🛂 Pillar 6 · Immigration & Business Setup

Your Canadian Business Starts
with the Right Immigration Path

We guide foreign entrepreneurs, investors, and professionals through every Canadian immigration program — from federal permits to provincial pathways — combined with full business setup support.

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Canada offers multiple legal pathways for entrepreneurs and investors to operate a business and pursue permanent residency. Solaris has guided clients from over 12 countries through every major program — including federal permits, provincial nominations, and business incorporation.

Why It Matters

Choosing the Wrong Immigration Program Costs Time, Money, and Opportunity

Canada’s immigration landscape for entrepreneurs is complex. There are federal programs, provincial nominee streams, employer-specific permits, and hybrid pathways — each with distinct eligibility requirements, processing timelines, and long-term residency implications.

A wrong choice at the application stage can result in refusals, delays of 12 to 36 months, or a business structure that does not align with your permanent residency goals. Solaris maps your profile — business history, net worth, language ability, industry sector, and destination province — against every available pathway to identify the optimal route.

We then coordinate the immigration process alongside business setup: incorporation, banking, office registration, and compliance — so you arrive in Canada ready to operate, not starting from zero.

Key Program Facts — 2024/2025
Start-Up Visa — Target Processing 16–39 months
Entrepreneur Work Permit (C11) — Validity 1–2 years
ICT Permit — No LMIA Required ✔ Yes
BC PNP — Min. Investment (Regional) CAD $100,000
Ontario OINP — Min. Net Worth CAD $200,000+
Owner-Operator LMIA — Ownership Required Majority stake
Business Incorporation (Federal) 1–3 business days
Our Services — Immigration & Business Setup

Seven Pathways. One Coordinated Strategy.

Every service below is coordinated by Solaris from initial assessment through final approval. We manage documents, timelines, government correspondence, and business registration so your transition to Canada is seamless.

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Service 01

Start-Up Visa (SUV) — Federal Permanent Residency

The Start-Up Visa (SUV) is Canada’s federal permanent residency program designed for innovative entrepreneurs. It allows up to five co-founders to obtain permanent residency by building a business that has secured a letter of support from a designated Canadian organization — a venture capital fund, angel investor group, or business incubator recognized by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

Important note as of 2025: IRCC temporarily paused intake of new SUV applications due to a high volume backlog. The program remains live and applications filed during eligible windows are being processed. Solaris monitors IRCC announcements and advises clients on the most current status, including alternate pathways while intake is paused.

Core Eligibility Requirements

  • Business concept must be innovative — not a traditional franchise or retail operation
  • Must obtain a letter of support from a IRCC-designated organization before applying
  • Language requirement: Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) Level 5 in English or French
  • Up to 5 co-founders may apply under one business; equity thresholds apply
  • Sufficient settlement funds required (varies by family size)

What Solaris Does

  • Eligibility assessment: business concept review, innovation scoring, language readiness
  • Designated organization matching: identifying the right incubator, VC, or angel group for your industry
  • Business pitch preparation for designated organization review
  • Full document package assembly: proof of funds, business ownership structure, government forms
  • Application submission coordination and IRCC correspondence management
  • Bridge work permit guidance while permanent residency is processed
⚠️ Current Status Note:

As of 2025, IRCC paused new SUV intake. Solaris advises all prospective SUV applicants on alternate federal and provincial pathways available during the pause, including C11 and PNP streams, to avoid losing time in your immigration timeline.

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Service 02

Entrepreneur Work Permit (C11) — Start Operating Immediately

The Entrepreneur Work Permit under exemption code C11 (Significant Benefit to Canada) allows foreign nationals to obtain a Canadian work permit without a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) by demonstrating that their business will create economic benefit for Canada — through job creation, investment, or industry development.

This is one of the most practical entry pathways for entrepreneurs: it allows you to enter Canada, establish and operate your business, and then transition to permanent residency through provincial or federal streams after 12 to 24 months of active business operation.

