Canadian residence permit: available options after the suspension of the Start-Up Visa program

Provincial programs are currently the primary and most stable option for obtaining a Canadian residence permit and permanent residency through business. The logic behind them is straightforward: an entrepreneur establishes or acquires a business in a specific province, relocates to Canada, resides and works there, confirming that the business is indeed operational and brings economic benefits to the region.

Financial requirements vary by province, but on average, the investment is between $75,000 and $110,000, and the personal asset requirement is between $220,000 and $370,000. After starting the business, the key stage is operational activity: the entrepreneur manages the company for 6-12 months while living in the province.

At the end of this period, you can apply for provincial nomination — official confirmation from the region. In Canada's permanent residence selection system, nomination gives you 600 points, which makes it almost guaranteed that you will pass the selection process and apply for permanent residence.

An alternative option is to move to Canada through Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) — opening a Canadian branch of an existing business. This route has more flexible financial requirements but is only suitable for owners of established companies that can justify international expansion.

After discontinuing the Start-Up Visa, Canada is emphasizing one principle: entrepreneurs must be prepared not only to move, but also to work with their business in the country. There are no universal solutions — the optimal path depends on the structure of the business, experience, financial capabilities, and family goals. Under the new conditions, those who view Canada as a country for real business and long-term living, rather than a formal immigration project, will benefit.

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