Entrepreneur

IT Professionals in Canada: How to Enter as Business Visitors Without a Work Permit

Entrepreneur, Work in Canada / Adeel Web

In today’s digital age, Canada remains attractive to skilled IT professionals in Canada worldwide who look toward exploring opportunities in the country without necessarily taking the work permit route. Whether it is to attend meetings, to provide after-sales service, or to explore investment avenues, Canada’s Business Visitor Visa Category offers a very good avenue for technology experts to engage in certain professional activities legally. At Gunness & Associates, we help IT professionals and international companies navigate these pathways smoothly — ensuring compliance with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada regulations while maximizing business potential. Who Is Considered a Business Visitor in Canada? A business visitor is a foreign national who intends to come to Canada and engage in international business activities but will not enter the Canadian labour market, that is, you aren’t getting paid from a Canadian source or accepting an offer of employment that could be held by a Canadian worker. Many IT professionals in Canada, or visiting from abroad, fall under this category when they are attending meetings, providing technical services, or exploring business opportunities, provided they are not joining the workforce locally or receiving wages in Canada. As a business visitor, you can: Attend business meetings, conferences, or training sessions Negotiate contracts or investment deals Provide specialized services after a product sale or installation, such as the installation of software or technical assistance. Explore partnerships or collaborations with Canadian firms. Get a Free Assessment Why Are IT Professionals Eligible for Business Visits? Canada’s IT and technology industries are growing rapidly, leading to high demand for cross-border transactions. Many IT professionals in Canada and around the world qualify as business visitors since they are employed by a company outside Canada that: Has clients or partners in Canada, or Needs to provide services related to a foreign product, such as software or IT equipment For instance, a systems analyst, software engineer, or implementation specialist coming to Canada to install or configure software for a foreign company’s client is usually exempt from the requirement to obtain a work permit. At Gunness & Associates, our experts assess your job duties and company structure to confirm your eligibility — ensuring that your visit fully complies with IRCC’s work permit exemption rules. What Jobs Can I Do Without a Work Permit in Canada? Certain jobs of a short-term, specialized, or business-related nature do not require a work permit in Canada. Here are some examples relevant to IT and business professionals: After-sales service technicians: To install, test or repair software or equipment that your company sold to a Canadian client Consultants and advisors – Providing strategic or technical advice to a Canadian partner without entering the local labour market. Conference or event participants: Attending professional IT events or networking opportunities. Corporate Trainers Providing internal training for the Canadian branch of a multinational. Representatives of foreign companies: to discuss investment opportunities or handle business relationships in Canada. However, these exemptions are highly specific, and even minor errors in job description or purpose of visit may lead to border refusals. That is why professional immigration guidance is essential at every step. Guest Speakers and Workshop Participants Another major classification of business visitors includes foreign nationals visiting Canada for a short duration on an invitation to speak at seminars or participate in some sort of professional workshop. As the role of technology increases in today’s world, there has seen a phenomenal increase in events covering all kinds of IT and technology-based topics. It is hence quite common nowadays to see non-Canadian experts and IT professionals coming to, or leading such sessions in Canada to share specialized skills and knowledge. Such visits enable Canadians and participants from all over the world to have first-hand knowledge of state-of-the-art expertise and innovative thinking on an evolving technology sector. Canada B1 visitor business visa The Canada B1 Visa – Visitor for Business permits entry by foreign nationals in Canada on a temporary basis for legitimate business-related activities and without directly entering the Canadian labor market. This class of visa is particularly suited to those who intend to attend business meetings, conferences, trade fairs, or negotiations of contracts. While a B1 visa may be issued for a business visit, this does not allow foreign nationals to be employed or accept paid work in Canada. In this respect, the B1 offers a very good opportunity for IT professionals in Canada to understand prospective partnerships, attend seminars related to technology, or network with Canadian companies. Business visitors in this category must demonstrate connections to their home country and prove that their visit is temporary, usually lasting for some weeks to a maximum of six months. Why Choose Us for Your Business Visit Application For over 30 years, we have been assisting skilled professionals, including IT professionals in Canada, and global employers in simplifying complex Canadian immigration processes. Our Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant takes full cognizance of the fine details in IRCC policies to ensure that your entry to Canada is smooth, compliant, and stress-free. We help you with: Assessing your eligibility as a business visitor Preparation of all necessary documents and evidence Assistance in visa or eTA applications Advising on future immigration options, including how to transition from business visitor to work permit or PR Canada B1 visitor business visa The Canada B1 Visitor Business Visa is a very popular temporary visa category for individuals whose travel to Canada is required based on short-term business activities like meetings, conferences, negotiations, or exploratory missions to investigate possible collaborations. While this does not entitle one to full-time employment, it is the best pathway for IT Professionals resident in Canada or elsewhere who seek to attend tech events, develop industry networks, meet clients, or explore future work opportunities through legal business visits. With Canada’s fast-growing tech sector and growing need for global innovation, the B1 business visa enables skilled professionals to become informed about the Canadian market, strengthen networks, and lay the foundations for future work permits or longer-term immigration pathways. This makes it the perfect fit for international

