GLOBE IMMIGRATION

Start Up Visa

Entrepreneur Start Up Visa Canada Program: Business Immigration to Canada

The Entrepreneur Start-Up Visa Program is a pioneering Canadian immigration initiative, the first of its kind globally. This program connects successful applicants with private sector organizations in Canada that offer funding, guidance, and expertise for establishing and operating a business in the country. Successful applicants receive Canadian permanent residency through this innovative program. However, please note that this program is not available for those interested in establishing a business in Quebec. For Quebec-specific options, please visit our Quebec Immigration page.

Eligibility Requirements for the Canadian Immigration Start-Up Visa

  1. Letter of Support and Commitment Certificate: Applicants must secure a letter of support from a designated investor organization, convincing a designated venture capital fund or angel investor group to invest in their proposed business. Additionally, the investor organization must provide a Commitment Certificate directly to Citizenship and Immigration Canada, outlining the details of the commitment made with the applicant.

  2. Investment Requirement: Applicants must secure an investment of at least $200,000 CAD from a designated venture capital fund or a minimum of $75,000 CAD from a designated angel investor group. No investment of the applicant’s own money is required for this Canadian immigration program.

  3. Language Requirement: Applicants must be proficient in English and/or French, providing language test results from an approved agency and meeting a minimum CLB 5 level in either language.

  4. Education Requirement: Applicants must have completed at least one year of post-secondary study and provide evidence of good standing for at least one year while attending a post-secondary institution. Proof may include transcripts, letters of good standing, certificates, diplomas, or degrees.

  5. Sufficient Settlement Funds: Applicants must demonstrate sufficient funds to support themselves and their family upon immigration to Canada, with the required amount depending on the number of accompanying family members.

  6. Security and Medical Clearances: Applicants and accompanying family members must undergo security clearance and a medical examination to ensure they do not pose a security threat or have health conditions that would strain the Canadian healthcare system.

How to Get a Start-Up Visa in Canada

To successfully apply for the Start-Up Visa Canada program, follow these steps:

  1. Secure a Letter of Support: Obtain a letter of support from a designated investor organization.
  2. Meet Investment Requirements: Ensure you have the necessary investment from a designated venture capital fund or angel investor group.
  3. Fulfill Language and Education Requirements: Provide proof of language proficiency and educational qualifications.
  4. Prepare Financial and Health Documentation: Demonstrate sufficient settlement funds and pass security and medical examinations.

For more information on how to get a startup visa in Canada and to begin your journey towards business immigration, contact us today for expert guidance and support.

Peer Review Process

Designated associations review commitments between investor organizations and applicants to prevent fraud and ensure the legitimacy of commitments.

Business Failure

Participants retain their Canadian permanent residence even if their business fails.

Duration of Pilot Project

The Start-Up Visa program is a five-year pilot project, with the possibility of extension or becoming permanent based on its success. The Canadian government accepts up to 2750 applications per year for this program.

Designated Organizations for Start-Up Visa

As part of the eligibility criteria for the Start-Up Visa program, applicants must provide proof in the form of a Commitment Certificate and Letter of Support, demonstrating support from a designated organization. These documents outline the specifics of the arrangement with one or more designated organizations and are crucial for the application process. Unlike other federal and provincial investor programs that require applicants to invest their own capital, no personal investment is necessary for this program.

Instead, eligible applicants must secure a minimum of $75,000 from a Canadian angel investor or a minimum of $200,000 from a Canadian venture capital fund recognized by the Government of Canada. Alternatively, if applicants are accepted into a recognized Canadian business incubator, no investment capital is required.

Provincial Business License