Canada Start-Up PR Visa Program

What is a Startup Visa in Canada?

The Canada Start-Up Visa Program is a business immigration program that allows foreign entrepreneurs to obtain permanent residence in Canada by starting innovative businesses. Successful applicants and their families can relocate to Canada within 3 to 6 months and obtain permanent residency.

The program targets entrepreneurs supported by Canadian designated organizations (incubators, angel investor groups, or venture capital funds). Up to five business partners can participate in the same start-up, provided they meet certain requirements.

Start-Up Visa Canada Requirements

To be eligible for the Canada Start-up Visa Program, applicants must:

• Obtain a Letter of Support from a Designated Organization in Canada;

• Incorporate the business within Canada;

• Individually hold a minimum of 10% voting rights in the company alongside a Designated Organization;

• Collectively, the applicants and the Designated Organization must possess over 50% of voting rights;

• Actively manage the business, with core operations in Canada during and after the application process;

• Fulfill language proficiency at CLB 5 in English or French;

• Have adequate settlement funds and operational capital, ideally over $200,000.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Start-Up Visa

It would be best to consider the benefits and drawbacks of this program before taking any further steps. It is crucial to fully understand what this program offers and whether it is right for you.

Advantages of the Program

Below are some of the pros of the SUV program:

• A direct pathway for permanent residence in Canada.

• Open to all nationalities.

• No limitations on business activities in Canada.

• No net worth requirement or verification.

• Allows for a partnership of 5 individuals in the same start-up (min. 10% of ownership for each partner is required); and

• Opportunity to relocate to Canada by obtaining a work permit while the permanent residence application is processed.

Disadvantages of the Program

Below are some of the cons of the SUV program:

• High competition to obtain support from designated organizations in Canada; thus, it can be challenging to get such support.

• Lengthy processing times to obtain permanent residence.

• High capital investments by the founding partners are often required to secure support from a designated organization.

• An extremely well-developed, viable, and scalable business model is needed with a proven track of success and

• There is a moderate risk of refusals at the permanent residence stage and/or delays due to peer reviews.

How We Can Help With Your Canada’s Start-Up Visa Applications

We approach Start-Up Visa (SUV) applications with a distinctive methodology that sets us apart from the industry standard.

• Our initial step is personal - we take the time to get to know you. Understanding your background, experience, budget limitations, aspirations, and business goals is crucial for us to evaluate your startup idea’s viability and potential effectively. We believe in honesty; if we find that your idea is unfeasible or too vague, we’ll tell you.

• Once we establish the groundwork, our in-house business team collaborates closely with you to refine your idea into a viable startup project.

• We delve into understanding the capital and human resources required, ensuring you have a solid foundation. Unlike many in our field, we don’t outsource business plan writing.

• Our legal experts, trained in business, work alongside our specialized business team to craft pitch decks and business plans.

• This synergy ensures perfect coherence and alignment with your entire application, reflecting your experience and documentary evidence. Each element is tailor-made for you, underlining our commitment to your success both in business and immigration.

We’re there for you during the pitch interview, offering robust support as you navigate the due diligence.