Startup Visa

Canada’s Startup Visa Program targets immigrant entrepreneurs with the skills and potential to build businesses in Canada that:

• are innovative
• can create jobs for Canadians
• can compete on a global scale

To be eligible for the Start-up Visa Program, you must:

• have a qualifying business
• get a Letter of Support from a designated organization
• meet the language requirements
• bring enough money to settle

You must meet the minimum level of the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 5 in either English or French.

Your business idea or venture must get the support of one or more of the designated organizations listed below:

• Venture capital funds
• Angel investor groups
• Business incubators

Designated organizations are business groups that are approved to invest in or support possible start-ups through the Startup Visa Program.

This program is a PR program and the processing time as of today is 12 to 16 months. You can also apply for a short-term work permit under the International Mobility Program before submitting an application for permanent residence under the Start-Up Visa (SUV) Program. Only foreign nationals who have received a Commitment Certificate and Letter of Support issued by a designated entity may be considered for a short-term work permit. The designated entity must support the request for a work permit.