Renting in Canada as an American: Everything you need to know
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Canada Investment Visa: Full guide
Canada consistently ranks among the world's wealthiest nations with an exceptional quality of life. You can get residency in Canada by contributing to the country's economic growth, but there isn't a single "Canada investment visa."
Instead, the country has a few different programs for entrepreneurs and investors, such as the Canada Start-Up Visa Program (SUV), Quebec Investor Immigration Program (QIIP), Intra-Company Transfer, Entrepreneur Visa (C11), LIMA Work Permit and Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP).
Each program comes with specific requirements and benefits. And with enough time in Canada, these programs can lead to permanent residence and even citizenship.
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What is the Canada Investment Visa?
Many countries use investment programs to attract successful entrepreneurs and business people. Many European countries have Golden Visas (residency by investment), but Canada is different.
Instead of a single Canada investor visa, there are multiple pathways for innovative entrepreneurs, investors and skilled workers. Here are the main options:
-
The Canada Start-Up Visa (SUV) Program: This program targets entrepreneurs who can build innovative businesses in Canada. You'll need support from a designated Canadian organization
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Quebec Investor Immigration Program (QIIP): Specifically for Quebec, this program requires an investment of at least 1,200,000 CAD.¹ This program is a good fit for high-net-worth people who need Canadian residency
-
Intra-Company Transfer: This option helps established businesses move their foreign employees to Canadian offices
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LIMA Work Permit: This permit focuses on businesses looking to hire foreign workers and attract international talent
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Entrepreneur Visa (C11): A program for entrepreneurs who want to own and actively manage a business in Canada
-
Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP): Canadian provinces have unique programs for entrepreneurs and investors to boost the regional economy
Each program has distinct requirements you must satisfy.
For example, you need to invest a minimum of 1,200,000 CAD for the QIIP program.¹ But the SUV program doesn't have a minimum investment as long as you're accepted into a Canadian business incubator program.²
Advantages of a Canada Investment Visa
Getting Canadian residence by investment comes with great benefits:
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High quality of living: Canada consistently ranks among the top countries for quality of life with clean cities and a strong economy
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World-class healthcare and education: Investor programs give you and your family members access to Canada's healthcare system and internationally recognized educational institutions
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Family inclusion: Your spouse and dependent children can join you and access the same benefits and opportunities
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Business growth potential: Canada's robust economy gives you great opportunities to expand your business operations
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Flexible requirements: Many programs don't have strict age limits or educational requirements (but some do)
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Path to permanent residence and citizenship: Business immigration can help you obtain permanent residence and potentially citizenship in Canada if you're eligible
Keep in mind that Canada has a relatively high cost of living, especially in major cities like Toronto and Vancouver. Most business immigrants and foreign entrepreneurs have to establish residency in Canada, so this is an important thing to consider.
Who’s eligible for a Canada Investment Visa?
Each investment visa in Canada has different requirements. But the most basic ones almost always include:
- Good health
- Clean criminal record
- Proficiency in English or French (some programs require both)
Beyond these basics, requirements vary a lot. For example, the Quebec Investor Immigration Program (QIIP) requires:¹
- 2 years of management experience within the past 5 years
- Net worth of at least 2,000,000 CAD
- Secondary school diploma equivalent to Quebec standards
Many foreign investors hire immigration attorneys or agencies to help them understand eligibility requirements and successfully apply with the required documents.
Canada Investment Visa investment requirements
Canada has different immigration programs, but the most popular options for investors are the Start-Up Visa Program and the Quebec Investor Immigration Program.
Other programs like the Intra-Company Transfer focus more on existing business operations and helping companies move employees from foreign offices to Canada. The LIMA work permit's main focus is hiring foreign workers.
