Apply for the Canada Start‑Up Visa Program
The Canada Start‑Up Visa Program empowers global entrepreneurs to secure permanent residence in Canada by launching innovative, scalable businesses. It provides a streamlined immigration path aligned with Canada’s economic growth and diversification ambitions.
What Is the Canada Start‑Up Visa Program?
Canada’s Start‑Up Visa Program invites innovative immigrant entrepreneurs to establish businesses in Canada—outside Quebec—that generate jobs, compete globally, and drive economic impact. Successful applicants must secure support from a designated organization (venture capital fund, angel investor group, or business incubator), meet language benchmarks, and prove sufficient settlement funds.
This program grants permanent residency for applicants and their immediate families, enabling settlement anywhere in Canada. A clear pathway to citizenship is available after a qualifying period of residence.
Why Choose the Canada Start‑Up Visa Program?
High Quality of Life & Citizenship Path
Enjoy access to universal healthcare, world-class education, multicultural cities, and a stable, secure environment, with Canadian citizenship possible after as little as three years of residence.
No Age or Formal Education Caps
The program focuses on innovation, not age or degrees. Eligibility hinges on business viability, not demographic criteria.
Permanent Residency + Family Inclusion
You and your dependents (spouse and children under 22) receive PR status—work, live, and study across Canada.
Investment Options for the Canada Start‑Up Visa Program
To gain support, entrepreneurs must align with one of three designated organizations:
- Business Incubator — Acceptance into an incubator program (no investment required).
- Angel Investor Group — Minimum investment of CAD 75,000.
- Venture Capital Fund — Minimum investment of CAD 200,000.
In each case, the organization provides a Letter of Support and submits a Commitment Certificate to IRCC, validating your venture.
How to Apply for the Canada Start‑Up Visa Program
- Qualify Your Business
Ensure your business is innovative, scalable, and incorporates active, essential management within Canada. Ownership: at least 10% personally and ≥50% combined with the designated organization. - Secure Support
Pitch to a business incubator, angel investor group, or venture capital fund to obtain a Letter of Support and Commitment Certificate. - Meet Language & Settlement Fund Requirements
- Achieve CLB 5 in English or French across all four competencies.
- Provide proof of sufficient settlement funds, the amount depending on family size.
- Submit Application
Compile and submit a permanent residence application with all supporting documents to IRCC. Writing your own investment/business plan strengthens your case. - Work Permit Option
You may apply for a temporary work permit while your PR application is under review—accelerating your ability to launch and manage your business in Canada.
Who Is Eligible for the Canada Start‑Up Visa Program?
You (or up to 5 co-founders):
- Have a qualifying business: innovative, scalable, incorporated in Canada with active management.
- Secure support from a designated organization.
- Meet language requirements: CLB 5 in all areas (English or French).
- Hold or show sufficient settlement funds.
- Additionally, pass security and medical admissibility checks.
Why Invest in the Canadian Start‑Up Visa Program?
- Strategic Advantage: Canada’s welcoming immigration environment, compared to the U.S., attracts global tech talent and startups.
- Long-Term Benefits: Gain PR, citizenship, and access to North America’s stable infrastructure, robust legal system, and diverse market.
- Flexibility & Control: No personal age, education, or net worth restrictions—focus stays on your business acumen and innovation.
Essential Documents for Canada Start‑Up Visa Program
- Letter of Support from a designated organization.
- Commitment Certificate submitted by the designated organization.
- Business incorporation documents.
- Proof of CLB 5 language proficiency.
- Proof of settlement funds (depending on family size).
- Identity: passports, photos.
- Medical and police clearance certificates.
- Any other IRCC-specified forms (e.g., IMM‑5759).
Ready to Secure Your Canada Start‑Up Visa Program 2025?
Why Work with Outbound Migration?
Mr Calvin S Mazlumyan
Plan-B Outbound Migration Consultancy founding partner Mr Calvin S Mazlumyan, Esq. is a California licensed immigration attorney and a seasoned outbound migration consultant. He holds a California Realtor/Broker license with a focus on global real estate markets. He is a Series 65 licensed Investment Advisor Representative.
Graduated from UCLA with College Honors and Departmental Highest Honors, Mr Mazlumyan has pursued a career in Private Banking both in investment and lending areas prior to focusing on immigration matters. He holds a Master of International Management degree with a concentration on global wealth migration patterns.
Mr Mazlumyan is a member of the Los Angeles County Bar Association, Beverly Hills Bar Association, and the Investment Migration Council.
US-based consultancy firm
At Plan-B Outbound Migration, we specialize in residency and citizenship solutions. Our team provides:
- Expert guidance on investment options.
- End-to-end application support.
- Connections to vetted fund managers and legal professionals.
- Tailored strategies to meet your goals.
Ready to start your journey? Contact us today for a free consultation.