Canadian Provinces Compete for your Business Know-How

author avatar
CIC News
Published: July 27, 2010

There is a competition among Canadian provinces to attract immigrants with entrepreneurial and business management skills. To attract these individuals, the provinces have set their own criteria for the entrepreneur categories of their provincial nomination programs.

A nomination certificate from any province leads to a Canadian permanent resident visa, absent health and security issues. Individuals with business management experience are seen as being able to contribute to provincial economic and social goals and stimulate local economies by creating jobs for Canadians.

There are currently 7 provinces and 2 territories willing to nominate qualified managers from around the world for Canadian permanent residence. Applicants are required to have the intent and ability to move to the province and set up a new business or purchase or acquire a share of an existing business.

As compared to the Federal Entrepreneur program, there are two main advantages to applying for business immigration under the provincial nomination programs:

1) the visa processing times are considerably faster, and
2) permanent resident visas issued under the provincial nomination programs are not conditional upon meeting business performance criteria and are issued upon investment.

Click here to find a summary of the requirements for the provincial business nomination programs in a table for easy comparison and contrast. This table will allow you to find the program that best suits your circumstances. 

Share this article
Share your voice
Did you find this article helpful?
Thank you for your feedback.
Subscribe to our newsletter
Did you find this article helpful?
Please provide a response
Thank you for your helpful feedback
Please contact us if you would like to share additional feedback, have a question, or would like Canadian immigration assistance.
  • Do you need Canadian immigration assistance? Contact the Contact Cohen Immigration Law firm by completing our form
  • Send us your feedback or your non-legal assistance questions by emailing us at media@canadavisa.com
Top Stories
New Brunswick PNP invites candidates under three immigration streams in first draw of 2026
Manitoba PNP invites skilled workers in latest provincial draw
Canada’s overall foreign worker and student numbers drop for the first time in years
Join our free newsletter. Get Canada's top immigration stories delivered to your inbox.
Subscribe
More in Canada
Canada’s overall foreign worker and student numbers drop for the first time in years
An aerial view showing a scattering of individuals walking all around.
Travelling to Canada in 2026? Plan ahead to avoid being denied entry for a criminal record
Federal government launches temporary measure for Ukrainians to maintain legal status in Canada
Ukraine and Canada, two flags waving against blue sky.
Canada restructures delegation of authority to immigration officers
IRCC has broadened the authority granted to different roles
Link copied to clipboard