{{ { en: `As one of the world’s largest and most developed economies, it’s no wonder many people choose Canada as their work destination. As of 2021, Canada is part of the top 10 world economies in terms of GDP. This has allowed people with ambitious business ideas to follow their dreams. The Start-Up Visa Program is a great way for entrepreneurs to obtain Permanent Residency in Canada. Canada is always looking for innovative ideas and people who can deliver them!`, fa: `به عنوان یکی از بزرگترین و توسعه یافته ترین اقتصادهای جهان، جای تعجب نیست که بسیاری از مردم کانادا را به عنوان مقصد کاری خود انتخاب می کنند. از سال 2021، کانادا بخشی از 10 اقتصاد برتر جهان از نظر تولید ناخالص داخلی است. این به افرادی که ایده های تجاری بلندپروازانه دارند اجازه می دهد تا رویاهای خود را دنبال کنند. برنامه ویزای استارت آپ یک راه عالی برای کارآفرینان برای اخذ اقامت دائم در کانادا است. کانادا همیشه به دنبال ایده های نوآورانه و افرادی است که بتوانند آنها را ارائه دهند!`, }[$i18n.locale] }}

Steps to obtain Start-Up Visa

A company founded by one or a few entrepreneurs at its initial stages is a start-up. These companies can benefit from Canada’s economy in order to develop and reach their business goals. The Start-Up Visa program is an excellent path for those seeking residency in Canada. The process for the Start-Up Visa Program may vary slightly as it depends on investments. Applicants must present their business ideas to designated organizations in order to receive support. Designated organizations are business groups that are approved to invest in or support start-ups through the program. These are:

• Venture capital funds (min $200,000 investment)
• Angel investor groups (min $75,000 investment)
• Business incubators

A detailed list of these groups can be found at this link

The designated organization will send a commitment certificate to the IRCC, confirming the business agreement, and provide a letter of support to the applicant. Once all the criteria are filled, a complete application with the letter of support can be submitted. The program requires applicants to have a qualifying business. For this, the applicant must hold at least 10% of voting rights, AND, applicants and the designated organization jointly hold more than 50% of the total voting rights. At the time of receiving the PR, the applicant must provide active and ongoing management in the business operating in Canada. Applicants can also apply for a short-term work permit as part of the International Mobility Program before submitting their Start-Up visa application for PR. Individuals who have a Commitment Certificate and Letter of Support by a designated entity may be eligible for this.

Requirements

What is required for the Start-Up Visa Program?

• Have a qualifying business
• Commitment Certificate and Letter of Support
• Support of a designated organization
  • Venture capital funds (min $200,000 investment)
  • Angel investor groups (min $75,000 investment)
  • Business incubators
• Meet the language requirements (CLB 5 or above)

Like most applications, the Start-Up Visa program also has biometric requirements and medical examinations, and language proficiency. The biometric requirement applies to individuals aged 14 to 79 years old and they are required to be submitted for every PR application, even if completed in the past and currently valid. Regarding the language requirement, the applicant needs a minimum Canadian Language Benchmark score of 5 in reading, writing, speaking, and listening.

How long

The process for obtaining a Start-Up visa is 12 to 16 months.

Expenses

Processing fee
$1575
Right of permanent residence fee
$1000 Biometric processing
fee
$85

Services

Rejection. Refusal. Damage control. These are things you hopefully would not face with hiring an immigration lawyer. Although hiring a lawyer is not required by law, the immigration process is difficult and often confusing. By consulting an immigration lawyer, you can put your mind at ease and let the professionals help you along the journey.

FAQ

How can I qualify?
Meet the 4 criteria: qualifying business, letter of support, language requirements, financial stability

What is the Start-Up Visa Program application process?
Applicants must present their business ideas to designated organizations in order to receive support. The designated organization will send a commitment certificate to the IRCC, confirming the business agreement, and provide a letter of support to the applicant. Once all the criteria are filled, a complete application with the letter of support can be submitted.

What are designated organizations?
Designated organizations are business groups that are approved to invest in or support start-ups through the program.

What is the difference between the designated organizations?
Venture capital funds (min $200,000 investment) Angel investor groups (min $75,000 investment) Business incubators (no min investment required)

How to get support?
Contact the designated organization regarding obtaining their support by presenting your business idea.

How long is the process?
12 to 16 months.

What is the processing fee?
Processing fee
$1575 Right of permanent residence fee
$1000 Biometric processing fee
$85

Do I need to invest my own money?
No, the minimum investment comes from the designated organizations.

Can I receive support from multiple organizations?
Yes, this is called syndication. All investments must be identified but only 1 letter of support will be provided. The minimum investment depends on the organizations involved.

What happens if business fails?
Your permanent resident status will not be affected. It is understandable that not every business will succeed.