Start-Up Visa Program

Program Overview

Canada’s Start-up Visa Program targets immigrant 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.

Program Requirements

In order to be eligible to apply for permanent residence in Canada, applicant need to have:
- an innovative business idea and a qualifying business (each applicant holds 10% or more of the voting rights and up to 5 people can apply as owners)
- a Letter of Support from a designated organization (Venture Capital, Angel Fund or Incubator)
- English Level CLB 5 or above, IELTS General Training: Reading 4.0, Writing 5.0, Listening 5.0, Speaking 5.0
- enough money to settle in Canada
At the time receive the permanent residence:
- applicant provides active and ongoing management of this business from within Canada
- an essential part of the operations of the business happens in Canada
- this business is incorporated in Canada

Application Process

Have an initial assessment with Immigration Consultant and create a venture concept
Have an online interview with the Incubator
Obtain an Acceptance Letter for the online training program

Step 1 to Step 3 can be completed within 1 month

Complete the Online Training Program

Step 4 can be completed within 2-3 months

Sign the Term Sheet with the Incubator and obtain the Letter of Support
Submit Work Permit (WP) and Permanent Resident (PR) status applications concurrently

Processing time for WP: 4-8 months

Processing time for PR: 12 – 16 months normal/ 32 months due to COVID-19

Arrive at Canada on WP with accompanying family members and start the business

* Above processing time is only for reference from IRCC official website (Last update: July 2022)