As the trusted partner of INNOVATE NIAGARA, we are dedicated to helping start-up founders and entrepreneurs like you navigate through the immigration process.
Find out if you are eligible to apply for Canada’s Start-Up Visa Program. Click the button to access our questionnaire.
The start-up visa program is a federal program, which means you can move to Canada together with your family as permanent residents. And unlike with other immigration pathways, you will not be required to stay or settle in a specific province or region.
The requirements to apply for the start-up visa program are simple and straight-forward. You must have an innovative business or business idea to bring to Canada. There is no age limit in applying for the start-up visa but you do need to meet the language requirement of CLB 5.
You must secure a letter of support from a designated organization which means you’re not required to invest any of your own money. The minimum investment required is the investment that comes from a designated Canadian venture capital fund or angel investor group. You do, however, need to prove that you have enough funds to cover living expenses for you and your dependents.
The Canada Start-Up Visa is designed to encourage entrepreneurs from around the world to launch their start-up businesses in Canada. The program provides a pathway for foreign entrepreneurs to obtain permanent residency in Canada by starting and scaling their innovative business ventures.
Canada’s Start-up Visa Program targets immigrant entrepreneurs with the skills and potential to build businesses in Canada (outside Quebec) that
If you can get support for your business idea from one of the designated organizations, you may be able to immigrate to Canada. The process of immigrating through Start-up Visa program includes two processes.
Below are some of the definitions to be understood before applying.
1. An Angel Investor Group
Angel investor groups are made up of members who invest their own capital in start-ups, usually in exchange for equity. Angel investor groups help their members in a variety of ways, which can include:
2. Venture Capital Fund
Venture capital funds raise and manage capital to place equity investments in start-ups with high growth potential. Venture capital funds support start-ups through their investment and can also provide:
3. Business incubator: Business incubators help start-ups grow by offering a range of services, which can include:
1. An angel investor group: Either one individually or more than one jointly confirming that it is investing at least $75,000 in a qualifying business.
2. Venture capital fund: Either one individually or more than one jointly confirming that it is investing at least $200,000 in a qualifying business.
3. Business incubator: a designated business incubator confirming that it is accepting the applicant into its business incubator program.
Number of | Funds required |
1 | $14,690 |
2 | $18,288 |
3 | $22,483 |
4 | $27,297 |
5 | $30,690 |
6 | $34,917 |
7 | $38,875 |
If more than 7 people, for each additional family member | $3,958 |
For proof of funds, you must get official letters from any banks or financial institutions where you are keeping money. Letter(s) must:
For the Applicant, below are the mandatory requirements to be eligible.
Canada’s Start-up Visa Program targets immigrant entrepreneurs with the skills and potential to build businesses in Canada (outside Quebec) that
If you can get support for your business idea from one of the designated organizations, you may be able to immigrate to Canada. The process of immigrating through Start-up Visa program includes two processes.
The Entire process of immigrating through start-up visa program is divided into two processes.
1. Designated Organization’s Support
2. Permanent Residency Application
If you already applied for permanent residence through the Start-Up Visa Program (SUV), you might also be able to get an optional work permit. This would let you do the work to start your business while we process your start-up visa application.
This work permit
Eligibility Requirements
For all the essential applicants, below are the mandatory requirements to be eligible.
Which family members can accompany you?
If you apply for a work permit, you may be able to bring your
They need to meet the requirements for temporary residence.
You can submit all applications for your family with your work permit application.
Process
You’re both the employer and employee in the Start-Up Visa Program. This means you apply for your work permit in 2 steps:
Adapt’s Service Fees
Our fees for assisting with the Start-Up Visa (SUV) program are as follows:
For additional services and breakdown of other fees, please visit our service fees section.
Required Documents
Before starting work permit application, prepare these documents:
1. proof you (and all team members, if you have any) submitted your application for permanent residence, such as a
2. Letter of Support from Designated Organization
3. Proof of Enough settlement funds
4. Offer of Employment number
5. proof you have the investment funds available to transfer to Canada, which are separate from your support funds
6. A valid Police Clearance Certificate (PCC)
7. Medical Examination results, if needed
8. Business Plan
9. A detailed staffing plan
10. Your Resume
11. Proof of your Exploratory visit (Optional)
12. Documents highlighting your transferable skills (If applicable)
Find out if you are eligible to apply for Canada’s Start-Up Visa Program. Fill up the questionnaire below.
