Canada Start-Up Visa Program

Overview

Canada Start-Up Visa Program

The Start-Up Visa Program is Canada's flagship business immigration program for innovative entrepreneurs. It targets individuals with the potential to build businesses in Canada that can compete on a global scale and create employment opportunities for Canadians.

Unlike traditional investor programs, the Start-Up Visa emphasizes innovation, scalability, and job creation. The program connects entrepreneurs with designated Canadian organizations — venture capital funds, angel investor groups, and business incubators — that provide funding, mentorship, and support.

Successful applicants and their families receive permanent residence in Canada. The program also offers a work permit option, allowing entrepreneurs to start building their business in Canada while their permanent residence application is being processed.

At Grandview Immigration, we help entrepreneurs develop compelling business proposals, identify suitable designated organizations, and navigate the application process from initial planning through to permanent residence.

Requirements

Eligibility Requirements

The Start-Up Visa Program has specific eligibility requirements designed to ensure that only credible, innovative entrepreneurs with viable business ventures are selected. Meeting all requirements is essential for a successful application.

Key eligibility requirements include:

• Qualifying Business: You must hold at least 10% of the voting rights in the business, and together with the designated organization, you and your co-founders must hold more than 50% of the voting rights. The business must be incorporated in Canada at the time of permanent residence approval.
• Letter of Support: You must obtain a Letter of Support from a designated organization — a venture capital fund (minimum investment of $200,000), an angel investor group (minimum investment of $75,000), or a business incubator (acceptance into the incubator program).
• Language Proficiency: CLB 5 or higher in English or French across all four abilities.
• Settlement Funds: Sufficient funds to support yourself and your family upon arrival in Canada, unless you are already in Canada with a valid work permit.
• Active Management: You must intend to actively manage the business from within Canada, not through a passive investment.

The program is designed for true entrepreneurs who will be hands-on in building their businesses. A significant part of the business operations must take place in Canada.

Process

The Process

The Start-Up Visa application process involves several stages, from developing your business concept to receiving permanent residence. Each stage requires careful planning and execution.

1. Develop Your Business Idea

   Create a detailed, innovative business plan that demonstrates scalability, market potential, and a clear path to creating jobs in Canada.

2. Pitch to Designated Organizations

   Present your business idea to one or more designated organizations. Secure a commitment — investment from a venture capital fund or angel group, or acceptance into a business incubator.

3. Obtain Letter of Support

   Once a designated organization commits, they issue a Letter of Support and send a Commitment Certificate directly to IRCC.

4. Submit PR Application

   Apply for permanent residence with the Letter of Support and all required supporting documents.

5. Apply for Work Permit

   While waiting for PR processing, you may apply for a work permit to move to Canada and begin building your business.

6. Launch Your Business

   Incorporate in Canada, begin operations, and work toward creating jobs and competing globally.

Our team supports you at every stage of this process, from refining your business plan to connecting you with compatible designated organizations and preparing a thorough immigration application.