Made-up story · Step 02 of 05

Ahmed’s sample assessment

What the rules engine found for Ahmed’s made-up answers: the paths it examined, what each one needs, and what it couldn’t decide.

Released at once, or held for a lawyer?

Our lawyers approve the rules an assessment is released on. Routine ones are released at once; anything unusual waits for a lawyer first, and so does anything resting on a rule a lawyer has not approved yet. Here is what would happen to this one.

Held for a lawyer

A real applicant with these answers would wait for a lawyer to review the assessment before seeing it, because:

A rule behind it is waiting for a lawyer to approve it, or for a change at its source to be checked.
Some requirements need professional judgment.
A program screen or admissibility concern came up.

This made-up sample wasn’t sent to a lawyer as an assessment: the hold shows what would happen for a real applicant.

Pathways examined

Ahmed’s sample report says: “We checked your answers against 42 requirements that apply to your objective: 6 appear to be met, 12 may not be met, 20 need more information and 4 need professional judgment.”

BC Provincial Nominee Program: Entrepreneur Immigration Regional streamWe need a bit more info
0 of 3 requirements checked appear to be met. Still to confirm: Regional stream: new business, $300,000 net worth, $100,000 investment, 51% ownership, one new job, CLB 4, recent owner-manager or senior manager experience and education; Regional stream: new business in a B.C. participating community, with that community's referral after an exploratory visit; Federal floor for business-based nominations: one-third equity or $1M, active management in the province, no passive or redemption investments.
Nova Scotia Nominee Program: Entrepreneur stream (experienced business owner or senior business manager)We need a bit more info
5 of 12 requirements checked appear to be met. Still to confirm: Age 21+, intention to live in Nova Scotia, at least one-third ownership and day-to-day management; Minimum personal net worth: $600,000 (HRM) or $400,000 (outside HRM), legally obtained; Minimum personal investment: $150,000 (HRM) or $100,000 (outside HRM) of own money; and 4 more.
Northwest Territories Nominee Program: Business StreamWe need a bit more info
0 of 4 requirements checked appear to be met. Still to confirm: Net worth $500,000 and equity investment $200,000 inside Yellowknife, or $250,000 and $100,000 outside Yellowknife; One-third ownership (or $1,000,000 equity), CLB 4, living in the Northwest Territories and managing on site, no other active nominee application; Eligible business: not on the ineligible list (including restaurants within Yellowknife's city limits); a purchased business must have had the same owner for three years; and 1 more.
Alberta Advantage Immigration Program: Rural Entrepreneur StreamSomething important is missing
0 of 5 requirements checked appear to be met. May not be met: Business must be in a participating rural Alberta community (outside the Calgary and Edmonton census metropolitan areas), with a Community Support Letter and exploratory visit. Still to confirm: Minimum net worth $300,000 and minimum investment $100,000 from own equity; Experience, language (CLB 4) and education (high school with ECA) minimums; Ownership 51% (new) or 100% (succession), job creation, Alberta residence and eligible business; and 1 more. Needs professional judgment: Rural Entrepreneur Stream points grid (maximum 175).
BC Provincial Nominee Program: Entrepreneur Immigration Base streamSomething important is missing
1 of 4 requirements checked appears to be met. May not be met: Base: personal net worth $600,000 and eligible personal investment $200,000 (invested within 610 days of arriving on the BC PNP work permit). Still to confirm: Base: one-third ownership, one new full-time job, CLB 4, active management and residence near the business; Federal floor for business-based nominations: one-third equity or $1M, active management in the province, no passive or redemption investments.
Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program: Business Investor Stream, Entrepreneur PathwaySomething important is missing
0 of 3 requirements checked appear to be met. May not be met: Experience (3 of last 5 years), CLB 5, high school, net worth $500,000. Still to confirm: Investment $250,000 (Winnipeg Metropolitan Region) or $150,000 (elsewhere) and one job; Federal floor for business-based nominations: one-third equity or $1M, active management in the province, no passive or redemption investments.
Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program: International Entrepreneur categorySomething important is missing
0 of 3 requirements checked appear to be met. May not be met: Net worth $600,000; invest $200,000 with 33.3% ownership (or $1 million equity); one full-time job; purchase conditions. Still to confirm: Age 21–59, high school with recent ECA, experience, CLB 5 and mandatory exploratory visit; Federal floor for business-based nominations: one-third equity or $1M, active management in the province, no passive or redemption investments. Needs professional judgment: Points grid: minimum 72 of 120.
PEI Provincial Nominee Program: Business Impact Category, Work Permit StreamSomething important is missing
0 of 3 requirements checked appear to be met. May not be met: Minimum criteria: net worth $600,000, secondary school, age 21–59, management experience, CLB 4, live and manage in PEI. Still to confirm: Work Permit Stream: $10,000 fee, Performance Agreement, invest $150,000 and operate 12 months before nomination; Federal floor for business-based nominations: one-third equity or $1M, active management in the province, no passive or redemption investments. Needs professional judgment: EOI points grid (maximum 200, plus 10 bilingual bonus).
New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program: New Brunswick Business Immigration streamUnlikely for now
0 of 4 requirements checked appear to be met. May not be met: Core eligibility: age 19–59, CLB 4, high school, net worth $500,000 ($300,000 agriculture), 2 years' experience, 65 points; Do not apply if: property/business in another province, active application, full-time study, prior refusals. Still to confirm: Eligible investment $150,000, at least 33.3% equity, one full-time job, purchase conditions, presence in NB; Federal floor for business-based nominations: one-third equity or $1M, active management in the province, no passive or redemption investments. Needs professional judgment: Selection factor grid (minimum 65 points).
Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program: former Entrepreneur StreamClosed to new applicants
Based on your answers, Ontario is not an option for business immigration now: all Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program streams except Ontario Workforce Priority are closed, and that stream needs an Ontario job offer (or self-employed physician status).
Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program: Entrepreneur, International Graduate Entrepreneur and Farm categoriesClosed to new applicants
Based on your answers, Saskatchewan is not an option for business immigration now: it permanently closed all its Entrepreneur and Farm immigration pathways on March 27, 2025, and only applications already in its system continue to be processed.

Four different questions

Eligible, competitive, up to an officer, and what to file

Being eligible isn’t the same as being chosen. The sample keeps apart what the law requires, how a program ranks people, what an officer decides, and what the application itself needs. Every requirement the report checked is in one of the four.

Legal eligibility

The minimum requirements in the law and the program’s rules.

12 not met
18 need more info
6 look good

Business must be in a participating rural Alberta community (outside the Calgary and Edmonton census metropolitan areas), with a Community Support Letter and exploratory visitNot met · Alberta Advantage Immigration Program: Rural Entrepreneur StreamOfficial source
Foreign Graduate Entrepreneur Stream: degree completed within the last 10 years when you submit your EOINot met · Alberta Advantage Immigration Program: Foreign Graduate Entrepreneur StreamOfficial source
Base: personal net worth $600,000 and eligible personal investment $200,000 (invested within 610 days of arriving on the BC PNP work permit)Not met · BC Provincial Nominee Program: Entrepreneur Immigration Base streamOfficial source
Self-employed Persons Program: applications not accepted since April 30, 2024Not met · Self-employed Persons Program (federal)Official source
And 26 more in the full report below.

Selection competitiveness

How the person would rank against other candidates, where the program ranks them at all.

4 for a lawyer to look at
1 needs more info

Entrepreneur (category A) expression-of-interest points gridNeed more info · Nova Scotia Nominee Program: Entrepreneur stream (experienced business owner or senior business manager)Official source
Rural Entrepreneur Stream points grid (maximum 175)A lawyer will look closer · Alberta Advantage Immigration Program: Rural Entrepreneur StreamOfficial source
Selection factor grid (minimum 65 points)A lawyer will look closer · New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program: New Brunswick Business Immigration streamOfficial source
Points grid: minimum 72 of 120A lawyer will look closer · Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program: International Entrepreneur categoryOfficial source
And 1 more in the full report below.

