Business Immigration
The United States offers several business immigration programs for foreign investors and entrepreneurs who wish to start or invest in a business in the country. Here's a brief overview of some of the most popular business immigration programs in the US:
EB-5 Investor Program: The EB-5 program is a popular option for foreign investors who want to obtain permanent residency in the US by investing in a new commercial enterprise that creates jobs for US workers. To qualify, the investor must invest a minimum of $1.8 million in a targeted employment area (TEA) or $900,000 in a rural area or an area of high unemployment.
E-2 Treaty Investor Visa: The E-2 visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows investors from certain countries to come to the US to develop and direct the operations of a business in which they have invested. To qualify, the investor must be a citizen of a treaty country and must have invested a substantial amount of capital in the business.
L-1 Intracompany Transfer Visa: The L-1 visa allows multinational companies to transfer their employees to the US to work at a US branch, subsidiary, or affiliate. To qualify, the employee must have worked for the company for at least one year and must have specialized knowledge or be in an executive or managerial position.
H-1B Specialty Occupation Visa: The H-1B visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows US employers to hire foreign workers in specialty occupations that require a bachelor's degree or higher. To qualify, the employer must sponsor the employee, and the employee must have a bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience.
O-1 Visa for Extraordinary Ability: The O-1 visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows individuals with extraordinary ability in the arts, sciences, business, education, or athletics to work in the US. To qualify, the individual must demonstrate sustained national or international acclaim and recognition for their achievements.
It's important to note that each business immigration program has specific eligibility requirements, application processes, and timelines. Prospective business immigrants should carefully review the program criteria and seek professional guidance to determine the best path for their circumstances.
Australia offers a range of business immigration programs for foreign investors and entrepreneurs who wish to start or invest in a business in the country. Here's a brief overview of some of the most popular business immigration programs in Australia:
Business Innovation and Investment (Provisional) visa (subclass 188): This visa is designed for people who want to start, develop or manage a new or existing business in Australia or make an investment in the country. To qualify for this visa, applicants must submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) and be nominated by a state or territory government or Austrade, the Australian Government's trade, investment and promotion agency.
Business Talent (Permanent) visa (subclass 132): This visa is designed for high-calibre business owners or entrepreneurs who want to establish or develop a business in Australia. To qualify for this visa, applicants must be nominated by a state or territory government and have a genuine and realistic commitment to continue to maintain an ownership interest in the business in Australia.
Investor visa (subclass 891): This visa is designed for people who have maintained an investment in Australia for at least four years. To qualify for this visa, applicants must have held an Investor (Provisional) visa (subclass 162) or a State/Territory Sponsored Investor (Provisional) visa (subclass 165) for at least four years and meet certain requirements relating to residency and investment.
Significant Investor visa (subclass 188C): This visa is designed for people who are willing to invest at least AUD 5 million into complying investments in Australia. To qualify for this visa, applicants must submit an EOI and be nominated by Austrade on behalf of the Australian Government.
Premium Investor visa (subclass 188D): This visa is designed for people who are willing to invest at least AUD 15 million into complying premium investments in Australia. To qualify for this visa, applicants must submit an EOI and be nominated by Austrade on behalf of the Australian Government.
It's important to note that each business immigration program has specific eligibility requirements, application processes, and timelines. Prospective business immigrants should carefully review the program criteria and seek professional guidance to determine the best path for their circumstances.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Australia's Business Innovation and Investment Program (BIIP)?
The BIIP is an Australian immigration program that allows business people to invest in Australia or start a business in the country.
What visa options are available under the BIIP?
The BIIP has five visa options: Business Innovation stream, Investor stream, Significant Investor stream, Premium Investor stream, and Entrepreneur stream.
How much investment is required for the BIIP?
The investment amount required for the BIIP varies depending on the stream. For example, the minimum investment required for the Investor stream is AUD 1.5 million, while the minimum investment required for the Significant Investor stream is AUD 5 million.
Can I bring my family with me to Australia under the BIIP?
Yes, you can bring your spouse and dependent children with you to Australia under the BIIP.
How long can I stay in Australia under the BIIP?
The length of stay depends on the visa stream, but most visas under the BIIP allow for a stay of 4 years or longer.
The UK offers a range of business immigration programs for foreign investors and entrepreneurs who wish to start or invest in a business in the country. Here's a brief overview of some of the most popular business immigration programs in the UK:
Innovator visa: This visa is designed for experienced business people who have an innovative business idea and want to set up or run a business in the UK. To qualify for this visa, applicants must have a minimum of £50,000 in investment funds, and their business idea must be endorsed by an approved endorsing body.
Start-up visa: This visa is designed for early-stage entrepreneurs who are starting a new business in the UK. To qualify for this visa, applicants must have an innovative business idea that has been endorsed by an approved endorsing body and have a minimum of £945 in savings.
Global Talent visa: This visa is designed for highly skilled individuals in science, engineering, humanities, medicine, digital technology, or the arts who want to work in the UK. To qualify for this visa, applicants must be endorsed by a UK endorsing body and demonstrate exceptional talent or promise in their field.
Investor visa: This visa is designed for high net worth individuals who want to invest in the UK. To qualify for this visa, applicants must have at least £2 million in investment funds and have a UK bank account.
It's important to note that each business immigration program has specific eligibility requirements, application processes, and timelines. Prospective business immigrants should carefully review the program criteria and seek professional guidance to determine the best path for their circumstances.
New Zealand offers a range of business immigration programs for foreign investors and entrepreneurs who wish to start or invest in a business in the country. Here's a brief overview of some of the most popular business immigration programs in New Zealand:
Entrepreneur Work visa: This visa is designed for people who want to start a new business or buy an existing business in New Zealand. To qualify for this visa, applicants must have at least NZD 100,000 in available funds and meet other eligibility criteria.
