Pakistani entrepreneurs are among the top beneficiaries of the Start-up Visa (SUV) program. Canada Startup Visa from Pakistan offers attractive opportunities for foreign nationals to create their own business and gain permanent residency in Canada.
With established Pakistani communities in cities like Toronto, Calgary, and Mississauga, what’s not to like? Immigrant entrepreneurs enjoy access to one of the world’s most stable economies and a growing start-up ecosystem.
In this guide, you can learn about the benefits of the Canada Start-up Visa for Pakistani nationals, eligibility criteria, requirements, and the application process.
Key Takeaways
- The Canada Start-Up Visa program is a residency-by-investment program designed to attract talent and innovation from around the world to Canada. Pakistani nationals are eligible to apply for the Canada Startup Visa program, enabling them to create their own businesses and live in Canada.
- Pakistani citizens must pitch their innovative business idea to a designated establishment (angel investors, venture capital funds, business incubators, etc), receive backing and a letter of support which enables them proceed with the visa application.
- Successful Pakistani applicants receive permanent residence status, allowing them to live and work in Canada. Before IRCC sends the PR, applicants will receive a work permit or temporary work visa, enabling them to work on their startup. Main applicants can also add their dependents (spouse and unmarried children under 22), who also get permanent residence status.
- To qualify for this visa, Pakistani applicants must have a qualifying business (own at least 10 percent of the voting shares in the business), know the language, have enough funds, and get a commitment certificate from a designated organization.
Only applicants who received a valid commitment certificate from a designated organization in 2025 may still apply for permanent residence, with a final submission deadline of June 30, 2026. New SUV work permit applications are no longer accepted, though current permit holders may apply for extensions while awaiting permanent residence decisions.
IRCC has confirmed that a new, more selective entrepreneur pilot program will launch in 2026, featuring lower intake caps and stricter eligibility requirements.
With this new pilot program, applicants with a letter of support have six months (until June 2026) to apply for PR. The Government allows you to amend your letter of support. Note that an amendment will adjust the date on the support letter. However, IRCC will still count your 6-month application deadline from the original issuance date, not the amended date.
IRCC will process applications through different priority groups (maximum, top, and final), with only about 20% of the 40,000+ applicants falling into the priority streams. With approvals capped at around 1,000 per year, priority applicants may wait 3-5 years, while non-priority applicants may wait over 10 years.
What is the Canada Startup Visa for Pakistani citizens?
The Start-up Visa Program (SUV), also known as an entrepreneur or innovator visa, is a residency by investment program designed to bring talent, innovation, and investment from around the world, including Pakistan.
Immigrant entrepreneurs can use the Canada SUV program to build a scalable and innovative business. Pakistani citizens need either an existing startup or a startup concept. There is no minimum investment requirement.
Pakistanis must pitch their innovative business idea to a designated organization (i.e., angel investor groups, venture capital funds, or business incubators). Successful applicants receive backing, usually in the form of monetary compensation, and obtain a letter of support.
Highlights of the Canada Startup Visa Program for Applicants from Pakistan
- This visa allows Pakistani citizens to live and work in Canada, provided they build a scalable and innovative business in the country. Applicants need either an existing startup or a startup concept to qualify for this visa.
- Successful applicants and their dependents receive permanent residence status in Canada. Eligible dependents are legal spouses and unmarried children under 22.
- No minimum financial investment is required. Pakistani citizens need only provide proof of a scalable, innovative business and receive a letter of support from a designated organization.
- Canada’s economy is strong for startups, and Pakistani citizens will find the resources they need to build a thriving business in the country. Cities such as Toronto, Calgary, and Mississauga have well-established Pakistani communities, which help new immigrants settle more quickly.
- To qualify for this visa, you need a qualifying business, CLB English or French skills, enough funds for your upkeep (and that of your dependents), and a commitment certificate from a designated organization.
Benefits of the Start-up Visa Program
The Canada Startup Visa from Pakistan offers many advantages to primary applicants and their dependent family members. These include:
- Residency and family inclusion: Successful applicants and their dependents receive permanent residence status, allowing them to live, work, and study freely in Canada.
- Economic stability: Pakistani entrepreneurs gain access to one of the world’s most stable economies for their business operations. Canada also has a thriving startup ecosystem, perfect for innovative and scalable business ideas.
- Ease of doing business: Successful applicants gain access to government and designated organization support, including angel investors and business incubators, to scale and grow their startups in Canada.
- Huge potential target audience: Pakistani entrepreneurs gain access to Canada’s large and diverse market, including well-established Pakistani communities in cities such as Toronto, Calgary, and Mississauga.
- Long-term growth: The program is designed for innovative businesses with the potential for long-term growth and success in the global market.
- Networking options: Successful Pakistani applicants work with designated organizations, such as venture capital funds, angel investor groups, and business incubators, that provide strong mentorship, resources, and much-needed industry connections.
