Manitoba Business Investor Visa Program Guide
For entrepreneurs and business owners seeking settlement in Canada, the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program offers an Investor visa stream. This program enables the province to nominate qualified business investors, entrepreneurs, and high net worth individuals from around the globe for permanent residency in Manitoba by investing in a business within the province. The business can either be an existing enterprise or a new venture established by the individual.
- What is the Manitoba Business Investor Program (MBIP)?
The Manitoba Business Investor Program, also referred to as the Provincial Nominee Program for Entrepreneurs, offers a streamlined pathway for setting up a business and obtaining permanent residency in Canada. This program provides the following benefits:
– Permanent settlement in Canada for you and your dependent family members
– Access to free healthcare and education for children under 18 years old
– Improved quality of life opportunities
– Tax benefits upon obtaining permanent residency status
The selection process for the Manitoba PNP utilizes a points calculator to assess candidate eligibility. A minimum score of 60 out of 100 points is required to qualify for nomination by the province of Manitoba.
Under this program, Manitoba actively recruits and nominates qualified business investors and entrepreneurs worldwide who intend to start or purchase a business in Manitoba. There are two main pathways within this program:
Entrepreneur Pathway for Manitoba Business Investor Program:
This pathway is open to business investors within the first 24 months of their arrival in Canada. Eligible candidates can apply for provincial nomination to establish a new business or become a partner in an existing business through this stream.
- Eligibility Criteria for Entrepreneur Pathway
To qualify for the Entrepreneur Pathway, you must meet the following criteria:
- Have at least three years of full-time work experience as a business owner or senior manager in the last five years
- Demonstrate a minimum CLB/NCLC of 5 for language proficiency in English and/or French
- Possess a high school diploma or its international equivalent
- Invest at least $250,000 CAD in the Manitoba Capital Region, or $150,000 CAD outside this area.
- Invest in businesses identified as qualifying by the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program
- Create and maintain at least one job position for a local citizen or permanent resident in Manitoba
- Submit a detailed business plan along with the application
- Undertake a Business Research Visit within one year of submitting the Expression of Interest (EOI)
- Have a minimum net worth of $500,000 CAD
- Sign a Business Performance Agreement upon approval of the application
These criteria ensure that applicants have the necessary experience, language proficiency, investment capacity, and commitment to contribute to Manitoba’s economy and community through their business ventures.
- Step-by-Step Process for Manitoba Entrepreneur Pathway
Step 1: Self-Assessment
In this initial step, you will complete a Self-Assessment Form, providing details about your age, education, personal net worth, and business experience. Points will be awarded based on the following factors:
Age: Points will be allocated based on your age according to specified criteria.
AGE
POINTS
Less than 25
0
25 to 30
4
31 to 35
6
36 to 45
10
46
8
47
6
48
4
49
2
Education (Maximum 10 Points): You must have achieved at least a Canadian high school diploma or its equivalent to earn points based on your educational background.
Education
POINTS
Post -Secondary degree or diploma (two years program)
4
Post -Secondary degree or diploma (three-year program or longer)
6
Post graduate degree or equivalent
8
PhD or above
10
Business Experience: Essential eligibility criteria include:
– Having a minimum of three years of experience as a business owner and/or senior manager within the last five years.
– Owning at least one-third of the business you are starting or investing in.
AGE
POINTS
Years of experience as a business owner
Points
11 years or more
30
7 to 10 years
25
3 to 6 years
20
Years of experience as a senior manager
Points
7 years or more
10
3 to 6 years
5
Official Language Proficiency: You must demonstrate language proficiency through recognized language test results, such as:
– International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
– Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP)
– Test devaluation de Français (TEF)
CLB/NLC
POINTS
5
10
6
15
7
20
8
25
Investment: You must show a personal net worth of at least $500,000 CAD, including assets and liabilities of yourself and accompanying family members, to earn points based on your net worth.
NET WORTH (IN CAD)
POINTS
500000 to 1 million
5
1 million to 1.5 million
6
1.5 million to 2 million
7
2 million to 2.5 million
8
2.5 million to 3 million
9
More than 3 million
10
Business Investment Criteria: You should be prepared to invest a minimum of $200,000 CAD to qualify, earning points according to specified investment criteria.
INVESTMENT AMOUNT (IN CAD)
POINTS
Investment Amount (in CAD)
Points
200,000- 499,999
10
500,000-899,000
12
900,000 or more
15
Additionally, you will receive 5 points based on the economic priorities of your business, evaluated on its potential to utilize provincial resources and contribute to Manitoba’s economic growth and profitability.
Business Research Visit Criteria
Undertaking a business research visit to Manitoba is crucial for your business plan. You can earn:
– 20 points for a business research visit.
– 10 points for a five consecutive days visit.
– 20 points for a ten consecutive days visit.
Adaptability Factors Criteria
You can earn points for adaptability by demonstrating strong ties to Manitoba according to specified criteria. Points will be awarded based on adaptability factors outlined in the criteria table.
