The Canada Start-Up Visa program is designed to attract foreign nationals worldwide to establish their businesses in Canada. It connects entrepreneurs with Canadian investors and offers a pathway to permanent residency. Applying for the visa can be challenging, so hiring a Canada Startup Visa lawyer can benefit applicants.
At Global Citizen Solutions, we have immigration consultants and lawyers who specialize in the Canada Start-up Visa Program. They can help you with various aspects of the application process, from applying for permanent residency to document review and guidance. In this guide, we will show you the ways a lawyer creates a compelling case that meets the requirements and the associated fees that come with it.
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How does the Canada Start-up Visa program work?
The Canada Start-up Visa program allows foreign entrepreneurs to immigrate by starting a business in Canada. Immigrant entrepreneurs who want to settle in Canada through the Start-up Visa program must first obtain backing from a designated organization set by the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
The start-up business must get support from one of the following designated organizations:
- Venture capital fund
- Angel investor group
- Business incubator
The Canadian Startup Visa program (SUV Program) should promote economic growth and provide or preserve jobs for Canadian workers. Applicants must have a qualifying business, meet language proficiency standards, and have sufficient settlement funds.
Start-up Visa: Quick Overview | |
Eligibility Criteria | - Qualifying business |
Designated Organizations | - Venture capital funds (min. $200,000 investment) |
Qualifying Business | - Each applicant holds 10 percent or more voting rights |
Processing Time | About 40 months |
How to get support from a designated organization?
A designated organization determines which start-up business fits the criteria for economic growth and job creation under the Startup Visa (SUV program). A designated organization provides immigrant entrepreneurs with a letter of support and a way to secure a minimum investment (or backing).
For example, to obtain support from:
- Venture capital fund: You must get at least one designated venture capital fund to agree to invest at least 200,000 CAD ($148,000) in your business venture.
- Angel investor group: You must get at least one designated angel investor group to agree to invest at least 75,000 CAD ($55,000) in your business venture.
- Business incubator program: There are no minimum investment or funding requirements for applicants accepted into a Canadian business incubator program; the applicant’s ideas only need endorsement by one of the business incubators to proceed with investment visa applications.
Canadian business immigration lawyers work with angel investors, venture capital firms, business incubators, and banks to provide ongoing legal support. They can connect you with a designated organization or provide a partner business to develop the business plan and obtain a letter of support, alongside a commitment certificate.
How to qualify for the Canada Start-Up Visa program?
To qualify for the Start-Up Visa programs, foreign nationals need to meet certain requirements like having a qualifying business, meeting language requirements (in English or French), and having enough money to live in Canada.
Here is a more detailed overview of the criteria:
- A qualifying start-up business for the Start-up Visa application must be innovative, scalable, and have the potential to create significant economic benefits for Canada.
- Language proficiency based on Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 5 in English or French is required. Language test results can provide proof of high language proficiency.
- Bringing enough money to settle means showing that you have sufficient settlement funds besides the venture capital fund to support yourself and your dependent family members in Canada.
Immigration lawyers can compile all the paperwork, coordinate with translators for document translation, and certification.
What is a qualifying business for the Startup Visa?
The qualifying business for the Start-up Visa program must compete on an international scale and create jobs. A designated organization panel will assess the concept for your start-up business venture, its viability, and growth prospects.
To receive a commitment certificate from a designated organization, a “qualifying business” must meet the following criteria:
- Each applicant holds 10 percent or more of the voting rights.
- Applicants and the designated entity jointly hold more than 50 percent of the total voting rights.
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 venture is incorporated in Canada.
After compiling the proof for voting shares, foreign nationals can then attach all the documents to the official website for the Startup Visa.
Can I get a work permit to focus on my start-up business?
Immigrant entrepreneurs who applied for the Start-up Visa Program (SUV Program) may be allowed to apply for a work permit, while the application process for permanent residence is still pending.
