The Canada Start-up Visa Program launched in 2013 is an initiative by the Canadian Government, aimed at attracting innovative entrepreneurs from around the globe. This program offers permanent residency to immigrant entrepreneurs with a start-up business idea approved by a designated organization, to incubate the business or set up the business by securing funding from recognized Canadian investment organizations.
Business Incubation: No Minimum Investment
Canadian Angel Investor Group: Raise Minimum Investment of CAD 75,000
Canadian Venture Capital Fund: Raise Minimum Investment of CAD 200,000
24-30 months
Spouse and unmarried children under 22 years
Applications filed
Investment raised
Canada is a vast tapestry of some stunning landscapes, multicultural cities, and distinctive regions. The country is well-known for its picturesque locales - dense forests, majestic mountains, tranquil lakes, and beautiful coastlines. Its bustling cities namely Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver, provide a diverse cultural experience, with a rich blend of languages, cuisines, and traditions. At its core, Canada's essence lies in its commitment to multiculturalism, inclusivity, and the outdoors.
Capital
Population
Economy
Currency
Official Language
Government
The Start-up Visa Program in Canada provides an excellent opportunity if you are an innovative entrepreneur, to develop your start-up in a country that boasts of a strong and stable economy, excellent infrastructure, and a highly skilled labour force. The basic requirements of this program are ownership of a qualifying business that is backed by a designated organization.
Access to a large pool of private sector businesses
Lower processing time compared to other immigration classes
Robust & diversified economy with a reliable banking system
Excellent healthcare &
education system
Right to live and work in Canada indefinitely, with option to acquire citizenship after 3 years
Multicultural society that
welcomes diversity
If you are an international entrepreneur seeking a direct path to Canada PR for you and your family, then the Canada Start-Up Visa (SUV) program is the fastest route, with a relatively easy, efficient and streamlined process.
Canada fosters a culture of innovation and technological advancement, while encouraging a diverse and inclusive business environment; helping entrepreneurs to bring fresh ideas and innovative solutions to the market, with access to networking and funding opportunities.
As a successful applicant, you, your spouse or partner, and dependent unmarried children under 21 years will also be eligible for permanent residence.
On getting your PR, you can enjoy the freedom to live, work or study anywhere in Canada with access to its top-quality education system, public healthcare and social benefits.
The Canadian Start-Up Visa, unlike other visa programs for entrepreneurs, does not link your permanent residency status to your business performance. Once you get your PR, you can freely undertake any business or professional opportunities within Canada.
Up to 5 people can apply through the Canada Start-up Visa Program as owners of a single business, provided they all fulfill the stated criteria.
There is no restriction on age or net worth, and no higher education qualification is needed, provided you meet the eligibility for the Canada Start-Up Visa Program.
After three years (or 1,095 days) of permanent residence in Canada within a five-year period, successful applicants can apply for citizenship.
The investment requirement for the Start-up Visa Program may vary depending on whether it is Business Incubation or VC / Angel funded. You must also obtain a letter of support from an authorized government designated organization, accompanied by a commitment certificate which confirms that your business idea has been endorsed and supported by a recognized entity.
Business Incubation
No minimum investment is required, but your business idea needs endorsement by one of the business incubators to proceed with the visa application.
Venture Capital
Venture capitalists are professional groups that invest in startups with high growth potential. For a designated venture capital fund, the investment must be at least CAD 200,000.
Angel Investors
Angel investors are high-net-worth individuals who provide funding in exchange for equity. They can offer mentorship and networking opportunities. So, if the investment comes from a designated angel investor group, it must be at least CAD 75,000.
Additional Fees: In addition to the investment, applicants are required to pay government fees, due diligence fees, and legal fees associated with the application process. Please speak with our consultant for more details.
Do you have any queries? Find answers to the most commonly asked questions regarding the citizenship or residency program offered by this country.
Yes, Canada offers a few business immigration programs that grant PR to individuals willing to invest and start a business in Canada. This includes the Start-Up Visa Program and certain Provincial Nominee Programs. These programs have different investment and eligibility requirements.
You can become a permanent resident in Canada through various pathways such as the Express Entry System, Provincial Nominee Program, Quebec Immigration, or via a Family Class Sponsorship. Each of these pathways has different eligibility criteria that you need to meet.
An Indian can apply for PR in Canada through multiple pathways. One of the most popular is the Express Entry System, which is a points-based system. Applicants are evaluated based on their skills, work experience, education, language ability, and other factors. Other options include the Provincial Nominee Program and the Quebec Skilled Worker Program.
The Government of Canada does not provide financial support to new Start-up Visa immigrants. You must show that you have enough money to support yourself and your dependents after you arrive in Canada. The amount you need depends on the size of your family.
