Start-Up Visa
Canada Start-Up Visa Program
Bring Your Innovation to Canada and Build Your Business Future
Canada’s Start-Up Visa (SUV) Program offers innovative entrepreneurs from around the world the opportunity to build a high-growth business in Canada and become permanent residents. This program connects foreign start-up founders with designated organizations in Canada who can support and invest in their ventures.
Whether you’re launching a tech platform, scaling a green innovation, or transforming global industries—Canada wants your vision.
Who Is Eligible?
To qualify for the Start-Up Visa Program, applicants must meet five key criteria:
Language Proficiency
CLB 5 in English or French (reading, writing, speaking, and listening).
Settlement Funds
Show you have enough money to support yourself and your dependants upon arrival.
Commitment from a Designated Organization
Secure support from a Canadian venture capital fund, angel investor group, or business incubator.
Business Ownership Requirements
Own at least 10% of the voting rights in the business, and more than 50% combined with the designated organization.
Plan to Settle Outside Quebec
The Start-Up Visa is a federal program and does not apply to Quebec.
Medical exams and background/security checks are also required for you and your family members.
Investment & Business Support Requirements
Applicants must obtain a letter of support and commitment from one of the following designated Canadian organizations:
| Organization Type | Minimum Investment |
|---|---|
| Venture Capital Fund | $200,000 |
| Angel Investor Group | $75,000 |
| Business Incubator | No financial investment required (must be accepted into a program) |
Note: You do not need to invest your own money. And even if your start-up does not succeed, you will retain your permanent resident status.
Evidence of Support
You’ll need to provide two essential documents in your permanent residence (PR) application:
Letter of Support (from the designated organization)
Commitment Certificate (sent directly to IRCC by the organization)
If your business has multiple co-founders (up to five applicants), each must submit their own PR application using the same Letter of Support and Commitment Certificate. If any “essential person” in the group is refused, all linked applications will be refused.
Syndication: Multiple Organization Support
It’s possible to receive support from more than one designated organization, known as syndication.
When a venture capital fund is involved, the minimum total investment required is $200,000, regardless of other partners.
When only angel groups are involved (no venture capital), the minimum required is $75,000.
All organizations involved must:
Be listed as designated by IRCC.
Collaborate to submit one Commitment Certificate and issue one Letter of Support.
Peer Review Process
To maintain program integrity, IRCC may request a peer review of your application.
Peer reviews:
Are conducted by trusted industry associations (e.g., National Angel Capital Organization, Canada’s Venture Capital and Private Equity Association).
Ensure the designated organization followed standard due diligence and properly evaluated your business.
The review confirms:
Canadian incorporation of your business
Proper business ownership and share structure
Credibility of your management team and business model
Potential for growth and innovation
For incubators: genuine acceptance into the program
Peer reviews are not binding, but assist immigration officers in evaluating the legitimacy of your venture.
Why Choose Canada’s Start-Up Visa?
Open to global entrepreneurs
Pathway to permanent residence
Support from industry-leading Canadian investors and incubators
Permanent status not tied to business success
No minimum net worth or personal investment required
