Canada is seeking talented entrepreneurs interested in starting businesses that will stimulate the economy and create employment opportunities for its residents. If you are an entrepreneur, you may be eligible to immigrate to Canada through the Start-Up Visa Program.

What is the Start-Up Visa Program?

Canada’s Start-Up Visa Program gives entrepreneurs the opportunity to immigrate to Canada to establish a new business. Immigrant entrepreneurs must demonstrate that their business is original, will create new jobs for Canadians, and can compete on a global scale.

Requirements for Canada’s Start-Up Visa

There are four key requirements you need to meet to be eligible for a Canadian Start-Up Visa:

1. Have a Qualifying Business:

   • You must hold at least 10% of the voting rights attached to all shares of the company.
   • Together with the designated organization, you must hold at least 50% of the voting rights attached to all shares of the company.

2. Have a Letter of Support from a Designated Organization:

   • You must secure support from a venture capital fund, angel investor group, or business incubator.
   • Pitch your business idea and convince the organization that it is worth supporting. The process of pitching your business idea varies for each organization.
   • If your pitch is successful, you will receive a letter of support from the organization, which must be included in your start-up visa application.

3. Meet the Language Requirements:

   • You must take a language test from an approved agency and show that you meet the minimum level of the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 5 in either English or French in speaking, reading, listening, and writing.

4. Proof of Funds:

   • You must demonstrate that you have enough money to support yourself and any dependents once you arrive in Canada. The amount needed depends on the size of your family.

Proof of Funds Table:

Designated Organizations for Start-Up Visa

As part of the eligibility requirements, you need to provide proof (Commitment Certificate and Letter of Support) that your business is supported by a designated organization. These documents will cover the relevant details of your arrangement with one or multiple designated organizations and are crucial to your start-up visa application.

Unlike federal and provincial investor programs, where applicants must invest their own capital, no investment of your own funds is required. Instead, you must secure a minimum of $75,000 from a Canadian angel investor or a minimum of $200,000 from a Canadian venture capital fund recognized by the government of Canada. If accepted into a recognized Canadian business incubator, no investment capital is required.

How to Apply for a Start-Up Visa in Canada

Step 1: Fill Out the Application Form

1. Fill out the Generic Application Form for Canada:
   • Complete all required fields on the form.
   • Click the “Validate” button to ensure all necessary information is included.
   • Print the validated application form, making sure to include the barcode page.
   • Sign and date the form.

Step 2: Complete the Document Checklist

1. Gather all required documents:
   • Collect all documents listed in the order specified on the document checklist.
   • Place all necessary documents in a sealed envelope.
2. Print and sign the document checklist:
   • Include the signed document checklist as the cover page of your application.

Step 3: Pay Your Application Fees

1. Application fees include:
   • Processing fees for you and anyone included in your application.
   • Right of permanent residence fee.
2. Third-party fees:
   • Fees for medical exams, police certificates, and language testing.
3. Biometrics fees:
   • Individual applicants: $85 CAD
   • Families applying together: Maximum total fee of $170 CAD
   • Groups of 3 or more performing artists and their staff: Maximum total fee of $255 CAD

Step 4: Submit Your Application

1. Ensure application completeness:
   • Double-check that all forms are signed.
   • Ensure all supporting documents are included.
2. Include payment receipts:
   • Attach receipts for processing fees.
3. Package your application:
   • Put all documents in a 9” x 12” envelope.
   • Write ‘Start-Up Visa’ on the outside of the envelope.
4. Mail your application:
   • Send the envelope to the appropriate address as specified by IRCC.

Processing Time

The current processing time for Canada’s Start-Up Visa is approximately 31 months.