Direct PR Paused from Jan 1, 2026; new programs expected soon.
Self-Employed Program
Federal PR Program
Cultural/athletic professionals
Relevant experience
PR (currently paused)
C11 Entrepreneur WP
Work Permit
Start or buy a business
Significant benefit to Canada
Work Permit
2. Provincial Entrepreneur Programs:
Province
Program Name
Investment / Net Worth
Eligibility
A-Z Process
Difficulty / Practical Chance
Ontario
Ontario Entrepreneur Stream
$200K–$600K / $400K–$800K
Business ownership or senior management experience
Business plan required
Active involvement in management
Job creation requirement
EOI → Invitation → Business Agreement → Work Permit → Business Operation → Provincial Nomination → PR
Very Hard / Low
British Columbia
BC Entrepreneur Immigration
$200K / $600K
Business ownership or management experience
Minimum CLB 4 language
Active day-to-day management
Business plan required
EOI → Invitation → Performance Agreement → Work Permit → Business Operation → Nomination → PR
Hard / Medium
Alberta
Rural Entrepreneur Stream
$100K / $300K
Business ownership or management experience
Minimum CLB 4 language
Community support letter
Minimum ownership of 51%
Business plan required
One full-time job for Canadian Citizens or PR
Meet eligibilities
Community Engagement (1–6 months): Contact community (email) → Exploratory visit to discuss business plan (online/in-person) → Submit proposal → Receive Community Support Letter
EOI Submission (30 days to select): Submit EOI with documents → Pay $200 fee → Ranked in pool based on points
Business Application & Approval (90 days): ITA → Submit full application with application fee $3,500 CAD (non-refundable (within 90 days) → Assessment → Sign BPA → Receive 205(a) Work Permit Support Letter to apply for a work permit
Business Establishment (12+ months): Arrive in Alberta → Submit arrival report (within 30 days) → Establish business (51%+) with investment of min $100,000 → Operate for 12 months with 6-month progress reports
Nomination for PR (1-6 months): Submit Final Report (after 12 months) → Receive Nomination → Apply to IRCC for PR within 6 months
Medium / Good
Manitoba
Entrepreneur Pathway
$250K / $500K
Business ownership or management experience
Business plan required
Exploratory visit recommended
Active management
EOI → Invitation → Business Performance Agreement → Work Permit → Business Operation → Nomination → PR
Medium / Good
Saskatchewan Saskatchewan permanently closed all Entrepreneur and Farm immigration pathways on March 27, 2025.
Entrepreneur Program
$200K–$300K / $500K
Business ownership or management experience
Points-based selection system
Business plan required
Active management
EOI → Invitation → Business Establishment → Work Permit → Business Operation → Nomination → PR
Medium / Good
Atlantic Provinces Business Immigration:
Province
Program Name
Investment / Net Worth
Eligibility
A-Z Process
Difficulty / Practical Chance
Prince Edward Island
PEI Business Impact Category
$150K / $600K
Business ownership or management experience
Active involvement in business
Settlement intent in PEI
Business plan required
EOI → Invitation → Work Permit → Business Operation → Nomination → PR
Not eligible if another Canadian immigration application is in process.
Need 65 points with BUSINESS PLAN, and other required documents:
↳ Submit an expression of interest (EOI-valid for one year)
↳ Submit application if invited
↳ Allow time for assessment
↳ If approved, sign a business performance agreement
↳ Receive a work permit support letter
↳ Apply to IRCC for a work permit
↳ If approved, relocate to NB
↳ Establish your business within 9 months after arrival
↳ After at least 6 months of business operation, ask for a nomination certificate
↳ If nominated, apply to IRCC for permanent residence
↳ Receive PR decision from IRCC
Medium / Moderate
Nova Scotia
Nova Scotia Entrepreneur Stream
$150K / $600K
Business ownership or senior management experience
Minimum net worth requirement
Minimum investment requirement
Business plan required
EOI → Invitation → Work Permit → Business Operation → Nomination → PR
Hard / Low
Newfoundland and Labrador
International Entrepreneur
$200K / $600K
Business ownership or management experience
Exploratory visit may be required
Business plan required
Active business management
EOI → Invitation → Work Permit → Business Operation → Nomination → PR