To qualify for a work permit under Start-up Visa, immigrant entrepreneurs must prove that:
- They have received a letter of support from a designated organization for the innovative business.
- They have obtained a commitment certificate from a designated organization.
- They have a letter of support explaining the need for an urgent work permit and Canadian immigration.
- They have been admitted to Canada to set up a start-up business.
- There are no reasons for Canadian immigration officials to deny you entry during the application process.
At Global Citizen Solutions, our immigration lawyers and consultants have years of experience working with startups and entrepreneurs. They make sure that clients meet the requirements for a Start-up Visa, such as establishing an innovative business that creates jobs and competes on an international scale. Our team is widely recognized for working with corporate and individual clients to create efficient applications with proper documentation based on their immigration needs.
How much does it cost to have enough settlement funds?
The Start-Up Visa program requires active and ongoing management to ensure the success of new start-up business. The minimum sufficient funds required depends on the number of accompanying family members moving to Canada. Sufficient funds ensure that you can settle comfortably, invest financial resources into your company, and boost economic growth for your start-up business. The table below provides a detailed guideline for sufficient funds.
Number of family members | Settlement funds (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 your family has more than 7 members, add an extra | $3,958 |
What to expect from a Start-up Visa Canada lawyer?
At Global Citizen Solutions, our consultants and immigration attorneys will assist you through the visa application for your business activities. They can assess your eligibility, compile the necessary paperwork, and make sense of all the hoops you have to navigate for permanent residence.
Here are a couple of questions to ask your lawyer before hiring them for the Startup Visa:
- How many years of experience do you have working with business immigration programs?
- Can you give me some references for those who have raised funds from venture capital firms or angel investors?
- What are my odds of securing a commitment certificate?
- Do you understand my business venture and the industry I’m trying to target? Do you think it’s a good fit?
- Do you have flat fees, hourly rates, or any package deals?
- How do I minimize the risk of failure on the Startup Visa?
- Can you help me petition for accompanying family members?
Startup Visa Lawyer Fees and Costs
The fees for a Startup Visa lawyer typically range from CAD$ 10,000 to 25,000 or over, reflecting the need for detailed business plans and legal expertise. It’s important to note that government fees, such as Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) application processing fees, are separate from immigration lawyer fees. Additionally, the location of immigration lawyers can influence costs, with practitioners in major cities like Toronto or Vancouver often charging higher rates.
Fee type | Circumstances | Costs (in Canadian dollars) |
Legal services | Based on location, complexity, and business needs | $10,000 - 25,000+ |
Application fee | Includes processing fee ($1,810) and right of PR fee ($575) | $2,385 |
Application fee | Without right of PR fee | $1,810 |
Application fee for spouse or partner | Includes processing fee ($950) and right of PR fee ($575) | $1,525 |
Application fee per child | Includes only dependent children | $260 |
Biometrics fee | Per person | $85 |
Biometrics fee | Per family of two or over | $170 |
Note: There are additional costs for medical exams, language tests, authentication and translation of documents (when necessary), legal assistance, and so on.
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 Lawyer:
What does a Canada Startup Visa lawyer do?
A Canadian immigration lawyer for the Start-up Visa program provides legal services that can navigate complex business immigration programs. They help with Canada Startup Visa application process, resolve legal issues, handle paperwork, and ensure foreign nationals meet all the requirements, increasing their chances of success to receive backing from a designated organization.
Why should I hire a lawyer for the Canada Startup Visa?
A Startup Visa lawyer assists foreign nationals in avoiding common mistakes that could delay or cause rejection. They can help applicants increase the odds of securing a letter of support from a designated organization, like an angel investor group or venture capital fund. The support from a designated organization not only strengthens your Startup Visa application but also signifies to immigration officials that your new business has the best chance and backing to succeed.
Do I need a lawyer to apply for the Canada Startup Visa?
