Start-Up Visa Program

The Start-Up Visa Program is a Permanent Resident (PR) program which links successful applicants with private sector organizations in Canada who are able to provide funding, guidance and expertise on establishing and operating a business in Canada.

Successful applicants will be issued Permanent Residence to come to Canada, incorporate a company, and work on a start-up business concept in conjunction with a Canadian government-approved business incubator. Applicants who wish to accelerate their move to Canada may also be eligible to apply for a Work Permit in advance of their move.

The Start-Up Visa Program consists of 3 streams:

• Business Incubator – A business Incubator selects and approves applicants to develop a business concept or proposal.

• Venture Capital – A group must invest $200,000 into a qualifying business.

• Angel Investor – A group must invest $75,000 into a qualifying business.

Benefits

• Fast, simple and straight-forward program.

• We will work with you to develop the business concept and manage the complete process.

• The Permanent Residence Visa is not tied to the performance of the business.

• Small up-front payment, with balance required after issuance of the Letter of Support.

• Start-Up Visa Program leads directly to Permanent Residence.

• Applicants can apply for a Work Permit to accelerate their move to Canada.

• Applicant and family can live anywhere in Canada (outside Quebec).

• Qualifications are flexible and many applicants qualify for the Start-Up Visa Program.

• PR visa processing time is approximately 12 months.

Criteria

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Incorporate a company and intend to develop a business concept or idea in conjunction with an approved business incubator.

• Have minimum $500,000 in Net Worth (principal applicant’s and spouse’s assets combined).

• Be between ages 20 and 55 years.

• Business ownership, management, or entrepreneurship experience would be an asset, but is not required.

• 2+ years of post-secondary education would be an asset, but is not required.

• Have basic proficiency in English or French (CLB 5 or greater).

Application Process

We make the application process is simple and straight forward:

• Complete and return our Applicant Questionnaire for initial assessment.

• We match the Applicant with a Designated Business Incubator.

• After successful interview, Applicant receives a Letter of Support from the incubator.

• Application for Permanent Residence is submitted.

The Start-Up Visa Program is fast, simple and straight-forward, and allows applicants to apply directly for permanent residence to Canada, with the option to apply for a Work Permit as well. We will completely manage the whole process from start to finish.