Step 2: Visit Manitoba and Develop Your Business Concept
During this step, you will submit a comprehensive business concept that includes the following details:
- Description of your proposed business in Manitoba
- Summary of the research conducted to identify and support your proposed business
- Personal information demonstrating how you are suited to pursue this business opportunity
- Financial overview detailing your current financial status and ability to make the intended investment
- Marketing strategy outlining how you plan to address competition and promote your business
- Resource requirements specifying critical resources needed for your business
- Proposed timelines for implementation of your business plan
- Risk assessment detailing potential challenges your business may encounter and strategies to mitigate them
- Analysis of your business's potential contribution to the economic growth of the province
Step 3: Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI)
During this stage, you will submit your Expression of Interest along with the following documents:
- Your completed Business Concept Form
- Your Self-Assessment Form
- Code of Conduct for Immigration Representatives, if applicable
Step 4: Submit a Complete Application
Upon meeting the basic requirements and having your business plan accepted, you will receive an official Letter of Advice to Apply (LAA). You will then have 120 days from the LAA issuance to submit a completed electronic application package to the program, along with a non-refundable processing fee of $2,500 CAD.
Step 5: Assessment of Your Application
Your application will undergo assessment, which may include an in-person interview. Additionally, you will be required to sign a Business Performance Agreement (BPA), serving as a contractual commitment between you and the MPNP.
Step 6: Operate a Business in Manitoba
You will commence operating your business in Manitoba and provide regular updates on its performance.
Step 7: Obtain an MPNP Nomination
Once approved, you will receive a provincial nomination certificate from the Government of Manitoba. With this certificate, you can apply to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for Canadian permanent resident status.
Farm Investor Pathway
The farm investor pathway is available to individuals with demonstrated experience in managing a farm business and sufficient capital to invest in a farm located in rural Manitoba.
- Eligibility Criteria for Farm Investor Pathway
To qualify for the Farm Investor Pathway, you must meet the following criteria:
- Have a minimum of three years of experience in owning and/or operating a farm.
- Demonstrate proficiency in English and/or French.
- Commit to investing a minimum of $300,000 in a farming business in rural Manitoba.
- Submit a comprehensive farm business plan as part of your application.
- Undertake a Farm Business Research Visit to the province.
- Ensure ongoing business activities of your farming business in Manitoba and actively engage in its management.
- Possess a net worth of at least $500,000 CAD.
- Step-by-Step Guide for Applying to Manitoba Farm Investor Pathway
The Manitoba Farm Investor Pathway (FIP) replaces the MPNP’s former Farm Strategic Initiative. Farm investors applying to this program must follow a specific seven-step application process, distinct from that of the Entrepreneur Pathway.
To qualify for the Farm Investor Pathway, candidates must meet several key requirements, including:
- Demonstrating a minimum verifiable personal net worth of CAD 500,000.
- Have at least three years of farm ownership and management experience with verified documentation.
- Demonstrating diverse farming skills and advanced technical expertise relevant to Manitoba's primary agricultural sector.
Step 1: Explore and Research Farm Business in Manitoba
Begin your application process by visiting Manitoba to conduct research on your proposed farming business. Gather relevant information such as farmland costs, crop cultivation expenses, and livestock raising costs.
Step 2: Complete Interest Guidelines and Farm Business Concept Forms
After completing your Farm Business Visit, submit the Interest Guidelines and Farm Business Concept forms. Provide details about your background and business expertise for starting a farm business.
Step 3: Submit Interest Guidelines and Farm Business Concept Forms
Submit a completed Farm Business Concept Form along with the required Code of Conduct for Immigration.
Step 4: Submit a Farm Investor Pathway Application
Within 120 days of receiving your Letter of Advice to Apply (LAA), submit a completed Farm Investor Pathway application along with all required documents and a non-refundable application fee.
Step 5: Assessment of Farm Investor Pathway Application
Your application will be assessed by an MPNP representative, and you may be required to attend an in-person interview.
Step 6: Obtain Canadian Permanent Residence
Upon approval, you will receive a nomination certificate from the MPNP, enabling you to submit your final application for a Permanent Resident visa to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Step 7: Establish a Farm Business in Manitoba
Provide regular progress reports to the MPNP on the operation of your farm business in Manitoba. This step concludes the process of establishing and managing your farm business in the province.
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Investors in Manitoba
The comprehensive application process for the Manitoba Business Investor Program has been detailed above. For personalized and current information tailored to your profile, we recommend contacting our immigration advisors.
The minimum required points to apply for the Manitoba Business Investor Program are 10 points. However, the exact number of points needed for qualification may vary based on individual factors. We recommend consulting our expert immigration advisors for updated information regarding point requirements.
The processing time can vary depending on the specific pathway you are applying through. For accurate information tailored to your circumstances, we recommend contacting our expert Canada immigration advisors at International Working Visa.
While it is highly recommended to conduct a business research visit in Canada, it is not mandatory. The MPNP does not issue invitation letters specifically for visitor visas, but our advisors can provide guidance on the visa application process and requirements.
The Manitoba PNP will provide feedback on your EOI submission within four weeks from the date of submission.
Yes, you should declare all assets belonging to your family members, including dependent children, as part of your total net worth for the Manitoba Business Investor Program.
No, the MPNP does not endorse or recommend specific businesses. However, they can provide information to enable you to conduct your own research into business investment opportunities in the province.
Yes, you will need to obtain a Business Performance Agreement (BPA) once your application has been approved by the Manitoba province under the Business Investor Stream.
You should plan to enter Canada before the validity date specified in your approval letter. It is recommended to align your entry date with the implementation timeline outlined in the Business Performance Agreement (BPA).
No, you cannot claim points for language proficiency using expired test results. Your language test results must be valid and dated within two years of your EOI submission.
Yes, you can update your EOI information by contacting the MPNP if there are significant changes to your profile. Alternatively, you can choose to decline the LAA and submit a fresh EOI with the updated information.
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