Canada’s 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 compete on a global scale.
Who can Apply for the Start-Up Visa Program?
To be eligible for the Start-up Visa Program, you must:
- Have a qualifying business
- Get a letter of support from a designated organization
- Meet the language requirements
- Bring enough money to settle
A qualifying business means you created a business that meets the following conditions:
-At the time you get a commitment from a designated organization:
each applicant holds 10% or more of the voting rights attached to all shares of the
corporation outstanding at that time (up to 5 people can apply as owners)
-Applicants and the designated organization jointly hold more than 50% of the total voting
rights attached to all shares of the corporation outstanding at that time
-At the time you receive your permanent residence:
you provide active and ongoing management of this business from within Canada.
an essential part of the operations of the business happens in Canada.
this business is incorporated in Canada.
You must get a letter of support from a designated organization (a business group that has
been approved to invest in or support possible start-ups).
You’ll need to:
-Contact the designated organization to find out how to get its support
-Convince the organization that you have a business idea that is worth supporting
-Get a letter of support from the designated organization
The process to pitch your idea is different for each organization. Each organization has its
own requirements. For example, you may be asked to present your business concept in
person or submit a detailed business plan.
If you reach an agreement with a designated organization, it will send you a letter of support.
You need to include this letter when you submit your application t. This is the proof you need
to show that the venture capital fund, angel investor group, or business incubator is
supporting your business idea.
The organization will also send a commitment certificate directly to the Immigration,
Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). They will use both your letter of support and the
organization’s commitment certificate to assess your application. Please note, they may ask
you for more business information in order to take a final decision on your application.
If you don’t include the letter of support or meet any of the other requirements, the
Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will refuse your application.
The ability to communicate and work in English, French or both languages will help your
business succeed in Canada.
You must take a language test from an approved agency and include the results with your
application, or we won’t process it.
You must meet the minimum level of the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 5 in either
English or French in all these four areas:
Speaking
Reading
Listening
Writing
Use your test results to find your CLB level.
If you don’t meet the minimum language skills, the IRCC will refuse your application.
The Government of Canada does not give financial support to new start-up visa immigrants.
When you apply, you’ll need to give proof that you have the money to support yourself and
your dependants after you arrive in Canada. You can’t borrow this money from another
person.
The amount you need
How to apply for the Start-Up Visa Program?
You’ll fill out these digital forms online (for yourself, and any family members 18 or
older)
-Generic Application Form for Canada (IMM 0008)
-Schedule A – Background/Declaration (IMM 5669)
-Additional Family Information (IMM 5406)
-Supplementary Information – Your travels (IMM 5562)
-You don’t need to sign them.
-Upload them to your online application.
-As the principal applicant, you’ll electronically sign for the entire application,
including those of your family members
Document Checklist [IMM 5760]
Use your checklist to make sure you include all the forms and documents you
need.
Schedule 13 – Business Immigration Programs – Start Up Business [IMM 0008
SCHEDULE 13]
-Print and complete it
-Sign it by hand
-Get the third party to sign it by hand
-Upload it with your application
Statutory Declaration of Common-law Union [IMM 5409], if this applies
Separation Declaration for Minors Travelling to Canada [IMM 5604], if this
applies
You need one photo for each person on your application.
Follow the instructions in the online application to scan and upload both sides of your
photo.
If you’re having technical issues applying, contact them using the web form
-Under type of application/enquiry, choose technical difficulties from the drop-
down menu
-In the text box, specify the program you’re applying under
-Upload screenshots from your account that show us
-the page where you’re having problems, the error message(s) you get
If you need to upload several images, find out how to combine them into 1
document.
In most cases, your fees will include:
-Processing fees for you and anyone you include on your application
-The Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF)
-Biometrics
-Third-party fees
You must pay your fees online.
Biometrics fee
In most cases, you must pay a biometrics fee when you submit your application.
