Start-up Visa Program
Canada has positioned itself as an emerging global hub for entrepreneurial innovation through its Start-up Visa Program, which enables qualified immigrant entrepreneurs to establish businesses and immigrate to Canada. The Canadian government actively seeks applicants possessing innovative business concepts and ventures, offering those who qualify excellent prospects for obtaining permanent resident status.
Initially launched as a three-year pilot initiative, the program achieved permanent status on March 31, 2018. The program continues attracting entrepreneurs with innovative business concepts, providing pathways to establish Canadian-based companies while securing permanent resident status. Entrepreneurs who secure support from designated organizations prescribed by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) may qualify for Canadian permanent residence.
A fundamental objective of Canada’s Start-up Visa Program involves connecting qualified immigrant entrepreneurs with Canadian private sector entities—including Angel investor groups, Venture capital funds, or Business incubators—to facilitate business establishment in Canada. When designated organizations approve investment in or support of start-ups, entrepreneurs receive letters of support from the relevant organizations. Designated organizations simultaneously transmit commitment certificates to immigration offices, making agreement with designated organizations essential to start-up application assessment.
The Start-up Visa Program excludes applicants intending to incorporate businesses in Quebec, as that province maintains its own distinct business immigration program.
Core Eligibility Requirements
Start-up Visa Program eligibility requires applicants to satisfy four major requirements:
Qualifying Business Ownership
Entrepreneur applicants must establish ‘qualifying’ businesses incorporated to operate in Canada, with each applicant holding minimum 10% voting rights. Combined applicant and designated organization holdings must exceed 50% of total corporate voting rights, demonstrating substantial controlling interests. Notably, up to five individuals may apply as co-owners within the same corporation, supported by identical designated organizations for their permanent residence applications.
Designated Organization Support
Prior to program application, entrepreneur applicants must secure designated organization support and investment, evidenced through Commitment Certificates and Letters of Support. Three designated entity categories exist: Angel investor groups, Venture capital funds, and Business incubators. Applicants must approach designated organizations and convincingly demonstrate viable business concepts.
Depending on organizational requirements and intake processes, applicants may need to pitch business ideas or submit comprehensive business plans. Organizations assess proposed business potential and likelihood of success. Following positive assessments, applicants reach agreements with designated organizations issuing Letters of Support as business idea endorsement proof. Our experienced immigration lawyers can assist throughout this critical process.
Designated organizations simultaneously send Commitment Certificates directly to immigration offices supporting applicants’ immigration processes. Minimum investment amounts vary by designated organization type. Angel investor group commitments require minimum $75,000 CAD investments into qualifying businesses. Venture capital fund investments must reach minimum $200,000 CAD. Business incubator support requires no minimum financial investment, though entrepreneurs must gain acceptance into Business incubator programs.
Language Proficiency Standards
Applicants must achieve minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 5 in either English or French across all skill areas: speaking, reading, listening, and writing.
Settlement Fund Requirements
Applicants must demonstrate sufficient funds supporting themselves and accompanying dependants for Canadian settlement. Required fund amounts depend on family member numbers accompanying applicants to Canada, with annual updates. Current requirements specify CAD $14,690 for single applicants, with additional amounts for each accompanying family member.
Application Process and Timeline
Entrepreneur applicants meeting all requirements proceed with permanent residence applications in Canada. Processing typically spans 12 to 16 months, with no fast-track options available. However, during permanent residence processing, applicants may apply for short-term work permits enabling Canadian entry to commence business development, provided they meet eligibility requirements. This pathway differs from LMIA-supported work permits as it specifically targets entrepreneurs.
Short-term work permit eligibility requires Canadian residence intention and employer compliance fee payment. Applicants need Letters of Support and Commitment Certificates from designated organizations confirming their essential business role and urgent business reasons for early Canadian entry. Sufficient funds meeting low-income cut-off (LICO) for 52 weeks must be demonstrated.
Permanent Residence Approval
Final program stages involve permanent residence application approval. Applicants must maintain active involvement in management of corporations incorporated under Canadian Business Corporation Acts. Essential business operations must occur within Canada. For entrepreneurs seeking business establishment pathways, this program represents excellent permanent residence routes for applicants and their families.