Start-Up Visa Program (Canada)
A&M Canadian Immigration Law Corporation
Start-Up Visa Program (Canada)
The Start-Up Visa Program (SUV) is Canada’s pathway for entrepreneurial immigrants who want to launch an innovative business in Canada and simultaneously acquire permanent resident (PR) status. It is meant to attract global talent, spur job creation, and support high-growth startups.
The program is federal (outside Quebec), and applicants must meet strict eligibility criteria, secure support from a designated organization, and demonstrate both business merit and personal readiness.
Key Features & Recent Changes
- Entrepreneurs can apply as individuals or in groups (up to 5 co-founders).
- Applicants can request a temporary open work permit while their PR application is processed, helping them manage and grow the business from inside Canada.
- IRCC has implemented caps per designated organization: each can support up to 10 start-up applications per year.
- Priority processing is being given to start-ups backed by Canadian capital or incubators within Canada’s Tech Network.
- IRCC announced changes aiming to reduce backlogs and improve processing efficiencies.
To apply for the Start-Up Visa, you must satisfy all of the following (plus standard admissibility: medical, criminal, security) per IRCC policy:
- Qualifying Business
- Each applicant must hold at least 10% of the total voting rights in the business.
- The applicants, together with the designated organization, must own more than 50% of the voting rights.
- The business must be incorporated in Canada before the PR decision, and active management must take place from within Canada.
- A substantial portion of the operations must occur in Canada.
- Letter of Support from a Designated Organization
- You must secure support from a designated venture capital fund, angel investor group, or business incubator.
- The designated organization must provide:
- A Letter of Support to the applicant, and
- A Commitment Certificate directly to IRCC.
- Investment minimums differ by organization type:
- Venture capital fund: typically CAD $200,000
- Angel investor group: typically CAD $75,000
- Incubators don’t require direct investment but require acceptance into their program.
- Language Ability
- Achieve Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 5 in all four skills (reading, writing, speaking, listening) in English or French.
- The test must be from a recognized provider and result be less than 2 years old.
- Settlement Funds
- You need to demonstrate you have enough money to support yourself and your dependents once in Canada, before your business becomes self-sustaining.
- Amounts vary by family size.
Application & Process
Here’s an outline of how to apply under the Start-Up Visa program:
Step | Description |
1. Find a designated organization to support you | Research and pitch your business to one or more designated VC funds, angel groups, or incubators. |
2. Secure a Letter of Support / Commitment Certificate | Once supported, the organization sends the Commitment Certificate to IRCC. |
3. Confirm eligibility & prepare documentation | Business incorporation records, ownership proof, language test results, settlement funds proof, etc. Use Document Checklist IMM 5760. |
4. Submit your PR application (Start-Up Business Class) | Apply online via the Permanent Residence Portal; include all forms, documents, and letter of support. |
5. Apply for an open work permit (optional) | If eligible, you may obtain a 3-year open work permit while waiting for PR. |
6. Processing & Decision | IRCC assesses admissibility (medical, security, criminal), reviews the business viability, and either approves or refuses. |
Frequently Asked Questions
No. The critical step is securing support from a designated organization via investment or acceptance into an incubator. You don’t need to make a personal investment yourself.
Yes — up to 5 individuals may apply together under one business. Each must meet the eligibility requirements. Canada.ca+1
That is risky. The business support is a core requirement. If support is withdrawn before PR is granted, your application may fail. It’s critical to maintain your relationship and commitments.
Yes. If approved, you can apply for an optional open work permit (up to 3 years) that lets you develop your business in Canada or work elsewhere to support your income.
No. Quebec does not participate in the federal Start-Up Visa. Entrepreneurs interested in Quebec must explore Quebec’s provincial business immigration paths.
Yes. IRCC limits 10 complete group applications per designated organization per year. Applications beyond that are returned, and fees refunded.
Why the Start-Up Visa Matters & Strategic Tips
- It offers PR directly, not temporary status only.
- It encourages innovation and job creation, aligning immigrant business goals with Canada’s economy.
- Because IRCC has introduced caps and priority processing, competition is increasing.
Tips for success:
- Target strong, scalable, innovative business ideas.
- Approach multiple designated organizations simultaneously (Venture capital, incubators, angel groups).
- Be ready early — funding and incubation support can take time.
- Prepare in advance for document collection, language tests, financial proof, and business incorporation.
- Stay updated on IRCC policy changes or quotas (IRCC’s changes in April 2024 reflect caps and backlog management).