Key Eligibility Factors

  • Ownership stake of 50% or more in the Canadian business
  • Demonstrated economic benefit — typically job creation for Canadians or innovation
  • Valid business registration and operating evidence at time of application
  • No specific language requirement, but English or French proficiency strengthens applications
  • Net worth and investment capacity are assessed contextually

C11 to PR Pathway

  • After 12–24 months of operation under C11, you qualify for provincial PNP entrepreneur streams
  • BC PNP, Ontario OINP, Alberta AAIP, and others all accept C11 holders transitioning to nomination
  • Solaris manages both the C11 phase and the subsequent PR nomination process

What Solaris Does

  • Business plan development aligned with economic benefit criteria (coordinated with Pillar 1)
  • Ownership structure documentation and shareholding evidence
  • Government form preparation and officer submission package
  • Port of entry letter drafting for airport presentation
  • Post-arrival PR transition planning
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Service 03

Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) — Expand Your Existing Business to Canada

The Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) permit allows executives, senior managers, and specialized knowledge workers of multinational companies to transfer to a Canadian affiliate, subsidiary, or parent company without requiring an LMIA. It is the preferred pathway for business owners who already operate a company abroad and want to expand into the Canadian market.

ICT permits are issued under the International Mobility Program (IMP), which means processing is typically faster than LMIA-based permits and does not require proof of unavailability of Canadian workers.

Who Qualifies

  • Executives, general managers, or senior directors with decision-making authority
  • Employees with specialized knowledge not easily found in the Canadian labour market
  • Must have worked for the foreign company for at least one year in the last three years
  • A qualifying relationship must exist between the foreign company and the Canadian entity (parent, subsidiary, or affiliate)

Canada Entity Requirements

  • A Canadian business entity must be established or already operating
  • The Canadian operation must have the capacity to support the transferred employee
  • Solaris handles Canadian incorporation and registration as part of this service package

What Solaris Does

  • Corporate relationship assessment and documentation between foreign and Canadian entities
  • Canadian business incorporation coordinated with ICT eligibility requirements
  • LMIA exemption document package (IMM 5802 and supporting evidence)
  • Post-arrival compliance: work permit renewal, PR transition through Express Entry (if eligible)
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Service 04

Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP) — Tailored to Your Target Province

Canada’s Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) allow each province to nominate foreign entrepreneurs and investors for permanent residency based on provincial economic priorities. The eligibility criteria, investment thresholds, job creation requirements, and processing timelines differ significantly by province — which means choosing the right province is as important as choosing the right program.

Solaris assesses your business type, investment capacity, language ability, and destination preference to match you with the most viable provincial stream.

Key Provincial Streams We Support

  • BC PNP Entrepreneur Immigration (EI): Base Category requires CAD $200,000 minimum investment and 1 job for a Canadian. Regional Pilot requires CAD $100,000 and 1 job, with the benefit of lower competition. Must explore and establish a business in BC before nomination.
  • Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) — Entrepreneur Stream: Minimum net worth of CAD $400,000 (GTA) or CAD $200,000 (outside GTA). Minimum investment of CAD $600,000 (GTA) or CAD $200,000 elsewhere. Performance Agreement with the Ontario government required.
  • Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) — Rural Entrepreneur: Lower investment thresholds, suitable for entrepreneurs willing to establish businesses in rural Alberta communities.
  • Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP): Designed to attract entrepreneurs to the four Atlantic provinces (Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, PEI, Newfoundland). Employer or province designation required.

What Solaris Does

  • Provincial stream matching and scoring simulation before you commit to a province
  • Exploration trip planning and documentation (required by BC PNP and others)
  • Business establishment plan aligned with provincial requirements
  • Performance Agreement preparation and submission coordination
  • Nomination application and provincial government liaison
  • Federal PR application filing following provincial nomination
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Service 05

Business Incorporation — Federal and Provincial Registration

Before you can hire employees, open a Canadian business bank account, sign a commercial lease, or demonstrate business establishment for immigration purposes, your company must be formally incorporated or registered in Canada. The type of structure — federal corporation, provincial corporation, or sole proprietorship — affects taxation, liability, share structure, and immigration eligibility.

