Start-Up Visa
Permanent residence for innovative entrepreneurs with a qualifying business that has support from a designated organization.
Licensed RCIC-IRB • Personalized guidance for your application
Overview
The Start-Up Visa Program targets immigrant entrepreneurs with the skills and potential to build businesses in Canada that are innovative, can create jobs for Canadians, and can compete on a global scale. You must secure a commitment from a designated organization (venture capital fund, angel investor group, or business incubator) before you can apply. There's no personal investment requirement, but your business idea must be innovative and scalable.
Who This Is For
- Entrepreneurs with innovative, scalable business ideas
- Tech founders and startup teams
- Innovators who can secure support from designated organizations
- Teams of up to 5 co-founders
Eligibility Highlights
- Qualifying business with commitment from designated organization
- Each applicant holds 10%+ voting rights
- Applicants and designated organization hold 50%+ of voting rights
- Meet minimum language requirement (CLB 5 in all abilities)
- Proof of settlement funds
Required Documents
Application Process
How we help you through this application
Pitch Development
We help refine your business pitch for designated organizations.
Designated Organization Support
We assist in securing a Letter of Support from an approved organization.
PR Application
We submit your Start-Up Visa application for permanent residence.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Learn from others' experiences to strengthen your application
Non-Innovative Business
Proposing a business that isn't sufficiently innovative or scalable.
Weak Pitch
Failing to convince designated organizations of your business potential.
Missing Language Requirements
Not achieving the minimum CLB 5 in all four language abilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about start-up visa
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