Start-Up Visa Program

Read on for everything you need to know about Canadian start-up visa program.

The Start-Up Visa Program is a pathway designed by the Canadian government to invite innovative entrepreneurs from around the world to establish businesses in Canada that are innovative, can create jobs for Canadians, and can compete on a global scale.

Start-Up Visa Overview

Canada's Start-up Visa Program is aimed at immigrant entrepreneurs possessing the skills and potential to establish businesses in Canada that are innovative, capable of generating jobs for Canadians, and competitive on a global level. If you possess an innovative business concept and can secure support for it from one of the designated organizations, you may qualify for immigration to Canada through this program.

Advantages of Getting Start-Up Visa

It allows for Permanent Residence: Successful applicants of the Start-Up Visa Program and their dependents become permanent residents of Canada.
Flexibility: There is no requirement to invest a personal amount of capital. The key is to secure the support of a designated entity.
Collaborative Approach: Work closely with Canadian private sector organizations that have experience in working with start-ups.
Multiple Founders: Up to five founders can apply as principal applicants for the same business idea.

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Eligibility Criteria‍‍

‍Business Requirements

Have a qualifying business where:

At the time of receiving a commitment from a designated entity: Each applicant holds 10% or more of the voting rights in the business, AND applicants and the designated organization jointly hold more than 50% of the voting rights in the business.
At the time of receiving permanent residence: You provide active and ongoing management of the business from within Canada, have essential operations of the business in Canada, and incorporate the business in Canada.

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Support from Designated Organizations

To apply for the Start-Up Visa Program, you need to have a supported commitment from a designated entity, which can be a venture capital fund, angel investor group, or a business incubator.
The support must be in the form of a Commitment Certificate or a Letter of Support.

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Meet the Language Requirement

Be proficient in either English or French at a minimum of Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level 5 in all four categories: reading, writing, listening, and speaking.

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Bring Sufficient Settlement Funds

You need to prove you have enough money to settle and support yourself in Canada. This amount is determined by the number of family members and can change annually.

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Plan to Settle in a Province Other Than Quebec

The Start-Up Visa Program is not valid for Quebec. Entrepreneurs wishing to live in Quebec have their own business immigration program.

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Don't Know Where to Start?

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Processing Time and Fees

The processing time is generally 12-16 months. However, it can vary depending on the individual application.
Government processing fees are CAD$1810 for the main applicant, CAD$950 for a spouse, and CAD$260 for dependent children.

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Book Your Appointment

With an Immigration Expert in Calgary

Elevate your entrepreneurial journey with our Start-Up Visa Consultation service, a dedicated pathway for visionaries aiming to launch their innovative businesses in Canada. Transform your entrepreneurial dreams into reality and open the door to a prosperous life in Canada. Book your first online consultation with immigration agent in Calgary.

Frequently Asked Questions

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What support can I expect from Canadian investors with a Start-Up Visa?

Canadian investors affiliated with the Start-Up Visa program not only provide financial investment but also mentorship and networking opportunities that can help your business succeed in the competitive Canadian marketplace.

What is a Start-Up Visa, and who is it for?

The Start-Up Visa Program targets innovative entrepreneurs with the skills and potential to build businesses in Canada that are innovative, can create jobs for Canadians, and can compete on a global scale.

What are the requirements for obtaining a Start-Up Visa?

Applicants must have a qualifying business, secure a commitment from a designated Canadian angel investor group or venture capital fund, and meet language and proof of funds requirements. Securing support from a Canadian investor is crucial as it demonstrates the feasibility and potential success of the business in the Canadian market.

How does the Start-Up Visa benefit my path to permanent residency?

Once in Canada with a Start-Up Visa, entrepreneurs can operate their business while having conditional permanent residency that leads to a full permanent status upon meeting certain conditions related to their business operation.

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