Business Immigration to Canada: Options for Entrepreneurs in 2026
Want to start or buy a business in Canada? Business immigration has changed a lot, with federal programs closed or paused. Here is what is open today, what provinces look for and how to plan your move.
- Provincial entrepreneur streamsOffered by most provincesOpen
- Start-up VisaNo new applications since Dec 31, 2025Closed
- Self-employed Persons ProgramPaused since April 2024Paused
- New federal entrepreneur pilotAnnounced, rules not published yetComing
- Quebec business programsRun by the Government of QuebecSeparate
The entrepreneur route
How provincial business immigration works
Most provincial entrepreneur streams follow these six stages, from your first assessment to permanent residence.
- AssessmentWeek 1
We review your net worth, business history and language scores.
- Choose a provincePlanning
Some streams need an exploratory visit before you apply.
- Expression of interestRanked profile
Provinces score your profile and invite the strongest ones.
- Business planAfter invitation
Submit your plan with proof of funds and experience.
- Work permitAgreement signed
Come to Canada and set up and run your business.
- Nomination and PRTerms met
The province nominates you and you apply for permanent residence.
Business immigration to Canada: an overview
Canada welcomes business owners, senior managers and investors who will create jobs and grow the economy. Business immigration lets you move to Canada by starting, buying or running a business here, and in most cases leads to permanent residence for you and your family.
Business immigration has changed a lot in the last two years. Several federal programs are closed or paused, and most opportunities today are through provincial entrepreneur streams. Choosing the right option depends on your net worth, your business experience and where you want to live.
Federal business programs in 2026
| Program | Status in 2026 |
|---|---|
| Start-up Visa Program | Closed to new applications since December 31, 2025. Applications already submitted are still being processed. |
| Self-employed Persons Program | Paused since April 2024, with no reopening date announced. |
| New federal entrepreneur pilot | Announced to replace the Start-up Visa. As of autumn 2026, IRCC has not published the rules or an opening date. |
| Quebec business programs | Run by the Government of Quebec, with their own rules and intake periods. |
We watch for the launch of the new entrepreneur pilot and will update this page when IRCC releases the details.
Provincial entrepreneur streams
Most provinces run entrepreneur streams for people who want to start or buy a business in that province. The exact rules vary, but most follow the same pattern:
- Personal net worth: a minimum amount of legally obtained money and assets, which you must prove with documents
- Investment: a minimum amount you will put into an eligible business in the province
- Business experience: recent experience as a business owner or senior manager
- Active management: you must run the business day to day yourself, not only invest in it
- Job creation: many streams require you to create jobs for Canadian citizens or permanent residents
- Language: a minimum English or French test score, usually lower than skilled worker programs
Some provinces also have streams for international graduates who start a business, for farm owners, or for entrepreneurs who settle in smaller communities. Ontario has made major changes to its immigration program in 2026, so we compare all provinces before recommending one.
Other options for business owners
Depending on your situation, these options may also help you enter Canada and later qualify for permanent residence:
- Intra-company transfer: if you own or manage a company outside Canada, you may be able to transfer to a new Canadian branch or office of that company.
- Express Entry: business owners and senior managers with strong language scores may qualify through Express Entry. Senior managers with Canadian work experience are one of the Express Entry categories for 2026.
- Business visitor: you can visit Canada to explore opportunities, attend meetings or meet partners without a work permit. See our business visitor guide.
Proving your net worth and source of funds
Every business program checks where your money came from. Officers want to see a clear history of how you earned and saved your funds. Prepare:
- Bank statements and investment records
- Business ownership documents, financial statements and tax returns
- Property valuations and sale records
- Records of any gifts or loans, with proof of where that money came from
Many provinces require a net worth verification report from an approved accounting firm. Starting this early saves months.
Frequently asked questions
Can I still apply for the Start-up Visa?
No. The Start-up Visa stopped accepting new applications on December 31, 2025. Applications already submitted are still processed. The government has announced a new entrepreneur pilot, but it has not opened yet.
Can I buy an existing business to immigrate to Canada?
Some provincial entrepreneur streams allow you to buy an existing business, usually with conditions about keeping jobs and improving the business. Others only accept new businesses. We check which provinces allow it for your plan.
How much money do I need for business immigration?
It depends on the province and stream. Most require a minimum personal net worth and a minimum investment, and amounts are often lower in smaller communities. We tell you the current amounts during your assessment.
Do I need to speak English or French?
Yes. Most entrepreneur streams require a minimum language test score, although it is often lower than for skilled worker programs.
Can my family come with me?
Yes. In most business programs your spouse or partner and dependent children can come with you. Your spouse may be able to work and your children can attend school.
Is there an investor program in Canada?
The federal investor program closed in 2014. Quebec runs its own investor program with its own rules. Most other options today require you to actively run a business, not only invest.
About this guide. This page is written by 4Ways Canada Immigration, a team of licensed Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants (RCIC) based at 2250 Bovaird Drive E, Unit 418, Brampton, ON. It is based on official information from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and was last updated in October 2026.
Immigration rules change often. This page is general information, not legal advice. Contact us or check the official sources below before you apply.
Official sources: IRCC: Immigrate to Canada, IRCC: Provincial nominees