Investment Visa Comparison | Migration Overseas

Investment Programs

Compare Investor Visas

Different countries offer varying investment requirements and benefits. Choose based on your capital availability and immigration goals.

🇨🇦

Canada Business Immigration

No federal investor program open to new applicants

Status

The federal Immigrant Investor Program was terminated in 2014 (IRCC notice dated June 19, 2014). The Start-Up Visa Program closed to new applications on December 31, 2025, and the final window for holders of a 2025 commitment certificate ended on June 30, 2026. IRCC has said a new entrepreneur pilot will follow, but none has launched as of November 6, 2026.

Alternatives

Some provinces run their own entrepreneur or business streams. Availability, investment amounts and processing times differ by province, so check each province's official page before planning.

Status

Closed (federal)

Path to PR

Provincial streams only

🇦🇺

Australia Business Innovation

Subclass 188A/B Visa (closed to new applicants)

Status

The Business Innovation and Investment program (188) is closed to new applications. The alternative is the National Innovation visa (subclass 858), which is by invitation through an Expression of Interest and requires an internationally recognised record of exceptional achievement. The details below are for reference only.

Investment Required

AUD 1.25 million (Business) / 5 million (Investor)

Processing Time

4-6 months (state sponsorship additional)

Family Included

Spouse and dependent children included

Success Rate

N/A (closed)

Path to PR

888 for existing 188 holders only

🇺🇸

USA EB-5 Investor

Employment-Based Fifth Preference

Investment Required

USD 1.05 million (USD 800k for targeted areas)

Processing Time

2-4 years including background checks

Family Included

Spouse and children under 21 included

UK Investor and Innovator Founder

Tier 1 Investor (closed) and Innovator Founder

Status

The Tier 1 (Investor) visa, which required a GBP 2 million investment, is closed: gov.uk states that you can no longer apply for a new Tier 1 (Investor) visa. The Innovator Founder visa is the nearest business route.

Investment Required

Innovator Founder: gov.uk states no minimum investment, but an endorsing body must assess that the business idea meets the requirements

Processing Time

Innovator Founder: usually a decision within 3 weeks from outside the UK and 8 weeks from inside the UK

Visa Length

3 years, extendable

Path to ILR

Currently 3 years; rules changing

Quick Comparison

Investment Comparison

Factor	Canada	Australia	USA	UK
Min Investment	Closed (federal)	Closed to new applicants	USD 800k	Innovator Founder: none stated (Tier 1 Investor closed)
Processing	N/A (closed)	N/A (closed)	2-4 yrs	Innovator Founder: usually 3 wks outside UK
Family Eligible	N/A (closed)	N/A (closed)	Yes	Yes
PR/ILR Path	N/A (closed)	N/A (closed)	Green Card	Innovator Founder: currently 3 yrs, rules changing

Investment Visas Overview

Advantages & Considerations

Key Advantages

Direct path to permanent residency or citizenship
Entire family can immigrate together
Faster processing compared to skilled migration
Business opportunities in new country
Access to business networks and resources
Investment potential for wealth creation
Sponsor family members in future
Access to world-class education and healthcare

Challenges to Consider

High capital requirement (multiple millions)
Risk of investment loss if business fails
Complex business and financial requirements
Language proficiency still required in some
Business experience and track record needed
Ongoing investment monitoring and reporting
Market risks in new investment location
May require proof of funds legitimacy

Common Questions

Investor Visa FAQs

What's the minimum investment required?

Minimum investments vary significantly. Canada has no federal investor program open to new applicants, and its Start-Up Visa closed on December 31, 2025. Australia's 188 business visa is closed to new applicants (the alternative is the National Innovation visa 858). USA EB-5 requires USD 800k-1.05 million. The UK Tier 1 (Investor) visa is closed, and the Innovator Founder visa has no minimum investment stated on gov.uk but requires endorsement of the business. The amount depends on the program and your specific circumstances.

Are family members included in investor visas?

Yes, most investor visa programs include spouses and dependent children. The exact definition of dependents varies by country, but typically includes children under 21-25. Some programs may have conditions for adult children.

How long does investor visa processing take?

Processing times vary widely. The UK Innovator Founder visa usually receives a decision within 3 weeks from outside the UK and 8 weeks from inside the UK, according to gov.uk. USA EB-5 takes 2-4 years. Canada and Australia have no business or investor program open to new applicants at the moment. Times vary based on application completeness and background checks.

What happens if my business fails?

Each country has different rules. In Canada and Australia, once you have PR, business failure typically doesn't affect status. USA EB-5 requires job creation - if not met, your green card can be denied. UK Innovator Founder holders must show that the business continues to meet the requirements when they extend or settle. Consult a lawyer before applying for your specific situation.

Do I need business experience?

Requirements differ by program. USA EB-5 primarily focuses on investment amount and job creation. The UK Innovator Founder visa requires an endorsing body to assess the business idea. Canada and Australia have no business or investor program open to new applicants at the moment. Documentation of your business background is useful for any program.

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