Structure Options Explained

  • Federal Corporation (CBCA): Incorporated under the Canada Business Corporations Act. Allows business operation across all provinces and provides the strongest protection for the corporate name nationally. Preferred for companies planning to operate in multiple provinces or seeking investors.
  • Provincial Corporation: Incorporated under the laws of a specific province (e.g., BC’s Business Corporations Act, Ontario’s Business Corporations Act). Simpler for businesses operating in one province. Lower initial costs.
  • Sole Proprietorship / Partnership: Not a separate legal entity. Lower administrative burden but no liability protection. Generally not suitable for immigration-linked business applications.

What Solaris Does

  • Structure recommendation based on immigration pathway, taxation, and operational goals
  • NUANS name search and corporate name clearance
  • Articles of Incorporation drafting and filing with Corporations Canada or provincial registry
  • Share structure design: share classes, voting rights, founder equity splits
  • Corporate minute book setup, director/officer resolutions, organizational by-laws
  • CRA registration: Business Number (BN), GST/HST account, payroll account
  • Provincial business licence and regulatory registration

⚠️ Note: Legal drafting of shareholder agreements and complex share structures is coordinated through Solaris’s regulated legal partners. See Pillar 7 — Legal Services for details.

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Service 06

Owner-Operator LMIA — Business Ownership as a Work Permit Basis

The Owner-Operator Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is a specialized LMIA pathway that allows a foreign national who owns a majority stake in a Canadian business to obtain a work permit to manage and operate their own company. Unlike standard LMIA applications (which require proving no Canadian worker is available), the Owner-Operator LMIA recognizes the business owner as a unique case where the applicant themselves generates employment for Canadians.

Important regulatory note: ESDC (Employment and Social Development Canada) has applied increased scrutiny to Owner-Operator LMIA applications in recent years. Applicants must demonstrate genuine business activity, Canadian job creation, and a credible operational plan. Solaris prepares applications to the highest evidentiary standard to meet current ESDC expectations.

Eligibility Requirements

  • Must own a majority interest (typically 51% or more) in the Canadian business
  • Business must be operational or in a credible pre-operational stage
  • Must demonstrate creation of jobs for Canadian citizens or permanent residents
  • Business plan, financial projections, and operational evidence required
  • Wage offered must meet or exceed the prevailing wage for the position

What Solaris Does

  • Business plan development specifically aligned with ESDC Owner-Operator criteria (coordinated with Pillar 1)
  • LMIA application preparation: EMP5626 and supporting evidence package
  • Job advertisement compliance (where required)
  • Financial documentation: proof of investment, business bank records, revenue evidence
  • Subsequent work permit application coordination
  • Transition planning toward permanent residency following permit issuance
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Service 07

Newcomer Career & Business Path Planning — Strategic Roadmapping

Not every entrepreneur or professional arrives in Canada with a clear immigration pathway already selected. Many newcomers — or those planning to move — have transferable skills, business experience, capital, or sector expertise but do not know which Canadian program best matches their profile or how to structure their business entry for maximum immigration and commercial success.

Newcomer Career and Business Path Planning is a strategic advisory service: a structured consultation process that maps your background against Canada’s immigration programs and business environment, then produces a personalized roadmap with a recommended pathway, timeline, and action plan.

What the Planning Session Covers

  • Profile analysis: education, work experience, language ability, net worth, industry sector
  • Immigration pathway comparison: federal vs. provincial, timing, costs, approval probability
  • Business viability assessment: industry demand in Canada, competitive landscape, market size
  • Province and city recommendation: labour market, demographics, regulatory environment, incentives
  • Financial planning: startup costs, living expenses, tax implications for newcomers
  • Action plan: what to do before you arrive, what to do in the first 90 days, 12-month milestones

Who Benefits Most

  • Professionals considering entrepreneurship as an immigration route for the first time
  • Business owners who have received a refusal or whose previous application was unsuccessful
  • Families planning to relocate in the next 12 to 36 months who want a long-term roadmap
  • Investors comparing Canada with other immigration destinations (USA, UK, Portugal, UAE)
How It Works

Your Journey from Application to Canadian Business Owner

Solaris manages every stage — so you focus on your business, not the paperwork.

