New Canadian visa scheme for entrepreneurs

A new scheme is being launched by Canadian immigration officials in Saskatchewan, with the intention of attracting foreign entrepreneurs to the region to boost business and employment.

The plan involves establishing new business immigration streams as part of the new Canadian immigration strategy.

The strategy focuses on attracting investment and entrepreneurs who may want to start new firms in Saskatchewan, thus creating jobs for the local people.

"Our new immigration initiative acknowledges the importance of entrepreneurship by building bridges between potential residents of Saskatchewan and the industries and businesses that will benefit from their investment and skills," says the province’s minister of advanced education, employment and labour, Rob Norris, who is also responsible for Canadian immigration in the region.

Under the plan, 250 immigrants will be nominated under the entrepreneurship category of the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program, over a two-year period. This will help to create around 900 new jobs, according to Norris.

Earlier this month Norris said that he expected the province to grant as many as 10,000 new Canadian visas, over the coming 12 to 18 months, through the nominee programme. He said of the new arrivals, “they are bringing new ideas, new knowledge and new networks to Saskatchewan and they're helping to reinvigorate our communities.”