Federal Program - Investors

•    What are the requirements for qualifying as an investor?

•    What is the procedure for becoming an investor?

•    What are the business experience requirements?

•    Does the business experience have to be recent?

•    How do I satisfy Citizenship and Immigration Canada that my net worth was obtained legally?

•    Who is responsible for the investment operations of the program?

•    What documents do I receive after I make my investment?

•    Where do most immigrant investors come from?

Q: What are the requirements for qualifying as an investor?

To qualify as an investor, you must have two years of business experience and a net worth of at least C$1,600,000 that was obtained legally. You must also obtain a minimum of 35 points in a selection grid designed to determine whether you will be able to become economically established in Canada. Before a visa is issued, you must make an investment of C$800,000 to Citizenship and Immigration Canada.

Q: What is the procedure for becoming an investor?

You must meet all the eligibility requirements, pass medical, criminal and security checks, and make an investment of C$800,000.

Q: What are the business experience requirements?

You must have been a part or full owner of a business for two years or more, or have managed the equivalent of five full-time workers in a business for a minimum of two full years.

Q: Does the business experience have to be recent?

The business experience must be in the period that begins five years before you submit your application and ends when a decision is made on your application.

Q: How do I satisfy Citizenship and Immigration Canada that my net worth was obtained legally?

You must be able to prove that no portion of your net worth was obtained through criminal activity. You will be asked to explain any discrepancies between your net income over the years and your present net worth. The visa officer who assesses your net worth may ask you for documents to back up both your income sources and your net worth.

Q: Who is responsible for the investment operations of the program?

Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) administers all aspects of the program, including the investment that successful applicants must make. CIC acts as an agent for the participating provinces and territories.

Q: What documents do I receive after I make my investment?

You will receive a zero interest promissory note that is not transferable. You cannot sell the promissory note, but you can use it as collateral for a loan. At the maturity date, you must return the promissory note to Citizenship and Immigration Canada for repayment of your C$800,000 investment.

Q: Where do most immigrant investors come from?

Investors come from all over the world. Currently, the majority of investors are from China, Taiwan, Korea and Hong Kong, but there are also substantial numbers of investors applying from the Middle East and elsewhere.