Why Canada's investor visas are among world's best
What's the story
Canada's investor visa program has been ranked among the top five in the world, according to the 2025 Global Residence Program Index by Henley & Partners.
The country's strong economy, business-friendly environment, and competitive corporate tax rates are some of the reasons that make this program so attractive to investors.
This honor is further supported by US News & World Report's 2024 Best Countries ranking, where Canada was rated the fourth-best country to live in.
Visa types
A closer look at Canada's investor visa program
The Canada Investment Visa, or the Immigrant Investor Programme (IIP), has been suspended since 2014.
However, rich Indians still have immigration routes like the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP), Quebec Immigrant Investor Program (QIIP), and Start-up Visa Programme.
These programs offer foreign investors opportunities to obtain permanent residency or citizenship in Canada by meeting specific investment criteria and contributing to the Canadian economy.
Program details
Investment programs: A gateway to Canadian residency
QIIP mandates investing CAD 1.2 million in a government-backed passive investment for five years.
AAIP requires a minimum investment of CAD 180,000, while the Start-Up Visa Programme asks for backing from designated Canadian investors for innovative business ideas that can create jobs.
Other programs include the Provincial Nominee Programmes (PNP), the Saskatchewan Immigrant Entrepreneur Programme, the Manitoba Business Investor Stream, and the British Columbia Entrepreneur Immigration Programme, all having investment and eligibility criteria.
Cost comparison
Canada's investor visa: A cost-effective option
Among international investment programs, the AAIP is one of the cheapest, asking for only CAD 180,000.
This is much lower than other residence-by-investment or business-led investment programs in English-speaking countries, including Australia, the UK, the US, and New Zealand.
The US EB-5 program asks for $800,000, while the UK's Tier 1 Investor Visa demands £2 million.
Application process
Applying for Canada's investor visa
For AAIP, interested applicants first send an Expression of Interest (EOI) to the Alberta government outlining their qualifications, business experience, and investment plans.
If invited, they can apply for the Alberta Provincial Nominee Programme (PNP). After being nominated by the PNP, they can apply for permanent residency through Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
The Start-up Visa Programme has its own requirements, including proficiency in English or French through a language test.