Canada Start Up Visa Program

Canada Start Up Visa Program

The Start Up Visa Program, also known as the SUV program, is a Canada immigration option for qualified entrepreneurs. It connects innovative entrepreneurs with private sector investors in Canada, focusing on individuals who have the potential to establish their business in Canada. The program allows immigrants to enter Canada on a work permit, supported by a designated Canadian investor. Once their business is fully operational, they can then apply for permanent residence in Canada. During the application process, they can also apply for a temporary work permit to enter Canada and start building their business.

Eligibility criteria for Canada Start up Visa program

To be eligible for the Start Up Visa program, a candidate must meet four requirements. These include having a business that meets certain criteria set by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), meeting the language requirements of the program (which involve achieving a Canadian Language Benchmark Level 5 in English or French in each of the four abilities: speaking, reading, listening, and writing), obtaining a Letter of Support from a designated organization, and having enough funds to support themselves and their family in Canada. Note that when they receive permanent resident visa, it is expected that the individual is actively and actively managing the business from within Canada and a significant portion of business operation happens in Canada.

Requirements for Canada Start up Visa program

To meet one of the requirements for the Start Up Visa program, an individual must obtain a Letter of Support from a designated organization recognized by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). These organizations can be a business incubator, angel investor group, or venture capital fund. An applicant can get the support of one or multiple designated organizations. The process of presenting a business idea to these organizations varies, so the applicant must contact them directly to learn how to seek their support. The Letter of Support must be included with the application submitted to IRCC. Additionally, the applicant must also provide proof of sufficient funds to support themselves and any dependents who will be relocating to Canada. The required amount will depend on the number of family members that will be coming to Canada.

Processing time

The processing time for the Start Up Visa program typically takes around 4-6 months to obtain a Letter of Support and 18 months to complete the visa application.

Quick facts

This program offers entrepreneurs access to seed funding of up to CAD 200,000. Up to five co-founders and their family members can obtain Canadian permanent residence under this program by filing a collective application. It also provides a pathway to Canadian citizenship, the holder of Canadian passport has the opportunity to live and work in the United States. The permanent residence acquired through this program will not be subject to any conditions tied to the success of the start-up program in Canada. The investor and their family members are also free to move anywhere in Canada. An interim work permit can be obtained while the permanent residence application is being processed. There is no age limit to be eligible for this program.

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