Investor Visa in Canada: A Comprehensive Guide on Application Process
Investor visa in Canada, also known as the Immigrant Investor Program (IIP), is a popular choice among individuals who are looking to immigrate to Canada with a business mindset. The program is designed to attract foreign investors to Canada who can contribute to the country’s economy by investing in small or large businesses. In this comprehensive guide, we will cover all the details related to the application process and some frequently asked questions.
Eligibility Criteria:
– Applicant must have a net worth of at least CAD $1.6 million, legally obtained through business, investment or inheritance.
– The applicant must intend to invest CAD $800,000 to the Canadian government for a period of 5 years. This investment will be used to finance Canada’s economic development.
– Applicant must have at least two years of business management experience within the past five years.
– The applicant must achieve a minimum language proficiency in either English or French. The minimum scores required in the language proficiency tests are: CLB 5 in English or NCLC 5 in French.
Application Process:
Step 1: Obtain the required documents
The following documents must be submitted along with the application:
– Completed application forms
– Document showing the applicant’s net worth, such as bank statements, valuations of assets, investments, etc.
– Proof of payment of CAD $250,000, which is a non-refundable processing fee
– Proof of language proficiency
– Police clearance certificate
– Any other document as required by the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)
Step 2: Prepare the investment
Once the application is approved, the applicant must prepare to transfer the investment amount of CAD $800,000 to the Government of Canada. The amount will be held for a period of 5 years and will not accrue any interest.
Step 3: Medical examination and security check
After the investment transfer, the applicant must complete a medical examination and a security check. The medical examination must be conducted by a designated medical practitioner approved by the IRCC. The security check will be conducted by the Canadian government.
Step 4: Permanent Resident Visa
Once the medical examination and security check are cleared, the applicant will be issued a permanent resident visa.
Step 5: Obtain Permanent Residency
After obtaining the permanent resident visa, the applicant must enter Canada within 180 days to become a permanent resident. This will complete the process of obtaining Canadian permanent residency.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q. Can I include my family members in my application?
A. Yes, you can include your spouse/common-law partner and dependent children in your application.
Q. What happens if my application is rejected?
A. If your application is rejected, you can apply for a review of the decision or appeal to the Federal Court of Canada. You can also reapply for the program if you meet the eligibility criteria.
Q. Can I withdraw my investment after 5 years?
A. No, the investment is mandatory and cannot be withdrawn before the end of the 5-year term.
Q. Can I choose where to invest my money?
A. No, the CAD $800,000 investment must be made directly to the Canadian government and cannot be directed to a specific business or region.
Q. Are there any other fees or costs associated with the program?
A. Yes, in addition to the CAD $250,000 processing fee, there may be other fees associated with the program, such as legal fees, investment fees, and application fees for family members.
Conclusion:
The Investor Visa program offers a great opportunity for individuals with a business mindset to immigrate to Canada and contribute to the country’s economic growth. It is important to carefully consider all the requirements, eligibility criteria, and costs associated with the program before applying. With the right preparation, a successful application can result in obtaining permanent residency in Canada for the applicant and their family.