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Thunder Bay CEDC Launches Innovative Business Succession Program to Strengthen Local Economy

Entrepreneur / Adeel Web

The Thunder Bay CEDC made a bold and strategic move to build a strong local economy through the introduction of its latest program, Succession Pathways. This confidential advisory program is aimed at facilitating business continuity and enabling local entrepreneurs to have the tools and expert advice necessary for smooth and successful succession. This bold step by the CEDC demonstrates Thunder Bay’s forward thinking in assuring its economic future, maintaining family traditions, and ensuring the dynamism of the business community for decades to come. Empowering Local Entrepreneurs with Succession Support through Thunder Bay CEDC Business succession planning can be an emotional and complicated process, particularly for small and medium-sized businesses developed over the course of generations. Acutely aware of the importance of keeping local businesses as pillars of the community, the Thunder Bay CEDC’s Succession Pathways program provides a customized advisory service that streamlines the process and offers a well-defined path for entrepreneurs. With customized advice from seasoned succession consultants, Thunder Bay entrepreneurs will be assisted with important areas like: Business Valuation and Evaluation Legal and Tax Advisory Services Strategic Transition Planning Matching with Prospective Successors or Acquirers Confidential Counselings and Ongoing Mentorship With one-on-one attention, every business will be given the attention and care it deserves, leading to careful and well-planned transitions. Get a Free Assessment A Strategic Vision for Thunder Bay’s Economic Growth By introducing Succession Pathways, Thunder Bay CEDC is making a strong statement: Thunder Bay CEDC believes in long-term economic stability and generational success. CEO Jamie Taylor highlighted the significance of the program as both a means of safeguarding the region’s business heritage and of opening doors for new possibilities of growth. “Succession Pathways is not only a program—it’s a bridge between the future and past of Thunder Bay’s economy. It preserves family businesses, enables new business leaders, and helps fuel our community’s future development,” Taylor said. Thunder Bay’s economy is driven by innovation, entrepreneurship, and community values. This program assists directly in those values by allowing businesses to continue to be based in the area, preserving jobs, and facilitating a smoother transition of leadership to both existing owners and new successors. Why Business Succession Matters More Than Ever? As entrepreneurs come close to retirement or look to start new ventures, succession planning is in the forefront of their minds. Without a formal transition plan in place, companies face the threat of closure or loss of financial value, affecting not just the owner but workers, clients, and the wider economy as well. The Thunder Bay CEDC meets this concern head-on with its Succession Pathways program. It offers a safe and confidential setting for business owners to consider their options and make informed choices. By having a clear procedure and expert guidance, business transitions can be less intimidating and more effective. This program is particularly beneficial for: Family-owned businesses looking to pass on leadership Entrepreneurs considering selling their business Newcomers or investors seeking to acquire established operations Professionals interested in management buy-ins or succession roles Benefits for the Thunder Bay Community The ripple effect of the Succession Pathways program of Thunder Bay CEDC extends beyond the individual companies. It serves to keep local talent from leaving, and current jobs from disappearing, and existing businesses within the community. By providing for continuity, the program keeps the local economy stable and offers new opportunities for innovation and investment. Some of the direct benefits include: Sustained employment opportunities Increased investor confidence Enhanced entrepreneurial ecosystem Strengthened community ties Long-term economic growth in Thunder Bay What is the rural immigration program in Thunder Bay? The Thunder Bay Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP) is a community immigration program aiming to draw skilled foreign workers into smaller communities with labor shortages. Under this program, qualified employers in Thunder Bay may bring in international talent in high-priority jobs, while successful candidates gain recommendation from the community for Canadian permanent residence. It is locally administered by the Thunder Bay CEDC (Community Economic Development Commission), which reviews applications and confirms that candidates are qualified according to federal and community standards. The program benefits both the economic development of the area and the successful establishment of newcomers with deep community connections and services, in addition to promoting growth in the region. If you want to know more details about “Thunder Bay CEDC Launches Innovative Business Succession Program to Strengthen Local Economy“ you can contact one of our immigration specialists at Gunness & Associates. Gunness & Associates has helped thousands of people successfully immigrate to Canada with their families. Our skilled and experienced immigration experts have the expertise to accurately examine your case and advise you on the best method of proceeding to serve your needs. For Honest And Straightforward Advice, Contact The Experts At Gunness & Associates Get a Free Assessment All rights reserved ©2025 Gunness & Associates

