Startup Visa Program in Canada - Immigrate & Work In Canada As Startup Founders

The Start-Up Visa Program offers successful applicants and their eligible dependents permanent residence in Canada, along with support to help them establish their business. Applicants receive leadership guidance, funding, and operational support through designated Canadian organizations that choose to assist them.

Up to five (5) people can apply as business owners.

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Have a qualifying business (see what constitutes a Qualifying Business).

• Obtain a letter of support from a designated organization.

• Meet the minimum language requirement of CLB 5 in all abilities (English or French).

• Pass medical and security clearances.

• Have sufficient funds to settle in Canada.

• Intend to reside outside of Quebec.

Qualifying Business

A business is considered qualifying if it meets these conditions:

• At the time of obtaining a commitment from a designated organization:

  • Each applicant holds at least 10% of the voting rights in the business.

  • Applicants and the designated organization together hold more than 50% of the voting rights.

• At the time of obtaining permanent residence:

  • Applicants actively manage the business in Canada.

  • Significant business operations occur within Canada.

  • The business is incorporated in Canada.

Investment Requirements

Designated organizations authorized by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), including venture capital funds, angel investor groups, and business incubators, can support applicants.

Successful applicants must:

• Secure an investment of at least $200,000 from a venture capital fund.

• Secure at least $75,000 from an angel investor group.

• Be accepted into a business incubator program.

Support from multiple organizations is allowed, with a single Commitment Certificate and one Letter of Support issued to the applicant. If several organizations provide support, the minimum investment is determined by the organization making the first investment (e.g., if an angel investor group invests first, the minimum is $75,000).