Immigration Programs
In order to immigrate to Canada, you would need to be approved for permanent residency by the federal government department in charge of immigration known as Citizenship and Immigration Canada (“CIC”). CIC approves applicants for permanent residency based on a number of factors and qualifications for available immigration programs. Each of the provinces also offer a number of programs through which they will nominate applicants to CIC for permanent residency. It is important for potential immigrants to find the right immigration program based on their particular circumstances and eligibility.
Some examples of different types of programs that an applicant might qualify for include the Federal Skilled Worker program, the Provincial Nominee Program, the Canadian Experience Class, or a Family Class Sponsorship programs.
The following chart outlines basic program and eligibility criteria; for additional information please click on the program link; for advice about program options and eligibility specific to your circumstances please contact KCIS at [link to email]
Business Impact Categories |
|
Program |
Eligibility Criteria |
100% Ownership Stream
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Partial Ownership Stream |
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Work Permit Stream |
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Labour Impact Category |
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Program |
Eligibility Criteria |
Skilled Worker Stream
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Critical Worker Stream |
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International Graduate Stream |
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Business Eligibility Criteria
In order to be eligible for application through the Business Impact Category, any business being started or purchased must generate revenue by selling goods and/or services at arm’s length to third parties.
The Office of Immigration will consider applications under the Business Impact Category that meet, or will meet, the following business eligibility criteria:
- The business must be a for-profit corporation and operated for the primary purpose of earning profits from active income through the provision of products/services.
- The business must be in good standing with the Province on all debts and obligations.
- The business’ corporate headquarters are located in Prince Edward Island.
- The business maintains a “permanent establishment” in Prince Edward Island as defined under the Income Tax Act by regulation 400 (2).
- The business is liable to pay income tax on taxable income earned as a result of a “permanent establishment” in Prince Edward Island, irrespective of income or other taxes which may also be payable in other jurisdictions as a result of income earned or other business activity.
- The business must have good potential for sustained commercial viability.
- The business must have assets with a book value of at least $150,000 CAD which are actively used for the business. Businesses will also be considered if they have assets with a fair market value of $150,000 CAD as valued by a certified appraiser or have received a valuation for their business from a professional accountant stating a value greater than $ 150,000 CAD.
- Any business selling a portion of equity to an applicant (i.e., interested in the Partial Ownership Stream) must have also incurred a total of $ 60,000 CAD in wages and/or net income and demonstrate the ability to sustain an applicant’s salary.
- The business must have the potential to create significant economic benefits to Prince Edward Island by contributing to one or more of the following:
- Increasing value-added manufacturing, processing or primary resource activity
- Increasing exports of goods or services
- Increasing destination tourism, tourism attractions, tourism fixed roof accommodations
- Increasing research and development/technology commercialization
- Servicing an underserved local or regional market
- Diversifying retail and restaurant investment
- If the business is an Inn or Boutique Hotel, it must
- not be a startup;
- have at least 5 rental units, each having at least a three-piece bath;
- have revenues of at least $100,000 in the last operating year, supported by financial statements or a tax return;
- have eligible operating expenses of at least $75,000 in the last operating year, supported by financial statements or a tax return
- If the business is in the Construction/Renovation sector, the Applicant must
- have at least 3 arms-length staff employed full time for at least 6 months of the year;
- rent or construct a space that is outside of their residence to conduct business from;
- demonstrate relevant education or a minimum of 5 years experience in the proposed business;
- meet all other terms and conditions of the escrow agreement.
Businesses must also meet the investment requirements under the federal Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations governing investment for immigration purposes.
Applications will NOT be considered for the following types of businesses:
- Bed and breakfasts, hobby farms and home-based businesses
- Pay day loan, cheque cashing, money changing and cash machine businesses
- Pawnbrokers
- Sale of used goods (excluding collectibles, or where the business provides value-added services such as repairs, refurbishing, or recycling)
- Real estate development, unless deemed to be significant economic benefit to the Prince Edward Island economy
- Real estate, insurance or business brokerage
- Businesses started for the sole purpose of gaining access to immigrant investment through the program
- Professional practices
- Financial services
- Consulting services
- Any other type of business that by association would tend to bring the program or the Government of Prince Edward Island into disrepute.
- An entity that cannot issue shares.
- Any business, or member of an associated group of companies that has received investment through the Provincial Nominee Program within the past 48 months will not be eligible.
Program |
Eligibility Criteria |
Nova Scotia Demand: Express Entry
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Nova Scotia Experience: Express Entry |
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Skilled Worker Stream
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Employer eligibility requirements:
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Entrepreneur Stream International |
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Graduate Entrepreneur Stream | Human Capital Criteria
Business and Financial Criteria:
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Family Business Worker |
Business owner, or their spouse, must meet the following criteria:
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International Graduate Stream |
|
Program |
Eligibility Criteria |
Quota |
Skilled Trade
|
|
|
Skilled Worker |
|
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Canadian Experience Class |
|
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Immigrant Investor Venture Capital |
|
50/yr |
Self-employed Class |
|
N/A |