SILC 1265, rue Saint-André, suite 102, Montréal, Québec H2L 3T1
Legal guidance to align your business ambitions with your Canadian immigration plans.
Business immigration to Canada – for entrepreneurs, investors and self-employed individuals
Are you an entrepreneur, investor or self-employed professional looking to establish yourself in Canada? Raoul Sfeir, immigration lawyer, helps you assess business immigration pathways suited to your profile and business objectives, including available provincial entrepreneur programs, Quebec programs and eligible work permit options. He also assists with existing Start-up Visa files; the program is currently paused for new applications.
Who is this service for?
Founders, executives, investors and businesses seeking to establish or expand in Canada through a genuine, active business project, whether a new venture, an acquisition or an expansion.
Available pathways
Start-up Visa Program (outside Quebec): currently paused for new applications. Assistance is available for existing files and, where eligible, extensions of existing Start-up Visa work permits.
Provincial entrepreneur programs: pathways for eligible applicants proposing to establish or acquire and actively manage a business. Requirements vary and may include a business plan, minimum investment and job creation commitments. Stream availability must be checked.
International Mobility Program: certain entrepreneurs and executives may qualify for LMIA-exempt work permits, including eligible intra-company transfers and significant-benefit categories. Business ownership alone does not establish eligibility.
Quebec business immigration: distinct programs for qualifying entrepreneurs, investors and self-employed workers, subject to MIFI criteria and applicable intake rules.
How We Help: Your Action Plan
1. Initial Assessment and Strategic Roadmap
Reviewing your business objectives, existing corporate structure and proposed timeline.
Identifying currently available immigration pathways, including suitable provincial entrepreneur programs and eligible intra-company transfer or other work permit options.
2. Eligibility Assessment & Supporting Documentation
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Assessment of the eligibility requirements applicable to the selected immigration pathway, which may include active involvement in the business, financial capacity, language proficiency, settlement funds, and management or entrepreneurial experience.
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Development of a tailored evidence strategy, including business history, evidence of market traction, financial projections, corporate and organizational structures, letters of interest, and other supporting documentation relevant to the application.
3. Existing Start-up Visa Files and Alternative Pathways
The Start-up Visa Program is currently paused for new applications. We assess existing files and their supporting documents, and help clients respond to requests from IRCC.
For new business immigration projects, we assess other available pathways. Extensions of existing Start-up Visa work permits may be possible where the applicable conditions are met.
4. Provincial Entrepreneur Pathways
Identifying provinces and available streams suited to your business sector, budget and profile.
Preparing a business plan that addresses provincial requirements, including investment, employment and performance commitments.
Managing the relevant stages, which may include an expression of interest, invitation, exploratory visit, performance agreement, work permit, business operation, nomination and permanent residence application.
5. Business-related Work Permits
Assessing the appropriate category, such as an eligible intra-company transfer or a significant-benefit LMIA exemption.
Preparing evidence of the proposed business’s contribution to Canada, including job creation, knowledge transfer and regional benefits, together with the required compliance documents.
6. Business Implementation with Professional Partners
Coordinating incorporation, banking, bookkeeping, leases and applicable provincial and federal compliance with the appropriate professionals.
Aligning hiring and employer compliance: job offers, position descriptions, workplace policies and preparation for inspections.
7. Follow-up, Compliance and Permanent Residence
Tracking deadlines, updating the file and responding to requests from IRCC or MIFI.
Planning the transition to permanent residence and, when eligible, Canadian citizenship.
