Business Immigrants: Permanent Residency

Business Immigrants Dept: The provincial government holds up as a sign of progress its 60 per cent success rate in attracting investment from business immigrants. Others say the program is simply a way to let a lot of affluent applicants buy permanent residency in Canada. Manitoba does not have the data to argue otherwise, according to Winnipeg Free Press. Most federal economic immigrants have always headed to British Columbia, Ontario and Quebec. That explains why B.C., has much tighter requirements for business-class immigrants under its provincial program. Rather than offering permanent residency immediately, it requires a prospective business investors to enter with a working visa. If he or she establishes a business, B.C. then asks Ottawa to give permanent residency status and dALE CUMMINGS The program, launched in 2000, requires business immigrants under the provincial nominee program to put up $75,000 before coming and then, given permanent residency, to invest in a business within two years or forfeit the deposit. But Manitoba does not analyze the annual rate of investment or whether those who don't invest stay here. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.