Discretionary outcomes

What an officer weighs and decides beyond the checklist.

None of the requirements checked here is mainly an officer’s discretion, though an officer still decides every application.

Applying and filing

How to apply, what to file and what it costs: not whether the person qualifies, but what the application needs.

1 needs more info

Work Permit Stream: $10,000 fee, Performance Agreement, invest $150,000 and operate 12 months before nominationNeed more info · PEI Provincial Nominee Program: Business Impact Category, Work Permit StreamOfficial source

What’s missing or uncertain

For a lawyer to judge

Rural Entrepreneur Stream points grid (maximum 175)Alberta Advantage Immigration Program: Rural Entrepreneur StreamOfficial source
Selection factor grid (minimum 65 points)New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program: New Brunswick Business Immigration streamOfficial source
Points grid: minimum 72 of 120Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program: International Entrepreneur categoryOfficial source
EOI points grid (maximum 200, plus 10 bilingual bonus)PEI Provincial Nominee Program: Business Impact Category, Work Permit StreamOfficial source

Still to confirm

We need to confirm the BC Regional stream requirements your answers don't show yet, such as starting a new business, investing at least $100,000 of your own funds and owning at least 51%. The stream also needs $300,000 net worth, one new full-time job, CLB 4, recent experience (in the last 5 years, more than 36 months as an active owner-manager owning at least 10%, more than 48 months as a senior manager in a TEER 0 or 1 role supervising at least three full-time employees, or at least 12 months as an owner-manager plus at least 24 months as a senior manager) and a post-secondary credential recognized in Canada, or at least 36 of the past 60 months as an active owner-manager with 100% ownership; B.C. says a post-secondary degree may be considered if your business experience falls short.
We need a referral from one of B.C.'s participating communities, given after an exploratory visit to that community; a referral is valid for 90 days. As of June 24, 2026, B.C. lists these participating communities: Mackenzie and Quesnel (Cariboo); Castlegar & Central Kootenay (Areas I & J), Columbia Valley & East Kootenay, Kimberley, Nelson & Central Kootenay (Areas E & F), Rossland and Trail (Kootenay); Bulkley-Nechako (Nechako); Dawson Creek and Fort St. John (Northeast); Penticton, Salmon Arm and Vernon (Thompson-Okanagan); and Campbell River, Comox, Mount Waddington and Powell River (Vancouver Island/Coast). A business outside these participating communities cannot use the Regional stream.
We need to confirm that you will own at least one-third of the business and will live in Nova Scotia and manage it on site every day.
We need to confirm your net worth, whether the business will be inside Halifax Regional Municipality ($600,000) or outside it ($400,000), and that you can document its lawful source.
We need to confirm your planned investment, the business location (Halifax Regional Municipality needs $150,000, elsewhere $100,000) and that the minimum will come entirely from your own or your spouse's funds.
We need to confirm the business will be a legal, for-profit Nova Scotia business with a fixed address, and that it is not an ineligible type such as property rental or a home-based business.
And 14 more in the full report below.

The sample report

As Ahmed would read it

The report the rules engine wrote for these made-up answers, with the official page behind each requirement. Real reports look just like this; yours is written from your own answers.

OpenClose Ahmed’s full sample report42 requirements, each with the reasons and its official page, the action plan and the next steps.

Preliminary assessmentMade-up sample

More information is needed before your prospects can be assessed.

We checked your answers against 42 requirements that apply to your objective: 6 appear to be met, 12 may not be met, 20 need more information and 4 need professional judgment.

The short versionWe need a bit more information

6 look good
20 need more info
4 for a lawyer to look at
12 not met

Prepared for: Ahmed Khan (made up)
Rules checked: October 18, 2026
Reference: Sample

This is a starting point, not a decision. It’s based on what you told us, before anyone has looked at your documents, and only the Government of Canada can approve an application.

Key dates

Worked out from the dates you gave us. Check each one against your own documents.

June 1, 2027Your current work permit expires

What you’re aiming for

You are seeking: Permanent residence through business (start, buy, or expand a business in Canada).

Paths worth a look

The ways to Canada that came up for you, most promising first.

BC Provincial Nominee Program: Entrepreneur Immigration Regional stream
We need a bit more info
0 of 3 requirements checked appear to be met. Still to confirm: Regional stream: new business, $300,000 net worth, $100,000 investment, 51% ownership, one new job, CLB 4, recent owner-manager or senior manager experience and education; Regional stream: new business in a B.C. participating community, with that community's referral after an exploratory visit; Federal floor for business-based nominations: one-third equity or $1M, active management in the province, no passive or redemption investments.
Nova Scotia Nominee Program: Entrepreneur stream (experienced business owner or senior business manager)
We need a bit more info
5 of 12 requirements checked appear to be met. Still to confirm: Age 21+, intention to live in Nova Scotia, at least one-third ownership and day-to-day management; Minimum personal net worth: $600,000 (HRM) or $400,000 (outside HRM), legally obtained; Minimum personal investment: $150,000 (HRM) or $100,000 (outside HRM) of own money; and 4 more.
Northwest Territories Nominee Program: Business Stream
We need a bit more info
0 of 4 requirements checked appear to be met. Still to confirm: Net worth $500,000 and equity investment $200,000 inside Yellowknife, or $250,000 and $100,000 outside Yellowknife; One-third ownership (or $1,000,000 equity), CLB 4, living in the Northwest Territories and managing on site, no other active nominee application; Eligible business: not on the ineligible list (including restaurants within Yellowknife's city limits); a purchased business must have had the same owner for three years; and 1 more.
Alberta Advantage Immigration Program: Rural Entrepreneur Stream
Something important is missing
0 of 5 requirements checked appear to be met. May not be met: Business must be in a participating rural Alberta community (outside the Calgary and Edmonton census metropolitan areas), with a Community Support Letter and exploratory visit. Still to confirm: Minimum net worth $300,000 and minimum investment $100,000 from own equity; Experience, language (CLB 4) and education (high school with ECA) minimums; Ownership 51% (new) or 100% (succession), job creation, Alberta residence and eligible business; and 1 more. Needs professional judgment: Rural Entrepreneur Stream points grid (maximum 175).
BC Provincial Nominee Program: Entrepreneur Immigration Base stream
Something important is missing
1 of 4 requirements checked appears to be met. May not be met: Base: personal net worth $600,000 and eligible personal investment $200,000 (invested within 610 days of arriving on the BC PNP work permit). Still to confirm: Base: one-third ownership, one new full-time job, CLB 4, active management and residence near the business; Federal floor for business-based nominations: one-third equity or $1M, active management in the province, no passive or redemption investments.
Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program: Business Investor Stream, Entrepreneur Pathway
Something important is missing
0 of 3 requirements checked appear to be met. May not be met: Experience (3 of last 5 years), CLB 5, high school, net worth $500,000. Still to confirm: Investment $250,000 (Winnipeg Metropolitan Region) or $150,000 (elsewhere) and one job; Federal floor for business-based nominations: one-third equity or $1M, active management in the province, no passive or redemption investments.
Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program: International Entrepreneur category
Something important is missing
0 of 3 requirements checked appear to be met. May not be met: Net worth $600,000; invest $200,000 with 33.3% ownership (or $1 million equity); one full-time job; purchase conditions. Still to confirm: Age 21–59, high school with recent ECA, experience, CLB 5 and mandatory exploratory visit; Federal floor for business-based nominations: one-third equity or $1M, active management in the province, no passive or redemption investments. Needs professional judgment: Points grid: minimum 72 of 120.
PEI Provincial Nominee Program: Business Impact Category, Work Permit Stream
Something important is missing
0 of 3 requirements checked appear to be met. May not be met: Minimum criteria: net worth $600,000, secondary school, age 21–59, management experience, CLB 4, live and manage in PEI. Still to confirm: Work Permit Stream: $10,000 fee, Performance Agreement, invest $150,000 and operate 12 months before nomination; Federal floor for business-based nominations: one-third equity or $1M, active management in the province, no passive or redemption investments. Needs professional judgment: EOI points grid (maximum 200, plus 10 bilingual bonus).
New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program: New Brunswick Business Immigration stream
Unlikely for now
0 of 4 requirements checked appear to be met. May not be met: Core eligibility: age 19–59, CLB 4, high school, net worth $500,000 ($300,000 agriculture), 2 years' experience, 65 points; Do not apply if: property/business in another province, active application, full-time study, prior refusals. Still to confirm: Eligible investment $150,000, at least 33.3% equity, one full-time job, purchase conditions, presence in NB; Federal floor for business-based nominations: one-third equity or $1M, active management in the province, no passive or redemption investments. Needs professional judgment: Selection factor grid (minimum 65 points).

