Provincial Entrepreneur Streams in Canada

What they are

Canada’s federal business immigration programs are currently paused — the Start-Up Visa stopped accepting new applications on June 30, 2026, and the Self-Employed Persons Program has been paused since April 2024. For entrepreneurs who want a business-based route to permanent residence right now, the realistic options are the provincial entrepreneur streams: each province runs its own program for experienced business owners and managers who will start or buy a business, actively run it, and settle in the province.

Most of these streams work the same way: you register your interest, the province invites you to apply, you come on a work permit, you establish and actively manage the business for about a year, and if you meet the terms of your performance agreement, the province nominates you for permanent residence. Passive investment does not qualify under any stream — every province expects genuine, day-to-day management.

Which streams are open right now — verified October 2026:

British Columbia — Entrepreneur Immigration — OPEN

What it is: For experienced business owners and managers who want to start a new business — or buy and grow an existing one — in B.C., actively manage it, and settle in the province. Two streams: the Base Stream (businesses anywhere in B.C.) and the Regional Stream (new businesses in smaller communities outside Metro Vancouver, with the support of a participating community; it became a permanent stream in 2024).

Key requirements — Base Stream: minimum personal net worth of $600,000 CAD; minimum eligible personal investment of $200,000 CAD; at least 33.3% ownership; 3+ years as an active business owner-manager in the past 10 years (or 4+ years as a senior manager, or a combination); CLB 4 in English or French; post-secondary credential; create at least 1 full-time job for a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.

Key requirements — Regional Stream: minimum personal net worth of $300,000 CAD; minimum investment of $100,000 CAD; at least 51% ownership; 3+ years of business owner-manager experience in the past 5 years; CLB 4; an exploratory visit to the community and a community referral letter before registering; create at least 1 full-time job.

The process: register an Expression of Interest (scored out of 200 points) → receive an Invitation to Apply in an entrepreneur draw → submit the full application (includes a net-worth verification report and a comprehensive business plan; $3,500 application fee) → sign a Performance Agreement → apply for a work permit → arrive, establish and actively manage the business → submit a final report → receive the provincial nomination → apply for permanent residence.

Current activity: B.C. held regular entrepreneur draws through 2026 — the September 2026 round invited 10 Base Stream and up to 5 Regional Stream candidates at a 119-point cutoff — with 2026 cutoffs ranging from about 115 to 121. Meeting the minimums does not guarantee an invitation; draws remain selective.

Warnings: certain business types are ineligible (immigration-linked investment schemes, B&Bs, payday lending, pawnbrokers, real-estate development/brokerage, and others). B.C.’s overall PNP allocation was reduced for 2026.

Based on official guidance from the Government of British Columbia.

Official program page: BC PNP Entrepreneur Immigration

Next step: B.C.’s entrepreneur streams are competitive and points-ranked. Contact Journey to West Immigration for an assessment of your score and your best stream.

Alberta — AAIP Entrepreneur Streams — OPEN

What it is: Alberta runs four distinct entrepreneur pathways: the Rural Entrepreneur Stream (start or buy a business in a rural community), the Graduate Entrepreneur Stream (for graduates of Alberta post-secondary institutions), the Foreign Graduate Entrepreneur Stream (for graduates of universities outside Canada), and the Farm Stream (for experienced farmers).

Key requirements — Rural Entrepreneur Stream: 3+ years as an active business owner/manager (or 4+ years as a senior manager) in the past 10 years; CLB 4; minimum net worth of $300,000 CAD; minimum investment of $100,000 CAD from personal equity; at least 51% ownership of a new business; create at least 1 job for a Canadian or permanent resident for 6+ months; Community Support Letter from a participating rural community.

Key requirements — other streams: the Graduate Entrepreneur Stream needs 2+ years of study at an Alberta post-secondary institution, a valid Post-Graduation Work Permit, CLB 7, and at least 34% ownership (no fixed investment minimum — investment is scored). The Foreign Graduate Entrepreneur Stream needs a foreign degree, 6+ months of business experience, a designated-agency recommendation, and at least $100,000 CAD invested in Calgary/Edmonton ($50,000 in regional areas), plus CLB 5. The Farm Stream needs genuine farming experience, $500,000 CAD net worth, and $500,000 CAD equity investment in primary agricultural production.

The process: confirm eligibility and secure a Community Support Letter or designated-agency recommendation → submit an Expression of Interest → receive an invitation and submit the full application with your business plan → sign a Business Performance Agreement → get a work permit support letter and apply for the work permit → establish and actively operate the business → meet the agreement terms → receive the nomination → apply for permanent residence.

Warnings: ineligible businesses include home-based businesses, B&Bs, payday lending, and immigration-linked investment schemes. Alberta has tightened scrutiny of whether the business is genuinely established — paper businesses will not survive the nomination stage.

Based on official guidance from the Government of Alberta.

Official program page: AAIP Entrepreneur Streams

Next step: Alberta’s four streams suit very different profiles. Contact Journey to West Immigration to find out which one fits your background.

