Start-up Visa

Do you have an innovative business idea? If you can get support for your idea from one of the designated organizations, you may be able to immigrate to Canada.

About the Program

Canada’s Start-up Visa Program targets immigrant entrepreneurs with the skills and potential to build businesses in Canada that:

- are innovative

- can create jobs for Canadians

- can compete on a global scale

Eligibility

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

- have a qualifying business

- get a letter of support from a designated organization

- meet the language requirements

- bring enough money to settle

A qualifying business means you created a business that meets the following conditions.

1. At the time you get a commitment from a designated organization:

- each applicant holds 10% or more of the voting rights attached to all shares of the corporation outstanding at that time (up to 5 people can apply as owners), AND

- applicants and the designated organization jointly hold more than 50% of the total voting rights attached to all shares of the corporation outstanding at that time

2. At the time you receive your permanent residence:

- you provide active and ongoing management of this business from within Canada

- an essential part of the operations of the business happens in Canada

- this business is incorporated in Canada

Meet the language requirements

The ability to communicate and work in English, French or both languages will help your business succeed in Canada. You must meet the minimum level of the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 5 in either English or French.

Work Permit

While your application for permanent residence is being processed, you can apply for a temporary work permit to get to Canada and start building your business.

*A designated organization may support Start-up Visa applications for a maximum of 5 owners from the same company.  

**Each owner MUST file his/her own application with SuperVisas.