Closed to new applicants

These programs came up for your goal, but they aren’t taking applications now.

Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program: former Entrepreneur Stream
Based on your answers, Ontario is not an option for business immigration now: all Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program streams except Ontario Workforce Priority are closed, and that stream needs an Ontario job offer (or self-employed physician status).
Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program: Entrepreneur, International Graduate Entrepreneur and Farm categories
Based on your answers, Saskatchewan is not an option for business immigration now: it permanently closed all its Entrepreneur and Farm immigration pathways on March 27, 2025, and only applications already in its system continue to be processed.

How we got there

Each requirement we checked, what we found, and the official page it comes from.

Alberta Advantage Immigration Program: Rural Entrepreneur Stream

Business must be in a participating rural Alberta community (outside the Calgary and Edmonton census metropolitan areas), with a Community Support Letter and exploratory visitNot met
Based on your answers, the business would be in a major metropolitan area. Alberta's Rural Entrepreneur Stream only accepts a business in a participating rural Alberta community (population under 100,000, outside the Calgary and Edmonton census metropolitan areas), so a business in the Calgary or Edmonton census metropolitan area, including one you already run there, cannot be used; you would need to start or buy a business in a participating rural community instead.
Your answers: Where would you like to start or buy the business? A province, city or town is perfect.: Alberta, ideally Calgary where my restaurant is. · Would the business you plan to use for immigration be outside the province's largest metro area (its biggest city and the towns around it): No, in the largest metropolitan area · What would you like to do in business in Canada: Explore business options
Official source: Rural Entrepreneur Stream – Eligibility | Alberta.ca Read our guide
Minimum net worth $300,000 and minimum investment $100,000 from own equityNeed more info
We need to confirm your net worth (at least $300,000) and that at least $100,000 of the investment will come from your own or your spouse's funds.
Your answers: What is your net worth? That's the value of everything you own, minus everything you owe.: 450000 · What would you like to do in business in Canada: Explore business options
Official source: Rural Entrepreneur Stream – Eligibility | Alberta.ca Read our guide
Experience, language (CLB 4) and education (high school with ECA) minimumsNeed more info
We need to confirm your owner or senior manager experience, recent CLB 4 results in all four abilities, and high school education with an educational credential assessment.
Your answers: In the last 10 years, have you owned a business or worked in senior management: Yes, I have both business ownership experience and management experience · In the last 10 years, how many years have you spent actively owning a business: 4 years · In the last 10 years, how many years have you worked in a senior management role: 6 years · and 8 more answers
Official source: Rural Entrepreneur Stream – Eligibility | Alberta.ca Read our guide
Ownership 51% (new) or 100% (succession), job creation, Alberta residence and eligible businessNeed more info
We need to confirm your ownership share, job creation, that you will live in Alberta and manage the business on site, and that it is not an ineligible business type.
Your answers: What would you like to do in business in Canada: Explore business options · In the first year after you start or buy your business, how many new full-time jobs do you plan to create in Canada for Canadian citizens or permanent residents (not relatives): 2 Jobs · In a few words, what does your business do: A family restaurant serving Pakistani food in Calgary, with 9 employees.
Official source: Rural Entrepreneur Stream – Eligibility | Alberta.ca Read our guide
Rural Entrepreneur Stream points grid (maximum 175)A lawyer will look closer
A professional needs to estimate your Alberta ranking score, which depends on your chosen community's population tier; Alberta invites the highest-ranked candidates and publishes no pass mark.
Your answers: What is your net worth? That's the value of everything you own, minus everything you owe.: 450000 · In the first year after you start or buy your business, how many new full-time jobs do you plan to create in Canada for Canadian citizens or permanent residents (not relatives): 2 Jobs · In the last 10 years, how many years have you spent actively owning a business: 4 years · and 12 more answers
Official source: Rural Entrepreneur Stream – Eligibility | Alberta.ca Read our guide

Alberta Advantage Immigration Program: Foreign Graduate Entrepreneur Stream

Foreign Graduate Entrepreneur Stream: degree completed within the last 10 years when you submit your EOINot met
Based on your answers, your degree was completed more than 10 years ago, so you can't use Alberta's Foreign Graduate Entrepreneur Stream: the degree must have been completed within the last 10 years when you submit your expression of interest.
Your answers: What would you like to do in business in Canada: Explore business options · Have you finished a degree or diploma that required at least two school years of full-time study at any of these? Pick all that apply.: Outside Canada: degree · When did you finish that degree or diploma: 2008-07-01
Official source: Foreign Graduate Entrepreneur Stream – Eligibility | Alberta.ca Read our guide

BC Provincial Nominee Program: Entrepreneur Immigration Base stream

Base: personal net worth $600,000 and eligible personal investment $200,000 (invested within 610 days of arriving on the BC PNP work permit)Not met
Based on your answers, your net worth or own-funds investment may be below BC Base stream minimums of $600,000 and $200,000; the Regional stream has lower thresholds.
Your answers: What is your net worth? That's the value of everything you own, minus everything you owe.: 450000 · What would you like to do in business in Canada: Explore business options
Official source: BC PNP Entrepreneur Immigration – Base Program Guide (effective May 27, 2024)Read our guide
Base: one-third ownership, one new full-time job, CLB 4, active management and residence near the businessNeed more info
We need to confirm your ownership share (at least one-third, or a $1 million equity investment), a new full-time job, CLB 4 results, on-site management and an eligible business type.
Your answers: In the first year after you start or buy your business, how many new full-time jobs do you plan to create in Canada for Canadian citizens or permanent residents (not relatives): 2 Jobs · Based on your test results, what's your CLB or NCLC level for listening in your first official language: 7 · Based on your test results, what's your CLB or NCLC level for reading in your first official language: 6 · and 3 more answers
Official source: BC PNP Entrepreneur Immigration – Base Program Guide (effective May 27, 2024)Read our guide
Business owner-manager or senior manager experience and education (or owner alternative)Looks good
Based on your answers, you appear to have qualifying BC Base owner-manager or senior manager experience in the last 10 years, and the required post-secondary education or ownership alternative.
Your answers: In the last 10 years, have you owned a business or worked in senior management: Yes, I have both business ownership experience and management experience · In the last 10 years, how many years have you spent actively owning a business: 4 years · In the last 10 years, how many years have you worked in a senior management role: 6 years · and 7 more answers
Official source: BC PNP Entrepreneur Immigration – Base Program Guide (effective May 27, 2024)Read our guide

Self-employed Persons Program (federal)

