Canada welcomes business immigrants who have the ability and resources to invest in or establish businesses in Canada. Selection criteria vary for each category.

Business immigrants must apply at one of the following Business Application Processing Centers: Beijing, Berlin, Buffalo, Damascus, Hong Kong, London, Paris, Seoul and Singapore.

The new Immigrant Investor Program, implemented April 1, 1999, promotes economic growth in Canada, streamlines administrative resources, and reduces the potential for abuse.

Investors must invest a minimum amount in approved projects in Canada. CIC will act as an agent on behalf of the provinces and territories, which will decide where to invest the money. All investors must provide a minimum investment of $400,000 and have a minimum net worth of $800,000. Provinces and territories secure the investment against loss.

You may finance your investment in the Immigrant Investor Program. It is the investor's responsibility to make these arrangements, but CIC will confirm any loan security arrangements with the lender at its request. The following financial institutions are currently offering financial packages:

	http://www.hsbc.ca/english/our_world/immigrant_investor_program.asp
	MCAP Financial Corporation

	http://www.scotiamcleod.com/sm/immigrant_investor/index.html

Quebec continues to select its own investors and has agreed to harmonize its regulations to be consistent with federal regulations.

An entrepreneur must establish or buy a business in Canada. There is no set amount to invest, but it should be sufficient to establish the business within two years, while supporting the entrepreneur and his family. The entrepreneur is expected to participate actively in managing the business. The business must contribute to the Canadian economy and create one or more jobs in Canada in addition to the jobs created for the entrepreneur and his family. The entrepreneur is admitted on the condition that these requirements are met within two years of landing, and is expected to meet regularly with an immigration officer to monitor compliance with the terms and conditions.