Bookmark this pageBookmark  Print this pagePrint

Canadian Visa Bureau   »   Canadian Visas and Immigration   »   Canada Business Visa   »   Entrepreneur Category   »  Points Test

Entrepreneur Category: Points Test

Info

The Canadian government announced a new entrepreneur visa program in Septemer, 2012.

As a result, a moratorium has been placed on all Entrepreneur Program applications until further details of the new program are announced.

Immigration Minister Jason Kenney announced the changes on 12 September, 2012 and more details are expected to be revealed later in 2012.

Further information about changes to Canada visa policy can be found on the Canada Visa Bureau blog as well as the news section. 


Once you have met the requirements for the Entrepreneur Category you must undergo the Business Points Test. The pass mark for all 3 classes of business immigrants is 35.

You are assessed against 5 selection factors:

For each selection factor, a specific number of selection points are allotted. The following tables will help you estimate how many points you would earn for each factor.

If you have a score lower than a total of 35 points, your application may be refused.

Factor One: Business Experience

Business experience must have been obtained within the period beginning 5 years before the date of application.

Points for Business Experience
Years
Points
2 years 20
3 years 25
4 years 30
5 years 35
Maximum number of points awarded here is 35.

Factor Two: Age

Points are awarded for your age at the time your application is received.

Points for Age
Age
Points
16 and under 0
17 2
18 4
19 6
20 8
21-49 10
50 8
51 6
52 4
53 2
54 and over 0
Maximum number of points awarded here is 10.

Factor Three: Education

Points for Education
Level
Points
You have obtained a Master's or PhD and completed at least 17 years of full-time or full-time equivalent studies. 25
You have obtained 2 or more university educational credentials at the bachelor's level and completed at least 15 years of full-time or full-time equivalent studies. 22
You have obtained a 3-year post-secondary educational credential and completed at least 15 years of full-time or full-time equivalent studies. 22
You have obtained a 2-year educational credential at the bachelor's level and completed at least 14 years of full-time or full-time equivalent studies. 20
For a 2-year diploma, trade certificate or apprenticeship and at least 14 years of full-time or full-time equivalent study. 20
For a 1-year university degree at the bachelor's level and at least 13 years of full-time or full-time equivalent study. 15
You have obtained a 1-year post-secondary educational credential and completed at least 13 years of full-time or full-time equivalent studies. 15
You have obtained a 1-year post-secondary educational credential and completed at least 12 years of full-time of full-time equivalent studies. 12
You completed high school. 5
Maximum number points awarded here is 25.

Factor Four: Language

Points for Language
First Language
  Speaking Listening Reading Writing
High proficiency 4 4 4 4
Moderate proficiency 2 2 2 2
Basic proficiency 1 1 1 1
No proficiency 0 0 0 0
Second Language
High proficiency 2 2 2 2
Moderate proficiency 2 2 2 2
Basic proficiency 1 1 1 1
No proficiency 0 0 0 0
Maximum number of points awarded here is 24.

Factor Five: Adaptability

Points for Adaptability
Task
Points
You have made a business exploration trip to Canada in the period beginning 5 years before the date of your application. 6
You have participated in joint federal-provincial business immigration initiatives. 6
Maximum number of points awarded here is 6.

If you wish to be assessed for adaptability points, it is necessary that your province of destination provide you with documentation indicating that it is satisfied that you have met one or both of the above elements.

For the purpose of awarding points:

If you wish to earn points for adaptability, you should first contact the provincial or territorial government contact for the province/territory to which you are destined.

Top of Page