Canada 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.

We are pleased to offer the Business Incubator Stream, in which we will assist each applicant with development of their business plan, interview preparation, obtaining the Letter of Support, and with the Work Permit and Permanent Residence applications.

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.

Need Help?

To discuss how to apply to the Canada Start-Up Visa Program.