US Business, Investment and Family Immigration
The world’s second biggest country by area is spread across six time zones and
offers infinite opportunities for an investor or entrepreneur. Canada is a perfect
balance between of pristine mountain wilderness and fast-paced, high-rise cities.
The country is a true immigrant melting pot and an economic success story, with good
schools, health and transport infrastructure. With a stable political system, a
strong regulatory framework and low levels of corruption, Canada regularly ranks as
one of the best places in the world to do business. Its proximity to the United
States and close links to Asia and Europe make it the ideal base for any
entrepreneur or high-net-worth individual.
Canadian Start-Up Visa
January 2026 Update
The Start-Up Visa Program has been paused as of January 1, 2026.
Canada is no longer accepting new commitment certificates after
December 31, 2025, and only applicants holding a valid 2025
commitment certificate can still apply, with a June 30, 2026 deadline.
Canada is one of the most attractive places in the world to start a business, and
the country now offers a general “Start-Up Visa” in a bid to attract the world’s
best and brightest innovators and entrepreneurs. The Start-Up Visa program operates
nationwide and applicants are not bound by a commitment to live in a particular
province or territory.
Start-Up Visa applicants must meet a set of eligibility criteria including a letter
of support from an eligible Canadian venture capital or angel investor firm,
literacy in English or French, and proof of an ability to support yourself
financially one you have moved to Canada. Processing times are relatively fast and
currently stand between 12 months and 16 month.
The Start-Up needs to be able to demonstrate that it is an innovative concept, that
it can create jobs for Canadians, and that it can compete on a global scale.
Applicants must secure the support of an approved venture capital firm, an angel
investor group, or a business incubator. These so-called “designated organizations”
will evaluate the start-up’s business plan and determine whether to make an
investment commitment. Only start-ups with a letter of support and investment
intention from a “designated organization” can proceed with their application.
Provincial Nominee Program
Each Canadian province and territory is permitted to offer its own bespoke
start-up and/or investor visa program. The requirements of each differ, allowing the
provinces to compete for talent. Options range from British Columbia, which
incentivizes immigrants to set up businesses in communities with a population of
less than 75,000, to Ontario, which requires a $5 million CAD investment and the
creation of five full-time Canadian jobs. We recommend you consult with D&A to
discuss the full range of options available.
Quebec Immigrant Investor Program
Investors have the opportunity to gain Permanent Residency in Canada if they are
able to make a risk-free investment of CAD $1.2 million in the French-speaking
Province of Quebec. This is a passive investment for a fixed five years in a
government-approved fund that bears no interest. The investor must be able to
approve a net worth of at least CAD 2 million and must also express an intention to
settle in Quebec. Applications are subject to a points-based evaluation with
criteria including age, language proficiency, education, and connections to Quebec.
New Brunswick Program
The lowest cost PNP program is offered by New Brunswick in eastern Canada
neighboring Maine in the United States. Permanent Residency can be obtained through
a $250,000 CAD investment in a business in New Brunswick. The applicant must own a
minimum of a third of the business and must be actively involved in day-to-day
management. Applicants have the option to establish a new business or buy into an
existing business provided that it has been profitable and in continuous operation
for the previous three years.
Emigrating from Canada to the United States
Canadian professionals are eligible for the TN visa through NAFTA,
the North American Free Trade Agreement. Canada also holds an E-2
Treaty with the United States, which means Canadians are eligible for the
E-2 Treaty Investor Visa. The E-2 is a popular visa for Canadians seeking to start
or buy a business in the United States from as little as $100,000 USD. Another
popular option with higher-net-worth Canadians is the EB-5 Visa. This
visa offers a fast route to a Green Card (permanent residency) for Canadians able to
invest a minimum if $900,000 USD in the United States.
Are Franchises a Good Option for Canadian E-2 Investors?
Living in Italy for Canadians
Italy has become an increasingly popular destination for Canadians seeking a European lifestyle, retirement abroad, or a base for travel and business across the European Union. With its strong healthcare system, world-renowned culture, and access to the Schengen Area, Italy offers Canadians the opportunity to establish long-term residency in Europe while enjoying one of the highest quality of life environments in the world.
Depending on personal circumstances, Canadians may qualify for residency through several immigration pathways, including elective residency, investment options, employment-based visas, and family routes.
Elective Residency Visa
One of the most common immigration pathways for Canadians who want to live in Italy without working locally is the Elective Residency Visa.
This visa is typically designed for retirees, financially independent individuals, and those with stable passive income such as pensions, investment income, dividends, or rental income.