Self-employed Persons Program: applications not accepted since April 30, 2024Not met
Based on your answers, you have no pending Self-employed Persons application, and IRCC has not accepted new applications to that program (for cultural and athletic self-employment) since April 30, 2024.
Your answers: What would you like to do in business in Canada: Explore business options · Do you already have a federal business immigration application in progress with IRCC: No pending federal business application
Official source: Self-Employed Persons Program: Who can apply - Canada.ca Read our guide

Start-up Visa Program (federal)

Start-up Visa Program paused June 30, 2026: no new applicationsNot met
Based on your answers, you have no pending Start-up Visa application, and IRCC has not accepted new Start-up Visa applications since June 30, 2026.
Your answers: What would you like to do in business in Canada: Explore business options · Do you already have a federal business immigration application in progress with IRCC: No pending federal business application
Official source: Immigrate with a start-up visa: Who can apply - Canada.ca Read our guide

Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program: Business Investor Stream, Entrepreneur Pathway

Experience (3 of last 5 years), CLB 5, high school, net worth $500,000Not met
Based on your answers, you may not meet a Manitoba requirement: 3 years' experience in the last 5, CLB 5, high school, $500,000 net worth, no other pending application, or not working in another province.
Your answers: In the last 10 years, have you owned a business or worked in senior management: Yes, I have both business ownership experience and management experience · In the last 10 years, how many years have you spent actively owning a business: 4 years · In the last 10 years, how many years have you worked in a senior management role: 6 years · and 13 more answers
Official source: Eligibility - Entrepreneur Pathway | Manitoba Immigration Read our guide
Investment $250,000 (Winnipeg Metropolitan Region) or $150,000 (elsewhere) and one jobNeed more info
We need to confirm whether the business will be in the Winnipeg Metropolitan Region ($250,000) or elsewhere ($150,000), your investment amount, and that you will create or keep at least one job.
Your answers: In the first year after you start or buy your business, how many new full-time jobs do you plan to create in Canada for Canadian citizens or permanent residents (not relatives): 2 Jobs · Do you have a business plan with financial projections: No, I don't have projected financial information but I do have a business plan · Would the business you plan to use for immigration be outside the province's largest metro area (its biggest city and the towns around it): No, in the largest metropolitan area · and 2 more answers
Official source: Eligibility - Entrepreneur Pathway | Manitoba Immigration Read our guide

New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program: New Brunswick Business Immigration stream

Core eligibility: age 19–59, CLB 4, high school, net worth $500,000 ($300,000 agriculture), 2 years' experience, 65 pointsNot met
Based on your answers, you may not meet a New Brunswick requirement: age 19 to 59, CLB 4, high school, a net worth of $500,000 (the $300,000 minimum applies only if you invest in agriculture), or 2 recent years as majority owner or senior manager supervising at least two employees.
Your answers: What is your date of birth: 1986-02-11 · Based on your test results, what's your CLB or NCLC level for listening in your first official language: 7 · Based on your test results, what's your CLB or NCLC level for reading in your first official language: 6 · and 14 more answers
Official source: New Brunswick Business Immigration stream - gnb.ca Read our guide
Do not apply if: property/business in another province, active application, full-time study, prior refusalsNot met
Based on your answers, a New Brunswick 'do not apply' situation may affect you, such as another immigration application in process, current full-time post-secondary study in Canada, no legal status where you live, or owning a business in another province or territory. If you own a business or property in a Canadian province or territory other than New Brunswick, New Brunswick's guide says not to apply while you own it.
Your answers: What is your immigration status in Canada right now, if you have one: Worker · Could any issue that affects being allowed into Canada (criminal, security, medical, false information, removal or other) apply to you or a family member coming with you: No known concern · Which province or territory are you in right now: Alberta · and 5 more answers
Official source: New Brunswick Business Immigration Stream Guide (March 2025)Read our guide
Eligible investment $150,000, at least 33.3% equity, one full-time job, purchase conditions, presence in NBNeed more info
We need to confirm your $150,000 investment from your own funds, ownership share, a new full-time job, on-site management, and that the business type is eligible in New Brunswick.
Your answers: In the first year after you start or buy your business, how many new full-time jobs do you plan to create in Canada for Canadian citizens or permanent residents (not relatives): 2 Jobs · What would you like to do in business in Canada: Explore business options · In a few words, what does your business do: A family restaurant serving Pakistani food in Calgary, with 9 employees.
Official source: New Brunswick Business Immigration Stream Guide (March 2025)Read our guide
Selection factor grid (minimum 65 points)A lawyer will look closer
A professional must estimate your New Brunswick selection score, because factors such as business plan research, the exploratory visit and transferable experience need detailed review; at least 65 of 100 points is required.
Your answers: What is your date of birth: 1986-02-11 · Based on your test results, what's your CLB or NCLC level for listening in your first official language: 7 · Based on your test results, what's your CLB or NCLC level for reading in your first official language: 6 · and 11 more answers
Official source: New Brunswick Business Immigration Stream Guide (March 2025)Read our guide

Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program: International Entrepreneur category

Net worth $600,000; invest $200,000 with 33.3% ownership (or $1 million equity); one full-time job; purchase conditionsNot met
Based on your answers, you may not meet a Newfoundland and Labrador requirement: $600,000 net worth, a $200,000 investment, a new full-time job, an eligible business type, or a five-year owner history for a purchase.
Your answers: What is your net worth? That's the value of everything you own, minus everything you owe.: 450000 · In the first year after you start or buy your business, how many new full-time jobs do you plan to create in Canada for Canadian citizens or permanent residents (not relatives): 2 Jobs · What would you like to do in business in Canada: Explore business options
Official source: International Entrepreneur – Eligibility Criteria - Office of Immigration and Multiculturalism Read our guide
Age 21–59, high school with recent ECA, experience, CLB 5 and mandatory exploratory visitNeed more info
We need to confirm your age, high school education with a recent assessment, CLB 5 results, ownership or management experience, and your plan to visit and live in the province.
Your answers: What is your date of birth: 1986-02-11 · What's your highest level of education: Bachelor's degree OR a three or more year program at a university, college, trade or technical school, or other institute · If you earned your highest diploma, degree or certificate outside Canada, do you have a valid Educational Credential Assessment (ECA): No · and 11 more answers
Official source: International Entrepreneur – Eligibility Criteria - Office of Immigration and Multiculturalism Read our guide
Points grid: minimum 72 of 120A lawyer will look closer
A professional must estimate your Newfoundland and Labrador points, which must reach at least 72 of 120 and depend on factors such as sector priority, rural location and relatives that need review.
Your answers: Based on your test results, what's your CLB or NCLC level for listening in your first official language: 7 · Based on your test results, what's your CLB or NCLC level for reading in your first official language: 6 · Based on your test results, what's your CLB or NCLC level for writing in your first official language: 6 · and 10 more answers
Official source: NLPNP International Entrepreneur Category Application Guide (December 2020)Read our guide

Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program: former Entrepreneur Stream

No Ontario entrepreneur pathway: all streams other than Ontario Workforce Priority are closedNot met
Based on your answers, Ontario is not an option for business immigration now: all Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program streams except Ontario Workforce Priority are closed, and that stream needs an Ontario job offer (or self-employed physician status).
Your answers: Where would you like to start or buy the business? A province, city or town is perfect.: Alberta, ideally Calgary where my restaurant is. · What would you like to do in business in Canada: Explore business options · Do you have an immigration application in progress right now with any province or with IRCC? Don't count an Express Entry profile.: No
Official source: Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) | ontario.ca Read our guide

