Canada Start-up Visa Program
The Start-up Visa Program is a Canadian immigration pathway for creative and innovative entrepreneurs who wish to launch a business in Canada. This program is designed for individuals capable of building high-growth businesses that contribute to the Canadian economy.
Key Requirements of the Start-up Visa Program:
Innovative Business Idea
You must present an innovative start-up idea with the potential to compete globally.
Support from a Designated Organization
You must obtain a Letter of Support from one of the designated organizations, which include:
Business Incubators
Venture Capital Funds
Angel Investor Groups
Language Proficiency
You must demonstrate proficiency in either English or French, with a minimum CLB level 5 in listening, reading, writing, and speaking.
Proof of Settlement Funds
You must show sufficient financial resources to support yourself and your family upon arrival in Canada. The amount depends on the number of family members.
Valid Business Plan
A solid and reliable business plan is required to prove your idea’s viability and appeal to investors.
Application Process:
Step 1: Develop Your Business Idea
Document your innovative idea and prepare a professional business plan.
Step 2: Contact a Designated Organization
Approach one of the authorized organizations for a Letter of Support. Each may have unique selection procedures.
Step 3: Submit Your Visa Application
Once you have the Letter of Support, submit your complete application to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Step 4: Wait for Processing
Processing can take several months. In the meantime, you may apply for a Temporary Work Permit to begin working in Canada.
Program Benefits:
Permanent Residency even if the start-up fails
Access to funding networks and incubator resources
Eligibility to bring family members with PR
Business growth opportunities in one of the world’s leading economies
Fees:
Application Fee: ~CAD 2,140 (including PR right fee)
Other Costs: Language testing, business plan preparation, obtaining the Letter of Support
Detailed Requirements and Stages:
1. Finding a Designated Organization
Designated Organizations are key stakeholders in this program. Your Letter of Support must come from one of the following:
Venture Capital Funds: Must confirm a minimum CAD 200,000 investment
Angel Investor Groups: Minimum investment of CAD 75,000
Business Incubators: Must accept you into their program
Note: You may be required to submit a full business plan, participate in interviews, or provide a prototype of your product.
2. Business Plan Structure:
Your business plan should be professional and include:
Description of the Innovative Idea: Explain how your solution fills a market gap
Market Analysis: Define your target market and strategy
Financial Plan: Forecast your costs, revenues, and profits
Market Entry Strategy: How your business will succeed in Canada
3. Language Assessment:
Accepted tests:
English: IELTS General Training or CELPIP General
French: TEF Canada or TCF Canada
Minimum scores (CLB 5):
IELTS: Listening & Speaking – 5, Reading & Writing – 4
4. Proof of Funds:
Required settlement funds (subject to change annually):
| Family Size | Required Funds (CAD) |
|---|---|
| 1 | $14,800 |
| 2 | $18,800 |
| 3 | $23,100 |
| 4 | $28,000 |
| 5 | $31,800 |
Funds must be readily available and proven at the time of application.
5. Application Submission:
Forms: Download from IRCC and complete
Documents:
Letter of Support
Language test results
Proof of funds
Passport and ID documents
Business plan
Payment: Pay the processing and biometrics fees
6. Processing Time:
Processing can take 12 to 16 months.
Temporary Work Permit Option:
While awaiting PR, you may apply for a Temporary Work Permit to start operations early.
Conditions:
Valid Letter of Support
LMIA-exempt approval under exemption code C11
Features:
Usually valid for 1 year
Tied to your proposed start-up
Shows your commitment to IRCC
Advantages:
Early entry and business launch
Family may accompany you (spousal work permits, children’s study permits)
Business failure does not affect PR eligibility
Permanent Residency (PR):
The primary goal of the Start-up Visa Program is to provide permanent residency to entrepreneurs and their families.
Requirements:
Letter of Support
Proof of settlement funds
CLB 5 or higher in a recognized language test
Application Process:
Submit documents to IRCC
Undergo document and business plan review
Processing time: 12–16 months
PR Benefits:
Live and work anywhere in Canada
Maintain PR even if the business fails
Access to healthcare, education, and potential citizenship
Comparison: Temporary Work Permit vs Permanent Residency
| Feature | Temporary Work Permit | Permanent Residency |
|---|---|---|
| Main Goal | Start business quickly | Direct, long-term immigration |
| Processing Time | 1–3 months | 12–16 months |
| Dependency | Requires business progress | Not tied to business success |
| Cost | Lower | Higher |
| Rights | Limited to business permit | Full PR rights and freedoms |
Choosing the Right Path:
Choose Work Permit if you’re ready to launch immediately and want early access to Canadian opportunities.
Choose Direct PR if you prefer a complete, long-term immigration pathway and aren’t in a rush to move.
Language Requirement Summary
To qualify for the Start-up Visa Program, you must provide a recognized language test showing a minimum CLB level 5.
Accepted Tests:
IELTS General / CELPIP General for English
TEF Canada / TCF Canada for French