Start-Up Visa Program (Immigrant Entrepreneurs)
Canada’s Start-Up Visa Program targets innovative entrepreneurs from around the globe. If your business idea can generate jobs, compete globally, and gain backing from a designated Canadian organization, you may qualify for permanent residence.
How the Start-Up Visa Works
Meet the four core eligibility criteria:
Qualifying business: You must own at least 10% of voting rights and, with the designated organization, together hold more than 50%. Your business must be incorporated in Canada, and you must actively manage it from within the country.
Letter of support from a designated organization: Must come from an approved venture capital fund, angel investor group, or business incubator. Language ability: Obtain a minimum of Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 5 in English or French across all skills.
Proof of settlement funds: Show you have enough money to settle in Canada (amount varies by family size).
Submit your application:
Apply online through the Permanent Residence (PR) Portal—known as the “Start-Up Business Class.” If you require accommodations, alternate formats are available.While you wait, you may be eligible for an open work permit:
This permit—valid for up to three years—lets you work for almost any employer or focus on developing your business in Canada.Processing & capacity constraints:
IRCC has capped annual applications per designated organization to 10 and is prioritizing applications with Canadian capital or incubator backing. This helps manage backlog and streamline processing.
Why Consider the Start-Up Visa?
Entrepreneur-first approach: Ideal for innovative business owners, offering PR through entrepreneurship.
Work flexibility: Open work permit keeps you active in Canada as your application is processed.
Partnered support: Backing from a designated organization provides credibility and application strength.
With Nivara Immigration, we’ll help you identify a qualifying business structure, connect with the right designated organization, navigate PR Portal submissions, and explore open work permit options.
