Canada’s new Start-Up Visa is the first of its kind in the world, linking entrepreneurs with experienced private sector organizations that have expertise in working with start-ups. This program is to attract foreign innovative entrepreneurs, who are willing to establish new, high-growth businesses in Canada and support innovation and job creation. Canada is open for business to the world’s start-up entrepreneurs.
Eligibility requirements of the program
To be eligible for the Start-up Visa Program, the applicant must:
Business requirements
A qualifying business means you created a business that meets the following conditions:
Letter of support
The applicant must get a letter of support from a designated organization. Designated organizations are business groups (venture capital funds, angel investor groups, and business incubator organizations) that are approved to invest in or support possible start-ups through the Start-up Visa Program. Successful applicants are required to secure a minimum investment for their Canadian start-up.
Applicants are not required to invest any of their own money. If their Canadian start-up is unsuccessful, individuals granted permanent residence through this program will retain their permanent resident status.
Language
The applicant must meet the minimum level of the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 5 in either English or French in all four areas (speaking, reading, listening & writing).
Settlement funds
The Government of Canada does not give financial support to new start-up visa immigrants. An applicant is required to give proof that he/she has the sufficient money to support themselves and dependents after their arrival in Canada.