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Will IRCC Launch New Investor Streams?

Entrepreneur / Admin

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is still receiving proposals for new Investor streams, which aim to provide immediate economic benefit to Canada. However, according to the last issue of Lexbase, these plans all fall short of addressing the risks that are always involved with investor initiatives. Based on Canada’s prior experience with investor immigration programs and the present program integrity difficulties still faced by IRCC, the Department of Immigration decided that investing in permanent residency programs at this time is not a good idea. We are asked will IRCC launch new Investor Streams? Investors may use existing and developing channels to enter Canada, such as the Federal Start-Up Visa program or provincial initiatives for entrepreneurs. The Government of Canada is on the lookout for newcomers who have the entrepreneurial experience, the talent, and the innovation to start, manage, or buy a business in the country. Let’s take a look at the several Entrepreneur and Investor Visa options available for those who want to immigrate to Canada. Start-up Visa Program The Start-up Visa Program is a common Business Immigration or “Investor Visa” option that allows you to immigrate to Canada by starting a business anywhere in the country. You and your business will have to meet a set of conditions in order to be successful with your application. Generally, your business must be creative, create jobs for Canadians, and be able to compete internationally. While you wait for your application’s authorization, you can also apply for a temporary work permit to keep you busy in Canada. Start-up Visa Program Requirements Business requirements Once a designated organization commits to your business: all applicants (up to 5 people can apply as owners) must each hold at least 10% of the voting rights attached to all outstanding shares of the business; and together with the designated organization, they must hold more than 50% of the voting rights attached to all outstanding shares of the business. Once you receive permanent residence, you must make sure that: you play an active role in the ongoing management of your business while living in Canada; the essential operations of the business must partly take place in Canada; and your business is incorporated in Canada. Language requirements You must score a minimum of Canadian Language Benchmark level 5 in speaking, reading, listening, and writing in either English or French. Settlement money Because the Canadian government doesn’t give financial support to this “investor” visa, you will have to be able to prove that you have enough money to settle yourself and your family in Canada. Letter of support You must get a letter of support from a designated organization that proves they are willing to invest in and support your start-up. These organizations include: Venture Capital Firms ($200,000 investment); Angel Investor Groups ($75,000 investment); and Business Incubators. Provincial Nominee Program Entrepreneur and Investor Visa Options PNP (The Provincial Nominee Program) gives every province and territory of Canada the power to invite applicants to come and live within their borders if they have the work experience and the right skills. Most the PNPs have at least one entrepreneur or investor visa category dedicated to people who would like to start or expand their business in Canada. If you want to invest in your future and immigrate to Canada with your business venture, you have various Entrepreneur and Investor Visa options available to you, including the general Start-up Visa Program and the provincial-specific Nominee Program. If you succeed with your business immigration application, you and your family can move to Canada together. Do you need help immigrating to Canada or IRCC launch new Investor Streams? Contact our immigration specialist at Gunness & Associates who has been helping thousands of immigrants to come to Canada. Tel: (416) 604-2669 Email: info@immigrationmatters.info You can join our free newsletter for getting updated immigration news. All rights reserved ©2022 Gunness & Associates

