Canada’s Start-Up Visa Program
Canada offers a dedicated immigration pathway for innovative entrepreneurs through the Start-Up Visa Program. This program allows qualified founders to obtain permanent residence while building and scaling their businesses in Canada.
The Start-Up Visa Program is designed to attract entrepreneurs who can create jobs, introduce innovation, and contribute to Canada’s long-term economic growth.
Program Overview
The Start-Up Visa Program connects immigrant entrepreneurs with private-sector organisations in Canada that provide:
- Investment funding (in some cases)
- Business mentorship and guidance
- Access to Canada’s startup ecosystem
Successful applicants receive permanent residence and can establish and operate their business anywhere in Canada outside Quebec.
Who the Program Is For
This program is ideal for innovative entrepreneurs who:
- Have a scalable business idea
- Can compete globally
- Are supported by an approved Canadian organization
- Intend to actively manage their business in Canada
Up to five foreign nationals may apply for permanent residence under the same business venture.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the Start-Up Visa Program, applicants must:
- Meet minimum CLB 5 in English or French (all four skills)
- Have sufficient settlement funds
- Intend to live outside Quebec
- Pass medical and security checks
- Receive support from a designated organization
- Meet business ownership requirements
Applicants are not required to invest personal funds.
Designated Organizations
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has approved specific organizations to support Start-Up Visa applicants, including:
- Venture capital funds
- Angel investor groups
- Business incubators
Each organization plays a distinct role in supporting startups.
Investment Requirements
Investment requirements depend on the type of designated organization.
Venture Capital Funds
- Minimum investment: CAD $200,000
Angel Investor Groups
- Minimum investment: CAD $75,000
Business Incubators
- No minimum investment required
- Applicants must be accepted into an incubator program
If both venture capital and angel investors are involved, the CAD $200,000 threshold applies.
Ownership Structure
To qualify under the Start-Up Visa Program:
- Each applicant must hold at least 10% of the voting rights
- Applicants and designated organizations together must control more than 50% of the voting rights
Only businesses meeting these ownership criteria are eligible.
Proof of Commitment
Once support is secured, the designated organization submits a Commitment Certificate directly to IRCC.
Applicants receive a Letter of Support, which must be included with the permanent residence application.
Essential Persons
Some applicants may be identified as essential persons. If an essential person’s application is refused, all linked applications may also be refused.
Support from Multiple Organizations (Syndication)
Applicants may receive support from multiple designated organizations. In such cases:
- All organizations are listed together
- One Commitment Certificate is submitted
- One Letter of Support is issued
Investment thresholds are based on the highest applicable minimum.
Peer Review Process
IRCC may request a peer review to ensure program integrity. The peer review:
- Confirms proper due diligence
- Verifies ownership and incorporation
- Assesses management credibility and IP ownership
- Confirms incubator acceptance (if applicable)
Peer reviews support decision-making but do not guarantee approval.
Key Advantage of the Start-Up Visa Program
Permanent residence under the Start-Up Visa Program is not conditional on business success. Even if the startup fails, approved applicants retain their PR status, provided there was no misrepresentation.
Other Business Immigration Options
Entrepreneurs may also explore other Canadian business and work permit pathways.