PEI Provincial Nominee Program: Business Impact Category, Work Permit Stream

Minimum criteria: net worth $600,000, secondary school, age 21–59, management experience, CLB 4, live and manage in PEINot met
Based on your answers, you may not meet a PEI minimum, such as $600,000 net worth, age 21 to 59, secondary school, CLB 4, or living in PEI to manage the business.
Your answers: What is your net worth? That's the value of everything you own, minus everything you owe.: 450000 · What is your date of birth: 1986-02-11 · What's your highest level of education: Bachelor's degree OR a three or more year program at a university, college, trade or technical school, or other institute · and 7 more answers
Official source: Business Impact Category Application Guide – Work Permit Stream (February 2025)Read our guide
Work Permit Stream: $10,000 fee, Performance Agreement, invest $150,000 and operate 12 months before nominationNeed more info
We need to confirm you can invest at least $150,000 within 12 months of landing and live in PEI at least 274 days a year managing the business.
Your answers: When would you like to get started, and what have you already done to prepare: I have run my restaurant in Calgary since 2022. I want to apply within the next year. · What would you like to do in business in Canada: Explore business options
Official source: Business Impact Category Application Guide – Work Permit Stream (February 2025)Read our guide
EOI points grid (maximum 200, plus 10 bilingual bonus)A lawyer will look closer
A professional must estimate your PEI points (out of 200, plus a bilingual bonus), because PEI's current invitation cut-off could not be confirmed and community endorsement points need review.
Your answers: What is your date of birth: 1986-02-11 · Based on your test results, what's your CLB or NCLC level for listening in your first official language: 7 · Based on your test results, what's your CLB or NCLC level for reading in your first official language: 6 · and 13 more answers
Official source: Business Impact Category Application Guide – Work Permit Stream (February 2025)Read our guide

Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program: Entrepreneur, International Graduate Entrepreneur and Farm categories

All SINP Entrepreneur and Farm pathways permanently closed effective March 27, 2025Not met
Based on your answers, Saskatchewan is not an option for business immigration now: it permanently closed all its Entrepreneur and Farm immigration pathways on March 27, 2025, and only applications already in its system continue to be processed.
Your answers: Where would you like to start or buy the business? A province, city or town is perfect.: Alberta, ideally Calgary where my restaurant is. · What would you like to do in business in Canada: Explore business options · Do you have an immigration application in progress right now with any province or with IRCC? Don't count an Express Entry profile.: No
Official source: Entrepreneur Application - SINP | Entrepreneur and Farm Categories | Government of Saskatchewan Read our guide

BC Provincial Nominee Program: Entrepreneur Immigration Regional stream

Regional stream: new business, $300,000 net worth, $100,000 investment, 51% ownership, one new job, CLB 4, recent owner-manager or senior manager experience and educationNeed more info
We need to confirm the BC Regional stream requirements your answers don't show yet, such as starting a new business, investing at least $100,000 of your own funds and owning at least 51%. The stream also needs $300,000 net worth, one new full-time job, CLB 4, recent experience (in the last 5 years, more than 36 months as an active owner-manager owning at least 10%, more than 48 months as a senior manager in a TEER 0 or 1 role supervising at least three full-time employees, or at least 12 months as an owner-manager plus at least 24 months as a senior manager) and a post-secondary credential recognized in Canada, or at least 36 of the past 60 months as an active owner-manager with 100% ownership; B.C. says a post-secondary degree may be considered if your business experience falls short.
Your answers: What would you like to do in business in Canada: Explore business options · What is your net worth? That's the value of everything you own, minus everything you owe.: 450000 · In the first year after you start or buy your business, how many new full-time jobs do you plan to create in Canada for Canadian citizens or permanent residents (not relatives): 2 Jobs · and 9 more answers
Official source: BC PNP Entrepreneur Immigration – Regional Program Guide (effective May 27, 2024)Read our guide
Regional stream: new business in a B.C. participating community, with that community's referral after an exploratory visitNeed more info
We need a referral from one of B.C.'s participating communities, given after an exploratory visit to that community; a referral is valid for 90 days. As of June 24, 2026, B.C. lists these participating communities: Mackenzie and Quesnel (Cariboo); Castlegar & Central Kootenay (Areas I & J), Columbia Valley & East Kootenay, Kimberley, Nelson & Central Kootenay (Areas E & F), Rossland and Trail (Kootenay); Bulkley-Nechako (Nechako); Dawson Creek and Fort St. John (Northeast); Penticton, Salmon Arm and Vernon (Thompson-Okanagan); and Campbell River, Comox, Mount Waddington and Powell River (Vancouver Island/Coast). A business outside these participating communities cannot use the Regional stream.
Your answers: What would you like to do in business in Canada: Explore business options · Would the business you plan to use for immigration be outside the province's largest metro area (its biggest city and the towns around it): No, in the largest metropolitan area · Where would you like to start or buy the business? A province, city or town is perfect.: Alberta, ideally Calgary where my restaurant is.
Official source: Regional Immigration Collaboration | WelcomeBC (last updated June 24, 2026)Read our guide

Provincial or territorial business nominations: federal conditions (IRPR s. 87(5) and (6))

Federal floor for business-based nominations: one-third equity or $1M, active management in the province, no passive or redemption investmentsNeed more info
We need to confirm you will own at least one-third of the business (or invest $1 million in equity), manage it on site in the province, and that it is not a passive investment.
Your answers: Do you own all or part of a business right now: Yes · What would you like to do in business in Canada: Explore business options
Official source: Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations (SOR/2002-227), s. 87 – Provincial Nominee Class (current to 2026-09-21)Read our guide

Nova Scotia Nominee Program: Entrepreneur stream (experienced business owner or senior business manager)