To qualify for Elective Residency, applicants generally must demonstrate:
- Sufficient passive income to support themselves while living in Italy
- Suitable accommodation in Italy, either through property ownership or a long-term lease
- Comprehensive private health insurance valid in Italy
- The intention to establish genuine residence in Italy
Unlike work-based visas, elective residency does not allow employment with an Italian employer. However, it is often an excellent solution for Canadians who want to relocate for lifestyle reasons while living on independent income.
After arrival, the visa is converted into a residence permit and can be renewed if the requirements continue to be met.
For a detailed overview of the process, see our Elective Residency Visa Legal Services page.
Investor and Business Immigration Options
Some Canadians may wish to move to Italy through business or investment activity. Italy offers several immigration routes designed to attract foreign entrepreneurs and investors.
These programs may be suitable for individuals who plan to invest in Italian companies, support innovative startups, or establish commercial activities in Italy. Business-focused pathways can provide an alternative to elective residency when the applicant intends to remain economically active.
More information about these options can be found on our Italy Investor Visa Legal Services page.
Employment Based Visas
Canadians who intend to work in Italy may qualify for residence through employment-based immigration routes.
Common pathways include:
- Employment sponsorship by an Italian employer
- Intra-company transfers for multinational companies
- Highly qualified worker visas
- Self-employment routes for professionals or entrepreneurs
These routes are generally used when the applicant plans to work in Italy rather than relocate on passive income alone.
Family and Citizenship Routes
Some Canadians may also qualify for residency or citizenship through family connections.
This may include:
- Marriage to an Italian citizen
- Family reunification with relatives living in Italy
- Citizenship by descent for individuals with Italian ancestry
For Canadians with Italian heritage, citizenship by descent can sometimes provide the most direct path to living and working in Italy.
Tax Planning for Canadians Moving to Italy
Before relocating, Canadians should carefully consider the tax implications of becoming resident in Italy.
Key issues may include:
- Worldwide income reporting obligations
- Interaction between Canadian and Italian tax systems
- Property ownership and succession planning
- Eligibility for special Italian tax regimes for new residents
Because tax and immigration planning are closely linked, it is important to review both areas together before moving.
Learn more on our Tax and Residency Legal Services page.
Choosing the Right Immigration Strategy
The best immigration pathway for Canadians moving to Italy depends on their personal goals.
Retirees and financially independent individuals often choose the Elective Residency Visa, while entrepreneurs may prefer investment or business immigration options. Canadians with Italian ancestry may also benefit from citizenship pathways.
Proper legal planning can ensure that the relocation is structured correctly from the beginning, helping avoid delays and ensuring long-term residency compliance.
Living in the United Kingdom for Canadians
The United Kingdom remains one of the most attractive destinations for Canadians seeking to live abroad. Shared language, close cultural ties, major business centres, and internationally respected universities make the UK a natural option for Canadians relocating for work, business, family, or long-term lifestyle reasons.
For Canadians considering a move, the available immigration strategy will usually depend on whether the goal is employment, entrepreneurship, family relocation, or long-term settlement.
UK Visa Options for Canadians Who Want to Live in the United Kingdom
Canadians moving to the UK may be eligible for a number of immigration pathways depending on their background and plans.
Skilled Worker Visa for Canadians Moving to the UK
One of the most common immigration pathways is the Skilled Worker Visa. This route is designed for Canadians who have secured a qualifying job offer from a UK employer approved to sponsor foreign workers.
Basic Skilled Worker Visa Requirements
Applicants generally must show:
- A valid job offer from a licensed UK sponsor
- A role that meets the required skill level
- Salary that meets the relevant threshold
- English language ability
- Compliance with general immigration requirements
Why the Skilled Worker Visa Is Important for Canadians
This visa is often the most practical route for Canadian professionals who want to build a career in the UK. It can also lead to Indefinite Leave to Remain, making it one of the most important long-term residence pathways.
Learn more on our UK Skilled Worker Visa Legal Services page.
Global Talent Visa for High-Achieving Canadians
The Global Talent Visa may be a strong option for Canadians with significant accomplishments in fields such as technology, engineering, science, medicine, research, academia, or the arts.
Who the Global Talent Visa Is Best For
This route is often suitable for:
- Leaders in their field
- Emerging leaders with exceptional promise
- Individuals who want flexibility without being tied to one employer
- Professionals pursuing research, innovation, or independent work
Benefits of the Global Talent Visa
Unlike sponsored work visas, the Global Talent route does not require a traditional employer sponsor. That makes it especially attractive for highly skilled Canadians who want greater freedom in how they live and work in the UK.
Innovator Founder Visa for Canadian Entrepreneurs
Canadians who want to start a business in the UK may wish to consider the Innovator Founder Visa.
Who Should Consider the Innovator Founder Visa
This route is aimed at applicants who want to launch a business that is innovative, viable, and scalable. In most cases, the proposed business must receive endorsement from an approved body before the visa application proceeds.
