Canadian Start-Up Residency Program | Start-up Visa

By providing a Canadian start-up visa, qualified individuals with a solid business plan can move to Canada and work with their investors to launch their businesses.

32 Months
average processing
Investment amount 
CAD $400,000 Minimum Liquid Finances Needed
Visa free countries
Passing Citizenship to Future Generation
Canadian Start-Up Residency Program | Start-up Visa

About Program

In 2013, Canada launched a pilot Start-up Residency Program to attract foreign professionals to come and advance business in Canada. By providing a start-up visa, qualified individuals with a solid business plan can move to Canada and work with their investors to launch their businesses. This initiative aims to attract professional talent from around the world instead of just raw investment. Through the Start-up Residency Program, Canada not only offers a welcoming environment for immigrant entrepreneurs but also positions itself as a global hub for innovation and entrepreneurship.

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Program Benefits

Early Work Permit

Those who apply for the Canadian SUV can apply for an early work permit that allows applicants who have a secure source of income to live in Canada, outside of Quebec, and begin working on their startup. An applicant’s family can also be eligible for work or study permits so the family can reside together. 

Permanent Residency 

Residents enjoy many of the benefits of citizenship like public healthcare, subsidized education, and other social services. Being a permanent resident through a Canadian SUV also requires you to register to pay taxes and get a social security number.

Pathway to Citizenship

If a qualified permanent resident lives in Canada for 1,095 days out of their 5 years there, they can apply for full Canadian citizenship. This grants them the ability to vote and take higher government positions.

Requirement and Eligibility

Applicant Requirements

The requirements for applicants are straightforward for a Canadian startup visa. 

  • Language Requirement: English or French IELTS Level 5 
  • College Degree: Bachelors or higher
  • Work Experience: 3 Years in Highly Skilled Profession, 5 Years in Lesser Skilled Industry, or Master’s Degree
  • Certificate of a Clean Criminal Record: Everyone in the family  over 18 applying must show proof of clean record from anywhere resided for at least 6 months

Bringing Enough Funds for Residency

The Canadian government will not be providing financial assistance to investment visa residents. The resident is responsible for providing proof of funds they can use when arriving in Canada.

Business Requirements

To qualify for a startup visa in Canada, the business must be innovative, employ Canadians, and be scalable globally.

Funding

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) needs a letter
your business idea or venture must get the support of one or more of the designated venture capital funds, angel investor groups, or Business incubators. Venture capital funds need to agree to invest more than CAD $200,000, an angel investor must give at least CAD $75,000 in order to qualify. If an organization chooses to support your business idea, they will give you a Letter of Support, validating your business idea.

Members of Startup

In order to qualify for a Canadian startup visa, each applicant from the startup must hold 10% or more of the total voting rights, and applicants in the designated organization together must hold more than 50% of the total voting rights.

Investment options

Citizenship by Investment Options in

Canada

Investment Options

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About

Canada

World’s second-largest country with abundant natural resources and high standard of living. Shifting focus towards innovation, attracting global talent for startups and investment opportunities.
Capital
Ottawa
Total Area
9,984,670 km2
Population
36,991,981
Language
English and French

Timeline

The process of obtaining residency through investment involves key steps like consultation, document preparation, investment selection, and approval. The timelines vary from country to country and with professional support from Mirabello consultancy, your journey will be tailored to meet your needs.
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Country taxes

Canadian Start-Up Residency Program | Start-up Visa

Country dual citizenship

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Citizenship Acquisition Process

Have questions? We have answers

What is a Startup Visa in Canada?

A Canadian Startup Visa, a Canadian SUV, is a permanent residency status given to those who open a qualified startup in Canada. The startup visa program aims to attract worldwide talent, create jobs for Canadians, as well as make Canada more competitive in the global market. Startups that receive formal support from approved investors can move on in their application process which can take up to 3 years.

How do I get a letter of support for my Canadian Startup Visa?

The best way to get a letter of support for a Canadian Startup Visa is to get professional help in the application process. Experienced professional agencies can give you the written framework needed to make a proper proposal to increase your chances of receiving funding in a very competitive field.

What are the requirements for a Startup Visa in Canada?

Entrepreneurs from any nationality can apply for a Canadian SUV. The startup visa program was created to attract new businesses that would be innovative, employ Canadians, as well as be globally scalable. Business proposals must be backed with a letter of support from an approved investor, which states that they will invest at least the minimum funds needed for the startup. Applicants for the Canadian SUV must each hold at least 10% of voting power in the application and collectively hold at least 50% of voting rights in the organization. Each applicant is required to have a level 5 English or French language mastery, personal funds to support themselves, and proper work experience.

Will I keep my Canadian residency if my startup fails?

Many startups fail. That does not mean you will lose your Canadian Startup Visa if the startup goes under. There are already strict standards for getting approval from investors so as long as the business acted within the law and stipulations, residency in Canada will not be revoked.

How to get a Canadian Startup Visa?

There are many parts of the application for a startup visa in Canada that require diligent work. After creating a proposal for your startup in Canada, it needs to be approved by investors, receive a letter of support, and then be approved by the Canadian government. Hiring a consulting agency can fill any gaps you have in presenting your business to venture capitalists and investors, as well as in the application process.