Age 21+, intention to live in Nova Scotia, at least one-third ownership and day-to-day managementNeed more info
We need to confirm that you will own at least one-third of the business and will live in Nova Scotia and manage it on site every day.
Your answers: What is your date of birth: 1986-02-11 · What would you like to do in business in Canada: Explore business options
Official source: Entrepreneur Stream Application Guide, Nova Scotia Nominee Program (September 2026)Read our guide
Minimum personal net worth: $600,000 (HRM) or $400,000 (outside HRM), legally obtainedNeed more info
We need to confirm your net worth, whether the business will be inside Halifax Regional Municipality ($600,000) or outside it ($400,000), and that you can document its lawful source.
Your answers: What is your net worth? That's the value of everything you own, minus everything you owe.: 450000 · What would you like to do in business in Canada: Explore business options
Official source: Entrepreneur Stream Application Guide, Nova Scotia Nominee Program (September 2026)Read our guide
Minimum personal investment: $150,000 (HRM) or $100,000 (outside HRM) of own moneyNeed more info
We need to confirm your planned investment, the business location (Halifax Regional Municipality needs $150,000, elsewhere $100,000) and that the minimum will come entirely from your own or your spouse's funds.
Your answers: What is your net worth? That's the value of everything you own, minus everything you owe.: 450000 · What would you like to do in business in Canada: Explore business options
Official source: Entrepreneur Stream Application Guide, Nova Scotia Nominee Program (September 2026)Read our guide
Eligible business: legal, for-profit, benefits Nova Scotia, fixed address; ineligible business typesNeed more info
We need to confirm the business will be a legal, for-profit Nova Scotia business with a fixed address, and that it is not an ineligible type such as property rental or a home-based business.
Your answers: In a few words, what does your business do: A family restaurant serving Pakistani food in Calgary, with 9 employees. · Do you have a business plan with financial projections: No, I don't have projected financial information but I do have a business plan · What sector would your Canadian business be in: Restaurants or food service · and 1 more answers
Official source: Entrepreneur Stream Application Guide, Nova Scotia Nominee Program (September 2026)Read our guide
Buying an existing business: five purchase conditions and Exploratory Visit ReportNeed more info
We need to confirm the business you plan to buy has had the same owner for five years and meets all purchase conditions, and that you will visit it and meet the owner.
Your answers: What would you like to do in business in Canada: Explore business options
Official source: Entrepreneur Stream Application Guide, Nova Scotia Nominee Program (September 2026)Read our guide
Entrepreneur (category A) expression-of-interest points gridNeed more info
We need all your Nova Scotia points answers to estimate your score; a score of about 88 to 100 would be borderline against 2026 cut-offs.
Your answers: What would you like to do in business in Canada: Explore business options · What is your net worth? That's the value of everything you own, minus everything you owe.: 450000 · In the last 10 years, how many years have you worked in a senior management role: 6 years · and 3 more answers
Official source: Entrepreneur Stream Application Guide, Nova Scotia Nominee Program (September 2026)Read our guide
Business ownership (3+ years) or senior management (more than 5 years) in the last 10 yearsLooks good
Based on your answers, you appear to have qualifying experience in the last 10 years: at least 3 years owning one-third or more of a business, or more than 5 years of senior management.
Your answers: In the last 10 years, have you owned a business or worked in senior management: Yes, I have both business ownership experience and management experience · In the last 10 years, how many years have you spent actively owning a business: 4 years · In the last 10 years, how many years have you worked in a senior management role: 6 years · and 3 more answers
Official source: Entrepreneur Stream Application Guide, Nova Scotia Nominee Program (September 2026)Read our guide
CLB/NCLC 5 in all four abilities, test no more than 2 years before the EOILooks good
Based on your answers, you appear to have CLB/NCLC 5 or higher in all four abilities from a test taken within the last 2 years.
Your answers: Have you taken an English or French language test in the past 2 years: Yes · Based on your test results, what's your CLB or NCLC level for listening in your first official language: 7 · Based on your test results, what's your CLB or NCLC level for reading in your first official language: 6 · and 3 more answers
Official source: Entrepreneur Stream Application Guide, Nova Scotia Nominee Program (September 2026)Read our guide
Minimum education: equivalent of a Canadian high school diplomaLooks good
Based on your answers, you appear to have at least the equivalent of a Canadian high school diploma.
Your answers: What's your highest level of education: Bachelor's degree OR a three or more year program at a university, college, trade or technical school, or other institute · If you earned your highest diploma, degree or certificate outside Canada, do you have a valid Educational Credential Assessment (ECA): No · What would you like to do in business in Canada: Explore business options
Official source: Entrepreneur Stream Application Guide, Nova Scotia Nominee Program (September 2026)Read our guide
New business: at least one permanent full-time-equivalent job for a citizen or PRLooks good
Based on your answers, you plan to create at least one job for an unrelated Canadian citizen or permanent resident; Nova Scotia requires it to be permanent, full-time and year-round.
Your answers: What would you like to do in business in Canada: Explore business options · In the first year after you start or buy your business, how many new full-time jobs do you plan to create in Canada for Canadian citizens or permanent residents (not relatives): 2 Jobs
Official source: Entrepreneur Stream Application Guide, Nova Scotia Nominee Program (September 2026)Read our guide
Applicant-level ineligibility and legal status (in Canada: a valid, unexpired temporary resident document on the EOI date)Looks good
Based on your answers, no Nova Scotia applicant bar is apparent and you appear to hold legal status where you live. If you are in Canada, your temporary resident status document (for example, your work permit) must still be valid on the day you submit your EOI; maintained status (formerly implied status) does not count, and Nova Scotia checks your eligibility again when it assesses your file.
Your answers: What is your immigration status in Canada right now, if you have one: Worker · Which country do you live in right now: Canada · Could any issue that affects being allowed into Canada (criminal, security, medical, false information, removal or other) apply to you or a family member coming with you: No known concern · and 3 more answers
Official source: Entrepreneur Stream Application Guide, Nova Scotia Nominee Program (September 2026)Read our guide

Northwest Territories Nominee Program: Business Stream

Net worth $500,000 and equity investment $200,000 inside Yellowknife, or $250,000 and $100,000 outside YellowknifeNeed more info
We need to confirm your net worth and the equity you would invest, and whether the business would be within Yellowknife's city boundaries ($500,000 net worth and a $200,000 investment) or elsewhere in the Northwest Territories ($250,000 and $100,000).
Your answers: What would you like to do in business in Canada: Explore business options · What is your net worth? That's the value of everything you own, minus everything you owe.: 450000
Official source: Business Stream | Northwest Territories Nominee Program Read our guide
One-third ownership (or $1,000,000 equity), CLB 4, living in the Northwest Territories and managing on site, no other active nominee applicationNeed more info
We need to confirm your ownership share (at least one-third, or a $1,000,000 equity investment), CLB 4 results in all four skills from a single test no more than two years old, that you will live in the Northwest Territories and manage the business on site, that you are not a refugee claimant, and that you have no active application with another provincial or territorial nominee program or another Northwest Territories stream.
Your answers: What would you like to do in business in Canada: Explore business options · Based on your test results, what's your CLB or NCLC level for listening in your first official language: 7 · Based on your test results, what's your CLB or NCLC level for reading in your first official language: 6 · and 4 more answers
Official source: Northwest Territories Nominee Program Business Stream Program Guidelines (effective January 1, 2026)Read our guide
Eligible business: not on the ineligible list (including restaurants within Yellowknife's city limits); a purchased business must have had the same owner for three yearsNeed more info
We need to confirm your business is eligible for the Northwest Territories Business Stream. Ineligible businesses include restaurants within Yellowknife's city limits, home-based businesses, bed and breakfasts, property management, real estate development, seasonal businesses open less than six months a year and non-profits; a purchased business must have had the same owner for the previous three years.
Your answers: What would you like to do in business in Canada: Explore business options · What sector would your Canadian business be in: Restaurants or food service
Official source: Northwest Territories Nominee Program Business Stream Program Guidelines (effective January 1, 2026)Read our guide

What’s working for you, and what’s in the way

Working for you

Based on your answers, you appear to have qualifying experience in the last 10 years: at least 3 years owning one-third or more of a business, or more than 5 years of senior management.
Based on your answers, you appear to have CLB/NCLC 5 or higher in all four abilities from a test taken within the last 2 years.
Based on your answers, you appear to have at least the equivalent of a Canadian high school diploma.
Based on your answers, you plan to create at least one job for an unrelated Canadian citizen or permanent resident; Nova Scotia requires it to be permanent, full-time and year-round.
Based on your answers, no Nova Scotia applicant bar is apparent and you appear to hold legal status where you live. If you are in Canada, your temporary resident status document (for example, your work permit) must still be valid on the day you submit your EOI; maintained status (formerly implied status) does not count, and Nova Scotia checks your eligibility again when it assesses your file.
Based on your answers, you appear to have qualifying BC Base owner-manager or senior manager experience in the last 10 years, and the required post-secondary education or ownership alternative.

In the way

Based on your answers, the business would be in a major metropolitan area. Alberta's Rural Entrepreneur Stream only accepts a business in a participating rural Alberta community (population under 100,000, outside the Calgary and Edmonton census metropolitan areas), so a business in the Calgary or Edmonton census metropolitan area, including one you already run there, cannot be used; you would need to start or buy a business in a participating rural community instead.
Based on your answers, your net worth or own-funds investment may be below BC Base stream minimums of $600,000 and $200,000; the Regional stream has lower thresholds.
Based on your answers, you may not meet a Manitoba requirement: 3 years' experience in the last 5, CLB 5, high school, $500,000 net worth, no other pending application, or not working in another province.
Based on your answers, you may not meet a Newfoundland and Labrador requirement: $600,000 net worth, a $200,000 investment, a new full-time job, an eligible business type, or a five-year owner history for a purchase.
Based on your answers, you may not meet a PEI minimum, such as $600,000 net worth, age 21 to 59, secondary school, CLB 4, or living in PEI to manage the business.
Based on your answers, you may not meet a New Brunswick requirement: age 19 to 59, CLB 4, high school, a net worth of $500,000 (the $300,000 minimum applies only if you invest in agriculture), or 2 recent years as majority owner or senior manager supervising at least two employees.
Based on your answers, a New Brunswick 'do not apply' situation may affect you, such as another immigration application in process, current full-time post-secondary study in Canada, no legal status where you live, or owning a business in another province or territory. If you own a business or property in a Canadian province or territory other than New Brunswick, New Brunswick's guide says not to apply while you own it.
Based on your answers, Ontario is not an option for business immigration now: all Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program streams except Ontario Workforce Priority are closed, and that stream needs an Ontario job offer (or self-employed physician status).
Based on your answers, Saskatchewan is not an option for business immigration now: it permanently closed all its Entrepreneur and Farm immigration pathways on March 27, 2025, and only applications already in its system continue to be processed.
Based on your answers, your degree was completed more than 10 years ago, so you can't use Alberta's Foreign Graduate Entrepreneur Stream: the degree must have been completed within the last 10 years when you submit your expression of interest.
Based on your answers, you have no pending Self-employed Persons application, and IRCC has not accepted new applications to that program (for cultural and athletic self-employment) since April 30, 2024.
Based on your answers, you have no pending Start-up Visa application, and IRCC has not accepted new Start-up Visa applications since June 30, 2026.

