Canada Start-Up Visa
Canada CAN
Last verified 2025-01-01Official source
Canada's Start-Up Visa Program grants permanent residency to innovative entrepreneurs who secure a commitment from a designated Canadian venture capital fund, angel investor group, or business incubator. Up to five founders per qualifying business can apply together, making it one of the few immigration pathways designed for co-founding teams. Applicants must also demonstrate sufficient language proficiency and settlement funds to support themselves upon arrival.
Program Details
- Category
- Entrepreneur
- Processing Time
- 14 months
- Application Fee
- $1,575
- Minimum Income
- N/A
- Minimum Investment
- N/A
- Family Included
- Spouse/common-law partner and dependent children are included and receive permanent residency simultaneously
- Path to PR
- Yes — 0 years
- Path to Citizenship
- Yes — 3 years
- Physical Presence
- Must be physically present in Canada; PR holders must reside 730 days in 5 years to maintain status
- Dual Citizenship
- Allowed
- Tax Impact
- Permanent residents are subject to Canadian worldwide income tax from landing date
No minimum investment requirement, but must secure commitment from a designated Canadian organization
Key Requirements
- ✓Letter of support from a designated Canadian venture capital fund, angel investor group, or business incubator
- ✓Qualifying ownership stake in the Canadian business (10% or more individually; collectively over 50%)
- ✓Language proficiency at CLB 5 in English or French in all four abilities
- ✓Sufficient settlement funds to support the applicant and family
- ✓Business must be incorporated in Canada and actively managed from Canada
- ✓Up to five co-founders per business may apply
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