Starting A Business As An Immigrant In Canada: Challenges And Opportunities

Starting A Business As An Immigrant In Canada: Challenges And Opportunities

For many reasons, Canada is an excellent place to launch a business. There are options to get venture capital, seed money for your business, and access to lucrative government grants and tax credits. It also boasts a reasonable labor force and an affordable cost of living. One can overcome Canada Start-up visa challenges by keeping an open mind and embracing the incredible cultural diversity. There are many opportunities for international business owners to operate in Canada, so it's not just Canadians who can benefit from doing so.

While the process may require a little extra effort, if you’re genuinely passionate and committed to starting your own business in Canada as a foreigner. Canada Start-up visa consultant can help you get off the ground. There are many opportunities for international business owners to operate in Canada, so it's not just Canadians who can benefit from doing so.

Opportunities or Ways to Start Business in Canada

Here are a few different approaches to starting a business as an immigrant in Canada. 

Start a Business from Outside of Canada

You don't need to immigrate if you wish to launch a brand-new business in Canada but currently reside abroad. Non-Canadians who decide to start a new Canadian business or take over an existing Canadian corporation are governed by the Investment Canada Act, which was designed particularly for this purpose.

It is possible to start and run a business in Canada without moving here, but this will likely mean that you need the participation of a Canadian company director. Likewise, you'll need a local agent to help with the incorporation process.

Since each province and territory has rules, regulations, and fees, registering your business will vary. However, most jurisdictions require a Canadian citizen or landed permanent resident to have at least partial ownership of the company. The notable exception is British Columbia, which sometimes allows for 100 percent foreign national ownership.

Expand Your Existing Business into Canada

If you already run an established business in a different location and want to expand your operations into Canada, opening an office or subsidiary of your existing business is a fairly straightforward process for non-residents. Although you do not have to have Canadian citizenship or permanent resident status, you will likely need the involvement of someone who does to proceed.

You must register as an extra-provincial corporation following each province or territory's specific requirements if you intend to conduct business in more than one of them. To register as an extra-provincial corporation, non-residents must utilize an Agent for Service in some provinces, such as Ontario. This can be a person over 18, a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, or a company with a registered office in the province.

Immigrate to Canada and Start a Business

Another way to Start new business in Canada as a non-resident is to immigrate to Canada. Regarding immigrating for business, two visa programs are designed for immigrants who want to run a business in Canada. If you've decided to move to Canada and start a business but don't qualify for the above immigration visa programs, here are the steps you'll need to follow.

Obtain a Multi-Entry Visa

If you're still deciding what area of Canada would be the best choice for your future business, you should start by obtaining a multi-entry visa. This type of visa can allow you to enter and exit Canada freely for up to 10 years, making it a great option if you want to visit multiple times to perform research and find the perfect location before you commit.

In addition, you should look into other visa programs that you are eligible for, as well as familiarize yourself with the citizenship requirements.

Steps Involved in Starting a Business as an Immigrant in Canada

Registering your Business

You don't necessarily have to be physically present in Canada to register your Business Owner can help you register your business from anywhere in the world. In some jurisdictions, you will require a company director, either a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident, to register your business.

Sometimes, the Canadian director must assume liability for your business. For example, registering a federally incorporated business in Ontario requires 25% of your directors.

Ontario, Alberta, and British Columbia don't require a resident director for provincial incorporation, but you will require an address within the provinces you're trying to incorporate in. If you don't live there, Alberta and British Columbia will require you to hire an incorporator or agent of incorporation. That person will need to be residing in the province.

Suppose you want to avoid having to hire a Canadian director when registering your business. In that case, your best bet is to look into starting a business in British Columbia, the only province or territory that allows corporations with 100 percent foreign national ownership.

Finding the perfect province or territory to start your business isn't just about location. Business taxes for corporations are different in each province, and your business will be subject to the specific provincial tax laws and federal taxes in your location, which is why it's important to do your research.

Applying for an LMIA

While registering your business is necessary, you need more than just the right to start operating immediately. You'll need to apply for your business's Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). An LMIA's purpose is to ensure that you will not be negatively impacting Canada's labor market as a foreigner operating a business.

To apply, you'll be required to provide a detailed business plan that indicates your intention to hire at least one Canadian citizen or permanent resident by the time your business launches. You will also have to prove to LMIA that you can afford to sustain yourself, your family, and your business.

Apply for a Permit to Work in Canada

You can submit an application for a work permit after receiving a favorable LMIA. A work permit, which is distinct from a visa and is typically necessary for conducting business in Canada, is available.

Since applying for a visa and work permit can be confusing and lengthy, you may opt to hire an immigration representative. While hiring a professional for assistance with your applications does not improve the likelihood of you being accepted, it may help you to avoid administrative errors that can cause additional delays in the approval process.

How to Overcome Challenges while Starting a Business as an Immigrant?

Here are few ways to face and overcome challenges diligently while starting a business as an immigrant in Canada.

Embracing Canadian Culture

You must be familiar with the local culture wherever you operate a business to know who your clients are, what they like to purchase, and how they prefer to buy it. The best way, according to Narang, to become fully immersed in Canadian culture is to join organizations in your neighborhood, such as volunteer groups, business associations, or places of worship where you can interact with people who have been residents of Canada for a more extended period.

Building your Credit Score

Because you may not have a history of prudent credit use, banks may be less inclined to lend you money as you launch your firm if you are a newcomer to Canada. There are a few fast strategies to increase your borrowing capacity.

Getting a credit card from any bank and using it sensibly is one of the easy ways to establish credit. With this, you can quickly build a credit score, and the bank can finance your company in approximately six months.

Set yourself Up for Success

One can use the Canada Start-up visa opportunities and quickly attain the benefits and succeed. A suitable starting point is at least six months' costs. Saving it if you don't have it right away might be a worthwhile endeavor in and of itself.

Types of Visa Programs

Start-Up Visa Program

The Start-Up Visa program exists to help immigrant entrepreneurs move to Canada. The program has specific requirements in terms of what types of businesses qualify. 

Interested applicants will need to apply with a business idea that:

1. Is innovative,

2. Can create employment opportunities for Canadians, and

3. Can compete on a global level.

In addition to having a business that qualifies, as a non-resident, you will need to meet the Canadian language requirements and prove that you have enough money to settle in Canada. Those hoping to move to Quebec to start a business will be subject to their specific requirements for immigrating entrepreneurs.

But the Canada Start-up visa services are one of the best ones you could get globally.

Self-employed Persons Program

Another option for immigrating to Canada and starting a business is the Self-employed Persons Program, which focuses on businesses related to the arts, entertainment, and sporting industries. To qualify, you must possess these.

1. Have some relevant experience in cultural activities or athletics, and

2. Intend to make an excellent contribution to cultural or athletic life in Canada.

Examples of self-employed people who could use this visa include actors, musicians, and athletes. Applications are evaluated based on experience, education, age, language abilities, and adaptability and are subject to medical and security checks.

Entrepreneurial aspirants are more equipped to handle the difficulties of running a successful business, especially when they must go out and persuade non-ethnic customers to do business with them. Most immigrant business owners launch their ventures out of desperation after being fired or unable to obtain employment in their sector.

It's crucial to remember that each Canadian province and territory has unique laws and fees for registering a business before you go too far in the process.