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Saskatchewan invited 55 business people under the Entrepreneur Program

Entrepreneur, Saskatchewan / Admin

Saskatchewan invited 55 business people under the Entrepreneur Program on November 3, 2022, the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) conducted the sixth invitation round in the Entrepreneur Program 2022. In this round, SINP invited 55 candidates. This round’s highest Expression of Interest (EOI) score was 120 points. The average score was 100 points. The lowest score was 85, and those applicants were invited to apply only if they scored a CLB level of 5 or higher in English or French. In 2022, Saskatchewan has already invited 325 entrepreneurs. Date Lowest Score Average High EOI Total selections November 03, 2022 85 100 120 55 The last draw, which was held on September 1, 2022, saw 43 letters of expression of interest sent to immigrants who were already residing in the province and had a minimum score between 75 and 130. These immigrants were asked to participate in the Saskatchewan Entrepreneur Draw. The Saskatchewan Entrepreneur stream One of the streams of the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP), a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) run by the province of Saskatchewan, is the Saskatchewan Entrepreneur stream. This stream is suitable for senior business managers or experienced business owners who desire to settle in Saskatchewan. Successful candidates are required to launch a new firm or purchase an existing company where they take part in day-to-day management positions. To find out more details about “The Saskatchewan Entrepreneur Streams Invitations,” you can contact one of our immigration specialists at Gunness & Associates. Tel: (416) 604-2669 Email: info@immigrationmatters.info Gunness & Associates has helped thousands of people successfully immigrate to Canada with their families. Our skilled and experienced immigration experts have the expertise to accurately examine your case and advise you on the best method of proceeding to best serve your needs. For honest and straightforward advice, contact the experts at Gunness & Associates. Get a free Assessment Join our newsletter and get up-to-date immigration news Click here All rights reserved ©2022 Gunness & Associate

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Canada has the largest immigrant share of the population in over 150 years

Entrepreneur, Permanent Residence, Study in Canada, Visit Canada, Work in Canada / Admin

Canada has the largest immigrant share of the population in over 150 years On October 26, 2022, Statistics Canada published the sixth round of the Census data report, announcing that immigrants made up almost a fourth of the Canadian population, which is the largest share in over 150 years. Statistics show that as of 2021, 8.3 million people in Canada were landed immigrants or permanent residents, which is about 23% of the population. This number has increased since the Confederation and is currently the highest among all G7 countries. As the Canadian population ages and fertility levels are below the population replacement level, immigration becomes Canada’s primary driver for population growth. The highest percentage of immigrants among the G7 In 2021, about a quarter (23%) of the population, or more than 8.3 million people, were or had ever been landed immigrants or permanent residents in Canada, according to the report. This was the highest percentage among the G7 and the biggest percentage since the Confederation, breaking the previous record of 22.3% set in 1921. Four-fifths of the increase in the labor force from 2016 to 2021 was due to immigration. In the same period, the number of people living in private households in Canada increased by 5.4%, with new or recent immigrants contributing 71.1% of that rise. The survey also predicts that, if current trends hold, immigrants might make up as much as 29.1% of Canada’s population by 2041. In Canada, more than half of recent immigrants were accepted under the economic category. According to StatsCan, little over one-third (34.5%) of these 748,120 economic immigrants were chosen through skilled worker programs, and another third (33.6%) were chosen through the Provincial Nominee Program. To find out more details about “Canada has the Largest immigrant share of the population”, you can contact one of our immigration specialists at Gunness & Associates. Tel: (416) 604-2669 Email: info@immigrationmatters.info Gunness & Associates has helped thousands of people successfully immigrate to Canada with their families. Our skilled and experienced immigration experts have the expertise to accurately examine your case and advise you on the best method of proceeding to best serve your needs. For honest and straightforward advice, contact the experts at Gunness & Associates. Get a free Assessment Join our newsletter and get up-to-date immigration news Click here All rights reserved ©2022 Gunness & Associate

