Start Visa Program
Find out how to immigrate to Canada by starting a business and creating jobs, or support innovative entrepreneurs.
The Start-up Visa Program is for foreign entrepreneurs who want to establish a new business in Canada. No minimum investment is required.
Canadian Business and Investor immigration offers several immigration pathways for international entrepreneurs, investors and start-up businesses to establish their companies in Canada.
About the process: Start-up Visa
Canada’s Start-up 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
What is the application process for the Start-up Visa Program?
First, you must pitch your business idea to us and we will support your start-up company. Once a designated organization decides to support your business, it will send us a commitment certificate and give you a letter of support.
The process to pitch your idea varies for each designated organization. You must contact the designated organization to find out what you must do to seek its support. If you meet all eligibility criteria, you can submit a completed application, which must include your letter of support.
How can I qualify for the Start-up Visa Program?
To qualify for the Start-up Visa Program, you must meet all 4 eligibility requirements, as well as the admissibility requirements to enter Canada. You must: have a qualifying business have a letter of support from a designated organization meet the language requirements, and have enough money to settle and live in Canada before you make money from your business. To be eligible to come to Canada, you must meet the admissibility requirements to enter Canada. These apply to all applicants, not just Start-up Visa Program applicants.
What is the minimum investment that I need to apply through the Start-up Visa Program?
If the investment comes from a designated Canadian venture capital fund, you must secure a minimum investment of $200,000. If the investment comes from a designated Canadian angel investor group, you must secure a minimum investment of $75,000. You don’t need to secure a financial investment from a business incubator. You must be accepted into a Canadian business incubator program.