The Canada Start-Up Visa (SUV) Program
The Start-Up Visa Program is a business immigration program for entrepreneurs who can build innovative businesses in Canada (outside Quebec). Your business must:
- Drive innovation
- Create jobs for Canadians
- Compete on a global scale
You can apply by yourself or as part of a group of up to 5 immigrant entrepreneurs. Either way, you must:³
- Have a qualifying business
- Get a letter of support from a designated organization
- Meet the minimum language requirements (Canadian Language Benchmark 5 in listening, reading, writing, and speaking in English or French)
- Have enough money to live in Canada (called "to settle")
To qualify, your innovative business must fit into one of the following categories.
| Option | Minimum investment² |
|---|---|
| Business incubation | No minimum is required (but must be accepted by the designated incubator) |
| Angel investment | 75,000 CAD |
| Venture capital fund | 200,000 CAD |
| 🔍 Wondering how much that would cost in USD? Check out this handy conversion calculator: |
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For all options, eligible applicants will also have to pay additional fees for document processing, immigration filing and other government services. Total fees start at 2,385 CAD.⁴
You must incorporate your innovative business in Canada and actively manage it from inside the country. Your business's essential business operations also must happen in Canada.
You'll also need to bring enough money with you to live in Canada until your business starts generating income. Here's how much you'll need.
| Number of family members | Funds you’ll need³ |
|---|---|
| 1 | 14,690 CAD |
| 2 | 18,288 CAD |
| 3 | 22,483 CAD |
| 4 | 27,297 CAD |
| 5 | 30,690 CAD |
| 6 | 34,917 CAD |
| 7 | 38,875 CAD |
| More than 7 | Add 3,985 CAD for each additional family member |
As of October 2024, the Canadian government will only consider 10 complete group applications per designated organization until January 2026. The applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.³
If the annual cap is reached, the Canadian government will return your application and refund the fees.³
Quebec Investor Immigration Program (QIIP)
The Quebec Investor Immigration Program allows you to immigrate to Canada as an investor. If your application is successful, you'll get an initial work permit in Quebec and then permanent residency.
The minimum investment is 1,200,000 CAD.¹
You'll have to enter into an investment agreement with an approved financial intermediary. This intermediary will make the necessary investment on your behalf.
| Investment type | Amount¹ | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Term investment | 1,000,000 CAD | 5-year term, guaranteed by the Quebec government |
| Financial contribution | 200,000 CAD | Paid to Investissement Québec Immigrants Investisseurs Inc. |
| Total required | 1,200,000 CAD |
| Your investment is guaranteed by the Quebec government, and you'll get the 1,000,000 CAD back (without interest) within 30 days after the 5-year term.¹ |
|---|
There are also additional program requirements:¹
- Minimum 2 years of management experience within 5 years before application
- Net worth of at least 2,000,000 CAD (excluding recent donations)
- Secondary school diploma equivalent to Quebec standards
- French language proficiency (minimum level 7 on the Quebec scale)
- Completion of an attestation about democratic values and Quebec values
Once Canada issues your work permit, you must stay in Quebec for at least 12 months within 2 years of work permit issuance. The main applicant needs to complete at least 6 months, and the remaining 6 months can be completed by your spouse or de facto spouse.¹
How much is a Canada Investment Visa?
There is no fixed cost for the Canada investment visa. It varies by the program you're using to get residency.
For example, the Canada Start-Up Visa Program doesn't have a minimum required investment if your business is accepted by a designated incubator.
But you'll need to have at least 14,690 CAD in your bank to settle in Canada (more if you have family members) and pay appropriate processing fees.³
For the Quebec Investor Immigration Program (QIIP), the minimum required investment is 1,200,000 CAD. You'll get the 1,000,000 CAD back after 5 years (without interest).¹ You'll also need to pay a 17,380 CAD processing fee.⁵
Buying property abroad? Send money the hassle-free way with Wise
Now that we covered all the basic costs of a Canada Investment Visa, the only question left is: how to send money to pay for your property overseas?
Wise offers you a quick, secure and transparent way of sending money to Canada. You get the mid-market exchange rate for your payments and see how much it’s charged for the transfer before sending the money from your bank.
With the Wise Account you can also hold 40+ currencies, spend money in 150+ countries, and receive like a local in 9 different currencies.
Please see Terms of Use for your region or visit Wise Fees & Pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information
Getting a Canada Investment Visa: step by step
The application process varies by program. Here's what to expect from the Canada Start-Up Visa Program (SUV) and the Quebec Investor Immigration Program (QIIP).