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Canada tripled the number of start-up visa approvals.

Entrepreneur, Work in Canada / Admin

Business people are flocking to Canada thanks to the Start-Up Visa program. According to the latest data from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), nearly three times as many entrepreneurs have set up businesses in Canada through the Start-Up Visa program this year compared to last year. 420 permanent residents have come to Canada in the first eight months of this year under the Start-Up Visa program, which is 189.6% more than the 145 new permanent residents during that time last year. Even though Canada got a record number of permanent residents (406,031) last year, the number of people who came through the Start-Up Visa program was much lower. But this year’s success is more than just a bounce-back from 2021 when the number of visitors was unusually low. Canada to welcome more permanent residents through Start-Up visa Canada Immigrants who wish to launch a business in Canada frequently use the Start-Up visa. Through this scheme, 325 permanent residents were admitted to Canada between January and June. If this pace continued, 385 additional applicants would be granted a permanent residency at the end of this year. This year, the SUV program is drawing more business owners, which will lead to a 150 percent increase in the number of new permanent residents welcomed. Compared to federal worker programs like the Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) and Federal Skilled Trade (FST), provincial nominee programs (PNP), or regional economic development programs like the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) and Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot, the SUV program produces significantly fewer new permanent residents overall (RNIP). The table below shows how many entrepreneurs were invited to Canada in the first seven months of 2022. Month Canada SUV invites Month Canada SUV invites January 55 February 40 March 60 April 20 May 60 June 70 July 45 At the current pace, 630 permanent residents can be invited by the end of 2022 through the Start-Up visa program, with an average invitation rate of 52.5%. By virtue of the SUV program, British Columbia and Ontario are likely to benefit more than any other. For the SUV, the following basic requirements: A legitimate business; a statement of support and commitment from a recognized organization; Both English or French fluency at the minimum Canadian Language Benchmark level 5 and adequate unrestricted, available, and transferrable settlement funds are required. To find out more details about “Canada SUV”, you can contact one of our immigration specialists at Gunness & Associates. Tel: (416) 604-2669 Email: info@immigrationmatters.info Gunness & Associates has helped thousands of people successfully immigrate to Canada with their families. Our skilled and experienced immigration experts have the expertise to accurately examine your case and advise you on the best method of proceeding to best serve your needs. For honest and straightforward advice, contact the experts at Gunness & Associates. Get a free Assessment Join our newsletter and get up-to-date immigration news Click here All rights reserved ©2022 Gunness & Associate

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Nova Scotia held new draws under the Entrepreneur streams

