Start-Up Visa Program

Permanent residency for innovative entrepreneurs.

 The Start-Up Visa program connects you with private-sector organizations that can provide essential funding and guidance to help you launch and grow your innovative business within the Canadian economy. This program is designed to attract bright minds who will create new jobs and drive economic growth.

 The Start-Up Visa program connects you with private-sector organizations that can provide essential funding and guidance to help you launch and grow your innovative business within the Canadian economy. This program is designed to attract bright minds who will create new jobs and drive economic growth.

 

What is the Start-Up Visa Program?

This program offers a direct route to permanent residency for up to five foreign entrepreneurs who are part of the same business venture. It requires applicants to secure a commitment from a Canadian venture capital fund, angel investor group, or business incubator. Successful applicants can bring their innovative ideas to life while receiving guidance and expertise from private sector organizations in Canada.

 

General Requirements

  • Your business must be supported by a designated venture capital fund, angel investor group, or business incubator, which will provide a Commitment Certificate to IRCC.


  • You must demonstrate a minimum language ability of CLB 5 in all four skills (reading, writing, listening, and speaking) in either English or French to be eligible.


  • Your business must meet the ownership requirements outlined by the program, and no more than five foreign nationals may apply as part of the same business venture.


  • You must have sufficient funds to support yourself and your family to settle in Canada, even though you are not required to invest your own money into the business.

Essential person clause

If your application is part of a group, one or more "essential persons" may be identified. If an application for an essential person is refused, all other applications in the group will also be refused.

Peer review process

An immigration officer may request a peer review of your business plan to ensure the designated organization has completed the proper due diligence according to industry standards.

No personal investment required

Unlike other investor programs, you are not required to invest any of your own money into the start-up. You also retain your permanent resident status even if the business is unsuccessful.

Start your immigration journey with confidence

Whether you’re handling it yourself or need guidance throughout, we’re here to support you.
Start with a $49.99 one-on-one consultation.
 

Start your immigration journey with confidence

Whether you're ready to start on your own—or want advice every step of the way—we've got your back.
Start with a $49.99 one-on-one consultation.

Get the help you need to succeed.

Connecting with partners

We can assist you in identifying and connecting with designated venture capital funds, angel investor groups, or business incubators that align with your business idea.

Application strategy

We will guide you through the entire application process, from meeting language and settlement fund requirements to navigating the peer review process.

Application support

Our experts will ensure all required documents, including the letter of support and Commitment Certificate, are properly prepared and submitted with your application.

Business plan development

Our team can help you create a detailed and compelling business plan that demonstrates the viability and growth potential of your venture to designated organizations.

business team meeting with Canadian designated organization for Start-Up Visa pitch

The Role of Designated Organizations

The support of a designated organization is the most critical element of a successful Start-Up Visa application. These organizations act as a bridge between the government and the entrepreneur. They are responsible for vetting the business idea and the management team, providing funding or mentorship, and submitting the official Commitment Certificate to IRCC. Their approval is a clear signal to immigration officers that the business has a strong chance of success and is worthy of the program.

Peer Review and Fraud Protection

To protect the integrity of the program, a peer review process has been established. An immigration officer can request an independent assessment of a commitment by an industry association, such as the National Angel Capital Organization or Canada's Venture Capital and Private Equity Association. This review ensures that the designated organization has followed industry standards in its due diligence, providing an extra layer of security and legitimacy to the process.

No Guarantees of Business Success

A key feature of the Start-Up Visa Program is that permanent resident status is not conditional on the business's success. This means that even if the start-up fails, you will not lose your permanent resident status. This policy allows entrepreneurs to take the necessary risks to grow a high-potential business without the fear of losing their immigration status.

entrepreneur operating machinery for Canadian Start-Up Visa business success
diverse group of professionals for Canadian entrepreneur immigration or Start-Up Visa pathway

Interested in a different path?

If you are a high-net-worth individual who prefers a hands-off approach to immigration, a passive investment program may be a better option for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Designated organization support is mandatory, but the quality and scalability of the idea still matters. IRCC evaluates whether the business is innovative, competitive, and capable of growth in Canada.

Yes. While first-time founders are not excluded, IRCC assesses whether the team collectively has the skills to execute the business plan.

Yes. PR approval is not conditional on business success, provided the application was genuine and compliant.

Only with appropriate work authorization. Founders often receive employer-specific work permits tied to the start-up.

Yes. Minimum CLB 5 is required, but stronger language skills significantly help credibility.

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CanadianVisas.com is operated by Can-Am Immigration Inc., a Canadian immigration consulting firm. We provide access to Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants (RCICs) licensed by the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC), as well as full representation services and self-guided immigration tools. CanadianVisas.com is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice, except as authorized under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act and the Citizenship Act of Canada.