The Start-up Visa Program gives Canadian permanent resident status to people with innovative business ideas. Canada welcomes people who can come and start/grow their businesses, create jobs for Canadians, and compete on a global scale. 

Under this program, successful applicants also receive both investment and other support to start and grow their businesses from government-approved organizations. 

Note: If you have team members, they can also move to Canada together with you. 

Up to 5 applicants with one business idea can apply via this program and get their permanent residence status.
 

Requirements 

Getting a Letter of Support

Applicants must get a letter of support from government-approved organizations (designated organizations). These organizations are:

• Venture capital funds

• Angel Investor groups

• Business incubators 

To get a letter of support from one of these organizations, you must directly contact them and convince them that your business idea is worth supporting. 

The following agreements must be reached:

• Venture capital funds  

One of venture capital funds must agree to invest a minimum of $ 200.000 in your business

• Angel Investors Groups 

One of the Angel Investors must agree to invest a minimum of $ 75.000 in your business

• Business incubators

You must be accepted to one of the business incubators  (they are not required to invest in your business)

The list of all the designated organizations can be found here
 

Speak English or French

The Start-up Visa applicants must have minimum general IELTS 5 score or its french equivalent.