- Universal healthcare system: Canada has a universal healthcare system, which startup visa holders and their families can access.
- Path to Canadian citizenship: Pakistani permanent residents may apply for citizenship through naturalization, provided they have been in Canada for three of the last five years and meet the additional standard requirements.
According to our Global Residency and Citizenship by Investment Report at Global Citizen Solutions, Canada ranks highest for quality of life, with superior investment opportunities. The country’s pioneering hybrid schemes blend traditional investment pathways with startup and innovation, creating a favorable economic environment.
Eligibility Criteria for Canada Startup Visa for Pakistani Applicants
Immigrant entrepreneurs from Pakistan can apply on their own or as part of a group of up to five business owners. Either way, they must meet the following requirements for the Canada SUV program.
Have a qualifying business
Each applicant must own at least 10 percent of the voting shares in the business. Together with the designated organization, they must control more than 50 percent of the company’s voting rights. The business venture must be scalable, innovative, create jobs, and have what it takes to succeed in the global market.
Get a commitment certificate from a designated organization
The Start-up Visa program relies on three designated organizations: venture capital funds, business incubators, and angel investor groups. You must pitch your business idea to one of them and prove it has the potential to create jobs and boost economic growth.
If approved, you get a letter of support or commitment certificate indicating that a designated organization is genuinely interested in your idea and invests in your business venture. The designated organization often requires a small equity stake in return for that investment.
Know the language
To be eligible for the Canada Startup Visa, Pakistani citizens must meet the minimum language requirements. You must pass a language test, indicating a Canadian Language Benchmark 5 in reading, listening, writing, and speaking English or French.
Bring sufficient funds
The Start-up Visa program requires sufficient settlement funds based on the number of family members joining you. As of 2024, you must bring $14,690 as a single applicant, and up to $27,297 for a family of four. The table below offers a detailed guideline in Canadian dollars.
| Number of family members | Fund requirements (in Canadian dollars) |
|---|---|
| 1 | $15,263 |
| 2 | $19,001 |
| 3 | $23,360 |
| 4 | $28,362 |
| 5 | $32,168 |
| 6 | $36,280 |
| 7 | $40,392 |
| If there are more than seven people in a family, add | $4,112 |
Canada Startup Visa Investment Options for Pakistan Citizens
The Canada Start-up Visa does not require a minimum investment amount. Instead, Pakistani citizens need a commitment certificate from at least one designated organization listed on the official Canadian government website.
Choosing the right type of designated organization to approach the Start-Up Visa program depends on what your startup needs. If you are looking for resources, mentorship, and support rather than direct capital, then a business incubator program can be a good choice.
But, if your start-up business needs a significant investment, you can shift your strategy towards:
- Venture capital funds for a minimum investment of $200,000.
- Angel investor groups for a minimum investment of $75,000.
Canada Startup Visa Application Process for Pakistani Applicants
- Develop a business concept: The Canadian Startup Visa program requires a business venture that is scalable, innovative, and can handle the competition.
- Prove language proficiency: Pakistani applicants must meet the Canadian Language Benchmark 5 to incorporate their start-up in Canada.
- Get a commitment certificate: Successful applicants receive backing for their business proposal from a designated venture capital fund or business incubator.
- Have enough settlement funds: You must be able to support yourself, your family, and your business venture to obtain permanent residency in Canada.
- Prepare your application package. Collect the documents and forms, and provide biometrics or other supportive documents when submitting your application.
- Apply for a work permit (optional). If you want to arrive in Canada sooner and set up a business while you wait for your permanent residence applications, you can apply for a temporary work permit.
- Obtain permanent residency. If your application is approved, you will receive a Confirmation of Permanent Residence.
- Incorporate your startup in Canada. Provide active and ongoing management for qualifying businesses from inside Canada. Offer quarterly reports to the designated organization backing your business venture.y card.
Documents Needed for Canada Startup Visa Application for Pakistani Applicants
The Canadian Startup Visa program requires the following documents:
- Valid passport
- Form for permanent residence in Canada (IMM 0008)
- Form for personal background (IMM 5669)
- Form for family information (IMM 5406)
- Form for your travel history (IMM 5562)
- Form for the qualifying business (IMM 0008 SCHEDULE 13)
- Other supporting documents (such as police certificate, birth certificate, passport-style photos, etc)
Processing Time for Canada Startup Visa from Pakistan
The average processing time for the Start-up Visa is about 40 months. There’s an annual cap in place until 31 December 2026. Each designated organization can only support a maximum of ten group applications per year. Start-up Visa applications are reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis.
So, what does that mean for you? If you submit your application after a designated organization has already hit its yearly limit, Canada will return it and refund your processing fees. So, you must submit a thorough application with viable business operations.
A Start-up Visa lawyer can build your case and boost your chances of success. Lawyers can guide you every step of the way, sort out all immigration issues for a work permit, permanent resident status, and protect your future.
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.