While the business immigration process doesn’t legally require you to work with an immigration lawyer, it is highly advisable to do so. A Canadian immigration lawyer for the Start-up Visa program can help immigrant entrepreneurs manage the application process and open a start-up business. They provide networking opportunities with top industry associations around the country.
What should I look for in a Canada Startup Visa lawyer?
A Canadian immigration lawyer for the Start-up Visa program must have:
- Years of experience
- Client referrals
- Clear communication
- No hidden costs
- Long history of success in the field
How much does a Canada Startup Visa lawyer cost?
The costs for immigration lawyers can vary on a case-by-case basis, but you can expect to spend from $10,000 to $25,000 or more on legal services. Some law firms offer hourly rates, while others charge a flat fee.
How do I verify if my Canada Startup Visa lawyer is legitimate?
To find the best Startup Visa lawyer for entrepreneurs, look for legal experts with an extensive track record. Use the College’s Public Register to make sure they are authorized. The lawyer must be familiar with the Canadian immigration process, scalable business models, and designated organizations, like a venture capital fund.
What documents will my lawyer need for the Canada Startup Visa?
Startup founders must provide documents to prove settlement funds, language requirements, a business proposal, a letter of support from a designated organization, and other supporting documents. A Canadian immigration lawyer provides legal representation for immigration and immigration document preparation, which creates a more efficient permanent residence pathway.
How long does the Startup Visa process take with a lawyer?
The entire immigration process for permanent residency through the Canadian Startup Visa Program can take about 40 months. But the processing time and immigration backlog vary based on the volume of applications and submitted documents. Investing in Startup Visa Canada legal services reduces the risk of delays and boosts your chances of getting approved.
Can my lawyer help me apply for permanent residence through the Startup Visa?
A law firm can be a major asset when applying for Canadian citizenship or permanent residence. Canadian immigration can be a complex and lengthy process, and an immigration lawyer ensures all forms and business documents are complete. The law firm saves time, prevents delays, and reduces the risk of rejection.
What is the success rate of Canada Startup Visa applications with a lawyer?
The Start-up Visa program itself has a 77.2 percent success rate, according to the latest data from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Immigration lawyers can show the government that your startup can access funds even if it’s still in the early stages, making sure you qualify. They provide ample documentation to support your story and secure permanent residency for you and your family members.
What should I expect during a Startup Visa Canada lawyer consultation?
The Start-up Visa lawyer will discuss your case and how you can proceed with the start-up business. Immigration lawyers will ask targeted questions about your interest in Canadian immigration, your business idea, and specific legal issues. They require an in-depth review of your goals, expectations, and legal services, which helps draft the initial contract.
Is there a difference between a Canadian immigration lawyer and a Startup Visa lawyer?
Yes, there is a small difference. Both of them work with business immigration programs and other immigration options, like a work visa or family sponsorship. However, a Canadian immigration lawyer works with broader cases, while a Startup Visa lawyer works specifically with startup cases. They have a long track record of helping foreign nationals with the Canada Startup Visa application process and securing backing from a designated organization.
How can a Startup Visa lawyer help if my visa application is rejected?
If your Canada Startup Visa application is rejected, an immigration law firm can review the reasons for rejection and assess the grounds for an appeal. The law society can aid foreign nationals by providing guidance on the appropriate steps to take, such as gathering support from a designated organization for the Start-up Visa program.
Who invests in venture capital funds for the Start-up Visa program?
Venture capital funds come from public and private investors. These include federal programs, provincial governments, pension funds, insurance companies, university endowments, corporations, etc. They back high-risk investments designed for entrepreneurs looking for permanent residency, and potentially even Canadian citizenship.
What are the benefits of the Canada Start-Up Visa?
The Start-Up Visa Program (SUV Program) has many advantages, including:
- Access to permanent residence
- Sponsorship for accompanying family members
- High living standards
- Flexibility and mobility
- Chance to create an innovative business in a global market
- Potential for Canadian citizenship
