The Canada Start-up Visa (SUV) is a direct path to permanent residency in one of the wealthiest countries in the world. The program aims to attract foreign entrepreneurs and active investors to expand companies or open innovative startups.

“The latest measures to the SUV program make it more inclusive and highly competitive,” stated Jelena Sivcev, Strategy and Business Developer at Global Citizen Solutions. The annual caps limit the number of applicants. Each designated organization can support up to ten startups annually.

The Startup Visa, also known as the Canada Investor Visa, provides several advantages to foreign nationals, including residency and family sponsorship, an optional open work permit, healthcare and welfare systems, and access to business support and funding. This article offers a detailed guideline on the program eligibility, application process, investment details, and more.

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Canada Startup Visa: Overview

Best for

International entrepreneurs opening a start-up in Canada

Eligibility requirements

- Qualifying business

- Backing from a designated organization

- CLB 5 language requirements

- Have enough funds to settle

Investment options

- $75,000 from an angel investor group

- $200,000 from a venture capital fund

- Self-funded, no financial requirement from a business incubator

Work permit (optional)

Can apply for a temporary work permit while waiting for permanent residence.

Benefits of Canada Startup Visa

The SUV program has significant economic benefits. It provides opportunities for foreign nationals to build scalable and innovative businesses across the Canadian market (outside Quebec).

The Canada Startup Visa benefits include:

  • Optional open work permit – Immigrant entrepreneurs can submit an open work permit application valid for three years. The work permit allows the applicant to develop their startup business while they wait for permanent residency.
  • Permanent residency and family sponsorship – As an eligible entrepreneur, you and your family members can apply for permanent resident status. Permanent residency enables you to legally live, work, or study in Canada.
  • Quality of life – According to the GCS Global Passport Index, Canada ranks 12th in terms of quality of life due to the country’s strong social safety net, educational opportunities, and affordable healthcare.
  • Access to welfare and healthcare – A permanent residence status allows foreigners to apply for public health insurance and welfare coverage.
  • Access to Canadian investors – The Canada Startup Visa offers international business opportunities with access to business funding and global networking.
  • Path to citizenship – Permanent residents can apply for Canadian citizenship after three years of continuous permanent residence.

How to get Canada Startup Visa?

To qualify for the Canada Startup Program, international entrepreneurs must present an innovative business idea, secure backing from a designated organization, and provide active involvement in the qualifying business.

The Startup Visa Program requires applicants with experience and potential to establish a scalable business concept in Canada (outside Quebec). The qualifying business must:

  • Compete in a global market
  • Create jobs for Canadian workers
  • Boost economic growth

Based on our Global RCBI Report, the Canada Investor Visa provides access to a country with a reliable legal framework and superior permanent residency benefits without any education or net worth requirements.

Start-Up Visa Program: RCBI Report

Overall ranking

12th (score: 85.91)

Investment options 

Backing from designated organization (i.e., venture capital fund, angel investor group, or business incubator)

Minimum investment threshold 

CAD$ 215,000 (USD$ 158,000)

Year of inception 

2013

Visa-free countries

177

Average processing time

31 months

Startup Visa Eligibility Requirements

International entrepreneurs can apply as individuals or as a group of up to five owners. To be eligible for the Start-up Visa program, you must have a qualifying business, a letter of support from a designated organization, meet the language requirements, and provide sufficient funds to settle. Here is a detailed look at the Startup Visa Canada requirements.

Have a qualifying business

To have a qualifying business, each applicant must hold 10 percent or over of the total voting rights. Together, SUV program applicants and the designated organization must hold more than 50 percent of the total voting rights.

Have support from a designated organization

Designated organizations are business groups authorized to fund or mentor startup businesses through the Canada Entrepreneur Visa.

The main applicant must contact a designated organization (i.e., venture capital funds, angel investor group, or a business incubator). Immigrant entrepreneurs must convince the designated organization to support their SUV application and get a letter of support.

Meet the language requirements

The SUV application requires you to meet level five language requirements based on the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB). The Canadian Government provides a language test to determine your CLB level in reading, writing, listening, and speaking.

Bring enough funds to settle

Immigrant entrepreneurs must demonstrate sufficient funds to settle in order to apply for the Startup Visa program. The amount needed depends on the number of family members. As of 2024, the amount starts at CAD$ 14,690 for a single applicant and goes up to CAD$ 38,875 for a family of seven.

Number of family members

Fund requirements (in Canadian dollars)

1

$14,690

2

 $18,288

3

$22,483

4

$27,297

5

$30,690

6

$34,917

7

$38,875

If there are more than seven people in a family, add

$3,958

Canadian Startup Visa Investment Options

Person taking notes for the canada startup visaThe Canada Startup Visa Program requires international entrepreneurs to have a start-up concept or an existing start-up. There is no minimum investment amount for the SUV program. Instead, the applicants must pitch their business plan to one of the designated organizations.

Successful SUV applications receive a letter of support and commitment to invest a specific amount of money. The investment details vary based on the designated organization, which includes:

  • Venture capital funds: International entrepreneurs require to raise a significant capital investment of CAD$ 200,000. Venture capitalists often support early-stage start-ups that can deliver fast results.
  • Angel investor group: Applicants must secure at least CAD$ 75,000 of capital investment. National Angel Capital Organization tends to prioritize scalable start-ups in Canada’s tech network and business models with excellent market potential.
  • Business incubator: This is a self-funded support option with no minimum investment. It provides strong networking, a structured environment, and access to resources.

How much does Canada Startup Visa cost?

The immigration application fees for the Canada Start-Up Visa program may range from $1,810 to $2,385. The fee can vary based on whether you need permanent residency and include family members.

