Immigrating through business isn’t solely about investment or job creation. In the case of the Start-Up Visa program, it all starts with an idea. But to turn that idea into a pathway to permanent residence in Canada, a project description alone isn’t enough. You’ll need a document that proves your startup is supported inside Canada. That document is the Letter of Support, without it, you can’t start your path to permanent residency.

Canadian Immigration Startup

There are three types of organizations in Canada authorized to issue a Letter of Support:

• Business incubators – support early-stage startups. They often accept teams into online or in-person programs, after which they may issue a letter.
• Angel investor groups – private networks of investors willing to fund high-potential projects.
• Venture capital funds – work with more mature startups, usually requiring greater scope and detail.

As of 2025, there are around 70 authorized designated organizations. The official list is published on the Government of Canada website. Each organization sets its own selection criteria. Some require interviews, others ask for a working prototype and financial model, while some expect participation in an accelerator.


It’s important to understand: organizations that issue Letters of Support are putting their reputation at stake. That’s why they carefully vet the projects. Often, they want more than just an idea, they expect to see proof that you’ve already started building it: a website, an MVP, a marketing strategy, and a team.

A Letter of Support is an official letter issued by a designated Canadian organization confirming its intention to back your startup. It is a mandatory requirement for the Start-Up Visa application. Without it, your case won’t even be reviewed.

These letters are only issued by organizations that have been approved by IRCC and are listed in a government-maintained registry. Their endorsement means your idea is viable, your team is credible, and your business has the potential to benefit the Canadian economy.

This isn’t just paperwork. It’s a signal from the Canadian side: “We believe in this project.” And that significantly improves your chances of securing permanent residency.


Important:
A Letter of Support is required for the Start-Up Visa. No matter how strong your team or how ready your product is — without it, you won’t be able to submit your immigration application.

Securing a Letter of Support is serious work. Here’s what you’ll be dealing with:

• Preparing your project in English — including a pitch deck, product description, monetization model, market analysis, and team bios.
• Finding the right organization that works in your niche (not all funds are interested in the same sectors).
• Filling out applications and going through preliminary interviews.
• Facing the possibility of rejection — if the organization doesn’t see potential or feels your project doesn’t align with the Canadian market.

Stages

Some applicants underestimate the bar. They submit underdeveloped projects with no structure or growth plan, and that almost always leads to rejection.


Important:
Getting the letter isn’t just another step — it’s a real selection round. You have to convince investors or incubators that your project is real, compelling, and capable of growing in the Canadian market.

CBGA (Canadian Business Growth Advisors) is a team of consultants that helps international entrepreneurs go from idea to Letter of Support and ultimately to submitting their Start-Up Visa application. While CBGA doesn’t issue the letter themselves, they know exactly how and where to get it, and they support you at every step of the process.

Prepare. Stand Out

It’s much easier to get support if you’re well-prepared. Here are some tips to boost your chances:

1. Prepare a solid, English-language pitch deck.
2. Clearly define what makes your idea unique and its market potential.
3. Highlight your team’s expertise.
4. Build a website, create a video, or include visuals. They make a strong impression.
5. Study the list of designated organizations and apply only where your project is a good fit.
6. Get expert advice — it can save you weeks of trial and error.

Common mistakes applicants make:

• Treating the letter like a simple formality.
• Using generic, vague descriptions.
• Failing to adapt materials for an English-speaking audience.
• Not checking whether their project fits a specific incubator’s criteria.

A strong idea is just the beginning. If you want your startup to get Canada’s attention, you need to prove you’re not just dreaming — you’re building. The Letter of Support is the key that opens the door. Step through it with confidence and start the next chapter of your story.

At CBGA, we offer expert guidance to help you navigate the complexities of securing a Letter of Support and completing the Startup Visa application. With our assistance, you can ensure that every step of your business immigration to Canada is smooth and successful.