Does having a business in Canada affect the eligibility or process for applying for a study visa or permanent residency?

It depends. Owning a business in Canada can impact your eligibility for a study visa and permanent residency, but the effect varies by immigration pathway and your level of involvement.

For a study visa, you can own a business as an international student, but your study permit restricts work to 20 hours/week during academic sessions (full-time during breaks). Running your business counts toward this limit - exceeding it can risk your visa status.

For permanent residency, business ownership may help if you pursue:
- Start-up Visa Program: Requires support from a designated Canadian organization and active involvement.
- Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs): Some provinces offer entrepreneur streams with investment and job creation requirements.
- Owner-Operator Work Permit: Allows you to manage your business and may lead to permanent residency if you meet Express Entry criteria.

Requirements and policies are subject to change.