Otherwise, you may experience delays. The biometrics fee covers the cost of
collecting fingerprints and a digital photo.
After you pay the biometrics fee with a complete application, they will send you a
letter confirming that you need to give your biometrics and where you can go. You
must show this letter when you give your biometrics.
You must give your biometrics in person. Make sure to book an appointment if
this service is offered.
Temporary changes to biometrics
Book your biometrics appointment as soon as you can to avoid processing
delays.
If you can’t book an appointment by the deadline given on your biometrics
instruction letter, there may be temporary measures in place to help you.
Third-party fees
Depending on your situation, you may need to pay third parties for:
Medical exams
Police certificates
Language testing
You need to apply online.
As of October 14, 2022, it is now mandatory to apply online. If you can’t apply online, and require accommodations, including for a disability, you can ask for the application in another format (paper, braille, or large print).
Sign in or create a Permanent residence online application portal account (https://prson-srpel.apps.cic.gc.ca/en/login)
You must include all the forms, supporting documents, signatures (if required), language test results and the proof of payment of the processing fees. If any are missing, your application will be incomplete. The IRCC will send it back to you without processing it. All your answers must be complete and true. If they find that you gave us false information or left out important details:
- Your application could be refused
- You could be found inadmissible, and you could be barred for five years from applying to come to Canada for any reason
Submit your online application.
If there are multiple people applying for permanent residence (PR) as partners in a qualifying business, the IRCC won’t process any applications until all have been received. Each business partner must submit their own application. If a team member will no longer be submitting a permanent residence application, you must use the web form to tell the IRCC as soon as possible.
-Answer all questions
-Electronically sign your application (type your full name exactly as shown on your
passport)
-Include your processing fee receipt
-Upload all the supporting documents
If your application is incomplete, they will reject it. You’ll have to fix any errors
and then re-submit it.
To prevent this, it’s advisable to engage a certified immigration expert, such as
an RCIC, to assist you in reviewing and refining your application before
resubmission if necessary.
The processing duration for the Start-Up Visa Program typically ranges from
12 to 16 months on average.
This timeline may fluctuate based on application volume or individual circumstances. If your application is approved, you’ll be issued a COPR by IRCC, indicating your successful attainment of permanent residency in
-Venture capital funds
-Angel investor groups
-Business incubators
Designated organizations are business groups that are approved to invest in or
support possible start-ups through the Start-up Visa Program.
Organizations choose which business proposals to review. Each organization has its
own intake process for proposals and criteria used to assess them. For example, you
may be asked to present your business concept in person or submit a detailed
business plan.
If an organization decides to review your business idea, it’ll assess the potential of
your proposal and whether it’ll succeed.
If an organization chooses to support your business idea, it’ll give you a Letter of
Support.
Canada.
Venture capital funds
You must get at least one of these groups to agree to invest a minimum of $200,000:
7 Gate Ventures
Alt Ventures
Apex Innovative Investments Ventures
Arete Pacific Tech Ventures (VCC) Corp
BCF Ventures
BDC Venture Capital
Celtic House Venture Partners
Extreme Venture Partners LLP
First Fund
Golden Venture Partners Fund, LP
INP Capital
iNovia Capital Inc.
Intrinsic Venture Capital
Lumira Ventures
Invest Nova Scotia
PRIVEQ Capital Funds
Real Ventures
Red Leaf Capital Corp
Relay Ventures
ScaleUp Venture Partners, Inc.
Tangentia Ventures
Top Renergy Inc.
Vanedge Capital Limited Partnership
Version One Ventures
WhiteHaven Venture
Westcap Management Ltd.
Yaletown Venture Partners Inc.
York Entrepreneurship Development Institute (YEDI) VC Fund
You must get one or more investors connected to these groups to agree to invest a
minimum of $75,000:
Canadian International Angel Investors
Ekagrata Inc.
Golden Triangle Angel Network
Keiretsu Forum Canada
Oak Mason Investments Inc.
