Canada Citizenship By Investment [Updated Guide 2025]

Transitioning from Business Immigration to Canadian Citizenship

Investors can gain permanent residency through various economic immigration pathways —such as the Start-Up Visa (SUV), Self-Employed Program, Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) Entrepreneur Streams and Entrepreneur Work Permits. Your journey to citizenship follows this path:

1. Obtain Permanent Residence (PR)

Most business immigration programs require entrepreneurs and investors to operate a business in Canada for a certain period before they can apply for PR. The PR process varies depending on the program:

• Start-Up Visa (SUV): Must secure funding from a designated organization and actively manage the business.
• Self-Employed Program: Requires a proven history of significant contributions in cultural or athletic fields.
• PNP Entrepreneur Streams: Entrepreneurs must fulfill business performance conditions before being nominated for PR.

Once PR is obtained, you can start preparing for the citizenship process.

2. Meet Residency Obligations

To apply for Canadian citizenship, you must meet the physical presence requirement:

• Reside in Canada for at least 1,095 days (three years) in the 5 years before applying.
• Time spent as a temporary resident (before PR) may count as half-days (up to a maximum of 365 days).
• Ensure compliance with tax filing obligations during these years.

3. Language Proficiency

Applicants aged 18 to 54 must prove proficiency English or French proficiency at CLB 4 (Canadian Language Benchmark)

• IELTS: 4.5 (Listening/Speaking), 4.0 (Reading/Writing)
• TEF Canada: 181 (Listening/Speaking), 121 (Reading/Writing)
• Completion of secondary/post-secondary education in English or French.
• Must provide test results from approved agencies (no exceptions for business immigrants)
• Tests must be less than 2 years old at citizenship application

4. Pass the Citizenship Test & Interview

Applicants aged 18 to 54 must take a citizenship test covering:

• Canadian history, values, symbols, and government.
• Rights and responsibilities of citizens.
• Basic geography.

The test is followed by an interview with an immigration officer.

5. Take the Oath of Citizenship

Once approved, you will be invited to a citizenship ceremony to take the Oath of Citizenship, officially becoming a Canadian citizen.