Canada Startup Visa
Canada Start-up Visa Program Overview
The Canada Start-up Visa Program is a federal business immigration program designed to attract innovative entrepreneurs who can build globally competitive businesses in Canada. The program grants permanent residence to eligible foreign entrepreneurs and their families by connecting them with designated Canadian organizations that support innovation and job creation.
Launched to strengthen Canada’s innovation ecosystem, the Start-Up Visa Program encourages entrepreneurs to establish businesses that are scalable, competitive and capable of creating employment opportunities for Canadians while competing on a global level.
WHY Choose Canada ICT Program?
The Canada Start-Up Visa Program offers a unique opportunity for innovative entrepreneurs to obtain permanent residence while building a high growth business in one of the world’s most stable and innovation friendly economies. Unlike many business immigration options, the program does not require a fixed personal investment or net worth threshold, focusing instead on the quality, scalability and innovation of the business idea.
With support from designated Canadian organizations, entrepreneurs gain access to mentorship, funding networks and market expertise while benefiting from Canada’s strong legal framework, transparent business environment and global trade access. The program allows founders and their families to settle anywhere in Canada, enjoy a high quality of life and build a business that can compete internationally while contributing to Canada’s economic growth and job creation.
Program Benefits
- Direct pathway to Canadian permanent residence for entrepreneurs and their families.
- No minimum personal net worth requirement.
- No mandatory personal investment amount fixed by the government.
- Ability to live, work and study anywhere in Canada.
- Access to Canada’s innovation ecosystem, incubators and global markets.
- Family inclusion for spouse and dependent children.
- Multiple founders can apply under the same startup, subject to ownership rules.
- Business ownership in a stable and business friendly environment.
ELIGIBILITY & REQUIREMENTS
Applicant Requirements
- Must have a qualifying innovative business idea with growth potential.
- Must obtain support from a designated organization approved by the Canadian government (venture capital fund, angel investor group, or business incubator).
- Must meet minimum language requirements in English or French.
- Must have sufficient settlement funds to support themselves and their family upon arrival in Canada.
Business Requirements
- The business must be innovative and capable of competing on a global scale.
- Each applicant must hold at least 10 percent of the voting rights in the company.
- Applicants and the designated organization together must control more than 50 percent of the total voting rights.
- The business must be incorporated and actively managed in Canada after approval.
APPLICATION FEES
The total cost of the Canada Start-Up Visa Program includes Canadian government processing fees for permanent residence applications for the main applicant and eligible dependents. Biometrics, medical examinations and police clearance certificates are payable separately as required by immigration authorities.
Professional advisory and legal service fees for business structuring, designated organization coordination, application preparation and submission are payable upfront and are non refundable. Any costs related to business setup, pitch preparation, document translation, notarization, or third party services are payable separately by the applicant.
STEPS AND TIMELINE
- Develop a qualifying innovative business concept aligned with Canadian market needs.
- Prepare a detailed business plan and pitch deck for designated organizations.
- Engage with a designated venture capital fund, angel investor group, or business incubator.
- Secure a Letter of Support from a designated organization.
- Obtain a Commitment Certificate issued directly by the designated organization to IRCC.
- Prepare and submit the permanent residence application along with personal, financial and business documentation.
- Complete biometrics, medical examinations and background checks.
- Receive permanent residence approval in principle.
- Relocate to Canada and incorporate or activate the business operations.
- Actively manage and grow the startup in accordance with the approved business plan.
