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

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

Step 1 to Step 3 can be completed within 1 month

  1. Complete the Online Training Program

Step 4 can be completed within 2-3 months

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

Processing time for WP: 4-8 months

Processing time for PR: 37 months normal

  1. 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: August 2023)