Start-Up Visa Program

The Entrepreneur Start-Up Visa Program is a new Canadian immigration pilot project and is the first of its kind in the world. The Start-Up Visa Program links successful applicants with private sector organizations in Canada who are able to provide funding as well as guidance and their expertise on establishing and operating a business in Canada. Successful applicants under this new Canadian immigration program will be granted their Canadian permanent residency. This program is not available for those who are interested in establishing a business in Quebec. 

Eligibility Requirements for the Canadian Immigration Start-Up Visa

1. Letter of Support and Commitment Certificate
   Applicants must have received a letter of support from a designated investor organization. In order to receive a letter of support, the applicant must convince a designated venture capital fund or angel investor group to invest in his or her proposed business.  The investor organization will also have to provide a Commitment Certificate directly to Citizenship and Immigration Canada, summarizing the details of the commitment made with the applicant.

2. Investment Requirement
   Applicants must secure an investment of at least $200,000 CAD if the investment is from a designated venture capital fund or a secure a minimum of $75,000 CAD if the investment is from a designated angel investor group. Applicants are not required to invest any of their own money for this Canadian immigration program.

3. Language Requirement
   The applicant must be able to communicate and work in English and/or French. Applicants must provide language test results from an approved agency, and must meet the minimum level of CLB 5 in either English or French.

4. Education Requirement
   The applicant must have completed at least one year of study at a post-secondary institution. The applicant must also be able to provide proof that he or she was in good standing for at least one year while attending a post-secondary institution. Applicants can provide transcripts, a letter of good standing, certificates, diplomas or degrees as proof for this requirement.

5. Sufficient Settlement Funds
   The applicant must have sufficient settlements funds to support themselves and their family once they immigrate to Canada. The amount of money required depends on the number of family members that will be accompanying the applicant.

6. Security and Medical Clearances
   As with all Canadian immigration programs, the applicant and accompanying family members must undergo a security clearance and a medical examination to determine whether they pose a security threat or have a health condition that would place an excessive burden on the Canadian health care system.