Start-up Visa
Canada's Start-up Visa Program targets immigrant entrepreneurs with the skills and potential to build innovative businesses in Canada that can create jobs for Canadians and compete on a global scale.
Do you have an innovative business idea? If you can get support for your idea from one of the designated organizations, you may be able to immigrate to Canada.
There are many reasons why Canada is the best place to build your business. Canada's advantages include:
A strong economy
Low taxes and low business costs
Excellence in research and innovation
A high quality of life
Determine your eligibility
Prove your business is supported by a designated organization
Before you can apply for a Start-up Visa, you must have the support of a designated organization. If a designated organization decides to support your business, it will provide you with a Letter of Support.
You must include the Letter of Support with your application. If you do not include the letter or do not meet any of the eligibility requirements below, your application will be refused.
Prove your business is supported by a designated organization
Before you can apply for a Start-up Visa, you must have the support of a designated organization. If a designated organization decides to support your business, it will provide you with a Letter of Support.
You must include the Letter of Support with your application. If you do not include the letter or do not meet any of the eligibility requirements below, your application will be refused.
Show that your business meets the ownership requirements
Meet the language requirements
The ability to communicate and work in English, French, or both will help your business succeed in Canada.
You must take a language test from an agency approved by CIC and include the results with your application for your application to be processed.
You must meet the minimum level of the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 5 in either English or French in all of these four areas:
Speaking
Reading
Listening
Writing
If you do not meet the minimum language skills, your application will be refused.
The Government of Canada does not provide financial support to new Start Up Visa Immigrants
You must show that you have enough money to support yourself and your dependants after you arrive in Canada. You cannot borrow this money from another person. You will need to provide proof that you have the money when you submit your application.
The amount you will need depends on the size of your family. These amounts are updated every year
Number of Family Members Funds Required (CAD)
1 $12,300
2 $15,312
3 $18,825
4 $22,856
5 $25,923
6 $29,236
7 $32,550
For each additional family member $3,314
Bring sufficient settlement funds