The Federal Department of Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) is responsible for assessing all immigration applications. Persons interested in applying as a business immigrant to Canada should review the Guide for Applying as a Business Immigrant, available on the CIC web site or by contacting a Canadian visa office. This guide explains in detail the selection system and the application process.

For applications already in process, please note that there have been a number of rule changes that may effect the processing of your application. Please see the Transitional Rules page on the Citizenship and Immigration web site for further details.

In order to be admitted to Canada, all applicants must meet the requirements of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act and Regulations. The decision concerning admission rests with the Canadian visa office dealing with your application. Applications for permanent residence must be submitted to a Canadian visa office outside of Canada that serves the country where you have been legally admitted for at least one year, or your country of nationality.

Before proceeding with an application, it is strongly recommended that you visit Ontario to obtain firsthand knowledge about the business environment, potential investment opportunities, markets, competition and costs of doing business.

After submitting your application, including fees and supporting documentation, the visa office will advise you in writing of your file number. Next your application will be assessed to determine if you meet the minimum requirements of the category in which you have applied and whether there will be the need for an interview. Cases requiring interview can take significantly longer to process. The federal government will also require medical examinations for all family members and will conduct security checks.

When all requirements have been met, an immigrant visa will be issued to successful business immigrants and their eligible dependants. For immigrant entrepreneur applicants, the visa issued will contain conditions relating to establishing a business in Canada. Visas for self-employed and investor immigrants are issued without conditions.

The processing times for business applications will vary in the different Embassies, High Commissions or Consulates, but for planning purposes, you should be prepared to wait up to two or more years, and in some cases longer, from the time you submit your completed application and fees to the relevant office. You are encouraged to be patient during this waiting period and to use this time to continue to research your business plan, improve your language skills, or familiarize yourself with life in Ontario.

The Ontario Business Immigration Section would be happy to counsel immigrants at any stage of the application process and we encourage you to contact us for further advice and information.