Canada Start-Up Visa Program for Entrepreneurs

If you’re a business-minded individual with a high-potential idea and the drive to build a successful venture in Canada

At International Immigration Law Firm, we specialize in helping visionary entrepreneurs and innovative business owners secure permanent residency in Canada through the Start-Up Visa Program. If you’re a business-minded individual with a high-potential idea and the drive to build a successful venture in Canada, this program offers a direct path to immigration alongside access to Canada’s dynamic business ecosystem.

We’re here to help. Whether you have questions about our services.

What is the Canada Start-Up Visa Program?

The Start-Up Visa (SUV) Program was first introduced in April 2013 as a five-year pilot and became a permanent immigration program in March 2018 due to its success in attracting talented global entrepreneurs.

The program grants permanent residency to qualified foreign entrepreneurs who can establish innovative businesses in Canada that are:

  • Competitive on a global scale;

  • Capable of creating jobs for Canadians;

  • Driven by innovation and technology.


Why Choose the Start-Up Visa Program?

Canada is globally recognized for its robust economy, excellent quality of life, and supportive infrastructure for new businesses. The Start-Up Visa Program uniquely combines immigration with entrepreneurship, making it one of the most appealing pathways for foreign founders and startup teams.

Key advantages include:

  • Direct permanent residence for entrepreneurs and their families;

  • No minimum net worth requirement (unlike investor programs);

  • Access to Canadian private sector support through designated organizations;

  • Opportunity to live and scale your business in a thriving economy.


What is the Canada Start-Up Visa Program?

The Start-Up Visa (SUV) Program was first introduced in April 2013 as a five-year pilot and became a permanent immigration program in March 2018 due to its success in attracting talented global entrepreneurs.

The program grants permanent residency to qualified foreign entrepreneurs who can establish innovative businesses in Canada that are:

  • Competitive on a global scale;

  • Capable of creating jobs for Canadians;

  • Driven by innovation and technology.


Why Choose the Start-Up Visa Program?

Canada is globally recognized for its robust economy, excellent quality of life, and supportive infrastructure for new businesses. The Start-Up Visa Program uniquely combines immigration with entrepreneurship, making it one of the most appealing pathways for foreign founders and startup teams.

Key advantages include:

  • Direct permanent residence for entrepreneurs and their families;

  • No minimum net worth requirement (unlike investor programs);

  • Access to Canadian private sector support through designated organizations;

  • Opportunity to live and scale your business in a thriving economy.


Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the Canada Start-Up Visa Program, you must meet four key requirements:

1. Have a Qualifying Business

At the time of receiving a commitment and before obtaining permanent residence:

  • You must hold at least 10% voting rights in the business;

  • Combined with the designated organization(s), you must hold more than 50% of the total voting rights;

  • The business must be incorporated in Canada and actively operating from within the country once PR is granted.

2. Secure a Letter of Support

You need to obtain a Letter of Support from one of the following designated organizations:

  • Venture Capital Fund (must agree to invest a minimum of CAD $200,000)

  • Angel Investor Group (must agree to invest at least CAD $75,000)

  • Business Incubator (must accept you into their program)

The process involves pitching your business idea, meeting their criteria, and being accepted or funded by the organization.

3. Meet the Language Requirement

You must take an approved language test and score at least CLB Level 5 in either English or French in:

  • Speaking

  • Reading

  • Listening

  • Writing

4. Bring Sufficient Settlement Funds

Canada does not provide financial support to SUV immigrants. You must demonstrate that you have enough funds to support yourself and your family after arriving in Canada. The required amount depends on your family size and is updated annually by IRCC.


Permanent Residency Process

Once you have met all eligibility criteria and received a Letter of Support:

  1. Submit a PR application to IRCC.

  2. Undergo security, medical, and background checks.

  3. Once approved, receive your permanent resident visa.

  4. You and your family can move to Canada to establish and operate your business.

While your PR application is being processed, you may also be eligible to apply for a temporary work permit, allowing you to begin setting up your business in Canada.


