“Self-employed persons” are those with relevant experience who have the intention and ability to become economically established in Canada and who have participated at a world-class level in cultural activities or athletics. The Start-up Visa Program is intended to foster innovation, job creation and the establishment of companies that will be able to compete globally. It therefore seeks to link immigrant entrepreneurs with Canadian private sector funders and mentors, and to assist these entrepreneurs in navigating the Canadian business environment and helping Canadian private sector firms to benefit from the influx of talented innovators from around the world. QUÉBEC If an immigrant’s destination is Québec, a permanent resident visa will be issued if federal officials are satisfied that the immigrant meets the Canadian health and security criteria and a Québec officer has determined that (i) if the applicant is an economic immigrant, he or she meets the Québec selection criteria; or (ii) if the applicant is an immigrant in another class, he or she meets the Canadian selection criteria or the joint Québec and Canadian selection criteria. PROVINCIAL NOMINEE PROGRAMS The federal government has entered into provincial nominee agreements with Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Ontario, Manitoba, British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Yukon. Such agreements allow the provinces to select immigrants to fulfill specific economic needs, or create and expand employment and business opportunities. The federal government retains the responsibility for issuing immigrant visas to provincial nominees and their accompanying dependants after they have met all federal legislative requirements, including those related to health, security and absence of a criminal record.
Traders, investors, professionals and intra-company transferees who are U.S. or Mexican citizens coming into Canada temporarily must obtain work permits. They need not comply with the prior approval procedures, petitions, labour certification tests and other similar procedures generally required to obtain a work permit.
Permanent Residence
GENERAL A person who wants to settle permanently in Canada can be admitted under one of three main classes of immigrants: the family class, the refugee class (which will not be discussed) or the economic classes. To be admitted under the family class, an applicant must be sponsored by a close family member who is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident. The family class includes a spouse, a common-law partner, a conjugal partner, a dependent child, a parent or grandparent, or, in some cases, another close relative. There is a yearly limit to the number of permanent resident applications that will be considered for the sponsorship of a parent or grandparent. However, qualified persons may apply for a “Parent and Grandparent Super Visa,” which is a multiple-entry visa that will allow an applicant to remain in Canada for up to 24 months at a time without the need for renewal and will be valid for up to 10 years.
The economic classes are outlined in more detail below.
THE BUSINESS IMMIGRATION PROGRAM The Business Immigration Program is a special program designed to facilitate immigration for qualified business persons or persons who will contribute significantly to Canada’s cultural or athletic spheres. It applies to two categories of immigrants: self-employed persons and those who qualify under the Start-up Visa Program.
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Doing Business in Canada
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