To pay your application fee online, you can spend:

  • $2,385 for processing and right of permanent residence fee
  • $1,810 without right of permanent resident fee
  • $1,525 for including a spouse or a partner
  • $260 for including a dependent child

These fees in Canadian dollars don’t include the cost of your business investment. A Canada startup visa lawyer can provide the correct price analysis and help you navigate the application process. They can simplify the immigration laws and regulations so you can make an informed decision.

Latest Changes to the Canada Startup Visa: Declining Opportunities

The Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has introduced key changes to immigration law regarding the Investment Visa Canada. The Canadian government hopes to address backlogs by reducing the permanent residency target by 25 percent. The overall target for PR status went from 485,000 in 2024 to 365,000 by 2027.

annual permanent residency target for startup visa

Canadian immigration authorities implemented a cap limit on the Start-up Visa program, allowing a designated organization to support up to ten start-ups annually. “But just because the program became more competitive, it doesn’t mean there are fewer options for success,” explains Jelena Sivcev at GCS. “It’s about quality over quantity.”

This investment program continues to attract and retain foreign nationals. The goal is to accept immigrant entrepreneurs who fit certain requirements and bring significant economic benefits. Our guide on the Canada Startup Visa changes covers the latest updates to the SUV program, from the recent changes to the open work permit to priority processing and more. It can simplify the immigration law for your entrepreneurial journey or any future business activities.

How Can Global Citizen Solutions Help You?

Global Citizen Solutions is a boutique migration consultancy firm with years of experience delivering bespoke residence and citizenship by investment solutions for international families. With offices worldwide and an experienced, hands-on team, we have helped hundreds of clients worldwide acquire citizenship, residence visas, or homes while diversifying their portfolios with robust investments. 

We guide you from start to finish, taking you beyond your citizenship or residency by investment application. 

Frequently Asked Questions About the Startup Visa Canada

What is the Startup Visa Program?

The Canadian Start-up Visa Program (SUV program) provides permanent residence to international entrepreneurs planning to immigrate and provide active and ongoing management for their start-up business. To qualify, industry experts must have a qualifying business, secure support from a designated organization, and meet the financial and language proficiency requirements.

What are the benefits of the Canada Startup Visa?

The SUV program, also known as the Canada Investor Visa, offers various advantages, including permanent residency, access to global talent, family inclusion, ease of travel, and a high quality of life. Start-up Visa applications with a unique value proposition and viable businesses can significantly boost the Canadian economy and create jobs.

Can I get a Start-Up Visa without investment in Canada?

You don’t have to invest your own money for the Startup Visa Program. As long as you secure support from an angel investor or venture capitalists, you can still be eligible for a permanent residence application. You also have to bring your own money to settle, since the Canadian Government won’t provide financial support for Start-up Visa immigrants.

Can I immigrate to Canada if I buy a business?

Yes, you can immigrate to Canada by purchasing a business, which could pave the way for permanent residency applications. Many business immigration streams, like the Start-up Visa Program and Self-employed Persons Program allow foreign investors to buy or start a business and qualify for Canadian permanent residence.

How much do we need to invest to get PR in Canada?

If the investment support comes from venture capital funds, then you need $200,000. But if the backing comes from angel investor groups, the minimal investment requirement is $75,000. The country provides a highly developed entrepreneurial ecosystem with potential for Canadian business expansion.

Can I start a business in Canada without PR?

Yes, you can open a business in Canada as a non-PR under an open work permit. In most cases, foreigners need to involve a Canadian permanent resident in the business, such as a partner or director. The work permit can be extended to avoid leaving the country.

What is the difference between a Canada Investor Visa and an Entrepreneur Visa?

The main difference between the Investor Visa and the Entrepreneur Startup Visa Canada is your involvement. The Entrepreneur Visa requires active involvement. You must be actively working on your start-up to manage and direct it. The Investor Visa is passive, meaning you just invest money and wait for the returns.

How do I write a business plan for the Canada Startup Visa?

To compile a Canada Startup Visa business plan, innovative startups must provide:

  • Executive summary
  • Market research
  • Company goal
  • Funding request
  • Growth strategy

The business strategy must bring significant economic benefits and provide greater flexibility for entrepreneurs and investors in a specific industry.

What is the Startup Visa Canada success rate?

The average Startup Visa Canada success rate is 77.2 percent. However, the rejection rates are soaring with the recent introduction of cap limits. Applicants with Canada’s Tech Network often get priority processing, especially for innovation and technology-based ventures.

What is the Canada Startup Visa minimum investment?

There is no Canada Startup Visa minimum investment. The investment thresholds depend on the designated entity that endorses your start-up. At least one venture capital fund should invest CAD$ 200,000. Angel investor groups must invest at least CAD$ 75,000 in your venture. But there is no set minimum for a business incubator.

What is the Canada Startup Visa processing time?

Canada Startup Visa processing time is around 40 months, or just over three years, to process for permanent residency. In the meantime, SUV applicants with a commitment certificate can get a temporary work permit to start their business operations.

What documents do I need to get approved for my permanent residence application?

To apply for permanent residence, you will need a valid passport or legal travel document, language test results, proof of sufficient funds, police certificates, and other supporting documents. You also need a letter of support backing your comprehensive business plan. You then attach the documents directly via the Canada Startup Visa official website.

What are peer reviews for the Canada Investment Visa?

A peer review panel evaluates designated organizations’ due diligence and determines whether the business’s potential and business model have been adequately assessed. Requested by the immigration office, this review helps ensure the start-up can benefit the Canadian economy and meets all program requirements, especially for business incubator applications.