Start-up Visa
Canada Start-up Visa
The Start-up Visa Program offers an exceptional opportunity for immigrant entrepreneurs to establish dynamic and competitive businesses in Canada with their innovative ideas. Designed to attract global talent, this program aims to create job opportunities for Canadian citizens while contributing to the growth of Canada’s economy. By securing support from designated organizations (Canadian-approved business and investment groups), entrepreneurs can pave the way for permanent residency and turn their entrepreneurial dreams into reality in an international environment.
Features of the Canada Start-up Visa
This program is tailored for immigrant entrepreneurs capable of launching creative businesses in Canada (outside Quebec). Eligible businesses must:
- Be based on innovation and creativity
- Create job opportunities for Canadians
- Have the potential to compete in global markets
- Have at least 10% of voting rights held by each applicant, with more than 50% collectively held by applicants and the designated organization
- Be registered in Canada with active management conducted from within the country
- Have the core of their operations based in Canada
Eligibility Requirements for the Program
The program is open to individuals or teams of up to five members. To succeed, applicants must:
- Present an innovative business idea with high growth potential and secure support from a designated organization (approved business groups that support startups; see the Designated Organizations section for details)
- Demonstrate language proficiency in English or French at Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level 5
- Have sufficient financial resources to settle and live in Canada
Activity in Canada During Application Processing: Entrepreneurs who have applied for permanent residency through the Start-up Visa Program can request a temporary work permit. This permit allows them to reside in Canada and establish their business, provided that:
- They demonstrate that their business will provide significant economic benefits, such as job creation or innovation, to Canada
- They have sufficient funds to cover living expenses for themselves and their family
Optional Open Work Permit
Entrepreneurs applying for permanent residency through the Start-up Visa Program can also apply for an Optional Open Work Permit. This permit:
- Is valid for up to 3 years
- Enables business development and entrepreneurship in Canada
- Allows work for most employers in Canada to supplement the applicant’s income
Conditions for Obtaining the Optional Open Work Permit
To be eligible, applicants must:
- Have submitted a permanent residency application through the Start-up Visa Program
- Be an essential member of the entrepreneurial team, if part of a team
- Demonstrate language proficiency in English or French at CLB level 5
- Intend to reside in a province other than Quebec
- Show that their business will provide significant economic benefits, such as job creation, innovation, or strengthening local economies
- Have sufficient funds for settlement and business establishment
Family Accompaniment: Spouses, common-law partners, and dependent children can accompany the applicant and, if eligible, apply for a work permit or study permit.
Financial Requirements
The Canadian government does not provide financial support, so applicants must prove their financial ability to cover living expenses. The required funds for settlement (updated June 3, 2024) are as follows:
| Number of Family Members | Required Funds (CAD) |
| 1 | 14,690 |
| 2 | 18,288 |
| 3 | 22,483 |
| 4 | 27,297 |
| 5 | 30,690 |
| 6 | 34,917 |
| 7 | 38,875 |
| Each additional member beyond 7 | 3,958 |
For the Optional Open Work Permit, higher funds are required:
| Number of Family Members | Required Funds (CAD) |
| 1 | 29,380 |
| 2 | 36,576 |
| 3 | 44,966 |
| 4 | 54,594 |
| 5 | 61,920 |
| 6 | 69,834 |
| 7 | 77,750 |
| Each additional member beyond 7 | 7,916 |
*Funds must be readily available, transferable, and free of debt. Additionally, separate funding is required for business establishment.
Designated Organizations in the Start-up Visa
Designated organizations, including Venture Capital Funds, Angel Investor Groups, and Business Incubators, play a pivotal role in supporting immigrant entrepreneurs. These organizations evaluate innovative ideas with high growth potential and provide support through investment or acceptance into growth programs. The minimum required support is as follows:
- Venture Capital Funds: Minimum investment of CAD 200,000
- Angel Investor Groups: Minimum investment of CAD 75,000
- Business Incubators: Acceptance into growth or acceleration programs
Each organization can issue only 10 Letters of Support (10 groups) annually until the end of 2026, processed based on the order of receipt. Since August 2024, the application review process has been expedited due to the suspension of Peer Review (a process for assessing startup compliance). Applications supported by Venture Capital Funds, Angel Investor Groups, and certain Business Incubators are prioritized for processing by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). These changes enable entrepreneurs to apply for permanent residency or work permits with greater confidence.
Designated organizations facilitate permanent residency applications by providing a Letter of Support and a Commitment Certificate to immigration authorities. They must adhere to program standards to maintain the validity of their support.
→ With years of experience in immigration and close collaboration with designated organizations, we are ready to guide entrepreneurs toward success in the Canada Start-up Visa Program. Contact us today for expert consultation, access to an up-to-date list of designated organizations whose applications receive priority processing, and comprehensive guidance on securing permanent residency.