Canada Immigration Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get residency by investment in Canada?

Canada offers several paths for foreigners interested in becoming residents. One of the options is the federal Entrepreneur Start-up Visa Program. Others are Provincial Nominee Programs, also known as PNPs. The rules for those vary in different areas of the country, but in general require a minimum net worth, a minimum investment in a business and often prior business experience. There is also the Quebec Immigrant Investor Program although it is currently suspended through the end of March 2021.

How much do I have to invest to get residency in Canada?

The required investment amount varies in different provincial programs and ranges from $150,000 Canadian dollars in Prince Edward Island or Nova Scotia to CA$1 million in Ontario. The programs also have requirements for net worth.

How much do I have to invest to get citizenship in Canada?

It is not possible to get Canadian citizenship directly through investment. However, permanent residents qualify for citizenship after three years of living in the country.

What are the requirements for residency by investment in Canada?

The requirements for residency by investment in Canada vary slightly based on the program a foreigner chooses. Most of the programs require a minimum net worth, a minimum investment in a business, prior business experience and some, the creation of permanent full-time jobs for Canadian citizens or permanent residents as well as the intent to live in the area and run the business on a daily basis. Applicants also need to pass a medical exam and a police check.

How long does it take to get residency by investment in Canada?

Depending on the region and program selected by a foreign investor, it can take anywhere from a few months to three years to get residency by investment in Canada.

How long does it take to get citizenship by investment in Canada?

Canada doesn’t have an official citizenship by investment program, but it does have options for becoming a resident through investment. A permanent resident can apply for citizenship after three years of living in Canada.

How many countries can I visit with a Canadian passport?

A Canadian passport allows visa-free entry to 183 countries, according to data from the International Air Transport Association.

Do I have to be present in Canada before getting the residency by investment application approved?

The rules vary in different programs, but some programs require that an investor be actively involved in day-to-day operations of a business in Canada before permanent residency is granted.

Can I add my spouse and children on my application?

Spouses and children are included in the process when an investor applies for permanent residency through investment in Canada.

What are the criteria for my children to qualify for residency or citizenship in Canada?

Many Canadian residency by investment programs include children of the applicants. Children qualify as dependents if they are under 22 years old and are single. Older children can qualify if they can’t financially support themselves due to health problems and have been financially supported by their parents since before they were 22. A child’s age is locked in at some point of the application process so it’s important to check the date for each program.

Do I have the right to work in Canada after I obtain the residency through this program?

Residency gives foreign investors almost all of the same rights as Canadian citizenship, including the right to work. Also, many of the investor programs require an active involvement in the business the foreigner is investing in.

Do I have to live in Canada to qualify for citizenship by investment?

Canada doesn’t have an official citizenship by investment program, but if you’re a permanent resident living in the country for three years, you can apply for citizenship.

What is the tax situation after obtaining Canadian residency?

Once you become a tax resident in Canada, you will have to start paying taxes there. Canada has tax treaties with many countries so there could be an option to avoid double taxation. It’s a good idea to consult an expert before immigrating to Canada.

How long do I have to wait before I can sell my investment in Canada?

The requirements for how long an investor has to stick with the business are different in different regional programs. Certain programs require successful operation of the business for a certain amount of time before an investor can even get permanent residency.

Will my Canadian citizenship expire?

The Canadian citizenship will not expire, but by law, you can lose it if a court convicts you of fraud related to the application for permanent residency or citizenship. The only other way to lose the Canadian citizenship is to renounce it.