Still need to know

We need to confirm the BC Regional stream requirements your answers don't show yet, such as starting a new business, investing at least $100,000 of your own funds and owning at least 51%. The stream also needs $300,000 net worth, one new full-time job, CLB 4, recent experience (in the last 5 years, more than 36 months as an active owner-manager owning at least 10%, more than 48 months as a senior manager in a TEER 0 or 1 role supervising at least three full-time employees, or at least 12 months as an owner-manager plus at least 24 months as a senior manager) and a post-secondary credential recognized in Canada, or at least 36 of the past 60 months as an active owner-manager with 100% ownership; B.C. says a post-secondary degree may be considered if your business experience falls short.
We need a referral from one of B.C.'s participating communities, given after an exploratory visit to that community; a referral is valid for 90 days. As of June 24, 2026, B.C. lists these participating communities: Mackenzie and Quesnel (Cariboo); Castlegar & Central Kootenay (Areas I & J), Columbia Valley & East Kootenay, Kimberley, Nelson & Central Kootenay (Areas E & F), Rossland and Trail (Kootenay); Bulkley-Nechako (Nechako); Dawson Creek and Fort St. John (Northeast); Penticton, Salmon Arm and Vernon (Thompson-Okanagan); and Campbell River, Comox, Mount Waddington and Powell River (Vancouver Island/Coast). A business outside these participating communities cannot use the Regional stream.
We need to confirm that you will own at least one-third of the business and will live in Nova Scotia and manage it on site every day.
We need to confirm your net worth, whether the business will be inside Halifax Regional Municipality ($600,000) or outside it ($400,000), and that you can document its lawful source.
We need to confirm your planned investment, the business location (Halifax Regional Municipality needs $150,000, elsewhere $100,000) and that the minimum will come entirely from your own or your spouse's funds.
We need to confirm the business will be a legal, for-profit Nova Scotia business with a fixed address, and that it is not an ineligible type such as property rental or a home-based business.
We need to confirm the business you plan to buy has had the same owner for five years and meets all purchase conditions, and that you will visit it and meet the owner.
We need all your Nova Scotia points answers to estimate your score; a score of about 88 to 100 would be borderline against 2026 cut-offs.
We need to confirm your net worth and the equity you would invest, and whether the business would be within Yellowknife's city boundaries ($500,000 net worth and a $200,000 investment) or elsewhere in the Northwest Territories ($250,000 and $100,000).
We need to confirm your ownership share (at least one-third, or a $1,000,000 equity investment), CLB 4 results in all four skills from a single test no more than two years old, that you will live in the Northwest Territories and manage the business on site, that you are not a refugee claimant, and that you have no active application with another provincial or territorial nominee program or another Northwest Territories stream.
We need to confirm your business is eligible for the Northwest Territories Business Stream. Ineligible businesses include restaurants within Yellowknife's city limits, home-based businesses, bed and breakfasts, property management, real estate development, seasonal businesses open less than six months a year and non-profits; a purchased business must have had the same owner for the previous three years.
We need to confirm your net worth (at least $300,000) and that at least $100,000 of the investment will come from your own or your spouse's funds.
We need to confirm your owner or senior manager experience, recent CLB 4 results in all four abilities, and high school education with an educational credential assessment.
We need to confirm your ownership share, job creation, that you will live in Alberta and manage the business on site, and that it is not an ineligible business type.
We need to confirm your ownership share (at least one-third, or a $1 million equity investment), a new full-time job, CLB 4 results, on-site management and an eligible business type.
We need to confirm whether the business will be in the Winnipeg Metropolitan Region ($250,000) or elsewhere ($150,000), your investment amount, and that you will create or keep at least one job.
We need to confirm your age, high school education with a recent assessment, CLB 5 results, ownership or management experience, and your plan to visit and live in the province.
We need to confirm you can invest at least $150,000 within 12 months of landing and live in PEI at least 274 days a year managing the business.
We need to confirm your $150,000 investment from your own funds, ownership share, a new full-time job, on-site management, and that the business type is eligible in New Brunswick.
We need to confirm you will own at least one-third of the business (or invest $1 million in equity), manage it on site in the province, and that it is not a passive investment.