Manitoba — Business Investor Stream — OPEN (no regular draws currently)

What it is: Manitoba uses a temporary-to-permanent model: your business plan is approved, you come to Manitoba on a work permit, you meet the terms of a Business Performance Agreement, and you are nominated for permanent residence afterwards. Two pathways: the Entrepreneur Pathway and the Farm Investor Pathway.

Key requirements — Entrepreneur Pathway: 3+ years of full-time experience in the past 5 years as a business owner or senior manager; CLB 5; Canadian high-school equivalency; verified personal net worth of at least $500,000 CAD; minimum investment of $250,000 CAD in the Winnipeg region or $150,000 CAD outside it; create or maintain at least 1 job for a Canadian or permanent resident. Farm Investor Pathway: 3+ years of hands-on farm experience in the past 10 years; $500,000 CAD net worth; $300,000 CAD minimum farm investment; viable agricultural business plan; exploratory visit required.

The process: submit an Expression of Interest (business stream application fee $2,500 CAD) → receive a Letter of Advice to Apply and complete third-party net-worth verification within 120 days → submit the full application → sign a Business Performance Agreement → get a work permit support letter → arrive, establish and actively operate the business → meet the agreement terms → receive the nomination → apply for permanent residence.

Current activity: the stream is open and accepting EOIs, which are reviewed individually within about four weeks — but regular EOI draws are not currently being conducted. Factor this into your timeline.

Warnings: selection is competitive — meeting the minimums does not guarantee an invitation. Hands-off investors do not qualify; Manitoba expects genuine active management and physical presence. If the business fails or the agreement terms are not met, the nomination opportunity can be lost.

Based on official guidance from the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program.

Official program page: MPNP Business Investor Stream

Next step: Manitoba’s stream is open but its intake pattern has changed. Contact Journey to West Immigration for a current read on timing and your eligibility.

New Brunswick — Business Immigration Stream — OPEN

What it is: A pathway for experienced business owners and senior managers — living in Canada or abroad — who are ready to establish, operate, and actively manage a business while settling permanently in New Brunswick. The process begins with a work permit, and a nomination certificate follows if the business is deemed successful after about a year of operation. Known as one of the faster entrepreneur pathways.

Key requirements: age 19–59; CLB 4; minimum high school diploma with an educational credential assessment; minimum personal net worth of $500,000 CAD (legally obtained, third-party verified); minimum investment of $150,000 CAD of personal funds; at least 2 years of business ownership or senior management experience in the past 5 years; at least 33.3% ownership; create at least 1 full-time job for a Canadian or permanent resident; active day-to-day management and physical presence in New Brunswick; minimum 65 out of 100 points on the selection grid. Processing fee: $2,000 CAD.

The process: confirm eligibility → submit an Expression of Interest through the provincial portal → receive an Invitation to Apply and submit the complete application → attend an interview if requested → receive approval and a work permit support letter → arrive, establish and actively operate the business for about a year → if the business is deemed successful, receive the nomination certificate → apply for permanent residence.

Warnings: you must genuinely relocate and run the business for at least a year before nomination — the full risk of business ownership sits with you during that period. Do not confuse this stream with New Brunswick’s old Entrepreneurial Stream — the old figures are historical.

Based on official guidance from the Government of New Brunswick.

Official program page: New Brunswick Business Immigration Stream

Next step: New Brunswick suits hands-on operators ready to relocate. Contact Journey to West Immigration for an eligibility assessment.

Nova Scotia — Entrepreneur Stream — OPEN

What it is: For experienced business owners or senior managers who want to start or buy a business in Nova Scotia and settle there. You first operate the business on a temporary work permit (about one year); if the Performance Agreement conditions are met, you can be nominated for permanent residence. Nova Scotia also runs an International Graduate Entrepreneur Stream for graduates of Nova Scotia institutions.

Key requirements: age 21+; 3 years of experience actively owning and managing a business (at least one-third ownership), or 5+ years in a senior management role; minimum net worth of $600,000 CAD (Halifax) or $400,000 CAD (outside Halifax); minimum personal investment of $150,000 CAD (Halifax) or $100,000 CAD (outside Halifax); CLB 5; at least 33.3% business ownership; create at least 1 permanent full-time job for a Canadian or permanent resident; net-worth verification by a province-designated provider.

The process: submit an Expression of Interest → receive an Invitation to Apply and complete net-worth verification → submit the full application with your business plan → sign a Business Performance Agreement → obtain a work permit and arrive → establish and actively operate the business for about one year → receive the nomination → apply for permanent residence.

Warnings: money invested before signing the Business Performance Agreement does not count toward the investment requirement. Ineligible business models include home-based, passive, rental, brokerage, and payday-lending businesses. Misrepresentation can close your file and bar future applications.

Based on official guidance from the Nova Scotia Nominee Program.

Official program page: NSNP Entrepreneur Stream

Next step: Nova Scotia rewards committed operators outside the big-city model. Contact Journey to West Immigration for an assessment.

Prince Edward Island — Work Permit Stream — OPEN BUT VERY LIMITED

What it is: PEI’s business route requires you to come to PEI on a work permit first, invest in and actively manage a business, meet a strict physical-presence requirement, and only then receive nomination for permanent residence.

