Start up Visa

What is the start-up visa program?

Types of Start-Up Visa Program

• Federal Start-up Visa Program
  The program encourages immigrant entrepreneurs to grow their companies in Canada. Successful applicants link with private sector organizations in Canada, where they can receive funding, guidance and expertise in opening and operating their enterprise in Canada.
• Quebec Start-up Visa Program
  Unfortunately, Quebec does not participate in the federal Start-up Visa Program. Entrepreneurs interested in immigrating to Quebec can consult the Quebec Entrepreneur and Quebec Investor programs.

What are the requirements for Canada's start-up visa?

1. Have a qualifying business

• You must hold at least 10% of the voting rights attached to all shares of the company
• Together with the designated organization, you must hold at least 50% of the voting rights attached to all shares of the company

2. Have a letter of support from a designated organization

• You need to demonstrate that you have the support of a venture capital fund, angel investor group, or business incubator
• In order to do this, you must pitch your business idea and convince the organization that it is worth supporting
• The process of pitching your business idea will be different for each organization
• If your pitch is successful, you will receive a letter of support from the organization which must be included in your start-up visa application

3. Meet the language requirements

• You must take a language test from an approved agency and show that you meet the minimum level of the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 5 in either English or French in speaking, reading, listening, and writing. You must take a language test from an approved agency and show that you meet the minimum level of the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 5 in either English or French in speaking, reading, listening, and writing.

4. Proof of funds

• You need to show that you have enough money to support yourself and any dependents once you arrive in Canada. The amount you need depends on the size of your family.

Designated organizations for start-up visa

How to apply for a start-up visa?

1.Fill out the application form

• Fill out the Generic Application Form for Canada
• Click the “Validate” button on the form, and make sure that you have completed all required fields
• Print the validated application form, making sure to include the barcode page
• Sign and date the form

2. Complete the document checklist

• Gather all documents listed in the order specified in the document checklist
• Place all necessary documents in a sealed envelope
• Print out the document checklist and sign it
• Include the document checklist as the cover page of your application

3. Pay your application fees

• Application fees include processing fees for you and anyone included on your application
• Right of permanent residence fee
• Third-party fees including fees for medical exams, police certificates, and language testing
• Biometrics fees:

4. Submit your application

• Before submitting your application, ensure that it is complete
• Make sure you have signed all forms
• Pay your processing fees and include receipts in your application
• Include all supporting documents

What is the processing time for Canada’s start-up visa?