Immigrate to Canada with the Start-Up Visa
A direct path to permanent residence for innovative entrepreneurs and their families.
Table of Contents
What Is Canada’s Start-Up Visa ?
The Start-Up Visa (SUV) Program is a unique business immigration pathway that offers foreign entrepreneurs the opportunity to gain permanent residence in Canada by launching an innovative business.
How Does the Start-Up Visa Work ?
The Start-Up Visa Program targets entrepreneurs with innovative, scalable business ideas that have the potential to create jobs for Canadians.
To qualify, your business must be supported by a designated Canadian organization, such as an incubator, angel investor group, or venture capital firm.
If approved, you and your family can apply for permanent residence and even enter Canada on a work permit while your application is being processed.
Canada Start-Up Visa Requirements :
To be eligible for the SUV program, you must:
Obtain a Letter of Support from a designated organization
Own at least 10% of the voting rights in the business
Together with the designated organization, hold more than 50% of total voting rights
Incorporate your business in Canada and operate it primarily in Canada
Meet the language requirement (minimum CLB 5 in English or French)
Have sufficient settlement funds (typically over CAD $200,000)
What Changed in 2024? Important Updates to the Start-Up Visa Program
As of April 30, 2024, IRCC introduced important changes to the SUV program:
Application Cap: Designated organizations can support
only 10 new SUV applications per year until 2026.Priority Processing: Start-ups backed by Canadian investors or incubators from the Canada Tech Network will receive faster processing.
Higher Selectivity: Organizations are encouraged to support only the most viable business ventures.
Apply for Startup Visa
Processing Times and Current Backlog :
As of September 2024:
Average processing time: Around 40 months (3+ years) for most SUV applications
Backlog as of February 2024: 9,125 pending cases affecting over 29,000 applicants
How Successful Is the Program ?
According to IRCC (January–November 2023):
Total applications processed: 3,334
Applications approved: 2,577
Approval rate: 77.2%
Step-by-Step: How to Apply for the Canada Start-Up Visa
Step 1: Develop Your Business Concept
Craft an innovative, scalable business plan with Canadian market potential. Define your goals, competitive edge, and operational structure.
Step 2: Choose a Designated Organization
Select an incubator, angel investor group, or VC fund that aligns with your business. There are currently 84 designated organizations.
Step 3: Obtain a Letter of Support
Pitch your business to the chosen organization. If approved, they will issue a Letter of Support — a required document for your application.
Step 4: Gather Documents & Prepare Application
Collect:
Letter of Support
CLB 5 language proof
Proof of funds
Articles of Incorporation
Business pitch deck, financial projections, and ownership structure
Step 5: Submit Your Application for Permanent Residence
Apply through the official immigration process. Optional: Apply for a work permit if you’re an essential team member and want to start operations early.
Step 6: Start and Grow Your Business in Canada
Begin operations according to your plan and commitments made to the designated organization. Ensure core activities are based in Canada.
Step 7: Update IRCC on Business Progress
To avoid refusal due to inactivity or weak performance, regularly update IRCC (ideally every 6 months) on your business’s progress.
Step 8: Wait for IRCC’s Decision
After all assessments are complete, IRCC will notify you of the outcome. If approved, you and your family will be granted permanent resident status.
Frequently Asked Questions
We understand that the process can be confusing and you may have many questions.
Below are some common FAQs that can help guide you.
Yes. Your spouse and dependent children can be included in your PR application.
You must show access to sufficient funds for business operations and settlement, but external investment from designated organizations is often sufficient.
PR status is not conditional on business success. However, you must show genuine efforts during the application process.
Yes. If you are an essential member of the business, you may be eligible for a work permit to begin operating in Canada before PR is granted.
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