Start-Up Visa Canada

The Canadian immigration program, Start-up Visa, launched in 2013, is tailored for ambitious individuals who are eager to relocate or establish innovative enterprises in Canada with a global expansion vision.

To qualify for the Start-up Visa program in Canada, your business idea or start-up must receive support from Designated Organizations. This support is confirmed through the issuance of a Letter of Support (LOS) or an investment commitment from one of the Designated Organizations in Canada.

How to Choose Designated Organizations?

Venture Capital Funds

Venture capital funds typically seek investment opportunities starting at $200,000. They are primarily interested in established companies operating in the North American market with substantial growth potential.

The exact equity stake a venture capital fund acquires in your company depends on its valuation, determined through their evaluation process.

Business Angels

Business angels, individuals part of designated communities in Canada, are required to invest a minimum of $75,000 in a project. They prefer investing in projects with existing product pre-orders or market testing, ensuring product demand.

Similar to venture capital funds, the equity share a business angel receives for $75,000 depends on your company's valuation.

Business Incubators

Business incubators support projects at various stages, from large companies entering the Canadian market to early-stage ventures with innovative ideas.

Unlike venture capital funds or business angels, business incubators do not take ownership stakes in your company. Instead, they may offer educational programs and decide on issuing a letter of support based on your progress.

What is the process like?

The process unfolds in two distinct stages: the accreditation of your business project and the immigration process itself

First Stage: Project Accreditation

1. Selecting Suitable Designated Organizations

The comprehensive list is readily available on the government's website. Designated Organizations typically favor business projects within their respective fields and industries where they possess expertise.

2. Preparing for Admission

This involves navigating through a selection competition, presenting your project, negotiating with Designated Organizations, and assembling requisite documents. Additionally, you'll need to finalize the valuation of your company or complete an educational course.

3. Adhering to Instructions for Obtaining a Letter of Support

It's important to note that Designated Organizations reserve the right to decline issuing a letter of support.

4. Drawing up the Documents for Obtaining a Letter of Support

This phase often represents one of the most resource-intensive stages preceding the acquisition of a letter of support, necessitating comprehensive work on various aspects of your business plan.

Result

Upon successful completion, you will obtain a letter of support from a designated organization, allowing you to progress further in your journey.

Second Stage: Immigration

1. Selecting an Immigration Agent

When choosing an agent, ensure they hold a license issued by the Canadian government for their activities.

2. Document Preparation

This involves gathering all necessary documents, taking a language exam, providing biometric data, undergoing a medical examination, and submitting the results to the Canadian government for review.

3. Acquiring Canadian Resident Status

Upon the review of your application, you will promptly receive Canadian resident status. Typically, you are granted a 6-month window to enter Canada. The processing time for application review and the issuance of Canadian resident status ranges from 1.5 to 3 years.

4. Securing a Work Permit

Should you require an earlier entry to Canada to advance your business endeavors, you can submit an additional application for a work permit within your company. Typically, such applications are processed within a few weeks.

5. Company Registration

Upon arrival in Canada, proceed to register your company; this step may even be completed prior to your arrival in the country. Follow through with all necessary registration procedures and adhere to the guidance of your business consultant.

6. Business Development

Foster the growth of your business, remain aligned with your entrepreneurial vision, and strive for progress and success in your pursuits.

Result

Following three years of residency in Canada, you become eligible to apply for Canadian citizenship.

Who is Eligible for the Start-up Visa Program?

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the Start-up Visa program, you must possess a thriving business venture or innovative business concept with the potential for global expansion beyond Canada. Furthermore, your enterprise should contribute to the local employment landscape in Canada.

Language Proficiency

Each applicant is required to demonstrate a minimum proficiency level in either English or French, equivalent to CLB 5, approximately corresponding to level B1.

Financial Requirements

Applicants must demonstrate adequate financial resources to execute their business plans, with minimum funds ranging from $12,960 to $34,299, depending on the size of the applicant's family.

Ownership Structure

You and any co-founders must collectively own more than 50% of the total shares (or voting rights) in the proposed company. Moreover, each founder should possess at least 10% ownership of the company's shares or rights related to the declared business idea.

Advantages of the Start-Up Visa Program

Remote Interaction

The engagement process with Designated Organizations is predominantly conducted online, eliminating the necessity for in-person visits to Canada for participation in the Start-up Visa program.

Family Inclusion

As an applicant, you have the privilege to sponsor your spouse and children, granting your entire family Canadian resident status. However, it's essential to note that the program does not encompass sponsorship for your parents, though they can be invited to Canada separately.

Dependent Definition

In Canada, individuals are recognized as dependents until the age of 22 if they are not in formal marriages, allowing for family inclusion until they establish their own households.

Open Work Permit

Additionally, applicants can procure an open work permit, facilitating the seamless integration of business and employment endeavors.

Language Proficiency

While only the primary applicant is mandated to undertake the language proficiency examination, family members may be exempt from this requirement, streamlining the application process.

Citizenship Retention

In the event of business closure subsequent to acquiring Canadian resident status or citizenship, individuals retain their entitlement to Canadian citizenship.

Expenses Associated with the Start-Up Visa Program

In addition to other incidental costs, it's imperative to account for the following

Documentation Preparation

This includes assembling necessary documents for the designated organization, availing business consultant assistance, and covering legal fees.

Educational Course Completion

Opting for a business incubator as the designated organization may necessitate the completion of an educational course.

Language Proficiency Examination

Consider expenses for taking the language proficiency exam, particularly if it's unavailable in your country, which may also entail travel costs to another country.

Biometric Data Submission

Providing biometric data at the Canadian visa center in your country of residence is a requisite step in the process.

Medical Examination

Undergo a medical examination at a medical facility accredited by the Canadian government in your country, which entails associated fees.

Immigration Agent Services

Engage immigration agent services to streamline document processing for you and your family.

Government Fees

Government fees encompass charges for the primary applicant, additional family members, and a fee for issuing Canadian resident status post-approval.

Overall, expenses typically range between $30,000 to $150,000, contingent on various factors such as your business project's scope, family size, and the investment amount allocated for business development.

Start-Up Visa Canada

What Designated Organizations exist?

How to Choose Designated Organizations?

What is the process like?

First Stage: Project Accreditation

Second Stage: Immigration

Who is Eligible for the Start-up Visa Program?

Recommended Business Incubators

Advantages of the Start-Up Visa Program

Expenses Associated with the Start-Up Visa Program

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