1
Week 1–2

Free Initial Consultation & Profile Assessment

We review your background — business experience, education, language, capital, and desired destination province. We identify the top two or three immigration pathways that match your profile and explain the realistic timelines and costs for each.

2
Week 2–4

Pathway Selection & Strategy Document

After confirming the right pathway, we produce a written strategy document: the exact program, eligibility checklist, required documents, timeline, and next steps. This becomes your immigration project plan.

3
Week 3–8

Business Plan & Documentation Preparation

We prepare or coordinate all required documents: immigration business plan, financial projections, ownership structure, proof of funds, language test coordination, and any designated organization pitch (for SUV). Business incorporation is handled in parallel.

4
Varies by Program

Application Submission & Government Liaison

We compile and submit the complete application package. We monitor IRCC or ESDC correspondence, respond to requests for additional information, and keep you updated at every stage. You never face the government process alone.

5
Upon Approval

Permit or Nomination Received

For work permit pathways (C11, ICT, Owner-Operator LMIA): we prepare your port of entry documentation. For provincial nominations: we manage the subsequent federal PR application. You receive clear instructions for your first day in Canada.

6
Arrival Phase

Business Setup & Operational Launch

We assist with Canadian business registration (if not done pre-arrival), banking introduction, office or commercial space setup, CRA account registration, and any regulatory licences required for your industry or province.

7
Ongoing

Permanent Residency Transition & Compliance

For work permit holders: we monitor your path to permanent residency, whether through Express Entry, provincial nomination, or business performance milestones. We ensure your business continues to meet the operational requirements that support your PR application.

Program Comparison

Which Pathway Is Right for You?

A side-by-side overview of key criteria across every major entrepreneur immigration program in Canada.

Program Result Min. Capital LMIA Required Language Req. Avg. Timeline
Start-Up Visa (SUV) Federal PR Settlement funds only ✔ No CLB 5+ 16–39 months
Entrepreneur Work Permit (C11) Work Permit → PR Contextual ✔ No None (recommended) 2–6 months
Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) Work Permit → PR None specified ✔ No None 1–4 months
BC PNP — Base Category Provincial Nomination → PR CAD $200,000 ✗ N/A CLB 4+ 12–24 months
BC PNP — Regional Pilot Provincial Nomination → PR CAD $100,000 ✗ N/A CLB 4+ 12–24 months
Ontario OINP — Entrepreneur Provincial Nomination → PR CAD $200,000–$600,000 ✗ N/A CLB 4+ 18–30 months
Owner-Operator LMIA Work Permit → PR Business-dependent Self-directed None 3–9 months

Timelines are approximate and subject to IRCC and ESDC processing volumes. Solaris provides current processing estimates during your consultation based on the most recent IRCC data.

296+ Professionals Placed in Canada
12+ Countries Served
423+ Business Groups Registered
5+ Years of Canadian Market Experience
Client Experiences

What Our Clients Say

We came to Solaris after a previous consultant gave us the wrong advice and our first application was refused. Solaris completely reassessed our profile, identified the BC PNP Regional Pilot as the right fit, and managed the entire reapplication process. We received our nomination within 18 months and are now permanent residents operating a food distribution business in Kelowna.

Mohammed A.
Food Distribution — BC PNP Regional Pilot

The Intra-Company Transfer process was something I did not understand at all before Solaris explained it. I already had a business in the UAE and wanted to expand to Canada. Solaris handled everything — the Canadian incorporation, the ICT permit documents, and the transition plan. I was operating in Vancouver within five months of first contacting them.

