (such as a venture capital fund, business incubator, or angel investment) in Canada.

Those granted this opportunity can move to Canada within 3 to 6 months and obtain their PRs within 2.5 to 3 years.

How Can You Apply for the SUV Visa Program?

If you’re full of new job-creating ideas and ready to compete globally, this program is made for you. But first, you and your business should be eligible:

You must hold at least 10% of your business’s voting rights, and you and the designated organization must control more than 50%.
You must obtain a commitment certificate from the designated organization. So, it would show that your business idea has high potential and is backed up by experienced investors.
- Venture Capital Fund: Minimum investment of CAD 200,000.
- Angel Investor Group: Minimum investment of CAD 75,000.
- Business Incubator: applicants don’t need to meet an investment minimum.
Applicants also must show English or French proficiency.
One final eligibility is sufficient funds, proving that you and your family can settle in Canada.

So, how can you apply? First, you have to prepare your business plan idea, showing that your start-up has potential.

Then, you get a letter of support from a designated organization, and they will send a commitment certificate straight to the Canadian immigration authorities.

After preparing the necessary documents, complete the application forms for the SUV Visa Program and submit your application through the IRCC portal.

Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) – Business Streams

The Provincial Nominee Program offers opportunities to entrepreneurs and investors who are interested in launching or buying a business in a particular region in Canada.

Each province has different criteria, and applicants must meet the investment and business operation criteria set by that province.

Through this program, you can also get your PR. However, the investment may be high for some provinces, such as Ontario and British Columbia.

How Can You Apply for the PNP Visa Program?

The requirements vary greatly based on the province’s needs and regulations. However, we’ve compiled some general requirements:

Business Experience: Minimum of 2-3 years of business ownership or senior management experience.
Net Worth: Differs by province, generally ranging from CAD 300,000 to CAD 800,000.
Investment: Minimum investment amounts vary, usually between CAD 150,000 and CAD 500,000.
Business Plan: A detailed business plan showing the viability and potential of the proposed business.

Language Proficiency: you also have to prove your language proficiency in English or French.
Exploratory Visit: Some provinces require an exploratory visit to understand the local business environment.

However, check each territory’s specific requirements for more detailed information.

This program is a fantastic opportunity for those who want to contribute to the growth of the Canadian economy and eventually gain their PR through direct nomination.

To apply for this program, the first thing you have to do is to choose a province. This can only be done through extensive research.

Then, you have to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) to the selected province’s PNP. If your EOI is successful, they will send you an ITA to submit a full application.

After you prepare the required documentation and submit your application, you may be invited to an interview as part of the assessment process.

If your application is approved, you have to sign a performance agreement that would outline your business commitment in that province.

Now that the hard part’s done, it’s time to obtain a WP to start your business in Canada.

How Can Markograph Help You Grow Your Business in Canada?

Starting a business is no small task. You’ve got to have the vision, the drive, and the product.

But how can you ensure that your business not only survives but thrives in Canada’s competitive market?

Without a solid marketing strategy, even the most successful company can struggle.

Markograph offers comprehensive marketing services based on your industry, from SEO and performance marketing to retention marketing and PPC campaigns.

In a crowded marketplace, standing out is crucial. You can guarantee your business gets the visibility it deserves by optimizing your marketing strategy through the data-driven analytics that Markograph’s platform provides you.

Wrapping Up

So far, we have discussed the top 3 Canada Business Visa programs and their requirements.

Each visa pathway works best for different kinds of entrepreneurs. The ICT visa keeps it simple if you’re with a larger company with overseas offices. If you’re a start-up founder with big, innovative ideas, the SUV program suits you best. The PNP option is for those looking to settle down in a specific province.

However, your hard work may go to waste without a well-thought-out business plan.

Partnering with Markograph, an experienced digital marketing platform, can help you grow your business and, finally, obtain your PR.

FAQ

1- What is Canada’s Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) Visa?

It’s a visa for companies transferring essential staff to their Canadian branches.

2- How does the Start-Up Visa (SUV) work?

SUV offers entrepreneurs a route to Canada’s PR if backed by a Canadian investor.

3- Which Canadian visa should entrepreneurs choose?

ICT suits existing companies, SUV is ideal for startups, and PNP is for those seeking a specific province.