Investor visa: This visa is designed for high net worth individuals who want to invest in New Zealand. To qualify for this visa, applicants must have at least NZD 3 million in investment funds.
Investor Plus visa: : This visa is designed for high net worth individuals who want to make a significant investment in New Zealand. To qualify for this visa, applicants must have at least NZD 10 million in investment funds.
Global Impact visa: This visa is designed for investors and entrepreneurs who want to make a positive social or environmental impact in New Zealand. To qualify for this visa, applicants must be nominated by an approved impact investor and meet other eligibility criteria.
It's important to note that each business immigration program has specific eligibility requirements, application processes, and timelines. Prospective business immigrants should carefully review the program criteria and seek professional guidance to determine the best path for their circumstances. Additionally, it's important to note that New Zealand has a points-based immigration system, and business immigrants may be able to earn additional points for factors such as age, qualifications, and work experience.
Canada offers a variety of immigration programs for business people and investors who want to move to Canada and start or invest in a business. Each province and territory has its own immigration programs and requirements, so it's important to research and understand the specific options available in each region. Here's a brief overview of the business immigration programs offered by each province in Canada:
British Columbia: The British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) offers several streams for entrepreneurs and investors who want to establish or expand a business in the province.
Alberta: The Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP) offers a self-employed farmer stream and an entrepreneur stream for individuals who want to start or buy a business in the province.
Saskatchewan: The Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) has an entrepreneur category for business people who want to start, acquire or partner in a business in the province.
Manitoba: The Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) offers a business investor stream and an entrepreneur pathway for individuals who want to invest in or start a business in the province.
Ontario: The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) has a corporate stream for established international corporations looking to expand into Ontario, as well as an entrepreneur stream for individuals who want to start a business in the province.
Quebec: The Quebec Immigrant Investor Program (QIIP) and Quebec Entrepreneur Program (QEP) are designed to attract experienced business people who want to invest in or start a business in the province.
New Brunswick: The New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP) offers an entrepreneur stream for individuals who want to start or purchase a business in the province.
Nova Scotia: The Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP) has an entrepreneur stream for individuals who want to start or purchase a business in the province.
Prince Edward Island: The Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program (PEI PNP) offers an entrepreneur stream for individuals who want to start or purchase a business in the province.
Newfoundland and Labrador: The Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program (NLPNP) has an entrepreneur category for individuals who want to start or buy a business in the province.
It's important to note that each program has specific eligibility requirements, including minimum net worth, investment thresholds, language proficiency, and business experience. Prospective business immigrants should carefully review the program criteria and seek professional guidance to determine the best path for their circumstances.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the Canada immigration process take?
The processing time for Canada immigration can vary depending on the type of application, the country of origin, and other factors. It can take anywhere from a few months to a year or more.
What is the minimum score required to be eligible for Express Entry?
The minimum score required to be eligible for Express Entry changes from draw to draw, depending on the number of candidates and the CRS cut-off score.
Is it necessary to have a job offer to immigrate to Canada?
No, it is not necessary to have a job offer to immigrate to Canada, although having a job offer can increase your chances of being accepted.
Can I apply for immigration to Canada if I have a criminal record?
It depends on the severity of the crime and how long ago it occurred. If you have a criminal record, it is important to disclose it and seek legal advice before applying for immigration.
Do I need to take an English or French language test for immigration to Canada?
Yes, you will need to take an English or French language test if you are applying for most Canadian immigration programs, as Canada has two official languages. The required test and score can vary depending on the program.
Can I apply for permanent residency in Canada if I am over 40 years old?
Yes, you can apply for permanent residency in Canada if you are over 40 years old, but your age can affect your overall score in the points-based system used by some immigration programs.
How do I know which immigration program is right for me?
The right immigration program for you will depend on your personal circumstances and goals. It is important to research the different programs and consult with an immigration lawyer or consultant to determine which one is best for you.
Frequently Asked Questions about Canada immigration through business investment or investment
What is the minimum investment required to apply for the Business Investor Stream (BIS) in Canada?
The minimum investment required to apply for the BIS varies depending on the province or territory. For example, the minimum investment for the Quebec Immigrant Investor Program (QIIP) is CAD $1.2 million, while the minimum investment for the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) Entrepreneur Immigration - Regional Pilot is CAD $100,000.
Do I need to have prior business experience to apply for the BIS?
It depends on the program. Some programs require prior business experience, while others do not. For example, the Quebec Entrepreneur Program requires at least two years of business experience, while the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) Entrepreneur Stream does not have a business experience requirement.
How long does it take to process an application for the BIS?
The processing time for the BIS can vary depending on the program and the province or territory. It can take anywhere from a few months to a year or more.
Can I apply for permanent residency through the BIS if my investment fails?
It depends on the program. Some programs require the investment to be successful, while others do not. For example, the Quebec Immigrant Entrepreneur Program requires the investment to be successful, while the Nova Scotia Entrepreneur Stream does not.
Can I bring my family with me if I am approved for permanent residency through the BIS?
Yes, you can bring your family with you if you are approved for permanent residency through the BIS. Your family members may be eligible for open work permits or study permits.
Is there a limit on the number of applications accepted for the BIS?
Yes, some programs have a limit on the number of applications accepted each year. For example, the Quebec Immigrant Investor Program has a cap of 1,900 applications per year.
Can I apply for the BIS if I am already in Canada on a temporary work permit?
It depends on the program. Some programs require you to apply from outside of Canada, while others allow you to apply from within Canada. For example, the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) Entrepreneur Stream allows you to apply from within Canada if you are on a work permit.
