Canada’s Start-up Visa Program grants permanent residence to entrepreneurs whose business is supported by a designated Canadian organization (business incubator, angel investor group, or venture capital fund).
- Support letter from a designated Canadian organization
- Language proficiency: CLB 5 in English or French
- Sufficient settlement funds
- Business plan and pitch deck
Find a designated organization to support your startup
Browse the list of designated organizations at canada.ca/startup-visa. These include business incubators (MaRS, Communitech), angel investor networks, and VC funds. Your business must receive a Letter of Support from one of these organizations — this is the hardest step.
Prepare your application with support letter
Once you have a Letter of Support with the business commitment (minimum investment or acceptance into incubator program), apply to IRCC for a Startup Visa. You and your co-founders (up to 5) can all be included on one application.
Meet language and settlement fund requirements
CLB 5 minimum in all four skills (reading, writing, listening, speaking) in English or French. IELTS General 5.0 in all bands. Settlement funds: $12,669 for single applicant + $3,357 per additional family member.
Apply for a work permit while awaiting PR
Apply for a temporary work permit alongside your PR application. This allows you to begin operating your Canadian business immediately while your permanent residence application is processed (12–16 months).
Business requirements after landing
Within the first year as a permanent resident, you must maintain ownership of at least 10% of voting shares (founders) and be actively managing the business in Canada. The business must be incorporated in Canada.
Frequently Asked Questions
Express Entry is for skilled workers in existing occupations. The Startup Visa is for entrepreneurs creating new innovative businesses. Startup Visa has no annual cap (unlimited applications), no points system, and is based on support from a designated organization rather than your work experience or education points.
The Self-Employed Persons Program (for cultural/athletic professionals) or provincial nominee programs for entrepreneurs (Ontario Entrepreneur Stream, BC Entrepreneur Immigration) may be alternatives. Each province has different requirements for net worth, business experience, and investment amounts.