The Newfoundland and Labrador government is adding two new categories within the provincial nominee program: international entrepreneur and international graduate entrepreneur. Before this action, becoming a permanent resident was not an easy feat. Sahand Seifi and Joe Teo were international students studying at Memorial University in St. John’s when they realized there was an opportunity in the province. They also realized how hard it would be to become a permanent resident. Teo said there were many hoops, and you had to be creative with the application process to make sure you fell into the guidelines. Canadian immigration is a possibility when you meet the eligibility requirements and receive the highest level of guidance through the process. BecomeACanadian can guide you through every step and make sure your applications are filed correctly.
Teo agreed that the new process would make the path toward permanent residency clearer. “I think it makes a huge difference, it just takes the worry out of anyone who wants to start a business,” he said. Seifi, from Iran, and Teo, from Malaysia, operate HeyOrca!, a social media business that has 30 employees in St. John’s and five additional locations in Toronto. Seifi said there are challenges, but there are also awesome opportunities that you won’t find in other areas. Although the new immigration options will not benefit these two entrepreneurs, Seifi said it would bring relief to some of the international students he works with. BecomeACanadian has a team of immigration experts who are dedicated to helping people achieve their dream of living in Canada. They can walk you through the Canadian immigration process and answer any question you may have.
Al Hawkins, of the Department of Advanced Education, Skills and Labor, said there are checks and balances to make sure immigrants applying under the new categories will stay in the province. He said they could graduate from Memorial University or choose to become an international entrepreneur. They will be granted access to set up a business and then, after remaining in operation for a year, apply for permanent residency. Contact BecomeACanadian to join the immigrants who make up 2.4 percent of the population in Newfoundland and Labrador. They can make sure all of your questions are answered and their team of professionals can help you with the application process.
