Canada has many opportunities for hungry foreign entrepreneurs with innovative business ideas. In fact, Canada’s economy is one of the most significant and stable in the world. Not only it is a safe and economically strong country to live and work in, but it also supports businesses. In addition, since 2019, the Canadian corporate tax rate is 15%, one of the lowest globally.
If you’re looking to start a business venture in Canada, this article lets you know relevant immigration programs in different provinces. Moreover, it will also provide a snapshot of the top Canadian provinces for foreign entrepreneurs. So, you can decide which region is best for you and your new business.
Calling All Foreign Entrepreneurs
New immigrants help strengthen the economy. Therefore, Canada has several immigration programs to ease moving to Canada and run your start-up. Eventually, you can even become a permanent resident.
To help the economy recover from COVID-19, drive future growth, and create new jobs, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has set out a strategy for responsible increases the immigration targets.
In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic left a shortfall in foreign talent coming into Canada’s most crucial sectors. In response, Canada planned to increase their admissions over the next three years. From 2021 to 2023, IRCC aims to continue welcoming immigrants at a rate of 1% of the population of Canada. As a result, this ambitious plan includes receiving 401,000 permanent residents in 2021, 411,000 in 2022, and 421,000 in 2023. While the previous plan set targets of 351,000 in 2021 and 361,000 in 2022.
In-demand industries include healthcare, technology, manufacturing, mining, farming, and natural resources.
Bring Your Business to Canada and Become a Citizen
Indeed, Canada holds incredible challenges and opportunities for foreign entrepreneurs. Specifically, 60% of admissions come from the Economic Class. This category focuses on newcomers with the skills and abilities to strengthen the economy. It includes business immigrants, skilled workers, provincial and territorial nominees, and caregivers.
On the other hand, Canada’s immigration system has a program designed for speedy entry into the country. Is called the Start-up Business Class.
Here’s an explanation of the application process. From the seeds of your business idea, all the way to full Canadian citizenship.
Step by step:
- Start-up group: A start-up business must be a new business intended to be operated in Canada. It also must have an angel investor group, a venture capital fund, and a designated business incubator.
- Developing your idea: You must prove your business is viable and a designated Canadian organization supports it.
- Establishing your business in Canada: As an entrepreneur and to qualify for a start-up visa, you must have created a business that meets a set of conditions. Both, when you receive your letter of support and when you receive your permanent residence.
- Letter of support from a Canadian organization: You must get a letter of support from a designated organization (a business group that has been approved to invest in or support possible start-ups). To obtain it, you’ll need to convince them you have a business idea worth supporting.
- Submitting documents to the immigration office
- Work Permit: You can apply for a short-term work permit under the International Mobility Program. It has to be done before submitting an application for permanent residence under the Start-Up Visa (SUV) Program.
- Start-Up Visa: Processing times takes 12 to 16 months. If your application is approved, you need to send your passport to the visa office. Then, they can issue your permanent resident visa.
- Moving to Canada: Before moving to Canada, be sure to research the cost of living where you plan to stay.
- Permanent Residency: Learn more about sponsoring your spouse and family members at the IRCC Sponsorship Application Guide.
- Canadian Citizenship: Congratulations! You’ve made it. Once approved, you will now be eligible for Canadian citizenship.
Canada’s Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) for Foreign Entrepreneurs
Likewise, several Canadian provinces provide immigration programs for entrepreneurs who want to be permanent residents or Canadian citizens. Each province has its requirements and advantages.
British Columbia
British Columbia’s main industries include forestry, fishing, and mining. Small businesses account for 98% of the province’s commerce and are the main source of employment. Additionally, the province’s tourism industry has boomed in the past decade, employing 1 in 15 British Columbians.
B.C is the leading province in start-up activity and one of the favourites for entrepreneurs. For this reason, it’s worth considering it as a destination for permanent residence. In April of 2021, the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BCPNP) conducted a new draw for tech pilot candidates. The government invited 80 high-tech specialists to apply for the provincial nomination.
In total, BC has issued 2,989 invitations in the BCPNP in 2021.
