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Start-Up Visa Program

You can apply for a work permit and travel in advance while waiting for your permanent residency application to be processed through the Canadian Start-up Visa program. Initially implemented as a temporary pilot program in 2013, it was formally adopted by the Canadian federal government in 2018. It is currently the primary focus of the Canadian government for permanent residency.

"A secure and expedited program residency in North America to obtaining Canadian permanent residency."

Features of the Canadian Startup Visa

Unlike traditional investment immigration programs, this program offers relatively lower costs.

Guaranteed stable business operations with investment support from Canadian investment companies.

Immigration application for a group of up to five individuals, including the applicant's family.

Spouses and accompanying children (under 22 years old)can obtain permanent residency and travel together under this program.

Applicants have the option to apply for a work visa for expedited immigration to Canada.

No specific job experience or managerial skills are required.

Business registration in Canada is possible before obtaining permanent residency.

High approval rates: Government reviews business plans and due diligence reports through designated agencies.

Unlike traditional investment immigration programs, this program offers relatively lower costs.

Guaranteed stable business operations with investment support from Canadian investment companies.

Immigration application for a group of up to five individuals, including the applicant's family.

Spouses and accompanying children (under 22 years old)can obtain permanent residency and travel together under this program.

Applicants have the option to apply for a work visa for expedited immigration to Canada.

No specific job experience or managerial skills are required.

Business registration in Canada is possible before obtaining permanent residency.

High approval rates: Government reviews business plans and due diligence reports through designated agencies.

START-UP VISA PROCESS

It typically takes approximately a year and a half from the submission of the application to receive Permanent Residency.

Step 1

Forming a business team (up to 5 members)

Step 2

Submitting a business plan

Step 3

Approval of the Letter of Support

Step 4

Incorporation and Permanent Residency Application

Step 5

Applying for/obtaining a work permit

Step 6

Approval of Permanent Residency

Approximately A Year And A Half

Approximately A Year And A Half

THREE KEY ELEMENTS OF THE STARTUP VISA

Targets: Start-up entrepreneurs with innovative ideas that can contribute to the Canadian economy, along with investors who form a team with them.

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THE CATEGORIES SUPPORTED BY THE START-UP VISA PROGRAM

Category A (Enterprise) CONFIGURABLE

Formation of start-ups with only initial-stage ideas is possible. Support available for companies with limited initial capital or those not previously established domestically.
Proof of the potential for business success through the entrepreneur's background (entrepreneurial experience, relevant industry employment history).

Category B (Individual) ABLE TO JOIN

Individuals with a basic background, holding at least a bachelor's degree. Graduates with backgrounds in finance, marketing, administration, planning, design, etc.
Proficiency in basic English.
Possession of financial capacity.
No criminal record.

Category A (Enterprise)

CONFIGURABLE

Formation of start-ups with only initial-stage ideas is possible. Support available for companies with limited initial capital or those not previously established domestically.
Proof of the potential for business success through the entrepreneur's background (entrepreneurial experience, relevant industry employment history).

Category B (Individual)

ABLE TO JOIN

Individuals with a basic background, holding at least a bachelor's degree. Graduates with backgrounds in finance, marketing, administration, planning, design, etc.
Proficiency in basic English.
Possession of financial capacity.
No criminal record.

Canada Start-Up Visa Key Factors

Support From Designated Organization

• Obtain letter of Support from a designated organization
• Designated Organization by IRCC (Business Incubators, Angel Investor Groups, Venture Capital Funds)

Language Requirements

• Possess a basic proficiency in English, achieving a score of CLB 5 or above in the English test.
• Attain a relatively lower score compared to other immigration programs' English proficiency requirements.

Ownership Requirements

• Up to a maximum of five shareholders per company are eligible for Startup Visa support. Each individual applicant must possess a minimum of 10% of the corporation's voting rights.
• It is mandatory to have a combined total of at least 50% of the voting rights between the designated organization and the applicants.

Incorporation, General Counsel

• Provision of legal advisory services for corporate establishment, governance structure, and business operations following investment confirmation.

Sufficient Funds

• Minimum proven personal assets: $200,000 Canadian dollars

Canada Start-Up Visa Key Factors

Support From Designated Organization

• Obtain letter of Support from a designated organization
• Designated Organization by IRCC (Business Incubators, Angel Investor Groups, Venture Capital Funds)

Language Requirements

• Possess a basic proficiency in English, achieving a score of CLB 5 or above in the English test.
• Attain a relatively lower score compared to other immigration programs' English proficiency requirements.

