Start up Business Class
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.
Canada’s Start-up Visa Program targets immigrant entrepreneurs with the skills and potential to build businesses in Canada that
- are innovative
- can create jobs for Canadians
- can compete on a global scale
Eligibility
Must have a qualifying business which means that
- at the time you get a commitment from a designated organization
- each applicant holds 10% or more of the voting rights attached to all shares of the corporation outstanding at that time (up to 5 people can apply as owners)
- applicants and the designated organization jointly hold more than 50% of the total voting rights attached to all shares of the corporation outstanding at that time
- at the time you receive your permanent residence
- you provide active and ongoing management of this business from within Canada
- an essential part of the operations of the business happens in Canada
- this business is incorporated in Canada
Get a letter of support from a designated organization
To get a letter of support from the designated organization that is either an angel investor group or venture capital fund or business incubator you will need to:
- contact the designated organization to find out how to get its support
- convince the organization that you have a business idea that is worth supporting
- get a letter of support from the designated organization
Meet the language requirements
You must meet the minimum level of the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 5 in either English or French in all the four sections of speaking, reading, listening and writing.
Bring enough money to settle
When you apply, you’ll need to give proof that you have the money to support yourself and your dependants after you arrive in Canada. You can’t borrow this money from another person.
Number of family members |
Funds required (in Canadian dollars) |
1 |
$13,213 |
2 |
$16,449 |
3 |
$20,222 |
4 |
$24,553 |
5 |
$27,847 |
6 |
$31,407 |
7 |
$34,967 |
For each additional family member |
$3,560 |