For those looking to start a business and obtain permanent residency, Canada’s “Canada Start Up Visa Program” provides a unique opportunity. The program is designed for entrepreneurs with a business idea that has the potential to generate jobs and support Canada’s economy. In contrast to most other business immigration options, the Canada Start-Up Visa Program comes directly with permanent residency, with emphasis on your idea’s potential and the backing of a Canadian designated organization.
Understanding the Canada Start Up Visa Program
Canada’s Start-Up Visa Program is a federal immigration route intended to entice international entrepreneurs. For you to qualify, you should fulfill four fundamental requirements:
A Qualifying Business: Your enterprise should be innovative, job-creating, and competitive internationally. It should be founded in Canada with substantial activities in the nation. You should own not less than 10% of the voting shares, while with the organization designated, more than 50%.
Support from a Designated Organization: You require a Letter of Support from a Canadian venture capital fund, angel investor group, or business incubator.
1. Venture Capital Fund: CAD $200,000 minimum investment.
2. Angel Investor Group: CAD $75,000 minimum investment.
3. Business Incubator: No financial investment amount is required; acceptance in their program will suffice. These Startup Visa Canada Investment Options are flexible.
Language Skills: A CLB 5 in English or French in all four skills (listening, reading, writing, speaking) is required as the minimum.
Proof of Funds: You will need to provide proof of funds to take care of yourself and your family when you arrive in Canada. This depends on family size and is different each year. It cannot be borrowed.https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/start-visa/eligibility.html)
Why Canada’s Start-Up Visa Program Excels
Canada’s Start-Up Visa Program is normally selected instead of other business immigration programs and Canada Residence by Investment possibilities due to some significant benefits:
Direct Permanent Residency: The SUV program offers direct permanent residency when approved. Unlike many provincial entrepreneur streams that involve establishing your business and meeting objectives before applying for PR, the SUV program allows for application of PR concurrently. This provides immediate long-term security.
Place Innovation Ahead of Capital: Most programs would look at securing passive, big investments, whereas the Canada Start-Up Visa Program is seeking active business founders who have innovative and scalable business ideas. Canada is interested in building a dynamic, knowledge-driven economy.
No Personal Net Worth Requirement: The scheme has no high personal net worth requirement from the applicant. It places emphasis on the viability of the business idea and how it can attract external funding, which means talented entrepreneurs without significant personal assets can access it.
Optional Open Work Permit: Prior to processing the permanent residence application (approximately 51 months as of July 2, 2025), open work permit applicants who are eligible can apply for an open work permit. This enables you to travel to Canada earlier, start establishing your business, and integrate into the Canadian economy. (Source: Immigration Ways, https://immigration-ways.com/ircc-updates-start-up-visa-processing-time-to-51-months/)
Lower Language Requirements: The CLB 5 level requirement is lower than most other skilled employee programs, allowing the program to be more accessible to entrepreneurs who excel in business but are still improving their language skills.
Comprehensive Support System: Organizations designate not only financial support but also mentorship, business networks, and strategic advice essential for a start-up business to thrive in a new nation. This comprehensive support is a fundamental element of the Start-Up Visa Program Canada.
Family Inclusion: The spouse/common-law partner and dependent children can be included in the PR application by the applicant, enabling families to move together and enjoy Canada’s quality public healthcare and education.
Understanding the Canada Start up Visa Cost
While direct personal investment isn’t always required, one must understand the canada start up visa cost:
Government Processing Fees: For the permanent residency application, work permit (if applicable), and biometrics.
Main applicant: CAD $2,385 (includes processing fee and Right of Permanent Residence Fee).
Spouse/partner: CAD $1,525.
Dependent child: CAD $260 for each child.
(Source: Canada.ca, https://ircc.canada.ca/english/information/fees/fees.asp)
Language Test Fees: Cost of sitting an accepted English or French language test.
Designated Organization Fees: Some incubators have program fees.
Professional Fees: For the recruitment of Startup Visa Canada Consultants or legal experts, who can significantly increase your prospects of having a successful application.
Settlement Funds: The money you must have to take care of your dependents when you arrive. In one case, this is about CAD $14,690 in 2025, adjusting up according to household size.
(Source: Malekpour Immigration Institute, https://malekpour.global/canada-startup-visa/)
How FRR Immigration Can Help
It takes professional expertise to walk immigrants through immigration procedures, particularly for a particular program such as Canada’s Start-Up Visa Program. FRR Immigration offers entrepreneurs who are interested in Canada full-service options:
Eligibility Check: To conduct an eligibility check and check if you are eligible for the Canada Start-Up Visa Program, we check your start-up business plan and address.
Business Plan Development: We assist in coming up with a strong and unique business plan that meets the needs of a specific organization.
Linkage with Targeted Organizations: We help you get connected to the right venture capital funds, angel investor networks, or business incubators, guiding you through pitching to obtain a Letter of Support for the Start-Up Visa Program Canada.
Preparation of Application: Our experts carefully prepare your application for permanent residency, making sure that all documents are correct and complete to be submitted on time.
Work Permit Support: We guide you through applying for the optional open work permit, which allows you to begin operating your business in Canada earlier.
Constant Support: We offer ongoing communication and support during the processing time.
Your Future in Canada Starts Here
The Canada Start Up Visa Program is an excellent opportunity for entrepreneurs to gain permanent residency while building innovative businesses in a supportive Canadian environment. Its direct path to PR, focus on innovation, and integrated support system distinguish it from other immigration pathways.
If you have a creative business idea and aspire to have a future in Canada, then your final solution may be the Canada Start-Up Visa Program.
Call FRR Immigration today and arrange an appointment, the first step in realizing your entrepreneurial ambition in Canada. https://frrimmigration.com/schedule-a-consultation/
