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Why does Canada have a business immigration program?

Canada’s Business Immigration Program seeks to attract experienced businesspeople to Canada. Applicants are selected based on their potential to support the development of a strong and prosperous Canadian economy. The program includes four classes:

• immigrant investor class;
• entrepreneur class;
• start-up visa class; and
• self-employed persons.

Business immigrants are expected to contribute to the Canadian economy by:

• investing in the Canadian economy as an immigrant investor; or
• owning and managing businesses in Canada as an entrepreneur; or
• contributing to cultural activities, athletics or farm management in Canada as a self-employed person.

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