Canada Citizenship by Investment changes have been implemented to raise the bar for foreign nationals. These immigration programs seek to fill the gaps in the labor market, boost economic value, and accept only the most qualified people.

It’s hard to keep up with the latest changes, as the government constantly updates its eligibility criteria and investment requirements. But we can help. This article provides detailed guidelines on all the updates to the immigration process and how to gain permanent residency through investment.

Keep reading to find out:

Canada Citizenship by Investment Changes — Quick Overview

There is no direct path to Canadian citizenship through investment. Foreign entrepreneurs cannot buy citizenship. However, they can participate in business immigration programs, which may eventually provide them with permanent residence and, in time, citizenship.

Canada provides various business immigration programs, such as the Quebec Immigrant Investor Program (QIIP), Canada Start-Up Visa Program (SUV), and Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs). These programs target foreign nationals with innovative business ideas, high-demand skills, and the potential to invest in the Canadian economy.

The latest changes to Canada’s Citizenship by Investment program directly affect these business immigration schemes. The Canadian government has introduced higher investment thresholds, new processing times, and a more competitive application process. It prioritizes business projects with an economic advantage.

The new goals provide short-term value and long-term yield. They attract better-quality investments that prioritize sustainability. They contribute to job creation, economic transformation, and healthy business dynamics.

The updated immigrant investor programs are more competitive for foreign entrepreneurs. Only those with compelling business plans, innovative ideas, and adequate funding are likely to succeed.

What is the Canada Citizenship by Investment program?

Canada citizenship by investment changes GCSCitizenship by investment, or economic citizenship, is a legal process that secures lifelong citizenship for wealthy investors. Foreign nationals invest significant funds in a host country in exchange for a new nationality and an alternative passport.

However, there is no direct access to Canada citizenship by investment. No amount of financial capability can grant you citizenship in Canada. Foreign entrepreneurs and wealthy investors must first apply for an investment program and secure permanent residency before they can obtain Canadian citizenship.

The most sought-after programs for immigrants are the:

  • Quebec Immigrant Investor Program (QIIP)
  • Canada Startup Visa (SUV)
  • Canada’s Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)

Each program has different eligibility, documentation, and incentives. They are significant projects that provide and maintain operational assets. Recently, the government has made some significant changes, which can affect investment opportunities.

Benefits of residence by investment in Canada

  • Right to live and work anywhere in Canada
  • Fast-growing economy
  • Growing start-up ecosystem
  • Sponsorship for family members
  • Free public schooling
  • Healthcare coverage
  • High quality of life
  • Pathway to Canadian citizenship

Recent Changes to Canada Citizenship by Investment

The recent changes to Canada’s immigration programs aim to boost innovation, economic growth, and infrastructure development. They align with investment priorities across different provinces based on the current market needs.

The government implemented new policies, regulations, and minimum investments for residential and commercial properties. The Canada Citizenship by Investment changes mainly affect the Quebec Immigration Investor Program (QIIP), Canada Startup Visa (SUV), and Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP).

Changes to the Quebec Immigrant Investor Program (QIIP)

QIIP is a passive investor program for experienced, high-net-worth business persons. The program operates strictly in the Quebec province. Investors must settle in Quebec and invest with a personal net worth of at least CAD$ 2,000,000.

The Quebec immigrant investor program uses these funds to support local businesses and other development projects. To apply, the main applicants must have French proficiency, business management skills, and be financially self-sufficient.

On 1 November 2019, the government suspended the Quebec citizenship program to review it and make changes. On 1 January 2024, it was reopened.

Here are the changes in Canada’s citizenship by investment for QIIP:

  • Minimum investment: As of 2024, the Quebec immigrant investor program requires you to invest CAD$ 1,200,000. These funds are split into two parts. The first $200,000 goes to the Quebec government. It is a non-refundable contribution fee. The other $1,000,000 goes to a government-approved fund. You get it back in five years, but without earning any interest.
  • Removed application quotas: Before, there was a limit on how many people could apply annually. Now, there are no limits. You can apply anytime if you meet the requirements.
  • Higher language requirements: You must demonstrate level 7 French proficiency.
  • New work permit step: Before applying for permanent residence, you must get a work permit.
  • No residence application deadline: You no longer have a deadline to apply for permanent residence.
  • Education: You must provide at least a secondary school diploma.
  • No selection grid: Instead of using a selection grid (or point system), the government will only consider whether you meet the specific program requirements, such as investment, education, language skills, etc.

