Start-up Visa

Start-Up Visa

PROGRAM OVERVIEW Canada’s new Start-Up Visa is the first of its kind in the world, connecting entrepreneurs with private sector organizations that have expertise in working with start-ups. This program is to attract foreign innovative entrepreneurs, who are willing to establish new, high-growth businesses in Canada and support innovation and job creation. Canada is open for business to the world’s start-up entrepreneurs.

What is the Start-Up Visa Program?

Canada’s start-up visa program gives entrepreneurs the opportunity to immigrate to Canada in order to establish a new business. Immigrant entrepreneurs must demonstrate that their business is innovative, will create new jobs for Canadians, and can compete on a global scale.

What are the requirements for Canada's Start-Up Visa?

There are four requirements you need to meet in order to be eligible for a Canadian start-up visa:

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.

Have a letter of support from a designated organization:

You need to demonstrate that you have the support of a venture capital fund, angel investor group, or business incubator
In order to do this, you must pitch your business idea and convince the organization that it is worth supporting
The process of pitching your business idea will be different 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

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.

Proof of funds:

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

How to apply for a Start-Up Visa?

Fill out the application form: Fill out the Generic Application Form for Canada Click the “Validate” button on the form, and make sure that you have completed all required fields Print the validated application form, making sure to include the barcode page Sign and date the form Complete the document checklist Gather all documents listed in the order specified in the document checklist Place all necessary documents in a sealed envelope Print out the document checklist and sign it Include the document checklist as the cover page of your application Pay your application fees include processing fees for you and anyone included on your application Right of permanent residence fee Third-party fees including fees for medical exams, police certificates, and language testing Biometrics fees: Show entries Search: