Start-up Visa program
JG-CIS
Start-up Visa program
Start-up Visa program
The Canadian Start-up Visa Program is an immigration pathway designed to attract innovative entrepreneurs and business owners to Canada. The program offers permanent residency to individuals who want to start a business in Canada that has the potential to grow, create jobs, and compete on a global scale. The program is aimed at attracting talented entrepreneurs who can contribute to Canada’s economy by launching innovative companies, particularly in high-growth sectors such as technology, clean energy, and advanced manufacturing.
The key advantages include access to Canada’s business ecosystem, the possibility of obtaining Canadian citizenship, and the ability to bring family members along. However, applicants must be able to secure support from one of the designated organizations and demonstrate language proficiency and financial stability.
Start-up
Visa Program
Eligibility Criteria: To be eligible for the Start-up Visa Program, applicants must meet several requirements, including:
- Have a Qualifying Business: The business must be a Canadian-based entity that meets specific criteria set by the Canadian government, such as being innovative and able to create jobs. The business must be incorporated and active, and the applicant must own at least 10% of the voting rights in the company, along with the designated support organization (explained below).
- Support from a Designated Organization: The applicant’s business idea must be supported by one of the designated organizations—these are government-approved venture capital funds, angel investor groups, or business incubators. The support typically comes in the form of a letter of support, which is required to apply for the visa. There are three types of designated organizations:
- Venture Capital Funds: These organizations provide funding in exchange for equity. Typically, a venture capital firm must agree to invest at least CAD 200,000 in your business.
- Angel Investor Groups: These are groups of individual investors who provide funding in exchange for equity. The minimum required investment from an angel investor group is CAD 75,000.
- Business Incubators: These organizations offer mentorship, office space, and resources to help start-ups grow. There is no minimum financial investment required from incubators, but they must provide a letter of support to the applicant.
- Language Proficiency: Applicants must demonstrate proficiency in one of Canada’s official languages (English or French). The minimum requirement is Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level 5 in either language, assessed through a language test such as IELTS (for English) or TEF (for French).
- Sufficient Funds: While there is no specific investment requirement for the applicant themselves, they must demonstrate that they have enough money to support themselves and their family members once they arrive in Canada. The required amount varies based on the size of the applicant's family.
Application Process:
The process of applying for a Canadian Start-up Visa typically involves the following steps:
The first step is to secure a letter of support from a designated organization (venture capital firm, angel investor group, or business incubator). Each organization has its own application process and requirements for determining whether your business idea is innovative and has the potential for growth.
Once you have the letter of support, you can submit your application for permanent residency. The application must include proof of language proficiency, proof of funds, and your business plan, along with other necessary documentation.
After submitting your application, you will wait for a decision from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Processing times can vary but typically take several months.
If your application is approved, you will be granted permanent residency, which allows you and your immediate family (spouse and dependent children) to live and work in Canada. You can also later apply for Canadian citizenship, provided you meet the residency requirements