Changes to Canada Start-up Visa Program

Canada Start-up Visa (SUV program) is an immigration program that targets foreign nationals eager to establish a business in Canada. Successful applicants with excellent business management skills can gain permanent residence.

The Canada Start-up Visa attracts foreign entrepreneurs that can benefit the Canadian market. Their innovative business proposal can create jobs, compete globally, and stimulate the Canadian economy.

Here is how the recent changes affect the Canada investor visa:

  • Open work permits: Applicants for the Start-up Visa program can obtain a three-year open work permit. Previously, they could only use a closed work permit, restricting them to working exclusively on their own business. The new update now enables entrepreneurs to work for any employer in Canada and earn extra money by working elsewhere. They can also bring their immediate family members.
  • Sufficient settlement funds: No minimum investment amount is required for the Start-up Visa program. But you must bring at least $200,000 to settle and cover personal and living expenses.
  • Business funds: Launching and maintaining a business requires a substantial investment. You must declare you have more than $10,000 in cash before you cross the border to Canada.
  • Competition: The Start-up Visa program has limited application slots. A designated organization (e.g., angel investment groups, venture capital funds, or business incubators) can back up to 10 applications annually. It is now more difficult to secure support from a business incubator for this immigration program.
  • Priority processing: The Start-up Visa program prioritizes applicants backed by designated organizations with committed capital and those supported by Canada’s Tech Network. The administrative fees to secure backing for the investment visa can cost anywhere from $10,000 to $50,000.
  • Longer processing times: Due to the limited application slots, permanent residency applications can take longer to process. Currently, the processing time for the Canada Start-up Visa program is about 40 months.

This investment program offers Canadian permanent residency to people with above-average net worth. However, to gain Canadian citizenship by investment, applicants must meet all the requirements. A Canada Startup Visa lawyer can help compile the necessary documents and streamline your process.

Changes to Canada’s Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)

Provincial nominee programs (PNPs) are a set of immigration programs for workers with the skills, work experience, and education to benefit the economy of a particular province. PNPs provide a pathway for Canadian permanent residence.

Provinces select economic or business immigrants to settle there and fill job vacancies or manage a business. Some PNPs have minimum investment amounts, but this mainly applies to entrepreneur streams rather than general worker streams.

But, compared to other immigration programs, general worker streams are usually reserved for people with an average or below-average net worth. Some immigration programs require a physical presence. You usually must settle and work in the province you apply for.

PNPs have undergone a series of changes across different provinces. The key updates on Canada’s immigrant investor programs include:

  • Provincial immigration cut in half: In 2024, Immigration Minister Marc Miller stated that Canada will reduce admissions for PNPs by 50 percent in 2025.
  • Faster processing time: Many provinces, like Ontario and British Columbia, use Expression of Interest (EOI) systems to manage applications, improve processing times, and reduce delays.
  • Temporary program suspensions: Some provinces, such as New Brunswick and Manitoba, suspended specific pathways due to high demand.
  • New streams: Many provinces, like Alberta and Nova Scotia, introduced new streams to their immigration programs. These streams helped address specific labor market needs, such as agriculture, health, hospitality, and tourism.

PNPs don’t grant direct permanent residency status. They provide a nomination, which can help you gain permanent residency. You become a valuable member of Canadian society and contribute to the local economy. This immigration process is the very first step to acquiring Canadian citizenship.

Path to Canadian Citizenship — Other Updates

To obtain citizenship, you must first have a permanent resident status. You must have lived in Canada for at least three years in the past five years.

You must also file taxes, prove English or French proficiency, and pass the Canadian citizenship test on Canada’s history, rights, and responsibilities.

The Canadian government has updated the process for acquiring Canadian citizenship. The latest changes are listed below.

Who can pass down their Canadian Citizenship

Before July 2020, only a biological parent could pass down their Canadian citizenship to their children, who would then be eligible for a Canadian passport.

After July 2020, non-biological parents can pass down their Canadian citizenship to their children born in another country, as long as they are the child’s legal parent when that child is born.