Alberta
Alberta’s main industries are energy, agriculture, and forestry. The energy industry makes up one-quarter of the province’s GDP. It includes oil sands, natural gas, and coal. Alberta is also Canada’s second-largest agricultural producer, and forestry is the province’s third-largest industry.
The province offers several Canadian immigration pathways to fill gaps in its labour market. Also, it is increasingly seeking skilled workers in trades such as machinery, plumbing, and metalwork.
Saskatchewan
Saskatchewan derives 95% of its produced goods from its wealth of natural resources. For instance, food and beverages, grains, livestock, oil and gas, potash, uranium, and wood.
Furthermore, it is also increasingly becoming the destination of choice for immigrants to Canada. According to the government’s 2011 National Household Survey, Saskatoon’s Canadian immigrant population soared from 11,470 to 27,355 between 2006 and 2011.
Manitoba
Manitoba’s primary industries include manufacturing, agriculture, and mining. Manufacturing in the province mainly comprises food, machinery, transportation equipment, and clothing. Besides, wheat accounts for 40% of the province’s crop production, making it the most crucial crop in its sizeable agriculture sector.
Ontario
Entrepreneurs are always welcome in Ontario. In addition, manufacturing, information technology, forestry, journalism, culture, and arts dominate Ontario’s industry landscape. Besides, this province houses some of the largest vehicle manufacturers in the world.
Information technology is also a rapidly growing sector, particularly in the province’s world-renowned tech hubs: Toronto, Ottawa, and Waterloo. Finally, forestry remains an important industry in northern Ontario while journalism, arts, and culture thrive in larger cities like Toronto and Ottawa.
Yukon
The leading industry in the Yukon is mining, which accounts for 30% of the territory’s economy. The business and administration sector also supports Yukon’s GDP. The territory is also a popular destination for the film industry, at least in part because it offers beautiful northern landscapes and long daylight hours in the summer.
Northwest Territories
Energy, diamonds, oil, and gas are some of the most important industries in the Northwest Territories. Increasingly, the territory is investing in the business and economic development sector with funding for entrepreneurs.
New Brunswick
Main industries include manufacturing, tourism, fishing, forestry, energy, and mining. Furthermore, this province invites entrepreneurs and skilled workers to apply through its Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP).
Nova Scotia
Located on the Atlantic coast, Nova Scotia’s industries include offshore and inland fishing, mining, drilling, and shipping.
Through Nova Scotia’s Provincial Nominee Program, prospective immigrants are nominated based on skills and aptitudes. For example, in March 2021, Nova Scotia conducted a new round of invitations in the Labour Market Priorities Stream. As Canada’s only officially bilingual province, Nova Scotia offered Express Entry to candidates who indicated French as their first official language.
Prince Edward Island (PEI)
This small island province is famous for many reasons. Primarily, it is the delicious potatoes that make up a large part of its agricultural sector. Also, this province is thriving in the tourism industry, and small businesses employ the majority of working islanders. PEI supports entrepreneurship through its Provincial Nominee Program.
Newfoundland and Labrador
Top industries in this province include energy, fisheries, mining, and forestry. Besides, more than half of Canada’s total iron ore is produced in this province. Newfoundland and Labrador’s services industry has also grown significantly in the past decade. Especially in tourism, healthcare, and financial services.
More Reasons for Foreign Entrepreneurs to Start a Business in Canada
Owning a business in Canada means access to the whole North American market. But, at a lower operating cost compared to the United States. Entrepreneurship is encouraged by the Canadian government. That is why business costs are 9% lower in Canada than in the US after taxes.
The country’s vast and highly skilled labour force is accessible at a lower total cost. From the cost of wages to benefit costs, Canadian companies have less overhead to worry about compared to the US. As a result, production costs are also lower. It includes the cost of electricity, land, and building costs. To top it off, Canada boasts the lowest business telephone and wireless charges in North America.
One of the best reasons to consider running your business in Canada, however, is that Canada nurtures business investment and welcomes foreign entrepreneurs.
Ready to Start Your Career in Canada?
Your fast-track to citizenship starts here. Mana Immigration is here to help you navigate the possibilities and ensure a seamless application process. Contact us today to learn more about the incredible opportunities awaiting you in Canada.