STARTUP VISA PROGRAM
Advantages
• 5 years’ pilot program commence on April 1st 2013
• Economic prosperity and growing job market
• Safe living environment, highest standard of living
• Multicultural society that promotes freedom of expression, equal rights and respect for diversity
• High quality subsidized education
• Advanced health and welfare systems
• Opportunity to sponsor your family relatives who want to immigrate to Canada
• Immediate permanent residence for successful applicants
• Right to apply for Canadian citizenship after 3 years of permanent residence
Requirements
• An intention to settle in Canada with the goal of establishing a business there
• Have acquired training and occupational skills
• The applicant and family members must be in good health and have no criminal record
• The applicant must demonstrate that they are innovative immigrant investors who will create jobs and spur economic growth
• Must meet strict eligibility requirements in terms of 3rd party commitment to the venture, Language skills, education and funds
• Applicant and dependents must pass a medical examination
Eligibility
To be eligible to receive a startup visa for a business venture the applicant must meet some key requirements
• Obtain a commitment from designated entities:
• Business incubator confirming that the applicant’s business is currently participating in or has been accepted into its business incubator program, or
• Angel investor group confirming that it is investing at least CAD 75,000 in the applicant’s business; or
• Venture Capital Fund confirming that it is investing at least CAD 200,000 in the applicant’s business
• The applicant must hold at least 10% of the shares in the business and no other person or entity may hold more than 50% of the shares
• The applicant must meet a minimum of level 5 in the Canadian Language Benchmark Test in English or French, in speaking, reading, listening, and writing
• The applicant must have successfully completed at least 1 year of post-secondary education
• The applicant must show that he/she has enough funds to support himself/herself and any dependents after they arrive in Canada
Process
• Appointment of an authorised representative to submit the application
• Obtain commitment from angel investor, venture capital fund or business incubator
• Submission of application form, supporting documents and fees
• Provide proof of language proficiency, and other eligibility criteria
• Typical processing time is within 6-8 months
Successful applicants will immediately receive permanent residence visas
QUEBEC INVESTOR IMMIGRATION PROGRAM
Advantages
• Stable political system
• Dynamic economy
• Multicultural society
• Advanced education and welfare systems
• Safe living environment and outstanding quality of life
• No education or age requirements
• Government guaranteed investment return
• The only Investor Immigration Program in the world managed and guaranteed by the government
Requirements
• Legitimately acquired net assets of at least CAD1,600,000 (excluding donations in the last 6 months)
• Managerial experience of 2 years during the past 5 years in a qualifying business such as a:
• Lawful farming, commercial or industrial business;
• Lawful professional business employing at least 2 full time workers;
• International agency, government, government agency or deparment
• The managerial experience must involve planning, management and control of financial, human and material resources. Excluding apprenticeship, training or any work experience during university education
• Proof of no criminal record
Investment options
• Applicants have a choice of 2 investment options:
• Commit to making an interest free investment of CAD800,000 in a prescribed (government guaranteed) investment for 5 years
• Making a non-refundable one-time payment of CAD220,000 in order to finance the CAD800,000 investment
Process
• The application process varies during each year
• The Quebec government will now only process applications with ‘complete files’
• Applicants that have an intermediate to advanced level of French can submit applications at any time up to March 31, 2015 and are not subject to any quota
• Applicants that do not have an intermediate to advanced level of French must submit applications between Jan 19, 2015 to March 20, 2015, and will be subject to a worldwide quota of 1,750 (including a limit of 1,200 for P.R China)
• Successful applicants and their qualifying dependents will be granted a permanent residency visa valid for 5 years, that is renewable as long as the holder resides in Canada for 2 years during each 5 year period
• Permanent residents can apply for Canadian Citizenship after 3 years of continuous residency in Canada subject to demonstrating fluency in English or French