The Canada Start-Up Visa Program is designed to attract innovative entrepreneurs to Canada to establish high-potential businesses and provides permanent residency to eligible applicants and their families. The program connects entrepreneurs with designated Canadian support organizations, such as venture capital funds, angel investor groups, or business incubators, to help them build and grow their businesses in Canada. Additionally, the Government of Canada has introduced work permit policies, allowing Start-Up Visa applicants to work in Canada while their permanent residency application is being processed.
1. Background
Launched in 2013, the Start-Up Visa Program aims to attract global entrepreneurs to Canada, driving economic growth and creating jobs. The program offers a fast-track pathway to Canadian permanent residency for entrepreneurs with innovative business ideas. In 2024, the Canadian government further enhanced the work permit policy, allowing Start-Up Visa applicants to apply for open work permits while awaiting the processing of their permanent residency application, with a maximum validity of three years.
2. Eligibility Criteria
To apply for the Start-Up Visa Program, applicants must meet the following requirements:
Obtain Support from a Designated Organization
- Applicants must secure a letter of support from a designated Canadian venture capital fund, angel investor group, or business incubator.
- The letter must confirm that the applicant has received at least one of the following:
- A minimum investment of $200,000 from a designated venture capital fund.
- A minimum investment of $75,000 from a designated angel investor group.
- Acceptance into a designated business incubator program.
Language Requirement
- Applicants must demonstrate English or French proficiency at Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) Level 5 or higher.
Educational Background
- While there is no minimum education requirement, applicants must demonstrate sufficient knowledge and experience to manage a business. Usually requires minimum high school graduation.
Settlement Funds
- Applicants must prove they have sufficient funds to support their family’s settlement in Canada (unless already legally working in Canada).
3. Work Permit Policies
To support Start-Up Visa applicants in launching their businesses in Canada, the Canadian government has introduced the following work permit policies:
- Open Work Permits: Start-Up Visa applicants and their core team members can apply for open work permits while awaiting the processing of their permanent residency application.
- Validity: Work permits are valid for up to three years and can be renewed.
- Flexibility: Holders of open work permits can work in any province or territory in Canada without being tied to a specific employer.
4. List of Designated Organizations
Start-Up Visa applicants must obtain support from one of the following designated organizations:
- 7 Gate Ventures
- Alt Ventures
- Amplitude Ventures Inc.
- Apex Innovative Investments Ventures
- Arete Pacific Tech Ventures (VCC) Corp
- BCF Ventures
- BDC Venture Capital
- Extreme Venture Partners
- Golden Ventures
- iNovia Capital Inc.
- Real Ventures
- Relay Ventures
- ScaleUP Ventures Inc.
- Top Renergy Inc.
- Vanedge Capital Limited Partnership
- Version One Ventures
- Yaletown Venture Partners Inc.
Angel Investor Groups:
- Anges Québec
- Ekagrata Inc.
- Golden Triangle Angel Network
- Southeastern Ontario Angel Network
- TenX Angel Investors Inc.
- VANTEC Angel Network Inc.
- York Angel Investors Inc.
Business Incubators: Examples include (see the full list at Designated Organizations):
- Alacrity Foundation
- Altitude Accelerator
- DMZ Ventures
- Empowered Startups Ltd.
- Foresight Cleantech Accelerator Centre
- Genesis
- Innovate Calgary
- Innovate Eastman Inc.
- Innovation Factory
- Invest Nova Scotia
- Launch Academy - Vancouver
- NEXT Canada
- North Forge Technology Exchange
- Platform Calgary
- Spark Commercialization and Innovation Centre
- Spring Activator
- The DMZ
- Toronto Business Development Centre (TBDC)
- ventureLAB Innovation Centre
- Waterloo Accelerator Centre
- York Entrepreneurship Development Institute
5. Application Process
Secure a Letter of Support: Connect with a designated Canadian support organization and obtain a letter of support.
Submit Permanent Residency Application: Apply for permanent residency through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Apply for Work Permit: While awaiting the processing of the permanent residency application, applicants can apply for an open work permit.
Move to Canada: Once approved, applicants and their families can move to Canada and start their business.
6. Program Benefits
- Fast-Track to Permanent Residency: Successful applicants and their families receive Canadian permanent residency directly.
- Business Support: Access to funding and resources from designated Canadian organizations.
- Work Permit Flexibility: Applicants can work in Canada while awaiting the processing of their permanent residency application, with a maximum validity of three years.
- Family Reunification: Principal applicants can include their spouse, partner, and dependent children in their work or study permit applications.
