Start Up Visa
Canada’s Start-Up Visa Program is your pathway to transforming bold, innovative ideas into thriving businesses. Designed for visionary entrepreneurs, it empowers you to create businesses (outside Quebec) that generate jobs for Canadians and compete globally. With support from a designated organization, you’ll gain the mentorship and backing needed to bring your ambitions to life. To qualify, you’ll need a letter of support, meet language requirements, and demonstrate settlement funds. While your permanent residence is processed, you can begin making an impact immediately with a work permit if your business offers significant economic benefits to Canada. This program isn’t just about starting a business, it’s about building a legacy, driving innovation, and shaping a brighter future for yourself and for Canada.
Let your vision take flight. Start building your future today.
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We provide trusted and effective mobility solutions, assisting clients from around the world in successfully starting their new life in Canada.
Why Entrepreneurs Choose Canada’s Start Up Visa Program
Global First: Canada’s Start Up Visa Program is the first of its kind, offering unparalleled resources and opportunities for entrepreneurs ready to succeed on the international stage.
Private Sector Support: Gain access to expert mentorship, funding, and networks through partnerships with venture capital funds, angel investor groups, and business incubators. These collaborations are designed to fuel your start up’s growth.
Innovation-Driven Growth: Join Canada’s thriving start up ecosystem, contributing to innovation and job creation while benefiting from a supportive environment tailored for high-growth businesses.
Ideal Business Environment: Canada offers a stable economy, skilled workforce, and government backed programs that encourage entrepreneurship, making it the perfect destination for your start up.
Work Permit Advantage: Start building your business while your permanent residency application is processed by applying for a temporary work permit.
Program Highlights
Comprehensive Support: From navigating the initial stages of your business idea to scaling your start up into a global powerhouse, the program offers end-to-end support. Leverage expert guidance every step of the way.
Pathway to Permanent Residency: Entrepreneurs and their families can transition smoothly into life in Canada, with the Start Up Visa program offering a direct pathway to permanent residency.
Networking Opportunities: Gain exclusive access to industry events, workshops, and meet ups, connecting you with fellow entrepreneurs, investors, and mentors that can catapult your business forward.
Access to Funding: Tap into a wide array of funding opportunities, from government grants and loans to private investment, ensuring your start up has the financial backing to thrive.
A Multicultural Landscape: Immerse yourself in one of the most diverse and welcoming countries in the world, benefiting from a rich tapestry of cultures, languages, and perspectives that can enrich your personal and professional life.
Who Can Apply ?
Qualifying Business: Each applicant must hold at least 10% of the total voting rights in the business, and together with the designated organization, must collectively own more than 50%. Upon approval, the business must be incorporated in Canada, actively managed from within the country, and have its key operations based in Canada.
Letter of Support: You must secure support from a designated organization, such as an approved venture capital fund, angel investor group, or business incubator. This involves convincing them that your business idea is worth supporting. Once approved, you will receive a letter of support, and the organization will send a commitment certificate directly to immigration authorities.
Language: Minimum CLB 5 in English or French.
Settlement Funds: Prove you have enough money to support yourself and your family after arriving in Canada. The required amount depends on family size is updated annually.
Work While You Wait: While your permanent residency application is being processed, you can apply for a temporary work permit to start building your business in Canada
Take the First Step Today
We connect entrepreneurs with designated organizations, venture capital funds, angel investors, and business incubators, while crafting business plans, refining pitches, and managing work permits.
Trust us to turn your vision into a thriving venture in Canada. Let’s get started.
FAQs About Start Up Visa Program
It’s a program inviting global entrepreneurs to establish innovative businesses in Canada, offering permanent residency and access to private sector support.
Benefits include permanent residency, private sector partnerships, funding opportunities, mentorship, and integration into Canada’s business ecosystem.
Applicants must hold at least 10% voting rights, and together with a designated organization, more than 50%. The business must operate and be managed in Canada.
No, the investment comes from the designated organization.
A minimum CLB 5 in speaking, reading, writing, and listening in English or French.
Yes, family members can also apply for permanent residency.
It drives innovation, creates jobs, and strengthens Canada’s reputation as a global business hub.
They assess, mentor, and support start ups, issuing letters of support and commitment certificates.
Switching is not recommended, as your application is tied to the original organization’s support.
Through legal documents like shareholder agreements and incorporation papers.
The business must operate primarily in Canada, with key decision-makers based there.
Yes, you can extend your work permit to maintain legal status while waiting for PR.
Yes, it can enhance your application by demonstrating market potential and stability.
Yes, but you must still secure support from a Canadian designated organization.
Additional funding is positive but ensure required ownership ratios are maintained and inform your designated organization.
Yes, it’s the world’s first program connecting entrepreneurs with venture capital funds, angel investors, and incubators.
You need a qualifying business, a letter of support from a designated organization, CLB 5 in English or French, and sufficient settlement funds.
Pitch your business to a designated organization, secure their approval, and receive a letter of support and commitment certificate.
No, your permanent residency status is secure regardless of the start up’s success.
Mentorship, funding access, networking, and resources to help your start up grow.
Access to industry events, workshops, and investor meet-ups.
Venture capital funds, angel investor groups, and business incubators.
Yes, you can apply for a temporary work permit to begin building your business.
No, the program is open to all industries with innovative ideas and job creation potential.
Your application may be affected. Ensure strong agreements and communication with the organization.
Yes, but core operations must move to Canada, and the business must be incorporated locally.
Some provinces offer additional incentives, but the program is open across Canada.
Owning or licensing critical IP strengthens your application and showcases business viability.
Consult legal advice and notify immigration authorities promptly.
Resolve disputes through mediation or arbitration, as outlined in your agreement.
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Got more questions? Unsure about the process or what’s next? We’re here to guide, support, and simplify every step of your journey.
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