Legal Support for Entrepreneurs

Navigating the Start-Up Visa Program can be complex, especially when dealing with business planning, organizational partnerships, and compliance with IRCC requirements. At International Immigration Law Firm, we offer comprehensive legal support for:

  • Business structure setup and review

  • Connecting you with designated organizations

  • Drafting business plans and investment proposals

  • Managing and submitting PR and work permit applications

  • Legal advice on maintaining PR status through active business involvement

We work with both individual entrepreneurs and startup teams (up to 5 applicants per business) and provide strategic support tailored to your industry and innovation goals.


Why Choose Canada for Your Start-Up?

Canada ranks among the best places in the world to start and grow a business. With:

  • A diverse and skilled workforce

  • Low business costs compared to other G7 countries

  • Government grants and startup support programs

  • Easy access to U.S. and global markets

  • High quality of life and social benefits

…it’s no surprise that Canada is attracting entrepreneurs from around the world. The Start-Up Visa Program ensures that innovators have a clear path to permanent residency while contributing to Canada’s economic and technological growth.


Get Started with Your Entrepreneurial Journey Today

Let us help you turn your visionary business idea into a Canadian reality. Whether you’re at the ideation stage or ready to connect with a venture capital firm or incubator, our team of legal professionals is here to guide you through every step.To qualify for the Canada Start-Up Visa Program, you must meet four key requirements:

1. Have a Qualifying Business

At the time of receiving a commitment and before obtaining permanent residence:

  • You must hold at least 10% voting rights in the business;

  • Combined with the designated organization(s), you must hold more than 50% of the total voting rights;

  • The business must be incorporated in Canada and actively operating from within the country once PR is granted.

2. Secure a Letter of Support

You need to obtain a Letter of Support from one of the following designated organizations:

  • Venture Capital Fund (must agree to invest a minimum of CAD $200,000)

  • Angel Investor Group (must agree to invest at least CAD $75,000)

  • Business Incubator (must accept you into their program)

The process involves pitching your business idea, meeting their criteria, and being accepted or funded by the organization.

3. Meet the Language Requirement

You must take an approved language test and score at least CLB Level 5 in either English or French in:

  • Speaking

  • Reading

  • Listening

  • Writing

4. Bring Sufficient Settlement Funds

Canada does not provide financial support to SUV immigrants. You must demonstrate that you have enough funds to support yourself and your family after arriving in Canada. The required amount depends on your family size and is updated annually by IRCC.


Permanent Residency Process

Once you have met all eligibility criteria and received a Letter of Support:

  1. Submit a PR application to IRCC.

  2. Undergo security, medical, and background checks.

  3. Once approved, receive your permanent resident visa.

  4. You and your family can move to Canada to establish and operate your business.

While your PR application is being processed, you may also be eligible to apply for a temporary work permit, allowing you to begin setting up your business in Canada.


Legal Support for Entrepreneurs

Navigating the Start-Up Visa Program can be complex, especially when dealing with business planning, organizational partnerships, and compliance with IRCC requirements. At International Immigration Law Firm, we offer comprehensive legal support for:

  • Business structure setup and review

  • Connecting you with designated organizations

  • Drafting business plans and investment proposals

  • Managing and submitting PR and work permit applications

  • Legal advice on maintaining PR status through active business involvement

We work with both individual entrepreneurs and startup teams (up to 5 applicants per business) and provide strategic support tailored to your industry and innovation goals.


Why Choose Canada for Your Start-Up?

Canada ranks among the best places in the world to start and grow a business. With:

  • A diverse and skilled workforce

  • Low business costs compared to other G7 countries

  • Government grants and startup support programs

  • Easy access to U.S. and global markets

  • High quality of life and social benefits

…it’s no surprise that Canada is attracting entrepreneurs from around the world. The Start-Up Visa Program ensures that innovators have a clear path to permanent residency while contributing to Canada’s economic and technological growth.


Get Started with Your Entrepreneurial Journey Today

Let us help you turn your visionary business idea into a Canadian reality. Whether you’re at the ideation stage or ready to connect with a venture capital firm or incubator, our team of legal professionals is here to guide you through every step.