North America’s Appeal for Families with Global Ambition

For many high-net-worth families, relocating to North America isn’t just about lifestyle—it’s about legacy. With world-class education, stable legal systems, strong healthcare, and long-term residency pathways, Canada and the United States remain the leading destinations for investment-based migration.

Whether you're looking to send your children to top-ranked universities or establish a secure, long-term home base in a politically stable country, investor migration programs offer a structured route. In this guide, we’ll explore how to move your family to Canada or the U.S. through key programs like the EB-5 visa, highlighting investor visa family benefits every step of the way.

Moving to Canada: Investment-Focused Pathways for Families

Canada offers several routes for business owners and investors who wish to relocate with their families. The most relevant options for 2025 include the Start-Up Visa, Quebec Immigrant Investor Program (currently paused), and regional entrepreneur streams under the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).

The Canada Start-Up Visa (SUV)

The SUV is Canada's flagship federal-level pathway for business-minded immigrants. It grants permanent residency to entrepreneurs who build or support innovative companies with the backing of a designated organization.

Key Features:

  • Permanent residence from the outset
  • Family members (spouse and children under 22) included
  • No net worth minimum, but proof of settlement funds required
  • No education or language requirements for the investor
  • Children can attend public schools and later qualify for in-province tuition

Investor Visa Family Benefits in Canada

Once approved, all family members receive permanent residency status. This includes access to:

  • Public healthcare
  • Public and private schooling
  • Work and study rights for the spouse
  • A pathway to Canadian citizenship after 3–5 years of residency

If your goal is to move your family to Canada while also engaging in meaningful business or innovation, the SUV is one of the most competitive global offerings.

Explore more in our Canada Business Immigration guide

Moving to the U.S.: EB-5 Visa for Investors and Their Families

The EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program remains the only U.S. investor pathway that leads directly to permanent residency. Designed for global investors, it allows applicants and their families to secure a green card through qualifying investments in job-creating enterprises.

U.S. EB-5 Program Highlights

To qualify, an investor must:

  • Invest $800,000 in a Targeted Employment Area (TEA) project or $1,050,000 elsewhere
  • Create at least 10 full-time jobs for U.S. workers
  • Pass background, source-of-funds, and eligibility checks

Once approved, the investor, their spouse, and any unmarried children under 21 all receive conditional green cards, which can be converted to permanent ones after two years.

Education and Lifestyle Benefits

One of the most powerful investor visa family benefits in the U.S. is access to the American education system. Children can:

  • Attend top public and private K-12 schools
  • Apply to U.S. universities as domestic students, with higher admission chances and lower tuition
  • Remain eligible for U.S. work authorization and internships

In addition, EB-5 dependents enjoy full access to the U.S. healthcare system, legal protections, and a clear pathway to U.S. citizenship in as little as five years.

Learn more in our full EB‑5 Visa Guide

Frequently asked questions

Everything you need to know about the visa and billing.

Can my children study in Canada or the U.S. as dependents of investor visas?
Can my spouse work while on a dependent visa?
Do I have to live full-time in the country to maintain status?
What happens if my child turns 21 during the process?
Conclusion: Invest in a Future Built for Your Family
From public education to healthcare and future citizenship, investor migration to Canada or the U.S. offers powerful advantages for families seeking stability, security, and opportunity. Whether you're focused on accessing North America’s elite schools or building intergenerational security through permanent residency, the right investment pathway can unlock it all. The Canada Start-Up Visa and the U.S. EB-5 Program both offer clearly defined routes with tangible benefits for your spouse and children. Ready to explore your options? Speak to our advisors for a personalized migration strategy, or start comparing programs in our Golden Visa Comparison and EB‑5 Visa Guide.