Your action plan

Essential
Review how to address, for Alberta Advantage Immigration Program: Rural Entrepreneur Stream: Business must be in a participating rural Alberta community (outside the Calgary and Edmonton census metropolitan areas), with a Community Support Letter and exploratory visit.
Essential
Review how to address, for BC Provincial Nominee Program: Entrepreneur Immigration Base stream: Personal net worth $600,000 and eligible personal investment $200,000 (invested within 610 days of arriving on the BC PNP work permit).
Essential
Review how to address, for Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program: Business Investor Stream, Entrepreneur Pathway: Experience (3 of last 5 years), CLB 5, high school, net worth $500,000.
Essential
Review how to address, for Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program: International Entrepreneur category: Net worth $600,000; invest $200,000 with 33.3% ownership (or $1 million equity); one full-time job; purchase conditions.
Essential
Review how to address, for PEI Provincial Nominee Program: Business Impact Category, Work Permit Stream: Minimum criteria: net worth $600,000, secondary school, age 21–59, management experience, CLB 4, live and manage in PEI.
Essential
Review how to address, for New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program: New Brunswick Business Immigration stream: Core eligibility: age 19–59, CLB 4, high school, net worth $500,000 ($300,000 agriculture), 2 years' experience, 65 points.
Essential
Review how to address, for New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program: New Brunswick Business Immigration stream: Do not apply if: property/business in another province, active application, full-time study, prior refusals.
Big help
Provide or confirm, for BC Provincial Nominee Program: Entrepreneur Immigration Regional stream: New business, $300,000 net worth, $100,000 investment, 51% ownership, one new job, CLB 4, recent owner-manager or senior manager experience and education.
Big help
Provide or confirm, for BC Provincial Nominee Program: Entrepreneur Immigration Regional stream: New business in a B.C. participating community, with that community's referral after an exploratory visit.
Big help
Provide or confirm, for Nova Scotia Nominee Program: Entrepreneur stream (experienced business owner or senior business manager): Age 21+, intention to live in Nova Scotia, at least one-third ownership and day-to-day management.
Big help
Provide or confirm, for Nova Scotia Nominee Program: Entrepreneur stream (experienced business owner or senior business manager): Minimum personal net worth: $600,000 (HRM) or $400,000 (outside HRM), legally obtained.
Big help
Provide or confirm, for Nova Scotia Nominee Program: Entrepreneur stream (experienced business owner or senior business manager): Minimum personal investment: $150,000 (HRM) or $100,000 (outside HRM) of own money.
Big help
Provide or confirm, for Nova Scotia Nominee Program: Entrepreneur stream (experienced business owner or senior business manager): Eligible business: legal, for-profit, benefits Nova Scotia, fixed address; ineligible business types.
Big help
Provide or confirm, for Nova Scotia Nominee Program: Entrepreneur stream (experienced business owner or senior business manager): Buying an existing business: five purchase conditions and Exploratory Visit Report.
Big help
Provide or confirm, for Nova Scotia Nominee Program: Entrepreneur stream (experienced business owner or senior business manager): Entrepreneur (category A) expression-of-interest points grid.
Big help
Provide or confirm, for Northwest Territories Nominee Program: Business Stream: Net worth $500,000 and equity investment $200,000 inside Yellowknife, or $250,000 and $100,000 outside Yellowknife.
Big help
Provide or confirm, for Northwest Territories Nominee Program: Business Stream: One-third ownership (or $1,000,000 equity), CLB 4, living in the Northwest Territories and managing on site, no other active nominee application.
Big help
Provide or confirm, for Northwest Territories Nominee Program: Business Stream: Eligible business: not on the ineligible list (including restaurants within Yellowknife's city limits); a purchased business must have had the same owner for three years.
Big help
Provide or confirm, for Alberta Advantage Immigration Program: Rural Entrepreneur Stream: Minimum net worth $300,000 and minimum investment $100,000 from own equity.
Big help
Provide or confirm, for Alberta Advantage Immigration Program: Rural Entrepreneur Stream: Experience, language (CLB 4) and education (high school with ECA) minimums.
Big help
Provide or confirm, for Alberta Advantage Immigration Program: Rural Entrepreneur Stream: Ownership 51% (new) or 100% (succession), job creation, Alberta residence and eligible business.
Big help
Provide or confirm, for BC Provincial Nominee Program: Entrepreneur Immigration Base stream: One-third ownership, one new full-time job, CLB 4, active management and residence near the business.
Big help
Provide or confirm, for Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program: Business Investor Stream, Entrepreneur Pathway: Investment $250,000 (Winnipeg Metropolitan Region) or $150,000 (elsewhere) and one job.
Big help
Provide or confirm, for Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program: International Entrepreneur category: Age 21–59, high school with recent ECA, experience, CLB 5 and mandatory exploratory visit.
Big help
Provide or confirm, for PEI Provincial Nominee Program: Business Impact Category, Work Permit Stream: $10,000 fee, Performance Agreement, invest $150,000 and operate 12 months before nomination.
Big help
Provide or confirm, for New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program: New Brunswick Business Immigration stream: Eligible investment $150,000, at least 33.3% equity, one full-time job, purchase conditions, presence in NB.
Big help
Provide or confirm, for Provincial or territorial business nominations: federal conditions (IRPR s. 87(5) and (6)): Federal floor for business-based nominations: one-third equity or $1M, active management in the province, no passive or redemption investments.
With a lawyer
Discuss with a lawyer, for Alberta Advantage Immigration Program: Rural Entrepreneur Stream: Rural Entrepreneur Stream points grid (maximum 175).
With a lawyer
Discuss with a lawyer, for Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program: International Entrepreneur category: Points grid: minimum 72 of 120.
With a lawyer
Discuss with a lawyer, for PEI Provincial Nominee Program: Business Impact Category, Work Permit Stream: EOI points grid (maximum 200, plus 10 bilingual bonus).
With a lawyer
Discuss with a lawyer, for New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program: New Brunswick Business Immigration stream: Selection factor grid (minimum 65 points).

Your next steps

Right now
Note the key dates above. Check your answers and correct any errors.
Next
Confirm the missing information listed above.
With a professional
Go over the requirements that need professional judgment, and the best strategy and timing, with a lawyer.

Good to know

Nova Scotia invites the highest-scoring Entrepreneur expressions of interest; 2026 draws invited only 8 to 18 people each, with lowest invited scores of about 88 to 101 points.
Nova Scotia's Entrepreneur stream is work-permit first: you would move to Nova Scotia on a work permit and run the business for at least one year before nomination, then apply for permanent residence.
The Northwest Territories Business Stream has no Expression of Interest draw: it assesses applications first come, first served. You register online and pay a non-refundable $2,800 fee, make a business trip of at least four full business days to the community where the business would be, and attend a face-to-face interview before you can be invited to apply. If approved, you sign a Business Performance Agreement, receive a letter of support for a two-year work permit, and must run the business for at least 12 months, living within 100 km of it, before you can be nominated.
Alberta's Rural Entrepreneur process is an EOI ($200, paid within 24 hours of submitting), a Business Application ($3,500), a two-year work permit and at least 12 months running the business before nomination. If you already own and operate a business in a rural Alberta community (population under 100,000, outside the Calgary and Edmonton census metropolitan areas) that has operated in Alberta for at least one year immediately before your EOI, meet the stream's points grid criteria and include a Community Support Letter with the EOI, you do not sign a Business Performance Agreement and, if approved, are issued a nomination certificate. A business in the Calgary or Edmonton census metropolitan area does not qualify for this.
Manitoba is not holding Business Investor Stream EOI draws. Under its interim process you email an Entrepreneur Pathway EOI (with the Business Concept Form, Self-Assessment Form and Code of Conduct), and Manitoba aims to review it within four weeks, issuing a Letter of Advice to Apply if it meets the program's requirements or a feedback letter if it does not. The application processing fee is $2,500, and Manitoba may prioritize applications for businesses that bring significant economic benefit to the province.
Newfoundland and Labrador's International Entrepreneur EOI system is open with no provincial fee, but you pay for testing, assessments, exploratory visit and interview travel, and net worth verification.
In Newfoundland and Labrador you would sign a Business Performance Agreement, get a work permit, arrive within six months, and run the business for at least one year before nomination.
New Brunswick's process is a free EOI, then a $2,000 application, Business Performance Agreement and work permit; the business must open within 9 months and run at least 6 months before nomination.
BC invites the highest-scoring Entrepreneur Immigration registrants roughly monthly; 2026 Base draws needed about 115 to 121 points and issued only 7 to 15 invitations each.
BC Entrepreneur Immigration runs from registration and invitation to application ($300 and $3,500 fees), a work permit, then nomination after a final report about 18 to 20 months after arrival in the Base stream.
Federal business programs are effectively closed to new applicants in 2026, so provincial and territorial entrepreneur streams are the main business route to permanent residence; a planned High Impact Start-up Pilot has no announced launch date yet.
Your work permit expires within the next 12 months, or has already expired. Some provincial and territorial entrepreneur streams require valid status in Canada when you apply: Nova Scotia requires a valid, unexpired temporary resident status document on the day you submit your Entrepreneur EOI (maintained status, formerly implied status, does not count), Alberta's Rural Entrepreneur Stream does not accept a foreign national living or working in Canada without valid temporary resident status, and the Northwest Territories requires legal status in Canada to apply from within Canada. Plan how you will keep valid status while you apply; a lawyer can help you plan the timing in a consultation.
Nova Scotia's Entrepreneur stream is by invitation only and has two parts: one for experienced business owners or senior managers, and one for recent Nova Scotia graduates already running a Nova Scotia business.
Nova Scotia charges a non-refundable $2,000 Entrepreneur application fee for candidates selected on or after September 1, 2026; submitting an EOI is free and federal fees are separate.
Ontario's new Workforce Priority stream needs an Ontario job offer (or self-employed physician status), so it cannot be used to immigrate as an entrepreneur or business owner.
Rules, programs and how people are selected can change, sometimes quickly.
Meeting the minimum requirements doesn’t guarantee an invitation or an approval.

How this was checked

Rules used: Official Government of Canada and provincial sources, checked October 18, 2026
Review: A made-up sample, not yet reviewed by a lawyer.
If things change: Change any answer and we’ll prepare a fresh assessment.