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Start Up Visa

If you are an entrepreneur with a unique company idea, you may be qualified for the start-up visa programme, which allows you to move to Canada. Canada is searching for outstanding entrepreneurs who want to develop firms that will help the country's economy grow while also providing jobs for its citizens. Read on to learn everything you need to know about Canada's startup visa programme, including how to apply.

What is the start-up visa program?

The start-up visa programme in Canada allows entrepreneurs to move to Canada in order to start a new business. Immigrant entrepreneurs must show that their company is innovative, that it will create new jobs for Canadians, and that it can compete globally.

What are the prerequisites for a start-up visa in Canada?

In order to be eligible for a Canadian start-up visa, you must meet four requirements.

  1. Have a legitimate business

    • You must own at least 10% of the voting rights tied to all of the company's shares.
    • You and the designated organisation must own at least 50% of the voting rights linked to all of the company's shares.

  2. A letter of support from a specific organisation is required.

    • You need to demonstrate that you have the support of a venture capital fund, angel investor group, or business incubator
    • To do so, you must propose your company idea to the organisation and persuade them that it is worthwhile to support.
    • Each organization's approach for pitching a business idea will be different.
    • If your pitch is successful, the organisation will provide you a letter of support, which you must include with your start-up visa application.

  3. Observe the linguistic rules

    • You must take a language exam from an approved organisation and demonstrate that you can speak, read, listen, and write at the minimum level of the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 5 in either English or French.

  4. Proof of funds:

    • When you arrive in Canada, you must demonstrate that you have enough money to sustain yourself and any dependents. The amount you will require is determined by the size of your family.

Your company idea or endeavour must have support from one or more of the recognised organisations listed below in order to apply for the Start-up Visa Program:

  • Venture capital funds
  • Angel investor groups
  • Business incubators
Through the Start-up Visa Program, designated organisations are business groups that have been authorised to invest in or promote potential start-ups.

Designated organizations

Venture capital funds
You must persuade at least one of these organisations to fund a minimum of $200,000 in your project.
Angel investor groups
You must persuade at least one of these organisations to fund a minimum of $75,000 in your project.
Business incubators

You must be accepted into one of these programs:

How can I get a start-up visa?

  1. Fill out the application form:

    • Fill out the Generic Application Form for Canada
    • Make sure you've filled out all of the essential fields before clicking the Validate button on the form.
    • Print the application form that has been validated, making care to include the barcode page.
    • Sign and date the form

  2. Complete the document checklist

    • Collect all of the documents listed in the document checklist
    • Put all of your important documents in a sealed envelope.
    • Print and sign the document checklist.
    • As the cover page of your application, include the document checklist.

  3. Pay your application fees

  4. Submit your application

    • Before submitting your application, ensure that it is complete
    • Make sure you have signed all forms
    • Pay your processing fees and include receipts in your application
    • Include all supporting documents

    Put all documents in a 9" x 12" envelope, write 'start-up visa' on the outside of the envelope, and mail to the appropriate address

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