Sufficient Funds

• Minimum proven personal assets: $200,000 Canadian dollars

Ownership Requirements

• Up to a maximum of five shareholders per company are eligible for Startup Visa support. Each individual applicant must possess a minimum of 10% of the corporation's voting rights.
• It is mandatory to have a combined total of at least 50% of the voting rights between the designated organization and the applicants.

Incorporation, General Counsel

• Provision of legal advisory services for corporate establishment, governance structure, and business operations following investment confirmation.

START-UP VISA COMPARISON CHART

Studying Abroad for Children

VS

Start-up Visa Program

• Public School for 3 years: Costs $60,000 per person.
• Private School for 3 years: Costs $100,000 per person.

• Visitor or Guardian status: Allows temporary legal residence.
• Covers tuition fees.
• Provides social status as a student.
• No immigration status obtained.
• Both options offer free education.

• No involvement in corporate representation or directorship.
• No provision for obtaining a work permit or permanent residency.

Education Costs

Social Status

Immigration Status

• Offer free education.

• Involves establishing a business as a CEO/CMO/CTO or holding directorship.

• Allows obtaining a work permit while waiting for the approval of permanent residency.
• Requires investment in the business and fulfilling program criteria.

• Public School for 3 years: Costs $60,000 per person. • Private School for 3 years: Costs $100,000 per person.

• Visitor or Guardian status: Allows temporary legal residence.
• Covers tuition fees.
• Provides social status as a student.
• No immigration status obtained.
• Both options offer free education.

• No involvement in corporate representation or directorship.
• No provision for obtaining a work permit or permanent residency.

Education Costs

Social Status

Immigration Status

• Offer free education.

• Involves establishing a business as a CEO/CMO/CTO or holding directorship.

• Allows obtaining a work permit while waiting for the approval of permanent residency.
• Requires investment in the business and fulfilling program criteria.

THE SUCCESS FACTORS FOR
THE START-UP VISA PROGRAM

Credible and Feasible Business Plan: A detailed and executable business plan tailored to each company's specific needs, which can secure a Letter of Support from designated organizations.

Qualified Team Composition: Formation of a competent team with individual investors meeting the eligibility criteria.

Expertise in Canadian Legal Processes and Business Setup: Possession of specialized knowledge and expertise in Canadian legal processes and business establishment procedures.

Collaboration with Investment Institutions: Collaboration and partnership with investment institutions to facilitate business operations.

Networking: The presence of a strong network to support and facilitate business activities.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

Applicant Qualifications

Start-up companies planning to enter the Canadian or North American market, regardless of industry, with innovative and beneficial contributions to the Canadian economy.

Preference for IT start-ups (industry agnostic).

Companies aiming to position Vancouver as a hub for the North American market, with future expansion plans not limited to Canada but also targeting the United States.

Technology ventures (Biotech, Animation), service ventures (Uber, AirBnB).

Minimum Investment Required by Investment Institutions

Minimum investment amounts required by institutions:

For VC: Minimum of 200,000 CAD.

For Angel Investors: Minimum of 75,000 CAD.

For Incubators: No minimum amount required.

Proof of Support

Designated institutions by the Canadian government.

Each institution may have different criteria for Business Plan requirements.

Upon confirmation of investment by designated institutions, a fee of $40,000 to $50,000 is payable (lump sum or periodic payment).

For Incubators, monthly payments are possible - approximately $2,100 per month.

Completion of the respective program is required for Incubators.

For VC or Angel investors, mentoring and coaching sessions are provided upon investment confirmation.

Application Documents/Commitment Certificates:

Upon investment approval, a Letter of Support is issued by the respective institution.

APPLICANTS SHOULD KNOW - COMPANY

Ownership stake of the investment institution is unusually low or high

Applicant's business entity holds limited substantial legal authority

When the Majority of executives, apart from the primary applicant, are blood relatives and lack industry-specific expertise

If the Applicant does not provide significant intellectual value to the project and the business plan is inadequate

When the Investment Organization demands exorbitant fees

When the Management team lacks startup-related operational experience

If the Co-applicants (c-level) are unable to substantiate their distinct role in contributing to the business

When the Substantial capital investment or operational progress in the business cannot be substantiated after entry with a work permit

If the Content of the business plan remains unchanged and progress comes to a halt.

APPLICANTS SHOULD KNOW - PERSONAL

English level does not meet the requirement score CLB 5 or above

If there is a criminal record (including offenses like drunk driving or probation)
If you have a criminal record, the application is permissible following a pardon through the process of rehabilitation

If there is a lack of work experience or insufficient education/experience in relevant sectors

If providing minimum settlement funds proof is difficult.

Would you like to know more about the Canada Start-up Visa Program?

Book a 1:1 consultation for Canada Start-up Immigration