Summary:

• Obtain a 12-month work permit before being eligible for Permanent Residency nomination.

• Establish a new business with a minimum of 51% ownership.

• Only communities with fewer than 75,000 residents and located at least 30 km from a major urban area are eligible under this program.

• A community support letter is required, which involves an exploratory visit and meetings with community leaders.

• The applicant’s business concept and background must align with the community’s priorities.

Minimum Eligibility Criteria:

• Combined net worth of at least CAD $300,000 for the applicant and spouse.

• Minimum investment of CAD $100,000.

• IELTS/TEF with a minimum CLB 4 score is mandatory.

• At least 51% ownership of the new business is required.

• Must hire at least one Canadian employee.

• Operate and actively manage the business in the designated community.

• An exploratory trip to the community and a support letter are mandatory.

• All assets in the home country must be verified by a third-party audit firm.

Advantages:

• This is the lowest investment requirement for non-IT entrepreneur streams in Canada.

• No age restrictions.

• No education requirements.