﻿ Canada Targets Immigrant Entrepreneurs

Canada Targets Immigrant Entrepreneurs

By ExpatBriefing.com Editorial 26 April, 2012

The Canadian government has launched consultations on plans for a new "start-up visa" designed to attract immigrant entrepreneurs and bolster the economy.

The consultation was opened by Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism Minister Jason Kenney. He said: "Canada cannot afford to lose out in the competition for foreign entrepreneurs among immigrant-receiving countries. We need to proactively target a new type of immigrant entrepreneur who has the potential to build innovative companies that can compete on a global scale and create jobs for Canadians.

Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) is to head up the consultation, and will seek views from industry associations. Under the proposals, the government could create new, short-term programmes under the Economic Immigration Class. These programmes would be limited to no more than 2,750 applications per year and would end after five years. If a programme proves successful during the trial period and the government wishes to maintain it, CIC would be required to formally introduce the new economic class in the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations.

According to Kenney, linking immigrant entrepreneurs with private sector organizations that have experience and expertise working with start-ups will be important as newcomers often require outside assistance in successfully navigating the Canadian business environment. Our government is committed to strengthening the immigration system to make it truly proactive, targeted, fast and efficient in a way that will sustain Canadas economic growth and deliver prosperity for the future, he concluded.

Tags: Expatriates | Investment | Business | Law | Entrepreneurs | Professionals | Legislation | Canada | Legislation Amendments |


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