TenX Angel Investors Inc.
VANTEC Angel Network Inc.
York Angel Investors Inc.
You must be accepted into one of these programs:
Alacrity Foundation
Alberta Agriculture and Forestry
Agrivalue Processing Business Incubator
Food Processing Development Centre
Alberta IoT Association
Altitude Accelerator
Bhive
Biomedical Commercialization Canada Inc. (operating as Manitoba Technology Accelerator)
Brilliant Catalyst
Creative Destruction Lab
DMZ Ventures
Empowered Startups Ltd.
Extreme Innovations
Foresight Cleantech Accelerator Centre
Genesis Centre
Highline BETA Inc.
Invest Nova Scotia
Innovate Calgary
Innovation Cluster – Peterborough and the Kawarthas
Innovation Factory
Interactive Niagara Media Cluster o/a Innovate Niagara
Intrinsic Innovations
Invest Ottawa
ISM Arts & Culture Ltd
Knowledge Park o/a Planet Hatch
L-SPARK
LatAm Startups
Launch Academy – Vancouver
LaunchPad PEI Inc.
Millworks Centre for Entrepreneurship
NEXT Canada
Niagara Business & Innovation Fund
North Forge East Ltd.
North Forge Technology Exchange
Pacific Technology Ventures
Platform Calgary
Pycap
Real Investment Fund III L.P. o/a FounderFuel
Red Leaf Capital Corp
Roseview Global Incubator
Spark Commercialization and Innovation Centre
Spring Activator
The DMZ at Ryerson University
Think8 Global Institute
TiE Toronto
Toronto Business Development Centre (TBDC)
Treefrog
TSRV Canada Inc. (operating as Techstars Canada)
University of Toronto Entrepreneurship Hatchery
ventureLAB Innovation Centre
VIATEC
Waterloo Accelerator Centre
York Entrepreneurship Development Institute
YSpace (York University)
Here's how our RCIC can assist you:
Eligibility Assessment: Our RCIC can assess your eligibility for the Start-Up Visa program. They will review your business idea, financial situation, and other relevant factors to determine if you meet the program’s requirements.
Business Plan Development: A well-prepared business plan is a crucial component of the Start-Up Visa application. Our RCIC can help you create a comprehensive business plan that demonstrates the viability and potential for growth of your start-up. This includes market research, financial projections, and a clear business strategy.
Connecting with Designated Organizations: To qualify for the Start-Up Visa, you must secure a commitment from a designated organization in Canada. Our RCIC can help you identify and connect with suitable organizations, such as venture capital firms, angel investors, or business incubators.
Document Preparation: The Start-Up Visa application involves a significant amount of paperwork. Our RCIC can assist you in gathering and preparing all the required documents, ensuring that they are accurate and complete.
Application Submission: Your RCIC will submit your Start-Up Visa application to Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) on your behalf. They will also monitor the progress of your application and respond to any requests for additional information or interviews.
Interview Preparation: If required, our RCIC can help you prepare for interviews or meetings with immigration officials to discuss your business venture and qualifications.
Overcoming Challenges: If any issues or challenges arise during the application process, such as requests for additional documentation or clarification, your RCIC can help address them effectively.
Post-Approval Services: Once you receive your Start-Up Visa and arrive in Canada, our RCIC can continue to assist you with your immigration and settlement needs, such as obtaining work permits, permanent residency, or other immigration matters. Remember that the Start-Up Visa program is competitive, and the success of your application depends on the strength of your business idea, the commitment of your designated organization, and your ability to meet all program requirements. An experienced RCIC can help increase your chances of success by guiding you through the process and ensuring that your application is well-prepared.
Am I an eligible candidate for Canada’s Start-up Visa Program?
Find out whether you qualify for the Start-up Visa.
Complete our online registration to be evaluated and we will provide our assessment within 2-3 business days.