The Canada Start-Up Visa (SUV) Program
Step 1. Prepare and submit a business proposal
Step 2. Get approval from a business incubator, angel investment group or venture capital fund
Step 3. Receive a letter of support
Step 4. Submit permanent residence application
Step 5. Demonstrate settlement funds
Step 6. Complete medical and security checks
Quebec Investor Immigration Program (QIIP)
Step 1. Meet net worth and management experience requirements
Step 2. Submit an initial application to the Quebec government
Step 3. Make the required investment once you receive the approval
Step 4. Complete the 12-month stay requirement within 2 years
Step 5. Maintain residence requirements
These steps are simplified.
Canadian investor visas have complex requirements, so it's a good idea to consult with an immigration attorney or an agency to make sure you and your business venture fit the eligibility criteria.
How long does it take to get a Golden Visa in Canada?
It ultimately depends on the program.
For the Canada Start-Up Visa Program, the processing time is approximately 40 months.⁴
For the Quebec Investor Immigration Program, you can submit your application at any time but the processing time varies.
Canada Golden Visa renewals
There are no traditional renewal processes for both the Canada Start-Up Visa Program and the Quebec Investor Immigration Program.
However, there are residency requirements that you must maintain to keep your status.
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Canada Start-Up Visa Program: Must be in Canada for at least 730 days within 5 years, but these days don't need to be consecutive.⁶
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Quebec Investor Immigration Program: Complete a 12-month stay within 2 years (the main applicant must spend at least 6 months in Canada, and the spouse can complete the remaining 6 months).¹
Canada citizenship by investment programs
Canada doesn't have a direct citizenship-by-investment program. You can't buy Canadian citizenship.
But if you have permanent resident status as a result of participating in one of the investment programs, you can eventually apply for citizenship if you satisfy physical presence and language requirements.
You can typically apply for Canadian citizenship after 3 years of physical presence out of a 5-year period.⁶
Canada Investment Visa FAQs
How much money is required for a Canada Investment Visa?
The short answer is that it depends. Requirements range from no minimum investment for the Canada Start-Up Visa Program to 1,200,000 CAD for the Quebec Investor Immigration Program.¹²
You'll also need to pay relevant processing fees, which can add up quickly. For the Canada Start-Up Visa Program, processing fees start at 2,385 CAD.⁴ For QIIP, the application fee is a whopping 17,380 CAD.⁵
Does buying a property in Canada give you residency?
No, purchasing real estate in Canada doesn't give you any immigration rights. You'll need to qualify for residency in another way, such as a Canadian investor visa.
What is the minimum investment for a start-up visa in Canada?
The Start-Up Visa Program doesn't have a minimum investment amount - all you need is an innovative business idea and support from a designated organization. You'll also need proof of having enough funds to settle in Canada (starting at 14,690 CAD for 1 person).³
Can I buy a house in Canada if I am a US citizen?
Yes, US citizens can buy real estate in Canada as long as they comply with all the necessary regulations. Keep in mind that buying property alone doesn't give you any residency rights or immigration benefits, unless it somehow fits into your business proposal.
How long can I stay in Canada if I own a house?
Property ownership doesn't affect how long you can stay in Canada. It depends on your visa and residency status. US citizens can stay in Canada for up to 180 days without a visa.⁷
Canada has different options for investors and entrepreneurs to immigrate. You can lead an innovative startup, invest in Quebec's economy, expand your business operations and more.
Each investment program comes with a separate set of requirements and a unique process. Successful applicants can eventually become eligible for Canadian citizenship.
When you're ready, use Wise to send high-speed, low-cost transfers to Canada. It's simple and secure, even when wiring large amounts.
Sources
- Gouvernement du Québec - Conditions for immigrating to Quebec as an investor
- Government of Canada - Application for permanent residence
- Government of Canada - Start Up Visa: Who can apply
- Government of Canada - Immigrate with a Start Up Visa
- Gouvernement du Québec - Applying to immigrate to Quebec as an investor
- Henley & Partners - Canada Start-Up Visa residence program
- US Department of State - Canada international travel information
Sources checked 10.25.2024
*Please see terms of use and product availability for your region or visit Wise fees and pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information.
This publication is provided for general information purposes and does not constitute legal, tax or other professional advice from Wise Payments Limited or its subsidiaries and its affiliates, and it is not intended as a substitute for obtaining advice from a financial advisor or any other professional.
We make no representations, warranties or guarantees, whether expressed or implied, that the content in the publication is accurate, complete or up to date.
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