Entrepreneur / Admin

On November 3, 2022, the Government of Nova Scotia published the results of the year’s first draws in the Entrepreneur Streams of the Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP). In the latest Entrepreneur Stream draw Date Of Draw Invitations Score November 1, 2022 6 The lowest score of 128 points 9 points fewer than in the previous draw from December 22, 2021. In addition, Nova Scotia invited 6 candidates through the International Graduate Entrepreneur stream, with a minimum score of 47 points. In total, the province invited 12 business candidates in 2022. Nova Scotia Entrepreneur Streams One of the streams of the Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP), a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) run by the province of Nova Scotia, is the Nova Scotia Entrepreneur stream. This stream is intended for senior business managers or experienced business owners who desire to settle in Nova Scotia. In order to apply to the Entrepreneur streams, candidates must: Be a minimum of 21 years old, Be able to make a personal investment to establish a business in Nova Scotia Prove active ownership and management of a company for at least three years. Pass an official language test in either English or French with a minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level 5 across all domains, and Desire to settle in Nova Scotia and operate a business there To find out more details about “The Nova Scotia Entrepreneur streams”, you can contact one of our immigration specialists at Gunness & Associates. Tel: (416) 604-2669 Email: info@immigrationmatters.info Gunness & Associates has helped thousands of people successfully immigrate to Canada with their families. Our skilled and experienced immigration experts have the expertise to accurately examine your case and advise you on the best method of proceeding to best serve your needs. For honest and straightforward advice, contact the experts at Gunness & Associates. Get a free Assessment Join our newsletter and get up-to-date immigration news Click here All rights reserved ©2022 Gunness & Associate

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Canada Needs a Large Number of Foreign Workers

Entrepreneur / Adeel Web

Canada Needs a Large Number of Foreign Workers The Business Council of Canada (BCC) recently published a study that emphasizes the significance of immigration to businesses and the Canadian economy. The BCC’s 80-member firms were polled for this research, which focused on increasing the use of Canada’s immigration program. These organizations have about 1,650,000 employees across 20 different sectors. According to the report, almost two-thirds of firms using the immigration system are actively hiring employees. The remaining businesses employ individuals who have already settled in Canada. Furthermore, two-thirds of companies that currently use the immigration system expect to do so for the next three years. Join our newsletter and get up-to-date immigration news Click here. Employees Across 20 Different Sectors These 80 companies hired nearly 1,650,000 Canadians in more than 20 industries, generating revenues of approximately $1.2 trillion in 2020. Agriculture 1 Automotive 3 Chemicals/Fertilizer 3 Consultants/Accounting 2 Energy/Utilities 8 Engineering/ Construction/Offshore Services 7 Financial 13 Food and Beverage Manufacturing 2 Food and Drug Retailers 1 High Technology Manufacturing 5 Holding Companies/Diversified Financials 3 Industrial/ConsumerManufacturing 4 Information Technology 10 Insurance 2 Merchandisers 1 Metals/Mining 2 Paper/Forestry 1 Real Estate/Property/Land Development 3 Services 3 Telecom/Media 3 Transportation/Couriers 3 Canada Needs a Large Number of Foreign Workers Get a free foreign workers Assessment The outcome of the largest survey Canada’s labor crunch Skills shortages are widespread Employers are struggling to fill technical roles Labor shortages are forcing most employers to cancel or delay projects Two out of three surveyed employers recruit workers through the immigration system Employers expect to make increased use of the immigration system Employers are most reliant on programs for highly skilled workers Employers are overwhelmingly satisfied with their international recruits Supporting newcomers succeed Some immigrants face challenges adjusting to their new environment. Employers recognize these challenges and say they are committed to helping newcomers succeed. Every employer strongly believes that businesses have an important role in helping newcomers succeed. Support for employees who were recruited from abroad includes: Training – Many employers offer newcomers training support which includes language and cultural training, professional development opportunities, mentoring, etc. Recognition of foreign credentials – Some employers assign recently hired employees to a related unlicensed position until the newcomer meets the license requirements of the job for which he/she applied. Relocation services – Some employers help with moving expenses and provide newcomers with temporary accommodation. Community support – Many companies in the survey reported working with charities, non-profit groups, and other community organizations that assist newcomers to Canada. To know more details about applying for Canadian foreign workers you can contact one of our immigration specialists at Gunness & Associates. Tel: (416) 604-2669 Email: info@immigrationmatters.info All rights reserved ©2022 Gunness & Associates

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