Key requirements: minimum personal net worth of $600,000 CAD (legally acquired, verified); commit to invest at least $150,000 CAD in a PEI business within 12 months of landing; own at least 33.3% of the business; business ownership or senior management experience; minimum high school diploma; age 21–59; CLB 4; sign a Performance Agreement; in-person interview is mandatory.

The catch: the stream is technically open, but no business invitations have been drawn in 2026. Do not build a strategy around PEI without confirming renewed draw activity. The 274-days-per-year physical presence requirement is also one of the strictest in Canada — it effectively means making PEI your primary residence.

Based on official guidance from the Government of Prince Edward Island.

Official program page: PEI PNP Work Permit Stream

Next step: PEI is a low-probability option right now. Contact Journey to West Immigration before considering it — we will tell you honestly whether it is worth your time.

Newfoundland & Labrador — International Entrepreneur — OPEN

What it is: For experienced business owners or senior managers who will establish or buy and actively run a for-profit business in Newfoundland and Labrador. Two categories: International Entrepreneur and International Graduate Entrepreneur (for Memorial University / College of the North Atlantic graduates). Priority goes to proposals focused on regional development or high-demand sectors such as agriculture, aquaculture, technology, or natural resources.

Key requirements — International Entrepreneur: age 21–59; CLB 5; Canadian high school diploma or equivalent; at least $600,000 CAD in transferable personal and business assets; ready to invest at least $200,000 CAD (own at least 33.3%) or $1M CAD in equity; create at least 1 full-time job for a Canadian or permanent resident; 2+ years of business ownership and management in the past 5 years, or 5+ years in a senior management role in the past 10 years; exploratory visit required if applying from outside the province.

The process: submit an Expression of Interest → receive an Invitation to Apply and submit the full application with verified financial documents → attend an interview if requested → receive approval and a work permit support letter → arrive, establish and actively operate the business → meet the performance terms → receive the nomination → apply for permanent residence.

Warnings: buying an existing business has strict conditions — it must have operated under the same owner for 5 years, the price must reflect fair market value, and existing staff must be kept on similar terms. Generic proposals are less competitive than regional-development or high-demand-sector ones.

Based on official guidance from the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Official program page: NLPNP International Entrepreneur

Next step: Newfoundland & Labrador rewards sector-focused proposals. Contact Journey to West Immigration to test your business concept against the province’s priorities.

Ontario — OINP Entrepreneur Stream — CLOSED

Status: Ontario is not currently an option for entrepreneur immigration. Ontario stopped accepting new Entrepreneur Stream expressions of interest in 2024 and formally removed the stream in its 2026 OINP redesign, consolidating everything into a single Ontario Workforce Priority Stream with no entrepreneur component. Ontario has signalled that a redesigned entrepreneur pathway may come in a later phase, but no criteria or opening date have been published.

What to do instead: clients interested in Ontario should look at open streams in other provinces. We are monitoring Ontario for the promised redesigned pathway.

Based on official guidance from the Government of Ontario.

Official program page: OINP Entrepreneur Stream

Next step: Ontario’s door is closed for now, but others are open. Contact Journey to West Immigration to redirect your strategy.

Saskatchewan — SINP Entrepreneur & Farm Categories — PERMANENTLY CLOSED

Status: Effective March 27, 2025, Saskatchewan permanently closed all Entrepreneur and Farm immigration pathways. No new applications, no new Expressions of Interest, and no further invitations. Existing applications already in the system continue to be processed to completion.

What to do instead: Saskatchewan is not an option for new entrepreneur files. Do not rely on outdated posters or third-party material that still lists it as active.

Based on official guidance from the Government of Saskatchewan (closure notice verified October 17, 2026).

Official program page: SINP Entrepreneur Program

Government fees & forms

• Fees: check the current amounts on IRCC’s official fee list: Pay your IRCC fees — fees change periodically, so always confirm the latest figure there.
• Forms: you apply to the province first — check that province’s entrepreneur-stream page for its forms and fees — then to IRCC federally: Immigrate as a provincial nominee

Important warnings for all entrepreneur streams

• Program statuses change. This page was verified in October 2026 — always confirm the current status before making plans.
• Canada has no federal “passive investor” or golden-visa program. Every legitimate stream requires active, day-to-day management of the business.
• Meeting the minimums does not guarantee an invitation. Most streams are points-ranked and competitive.
• Beware of anyone who promises a nomination or sells you a “guaranteed” business. Misrepresentation can close your file and bar you from future applications.
• Do not trust outdated marketing material. Several community posters and third-party sites still describe streams that have closed or paused — including Saskatchewan’s (closed March 2025) and Ontario’s (closed 2026).

Contact us for more info

Entrepreneur immigration is the most document-heavy, province-specific area of Canadian immigration — and the rules shift constantly. Journey to West Immigration will assess your background, your funds, and your timeline against the streams that are actually open right now, and build a strategy around the one that fits.

Contact us for more info: Toronto +1 (647) 303-2812 (Mon–Sun, 9am–5pm Eastern) · Vancouver +1 (236) 522-2996 (Mon–Sun, 9am–5pm Pacific) · or visit our Contact us page.