Approved Investment Routes

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Unlike traditional citizenship-by-investment regimes, Canada does not offer a passive investor visa. Instead, it provides business-oriented pathways that require real economic engagement and operational contribution. The three main routes are:

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Start-Up Visa (SUV):

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This pathway requires applicants to obtain a Letter of Support from a designated organization (incubator, angel group, or venture capital fund). There is no formal investment threshold by the applicant, but the startup must be innovative, scalable, and capable of creating jobs for Canadians. If backed by an angel group, the required investment is CAD 75,000; for VCs, it rises to CAD 200,000. Incubator-backed ventures must gain admission into an approved accelerator without minimum investment.

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C11 Work Permit:

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This LMIA-exempt route allows entrepreneurs to establish or acquire a controlling interest in a Canadian business. While no fixed minimum investment is specified, applicants are expected to demonstrate operational control (usually by owning 50%+ equity) and a meaningful financial contribution, typically upwards of CAD 100,000. Business plans must outline local economic benefits, and the company must be operational within a short time after the applicant arrives.

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Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs):

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These vary by province, but most include entrepreneur-focused streams. For example, British Columbia requires a personal net worth of CAD 600,000 and an investment of at least CAD 200,000 in a new or acquired business. The business must create at least one new job for a Canadian citizen or PR. PNPs are often points-based and may impose sector or geographic restrictions.

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Strategically, SUV is attractive for high-growth, innovation-focused entrepreneurs, while C11 suits self-funded operators. PNPs work best for applicants with strong regional ties or sector alignment. Each requires business acumen, but SUV and C11 are federal and offer more jurisdictional flexibility.

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