Start-Up Visa Federal

Immigrate to Canada as an Entrepreneur

Canada’s Start-Up Visa (SUV) Program is built for forward-thinking entrepreneurs with innovative business concepts that have the potential to generate employment and succeed internationally. Through this program, eligible applicants and their families can secure permanent residence while launching and growing their business in Canada, with guidance and support from approved Canadian organizations.

Why Choose the Start-Up Visa Program?

  • Permanent residence from day one Obtain permanent residency for you and your family while developing your innovative business in Canada.
  • Access to a global business ecosystem Launch and scale your venture in one of the world’s most stable and competitive startup environments.
  • Entrepreneur-friendly structure Up to five founders can apply under the same start-up project, making it ideal for collaborative ventures.
  • Backed by Canadian expertise Gain credibility and support through designated Canadian investors, angel groups, or business incubators.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the Start-Up Visa Program, applicants must meet the following requirements:

Business Support

Applicants must secure a Letter of Support from a designated Canadian organization, as outlined below:

  • Venture Capital Fund: Minimum investment of CAD 200,000
  • Angel Investor Group: Minimum investment of CAD 75,000
  • Business Incubator: Acceptance into an approved incubator program (no minimum investment required)

Language Proficiency

Applicants must demonstrate a minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) Level 5 in either English or French across all four abilities: speaking, listening, reading, and writing. Accepted language tests include IELTS (General Training), CELPIP (General), TEF Canada, and TCF Canada.

Settlement Funds

Applicants must provide proof of sufficient funds to support themselves and their accompanying family members upon arrival in Canada.

Qualifying Business

The proposed business must be incorporated in Canada and comply with all ownership, control, and operational requirements set by the program.

Admissibility

Applicants must be admissible to Canada and free from any medical, security, or criminal inadmissibility.

Application Process

  • Eligibility Review: Confirm that you meet the required business, language proficiency, and financial criteria.
  • Obtain Designated Support: Present your business concept to a designated Canadian organization and secure a Letter of Support.
  • Prepare Your Application: Complete all required forms, gather supporting documents, and pay the applicable government fees.
  • Submit to IRCC: File your complete application package with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) as per the instructions.
  • Biometrics & Background Checks: Attend biometrics appointments and provide medical examinations and police clearance certificates when requested.
  • Temporary Work Authorization (If Applicable): If your business offers significant benefit to Canada, you may apply for a temporary work permit while your permanent residence application is under review.
  • Permanent Residence Approval: Once approved, you and your family can move to Canada and focus on building and expanding your business.
  • Estimated Processing Time: Approximately 12–16 months.

Required Documentation

  • A valid passport or recognized travel document
  • Letter of Support issued by an approved Canadian designated organization
  • Proof of language proficiency (IELTS, CELPIP, TEF, or TCF)
  • Evidence of sufficient settlement funds to support yourself and your family
  • A complete application package, including all required forms, signatures, and supporting records
  • Medical examinations, police clearance certificates, and biometric data, as requested by IRCC

Program Fees & Associated Costs

  • Application processing fee: CAD $1,050
  • Right of Permanent Residence fee: CAD $490
  • Biometrics fee: CAD $85
  • Additional charges: May apply for accompanying dependants
  • Professional fees: Optional costs if you choose to work with legal or immigration consultants
  • Translation and credential assessment fees: Applicable if documents are not in English or French

How Live Better Immigration Supports You

  • Eligibility evaluation: Understand your prospects before you begin.
  • Designated organization guidance: Strategic assistance in approaching investors and incubators.
  • End-to-end application support: From refining your pitch deck to completing and submitting IRCC documentation.
  • Personalized advisory: Business immigration strategies aligned with your goals and business vision.

Frequently Asked Questions

To be eligible for the Start-Up Visa Program, applicants must:
  • Own a qualifying business that satisfies Canadian ownership and incorporation criteria.
  • Secure a Letter of Support from a designated Canadian organization such as a venture capital fund, angel investor group, or business incubator.
  • Meet the minimum language proficiency of CLB 5 in English or French.
  • Demonstrate sufficient settlement funds to support themselves and their family until the business becomes operational in Canada.

Yes. The minimum investment depends on the supporting organization:
  • $200,000 CAD from a designated venture capital fund
  • $75,000 CAD from a designated angel investor group
  • No minimum investment requirement if supported by a designated business incubator

A single start-up may include up to five founders, provided each applicant plays an essential role in the business and meets program requirements.

Applicants must demonstrate a minimum of CLB 5 in all four language abilities: speaking, listening, reading, and writing, in either English or French.

Processing times typically range between 12 to 16 months, though timelines may vary based on application complexity and IRCC processing volumes.

Yes. Applicants whose business is expected to provide significant benefit to Canada may be eligible to apply for a temporary work permit, allowing them to begin working in Canada while their permanent residence application is under review.
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