Canada Startup Visa From Pakistan Detailed Guide

Pakistani entrepreneurs are among the top beneficiaries of the Start-up Visa (SUV) program. Canada Startup Visa from Pakistan offers unique 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:

• Benefits of the Start-up Visa Program
• Eligibility Criteria for Canada Startup Visa from Pakistan
• Investment details
• Documents Needed for Canada Startup Visa from Pakistan
• Canada Startup Visa Application Process for Pakistan Residents

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.

The Canada Startup Visa from Pakistan offers many advantages to primary applicants and their dependent family members. These include:

• Residency and family inclusion
• Economic stability
• Ease of doing business
• Huge potential target audience
• More employment opportunities
• Long-term growth
• Networking options
• Universal healthcare system
• Path to Canadian citizenship

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.

Take a look at our guide on everything a Canada Startup Visa has to offer.

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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.

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.

To apply for the Canada Startup Visa from Pakistan, you will need:

– Internal due diligence process (i.e., market research, team assessment, financial projections, etc).
– Prepare a comprehensive business plan for a designated organization.
– Obtain a letter of support or commitment certificate.
– Collect the necessary documents and apply online.
– Pay the application fees.
– Book a biometrics appointment and pay the biometrics fees.
– Have a medical exam.
– Provide police records with a clean criminal history.
– Apply for an optional work permit while you wait for processing.
– Receive a permanent residency card.

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)

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.

To apply for the Start-up Visa program as a Pakistani citizen, follow the steps below:

1. Develop a business concept. The Canadian Startup Visa program requires a business venture that is scalable, innovative, and can handle the competition.
2. Prove language proficiency. Pakistani applicants must meet the Canadian Language Benchmark 5 to incorporate their start-up in Canada.
3. Get a commitment certificate. Successful applicants receive backing for their business proposal from a designated venture capital fund, business incubator, or venture capital fund.
4. Have enough settlement funds. You must be able to support yourself, your family, and your business venture to obtain permanent residency in Canada.
5. Prepare your application package. Collect the documents, forms, provide biometrics, or other supportive documents when submitting your application.
6. 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 open work permit.
7. Obtain permanent residency. If your application is approved, you will receive a Confirmation of Permanent Residence.
8. 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.

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. 

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The Canada Start-up Visa Program offers a flexible path to Canadian Permanent Residency with no age limits, net worth requirements, or residency restrictions. You can choose your level of involvement in business operations, making it ideal for investors seeking residency for themselves and their families.

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