Many Indian entrepreneurs and high-net-worth individuals wish to settle in Canada in the future. They think that their best route is through skilled worker immigration programs, but because of how competitive the Express Entry pool has become for skilled workers, direct immigration pathways through investment are an increasingly attractive option for people able to invest in the Canadian economy. If you’re interested in avoiding the uncertainty and stress of point-based immigration draws, then immigration to Canada by investment program may give you and your family a much more predictable and reliable way of becoming permanent residents of Canada.
Canada has an excellent environment for business and a welcoming attitude toward new business ventures. As such, it is one of the top places to start a business for Indian investors. For Indian investors, moving to Canada is more than just obtaining a passport; it is also about being part of a North American marketplace that values creativity and provides access to a safe, high-quality lifestyle.
Understanding PR pathways in Canada
Canada does not have a typical “cash-for-passport” program. However, there are innovative programs that offer permanent residency in Canada by investment to those who are creating jobs or providing financing for businesses. The most straightforward path for Indian entrepreneurs to immigrate to Canada is through the Federal Start-Up Visa (SUV) Program. Through the SUV Program, applicants can apply for Permanent Resident (PR) status upon receiving endorsement from a designated organization in Canada (for example, a venture capital organization, angel investor group, or business incubator).
By taking advantage of immigration to Canada through investment opportunities, foreign business owners essentially trade their capital and entrepreneurial skills for an opportunity to live and work in one of the most stable (as well as widely recognized) economies in the world. The Canadian SUV Program provides PR status that cannot be revoked should a business ultimately fail, as long as the applicant has complied with the program’s eligibility requirements in good faith.
Core Canada Business PR Requirements
To maximize your chances of a successful application, you must meet Canada Business PR requirements. These requirements are in place to help determine both the quality of the applicant and the potential effect that the applicant’s business will have on the Canadian workforce.
Letter of Support: The single most important document is your Letter of Support. You will need to “pitch” your business idea to a designated organization (Venture Capital Fund, Angel Investor, or Incubator), and receive a Letter of Support in order to apply.
Language Proficiency: In order to apply for the Federal SUV Program, you must demonstrate at least a CLB 5 score in English or French. Most Indian Professionals use the IELTS General Training as the easiest way to demonstrate Language Proficiency.
Education: While there is no requirement to have a post-secondary education for the Federal SUV Program, having a post-secondary education will be seen as an additional point in your favour.
Health and Character: As with all PR applicants, you and your family will be required to have a medical examination and submit police clearance certificates from both India and any other countries where you have lived.
Financial Thresholds: Canada Investment Visa Minimum Cost
One of the first things to clarify for Indian families is the actual financial commitment. The Canada investment visa minimum cost varies based on the type of organization backing your venture.
If you are going through a Venture Capital fund, you must secure a minimum investment of CAD 200,000 into your business. If an Angel Investor group is your sponsor, the minimum investment is CAD 75,000. However, if you are accepted into a Business Incubator, no capital investment into the business is required from the incubator, though you will have to pay the incubator’s program fees, which can range between CAD 50,000 and CAD 100,000.
Additionally, you must show “Settlement Funds” to prove you can support your family. As of 2025, for a family of four, the required liquid funds are approximately CAD 28,362. These funds must be unencumbered and available for transfer to Canada.
Navigating the Canada Investor Visa Requirements
After you’ve invested as stated above, you need to meet all of the immigration requirements associated with being an investor in Canada as it relates to your business ownership. To meet the Canada investor visa requirements, you must own 10% or more of the voting shares of the company in which you are investing. You and the designated entity must also own more than 50% of the total voting shares of that company.
In addition to investment, we require that you manage your business actively throughout its lifecycle (for Indian citizens). This means you have to have some level of hands-on involvement with your business, regardless of your location in Canada. You cannot simply continue to reside in India and passively support your company while still maintaining residency in Canada.
Read the blog: How much do I need to invest in Canada to get PR?
Why PR Through Investment is the Preferred Route
Permanent residency in canada by investment provides unparalleled security. The changing policies and renewals associated with temporary work permits (TWP) and study permits means that PR status is a permanent status. On the other hand, PR status provides access to the following benefits:
Universal Health Care – All Canadian residents and their families are provided access to Canada’s publicly funded health care system.
Education – Tax payers in Canada pay for their children to receive free public schooling, as well as be eligible for domestic tuition when they enroll in a post-secondary institution.
Social Safety Net – Eligible individuals can receive various social benefits and maintain a pension from the government.
Path to Citizenship – After residing in Canada for at least 1095 days (3 years) within a 5-year period, one qualifies to apply for Canadian citizenship.
How FRR Immigration Supports Your Transition
Achieving a successful PR through investment in Canada is a very technical process and therefore requires precise and exact documentation. At FRR Immigration, we work as your partner to help ensure that your application is flawless.Here is a brief overview of our strategies for assisting in support of the business plan.
Strategic Business Plan Development: We don’t only fill out applications. Our experts will help you develop a business concept and model into a Qualifying Business that is recognized by designated Canadian organizations. As part of our services, we’ll also develop a pitch deck and business plan for the Letter of Support to submit with your application.
Documentation Help: Complying with Canadian government regulations with respect to the origin of funds through financial documentation is a primary cause of application rejection. We assist our Indian clients in providing all documentation related to their financial background to meet the minimum capital investment required for a Canada Investment immigration visa application, as well as providing the IRCC (Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada) with clear, detailed, and auditable evidence that demonstrates that the source of the client’s wealth is legitimate.
Legal Support: The legal support we provide will be a key factor in guiding you through the IRCC’s entire application process, including managing communication with the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA). Once your visa application has been completed, we will continue to provide support to you, ensuring that you receive guidance throughout the entire process, including the medical and security screening processes.
On Ground Support: When relocating internationally, there is much more to relocating than obtaining a visa. We will work closely with you and your family to assist you in identifying a suitable community to reside in, determining which schools to enroll your children in, and establishing local business relationships in your new home. Our goal is to assist you in creating a successful transition to your new country.
Family Support: Our planning services will focus on the future of your family by including your spouse and children in the application for permanent residence to Canada. This will enable your entire family to benefit from the move at the same time.
Our experienced team at FRR Immigration will ensure that you fully understand the nuances of permanent residency in Canada by investment. Contact us today to schedule a complimentary consultation to learn more about how you can provide for your family’s future in Canada.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is there an age limit for getting permanent residency in Canada by investment?
A: No, the Start-Up Visa program does not have a points system based on age, making it an excellent choice for experienced business owners over the age of 45 who might lose points in Express Entry.
2. Can I start a business in any province?
A: The federal Start-Up Visa allows you to settle anywhere in Canada except for the province of Quebec, which has its own specific investor programs.
3. Do I need to have a successful business in India first?
A: While you don’t necessarily need an existing business in India, you must demonstrate significant management experience and the capability to lead a startup venture in Canada.
4. How long does the total PR process take for investors?
A: As of early 2025, the average processing time for the federal Start-Up Visa is approximately 24 to 34 months, though you may be eligible for a work permit to arrive in Canada sooner.
5. Can my spouse work in Canada while we wait for PR?
A: Yes, if you apply for a work permit under the SUV program while your PR is being processed, your spouse is typically eligible for an open work permit, allowing them to work for any employer in Canada.