For your children to become Canadian citizens, you must apply for a citizenship certificate.

Children born abroad don’t automatically become Canadian citizens. You must apply for your adopted children to become Canadian citizens.

Changes to physical presence requirement

To apply for Canadian citizenship, you must be in Canada for three of the last five years, without any specific number of days required each year.

Previously, you had to be in the country for four out of six years and spend at least 183 days in each of those four years before you applied for Canadian citizenship.

Now, the days you spend in Canada before you obtain permanent residency count as half days, up to a maximum of one year (365 days), within five years of applying for Canadian citizenship.

Previously, the time you lived in Canada before you became a permanent resident didn’t count toward the physical presence requirement for Canadian citizenship.

Changes to language proficiency

Canadian citizens use English or French as their official languages. When you apply for permanent residence, you also take a test to prove you have the necessary language skills and pass the Citizenship test.

Now, people between 18 and 54 must take the Citizenship test and meet the language requirements. Previously, the age gap was between 14 and 64.

How do these changes affect investors?

Canadian immigration laws directly affect foreign investors. The current business immigration programs create new challenges and opportunities.

These include:

  • Higher financial commitment: The minimum investment is increased for high-net-worth investors. Be ready to spend more on upfront costs with immigration programs like QIIP or the Start-up Visa.
  • More competition: The Start-up Visa immigration program has limited slots, making securing backing and obtaining permanent residency more difficult. Investors may need to diversify their business proposals and create innovative solutions.
  • Longer processing time: Some immigration programs, like the Start-up Visa, take longer to process. Investors may want to apply for a work permit while they wait for a Canadian permanent residence.
  • Higher language requirement: The immigration program in Quebec has higher language standards. Investors must now demonstrate level 7 French proficiency to gain a Canadian permanent residence.

Future of Canada's Citizenship by Investment Program

Canada Citizenship by Investment changes are constantly evolving, and the government will likely introduce further policies based on the political and economic landscape. Business immigration programs are a driving factor for entrepreneurs, investors, and self-employed individuals. They attract global talent and boost economic value.

How Can Global Citizen Solutions Help You?

Global Citizen Solutions is a boutique migration consultancy firm with years of experience delivering bespoke residence and citizenship by investment solutions for international families. With offices worldwide and an experienced, hands-on team, we have helped hundreds of clients worldwide acquire citizenship, residence visas, or homes while diversifying their portfolios with robust investments. 

We guide you from start to finish, taking you beyond your citizenship or residency by investment application. 

  

FAQs About Canada Citizenship by Investment Changes

How do Canadian immigration laws affect foreign investors?

Immigration laws in Canada provide different paths for investment, such as the Start-up Visa or Quebec Investor program. If foreign nationals fulfill the investment requirements, these programs can help them obtain permanent residence. Investors from many countries come to Canada due to the stable business environment.

How can I obtain Canadian citizenship through investment?

You must first be a permanent resident before you become a citizen. After meeting the Canadian residence requirements, you may apply for Canadian citizenship. However, you must be familiar with Canadian history, pass the citizenship test, and attend a ceremony. Finally, you can apply for a Canadian passport.

Can I get a visa-on-arrival with a Canadian residence?

Canadian permanent residence (PR) offers various visa-free travel benefits worldwide. A PR status gives you the freedom to travel to many countries that provide visa-on-arrival to Canadian PR holders, like Mexico. Check the visa requirements for each country before you travel with permanent residence.

What are the benefits of a business residency in Canada?

Business residency allows you to manage or invest in a Canadian business. You can invest in an existing Canadian business if you don’t want to build from scratch. By tapping into the local market, you create a pathway to permanent residence through investment.

Can foreign investors in Canada get dual citizenship?

Canada recognizes dual citizenship. You don’t have to renounce your original nationality after you become a Canadian citizen. However, not all countries allow multiple citizenships. Check your current country’s laws and regulations before applying for Canadian residence and citizenship.

How can an innovative foreign company benefit from Canada's investment programs?

Canada has a stable business climate and provides low business taxes for companies. The total taxes businesses have to pay in Canada are the lowest compared to those in other G7 countries. The G7 are major economies, like the United States, Germany, and France.