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The two (immigration / starting a business) don't have much to do with each other. Immigration is fairly easy if you have a technical education & are fluent i

The two (immigration / starting a business) don't have much to do with each other. Immigration is fairly easy if you have a technical education & are fluent in either english or french, but be prepared to wait. See http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/immigrate/skilled/apply-who.asp http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/immigrate/skilled/apply-who.asp and take the self assessment at the bottom to see if you have enough points. (that's pretty much all they use to decide) Immigration as an investor is a little different. This may apply to you, though Canada's definition of an entrepreneur is someone who will bring in C$300K into the country. You then have to operate a business that employs people. See http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/immigrate/business/entrepreneurs/apply-after.asp#conditions http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/immigrate/business/entrepreneur... for more info. If you qualify on points, there's not much point in tying up your money, but this might get you quicker processing. When we got our permanent resident status 4 yrs ago, the process took almost 3 years. ymmv. Starting a business is similar to the US, though overall paperwork seems to be lower. There aren't as many options in corporate structure as in the US - but a sole proprietership or partnership can be set up in a couple days. Labor laws are definitely stronger here (in the employee's benefit). Health care is obviously cheaper. Definitely talk to a lawyer first. Good luck.

rguzman 18y ago
Thanks for the info. A couple of followups: - Is there restriction on company ownership based on immigration status? Say, I had enough points and started the process. Do you know what needs to happen before I can incorporate? - You mean the time in between your application for permanent residency and when you actually moved was around 3 years?
- yarek 18y ago
  WRT ownership: not normally, no, unless you're starting a business that requires security clearance with the government. (Any advice given is a well-grounded conjecture. Please consult a business lawyer!)
jwilliams 18y ago
Good post... Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but a few other things (from my own research / friends who've migrated): I think the key to remember is that skilled migration in Canada isn't contingent on having a job (which is the case in many other countries) - it's not far off permanent residence. This is quite important if you want to startup, and one of the reasons I was curious about Canada. Also, the Canadian point system isn't as biased against age as many countries. The maximum points for age is a very wide band. As for starting a business, I couldn't see any impediment - even so, in many cases it might be just as easy to incorporate a company in the US (e.g. a Delaware Co).
- rguzman 18y ago
  I think the key to remember is that skilled migration in Canada isn't contingent on having a job (which is the case in many other countries) That is exactly why I'm asking. The key, indeed. ;-)

rguzman 18y ago

Thanks for the info. A couple of followups: - Is there restriction on company ownership based on immigration status? Say, I had enough points and started the process. Do you know what needs to happen before I can incorporate? - You mean the time in between your application for permanent residency and when you actually moved was around 3 years?

yarek 18y ago
WRT ownership: not normally, no, unless you're starting a business that requires security clearance with the government. (Any advice given is a well-grounded conjecture. Please consult a business lawyer!)

jwilliams 18y ago

Good post... Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but a few other things (from my own research / friends who've migrated): I think the key to remember is that skilled migration in Canada isn't contingent on having a job (which is the case in many other countries) - it's not far off permanent residence. This is quite important if you want to startup, and one of the reasons I was curious about Canada. Also, the Canadian point system isn't as biased against age as many countries. The maximum points for age is a very wide band. As for starting a business, I couldn't see any impediment - even so, in many cases it might be just as easy to incorporate a company in the US (e.g. a Delaware Co).

rguzman 18y ago
I think the key to remember is that skilled migration in Canada isn't contingent on having a job (which is the case in many other countries) That is exactly why I'm asking. The key, indeed. ;-)