Priya S.
Tech Services — Intra-Company Transfer (ICT)
Frequently Asked Questions

Common Questions About Entrepreneur Immigration to Canada

It depends on the program. The Entrepreneur Work Permit (C11) and Owner-Operator LMIA both require you to have an established or clearly planned Canadian business at the time of application. The Start-Up Visa requires a business concept and a support letter from a designated Canadian organization, but the business can still be in early stages. Provincial PNP entrepreneur streams typically require you to explore and establish a business in the province before receiving the final nomination. Solaris helps you determine which stage of development is appropriate for each program and prepares your documentation accordingly.
Yes. In most cases, your spouse or common-law partner can receive an open work permit allowing them to work for any Canadian employer. Dependent children can enrol in Canadian public schools at no cost. For permanent residency pathways like the Start-Up Visa and PNP nominations, family members are included in your PR application and receive the same permanent resident status. Solaris includes family member eligibility in our initial assessment so you have a complete picture of what your relocation will look like.
Solaris Business Development provides business development, planning, and coordination services for immigration-linked business applications. For formal immigration representation before IRCC — including signing and filing of immigration applications on a client’s behalf — Solaris works with and coordinates Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants (RCICs) or immigration lawyers licensed in Canada. We are transparent about this structure: our role is to prepare, organize, and coordinate the full package; the regulated representative manages the official government submission. This dual-service model means you receive expert business advisory and compliant immigration representation in one integrated engagement.
The Start-Up Visa program has not been cancelled. IRCC implemented a temporary pause on new applications to address a processing backlog that had grown significantly. Applications already in the system continue to be processed. The program remains one of Canada’s flagship pathways for innovative entrepreneurs. Solaris monitors IRCC announcements and advises clients on the current intake status and the best interim pathway to pursue — such as C11 or a PNP entrepreneur stream — while waiting for intake to reopen. We do not recommend clients wait passively; we help them make productive progress on their Canadian business journey through alternate routes.
Federal incorporation through Corporations Canada typically takes one to three business days once the complete application is submitted. Provincial incorporation timelines vary: British Columbia processes in approximately one to two business days; Ontario processing can take one to five business days. Urgent processing options are available in some provinces for an additional fee. Once the corporation is issued, Solaris registers your Business Number (BN), GST/HST account, and payroll account with the Canada Revenue Agency, which typically adds three to five business days. Total time from engagement to a fully registered, CRA-enrolled Canadian company is generally two to three weeks.
Transparent Pricing

Immigration & Business Setup — Service Pricing

All prices are in CAD and displayed as “Starting From.” Complex cases, multi-permit families, or expedited timelines are priced on request. Contact us for a personalised quote.

Service Tier 1Starter Tier 2Professional Tier 3Enterprise
Start-Up Visa (SUV) $4,500 $6,300 $10,710
Entrepreneur Work Permit (C11) $3,500 $4,900 $8,330
Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) $3,000 $4,200 $7,140
Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP) $3,500 $4,900 $8,330
Business Incorporation $800 $1,120 $1,904
Owner-Operator LMIA $3,500 $4,900 $8,330
Newcomer Career Path Planning $800 $1,120 $1,904

All prices are Starting From in CAD. Government filing fees, IRCC application fees, and third-party regulated representative fees are separate and disclosed upfront. Solaris does not mark up government fees.

Starter

  • Single applicant, straightforward profile
  • One immigration pathway assessed
  • Standard documentation package
  • Email support throughout
  • Suitable for solo entrepreneurs with clear eligibility

Professional

  • Applicant with spouse and/or dependants included
  • Two pathways assessed and compared
  • Enhanced documentation with business plan coordination
  • Dedicated project manager
  • Video consultation sessions included

Enterprise

  • Complex profiles: multiple co-founders, multi-province, or prior refusals
  • Full multi-pathway strategy and contingency planning
  • Business plan + market research + legal coordination included
  • Priority turnaround on all deliverables
  • Ongoing compliance monitoring post-approval

Bundle Savings: Combining Immigration & Business Setup (Pillar 6) with Business Plan Writing (Pillar 1) saves 10–15% on the combined engagement. Clients who add Market Research (Pillar 2) save an additional 5%. Contact us to receive a bundled proposal tailored to your specific programs and goals.

Start Your Journey Today

Ready to Build Your Canadian Business and Immigration Plan?

Book a free consultation and speak directly with a Solaris advisor. We will assess your profile, recommend the right pathway, and give you a clear roadmap — at no cost and no obligation.

📍 701 W Georgia St #1545, Vancouver, BC  ·  +1-604-358-5763  ·  info@solarisideas.com