Why This Route Appeals to Canadian Founders
For Canadian entrepreneurs, the UK can offer access to major financial markets, international talent, and a strong business environment. This visa can be especially useful for founders expanding beyond Canada.
Learn more on our UK Entrepreneur and Founder Visa Services page.
Global Business Mobility and Intra Company Transfer Routes
Some Canadians move to the UK through multinational employers. In these cases, the Global Business Mobility routes may allow transfer from a Canadian office to a UK entity.
Who Uses Global Business Mobility Routes
These options are often used for:
- Senior managers
- Specialist employees
- Key personnel supporting UK operations
- Multinational businesses moving staff across borders
Why This Route Matters for Corporate Clients
For Canadian professionals already employed by international companies, this can be one of the most efficient ways to relocate to the UK.
Family Based UK Immigration Options for Canadians
Family relationships may also open immigration pathways for Canadians planning to move to the United Kingdom.
Spouse, Partner, and Family Visas
Depending on the circumstances, Canadians may qualify through:
- Spouse or partner visas
- Dependent child visas
- Family reunion routes
- Other family-linked immigration options
UK Ancestry Visa for Canadians
The UK Ancestry Visa can be especially important for Canadians because Canada is a Commonwealth country. Canadians with a qualifying grandparent born in the United Kingdom may be eligible to live and work in the UK through this route.
For the right applicant, this can be one of the strongest long-term immigration options available.
Moving to the UK from Canada for Work, Business, or Family
The right immigration route will depend on the reason for the move.
Moving to the UK from Canada for Employment
Canadians with a job offer will often look first at the Skilled Worker Visa or other employer-sponsored options.
Moving to the UK from Canada as an Entrepreneur
Business owners and founders may benefit more from the Innovator Founder Visa or related business immigration pathways.
Moving to the UK from Canada Through Family or Ancestry
Those with British family ties may have access to more direct routes, including ancestry and family-based visas.
Tax and Residency Considerations for Canadians Living in the UK
Immigration planning should be considered alongside tax planning. Canadians becoming resident in the UK may need to think carefully about cross-border tax exposure and reporting obligations.
Key Tax Issues for Canadians Moving to the United Kingdom
Important considerations may include:
- Worldwide income taxation
- Interaction between Canadian and UK tax rules
- Residency status for tax purposes
- Estate and succession planning
- Property ownership implications
- Possible use of special tax treatment depending on individual circumstances
Why Immigration and Tax Advice Should Be Coordinated
A relocation that works from an immigration perspective may still create avoidable tax issues if not planned properly. Reviewing both areas together can help Canadians relocate with greater certainty.
Learn more on our UK Tax and Residency Advisory Services page.
Best UK Immigration Pathway for Canadians
There is no single best visa for every Canadian moving to the United Kingdom. The strongest strategy depends on the applicant’s professional background, family situation, business plans, and long-term residence goals.
Common Best Fit Scenarios
- Skilled Worker Visa for Canadians with qualifying UK job offers
- Global Talent Visa for highly accomplished professionals
- Innovator Founder Visa for entrepreneurs and founders
- UK Ancestry Visa for Canadians with qualifying British heritage
- Family visas for applicants joining a spouse, partner, or family member
Legal Help for Canadians Moving to the United Kingdom
With multiple immigration routes available, careful planning at the beginning can make a major difference. Canadians moving to the UK often benefit from legal guidance on selecting the right visa category, preparing the application, and structuring a long-term residence strategy.
About the Authors
Mark I Davies, Esq.
Chairman of Davies & Associates; focused on E visa strategy and complex consular filings.
Mark I Davies, Esq. JD, University of Pennsylvania Law School, Licensed with the SRA (SRA ID: 384468) in the UK, Member Law Society of England & Wales, MBA, Wharton School of Business. Top 10 Investment Visa Lawyer, Licensed (USA), Georgia State Bar. AILA Member.
| Area |
Details |
| Education |
JD, University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School | MBA (Finance), The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania | Chartered Accountant (ICAEW) |
| Financial Training |
Completed Analyst Training Program at a major international bank | Chartered Accountant background with professional training in financial analysis and reporting |
| Legal Practice |
Admitted to practice in Georgia (USA) | Registered Solicitor with the Law Society of England & Wales | Former CMBS lawyer at one of the world's largest international law firms |
| Immigration Track Record |
15+ years advising HNW investors | Zero denials for clients advised on source-of-funds compliance in EB-5 | Hundreds of successful EB-5 cases globally |
| Recognition |
Named a Top 25 EB-5 Immigration Attorney by EB5 Investors Magazine (2018–2023) |
| Professional Engagements |
Lecturer/trainer for other lawyers at AILA, ACA, University of Pennsylvania Law School | Frequent speaker at global investment immigration conferences |
