What is the Start-Up Visa Program ?

Canada is looking for bright business entrepreneurs who want to start initiatives that will strengthen the country’s economy and provide work opportunities for its residents

Read and continue to learn everything you need to know about Canada’s start-up visa program, including a step-by-step application procedure guide and how Canada may be able to assist you in moving to Canada through the start-up program.

Candidates have the possibility to move to Canada under the start-up visa program in order to launch a new business. They must demonstrate that their enterprise is distinctive, that it will create new jobs for Canadians, and that it can compete on a worldwide scale.

You must fulfil four requirements to be qualified for a Canadian start-up visa.

Have a qualifying business:

You must own at least ten percent of the company's total voting rights.
You must own at least 50% of the voting rights associated with all of the Company's shares, together with the Designated Organization.

Have a letter of support from a designated organization:

PR immigration will assist you in making the case that you have the backing of an angel investor group, venture capital fund, or business incubator.
You must pitch your business concept to accomplish this and persuade the organization that it merits backing.
The presentation of the business proposal shall be handled in a specific way by each organization.
The organization will provide you with a letter of support, which needs to be submitted in connection with the application for startup visas, as soon as your proposal has been approved.

Meet the language requirements:

You must pass a language test from an authorized organization and demonstrate that you can speak, read, listen, and write at least CLB 5 in either English or French

Proof of funds:

When you get to Canada, you will need to show that you have the resources for supporting yourself and any dependents. Your required quantity will vary based on the number of people in your family.

Designated organizations for start-up visa

You must demonstrate (with a commitment certificate and a letter of support) that your company is in fact backed by a specified organization in order to meet the qualifying requirements. These documents, which outline your agreement with one or more specific organizations, are essential for your startup visa application. Unlike federal and local investor programs, where candidates may be forced to do so, candidates will not be required to make their own investments.

Those who qualify must instead raise a minimum of $200,000 from a Canadian venture capital fund or $75,000 from a Canadian angel investor, as assessed by the Canadian government. No investment funding is required if the applicant gets accepted into a reputable Canadian business incubator.

List of designated organizations