Canada Start-up Visa

Canada Start- Up Visa Program

Launched in 2013, Canada’s Start-up Visa Program is designed for foreign entrepreneurs with the skills and potential to establish businesses in Canada by allowing them and their families to apply for Canadian permanent resident status.

In order to be eligible to apply to the Start-up Visa Program, the applicant must:

1) Own a qualifying business

Applicants, whether alone or as a group (up to 5 applicants), must own more than 50%, with each applicant owning at least 10% of the shares.

2) Get a letter of support from a designated organization, authorized by the Canadian Government. This could be either :

Venture capital fund; or
Angel investor group; or
Business incubator

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

Net worth: No minimum requirement
Investment: Invest CAD $100,000 to CAD $200,000 in a Canadian Business
Age: No minimum/maximum age restrictions
Language proficiency: Minimum Level 5 of Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) in speaking, listening, reading & writing in either English or French
Criminal Record: Should not hold any criminal history
Medical Record: Should not possess any serious health condition
Settlement Funds: Meet IRCC’s proof of funds requirement.

BENEFITS OF INVESTING UNDER START- UP VISA PROGRAM

One of the best countries to do business in the G20
Easier access to the US market for business and travel
Quick pathway to get Canadian Permanent Residency permit for you & your family members
Accompanying Spouses can work in Canada while Children can attend Canadian schools
Access to Canada’s excellent healthcare system
Access to various Social-Security benefits.

Eligibility of Start-up Visa Program

Qualifying Business – Applicant must hold a minimum of 10% of the voting rights in the company

Letter of support from Designated Organizations – Designated Organizations must issue the letter of support or commitment which is required for eligibility.

Financial Resources – Applicants must have the economic stability and funding for their family’s needs.

English or French Language Proficiency – A minimum of a level 5 score is required in the approved language proficiency test in order to qualify for the Start-Up visa program.

STEP BY STEP PROCESS

Step 1: Seed Stage and Assessment of Eligibility based on candidate’s background, language skills, personal assets and business and employment history.

Step 2: Preliminary Business Plan and Creation of Company

Step 3: Complete the Business Plan, Submission of the Project to the Business Incubator, and Receive the Letter of Support

Step 4: Prepare and Submit the Application for Canada Permanent Residence to IRCC & business startup launch

Step 5: Receive Canadian Permanent Residence