What Startups Must Demonstrate for a Successful Start-Up Visa Review by IRCC in 2025

While incorporating a company is not a formal requirement of the Start-Up Visa program, having a properly structured and well-maintained Canadian corporation strongly supports the application. A credible setup includes complete incorporation documents, organized corporate records, an active registered address, and, for federal corporations, a Canadian resident director.

To remain in good standing, the company must keep its administrative obligations up to date. This includes maintaining an active CRA Business Number and tax accounts, filing the Annual Return on time, and keeping consistent bookkeeping records.

What matters next is demonstrable activity. Early interactions with potential clients, participation in associations or industry events, outreach efforts, and initial product testing all help show that the business is beginning to establish its presence in Canada. This includes ongoing product development, financial movement aligned with the business plan, and visible market engagement supported by published materials and a clear online presence.

Operational documentation should reinforce these signals. Updated pitch decks, one-pagers, partnership materials, and, where relevant, tangible product development such as an MVP, prototype, or early user activity provide clear evidence of progress. Hiring team members essential to the project’s development, with roles aligned to the specifics of the business, further strengthens the overall picture of real activity.

Marketing and public visibility also play an important role. This includes articles on industry platforms, social media activity, a functioning website, and presence on startup-related platforms. Participation in public events, meetups, and Canadian associations, along with involvement in community or charitable initiatives, further shows that the company is building its presence and integrating into the local environment.

To present a complete picture, the operational progress should also be reflected in financial activity that shows the business is operating as planned.

IRCC evaluates whether the startup operates as a real business by looking at how funds are managed and whether the founders follow their declared investment plan. Officers expect to see capital transferred into the corporate account, documented spending on business activities, and consistent bookkeeping that reflects actual operations. They also compare declared investment milestones with what has been implemented, including any commitments outlined in the business plan.

A common misconception is that investment can be postponed until PR approval. IRCC reviews current activity, not future intentions, and financial inaction often signals that the business is not genuinely operating.

Officers often request proof of the operational and financial steps described above. This information is usually provided through a progress report. It shows how the project is developing in Canada and what has been accomplished since the business plan was submitted, giving officers a clear view of a company that is actually operating.

A progress report usually covers the main areas of activity: updated corporate and financial records, evidence of real spending, communication with clients and partners, and visible marketing or industry engagement. For product-based companies, it also includes tangible proof of product development.

The timing of progress updates is not set by IRCC. Each designated organization determines its own schedule. Some request updates quarterly, others at key project milestones, and some ask for them only when additional information is needed.

In today’s review environment, a strong Start-Up Visa application depends on clear, steady progress in Canada. What matters most is the overall direction of the business and how well this progress is documented. When founders can show real activity, the application is assessed more clearly and stands up stronger in today’s review process.

CBGA supports founders through every part of this process. We help set up the company, keep financial records in order, prepare progress reports, develop market outreach, build industry connections, and support product development when needed. We also assist with marketing and PR to help the startup build a visible presence in Canada. Our team works closely with founders to make sure every step is clear, properly documented, and aligned with what IRCC expects during the review.