Immigrant Investor Venture Capital Pilot Program

The intent of this program is to attract experienced business immigrants who wish to invest in the Canadian economy which will stimulate innovation, economic growth and job creation.

• New pilot program began accepting applications in late January 2015.
• IRCC will accept 500 applications from which approximately 50 immigrant investors applicants to be approved.
• For more information, please access the IRCC Backgrounder and look for more details in subsequent Ministerial Instructions.

Criteria for the New Pilot Investor Program

• Investment of $2 million for a period of 15 years used to seed ‘innovative’ Canadian starts-ups with high growth potential
• Net worth of $10 million (required to obtain a due diligence report from a designated service provider in order to prove net worth has been obtained from lawful, profit-making business activities)
• Proven language proficiency in either English or French
• Education requirements: Canadian post secondary degree, diploma or certificate OR prove of a foreign acquired post secondary credential with official assessment by a designated institute
• Proven business or investment experience.