The Provincial Government is cautioning the public about passive investment immigration schemes that are currently being promoted by some entities within the province and elsewhere in Canada.

A passive investment immigration scheme is an agreement in which a foreign investor provides money for a business proposition in exchange for permanent residence to Canada, without the intention to reside in a jurisdiction or be directly involved in business operations. Passive investment immigration schemes may also include requests to hire specific international workers, in exchange for direct investment in a business or economic development project.

This practice is strictly prohibited in Newfoundland and Labrador and in most other Canadian jurisdictions. Business owners, Indigenous governments and organizations, and community organizations should be aware that international companies may approach them to participate in such schemes.

Newfoundland and Labrador administers two pathways to permanent residence for prospective newcomers, the Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program and the Atlantic Immigration Program. The Provincial Nominee Program contains two international entrepreneurship streams, open only to individuals intending to reside in Newfoundland and Labrador and who can demonstrate they are actively involved in the operations of a business in the province.

Resources are available to protect against immigration and citizenship fraud and scams. The Provincial Government’s Office of Immigration and Multiculturalism can also be contacted for any questions or concerns at immigration@gov.nl.ca.

Please stay vigilant and protect yourself and your organization from business dealings involving passive investment immigration schemes.

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Avis public : Mise en garde contre les propositions d’immigration d’investissement passif