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Introduction: North America’s Appeal for Families with Global Ambition

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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.

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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.

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Moving to Canada: Investment-Focused Pathways for Families

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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).

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The Canada Start-Up Visa (SUV)

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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.

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Key Features:

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• 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
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Investor Visa Family Benefits in Canada

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

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• 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.

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Explore more in our Canada Business Immigration guide

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

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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.

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U.S. EB-5 Program Highlights

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To qualify, an investor must:

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• 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.

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Education and Lifestyle Benefits

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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

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Comparing Investor Visa Options: Canada vs U.S.

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Here’s how Canada and the U.S. compare across key dimensions:

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