introduced by the Canadian government, is dedicated to attracting both experienced and aspiring business professionals and entrepreneurs to Canada start-up visa. Initially, the program was announced as a pilot program, but the pathway is now a permanent route under the Federal Program. Applicants are granted permission to set up business on Canadian soil and attain permanent residency for the entire family. Every year, new startup professionals worldwide bring new ideas and businesses into the Canadian Startup Ecosystem, which supports the economy and generates employment for Canadians.
According to the program’s quota, Canada has an annual quota of 2750 applications under the startup visa for the startup visa aspirants.
What are the benefits of the Canada Start-up Visa?
- Achieve direct permanent residency for business partners and family members.
- Access to Social Benefits under Canada PR.
- Can apply as a team of business partners up to a maximum of 5 members.
- No direct investment is needed as you can acquire investment from designated investment bodies.
- No minimum net-worth requirement under the program.
- No age limit to apply for this Canada Business Visa.
- Settle and set up your business anywhere in Canada (excluding Quebec).
- Eligible to apply for Canada Citizenship.
- after residing in the country for 1095 days in 5 years.
- Gain visa-free access to more than 150 countries after getting citizenship.
What are the eligibility requirements to apply for Canada Start-up Visa?
- Attain a letter of support from the Canadian designated investment body.
- Identify the designated body as per the business idea or concept.
- Reach the designated body and pitch your proposed business idea.
- Draft a detailed business plan for the startup visa.
- Receive the letter of support from the designated investment body.
- Have a qualifying business in Canada.
- A business partnership team of 5 members can apply for the program.
- Each applicant must have 10% or more voting rights linked to the shares of the company.
- The designated investment body and applicants must hold more than 50% of the total voting rights together.
- Demonstrate active involvement in the business similar to the Canada Self Employed Program.
- Meet minimum language requirements.
- Must score minimum CLB 5 under the four components (Speaking, Listening, Reading & Writing) under the eligible language proficiency exams:
- English (IELTS) – Cambridge Assessment English, The British Council, and IDP Australia.
- English (CELPIP G-Test) – Paragon Testing Enterprises Inc
- French (TEF Canada) – The Paris Chamber of Commerce and Industry
- French (TCF Canada) – France Education International (FEI).
- Meet the proof of funds requirements.
- Must have sufficient financial capacity to support yourself and your family members to settle in the country. Below is the detailed list of minimum funds you need to have:
| Number of Family Members | Funds Required |
| 1 | CAD 13,213 |
| 2 | CAD 16,449 |
| 3 | CAD 20,222 |
| 4 | CAD 24,553 |
| 5 | CAD 27,847 |
| 6 | CAD 31,407 |
| 7 | CAD 34,967 |
| For each additional family member | CAD 3,560 |
What is the step-by-step process of a Canada Start-up Visa?
- Must prepare a detailed business plan for the startup visa program.
- Contact the designated investment body (Venture Capital Fund, Angel Investor Group, and Business Incubator).
- Pitch your business idea or concept to the chosen investment body and convince them to invest in your business.
- Acquire the letter of support and investment from the Designated Investment bodies in Canada.
- Prepare the documents and apply for a temporary Canada Work Permit application for the startup visa.
- Enter Canada on a temporary work permit and establish your business in Canada by acquiring investment and strategic support from the investment bodies.
- Demonstrate active involvement in the business and generate revenue and employment for the Canadian residents and citizens.
- After business establishment, apply for Canada permanent residency under the Canada Startup Visa.
- Arrange all the forms and documents along with the applicable fee.
- The immigration office may reach out to the designated authority and demand a peer review.
- After due diligence, checks, and investigations, the immigration authority will approve Canada PR Visa
Some may have confusion about what is startup visa in Canada, but once you understand the requirements and complete the above-mentioned process, you can easily crack the process
What are the documents needed for the Canada Start-up Visa?
- Original copy of the Startup Visa Application fee payment
- Photocopy of a valid passport
- Language proficiency examination result (IELTS or CELPIP)
- Document of Letter of Support from the Designated Organization
- Proof of initial settlement funds
- Spouse and dependent documents (birth certificates, marriage, passports)
- Original copy of PCC from each country you have spent (more than six months)
- Medical certificate of each applicant
What is the average processing timing of the Canada Startup Visa?
Canada startup visa processing time can differ from case to case: however, the average documentation and process time will take around 6-12 months. Furthermore, considering the immigration authorities’ processing time, it can take a total of 12 to 18 months, depending on the case.
What is the Canada Startup Visa fees?
- Single Applicant Fee (CAD 1575) + Right of permanent Residence Fee (CAD 500) = CAD 2,075
- Additional Applicant (Spouse) fee (CAD 825) + Right of permanent Residence Fee (CAD 500) = CAD 1,325
- Dependent Child Fee (CAD 225)
Miscellaneous Expenses:
- Biometrics fees – Single applicant (CAD 85) and for the family of minimum 2 (CAD 170)
- Police Clearance Certificate – (INR 500) (Costs vary for different countries)
- Language Proficiency Examination Cost – IELTS (INR 13,250) and PTE (13,300)
Canada Start-up Visa Incubator
1) Angel Investors – this group should invest at least $75,000 into your business.
2) Venture Capital Fund – it should confirm an investment of $200,000 into your business.
3) Business incubator – The applicant must be accepted by the designated Business Incubator into its program.
How can Abhinav help you?
BusinessImmigrationvisas.com, a business immigration division of Abhinav Immigration Services, specializes in all Canadian business visa pathways such as startup visas, entrepreneur visas, investor visas, Self-employed programs, and intra-company transfer visa. Abhinav holds more than 27 years of industry experience armed with talented Immigration Specialists, and business associates – specializing in Start-up programs and services of an RCIC Member. We excel in:
- Profile assessment and documentation services.
- Help in selecting the suitable business immigration destination and immigration pathway.
- Provide guidance in developing the business idea.
- Help in drafting the professional business plan for Canadian Business.
- Consultancy in the development and preparation of idea pitch deck.
- Online IELTS Coaching.
- Overseas Company Incorporation.
- Taxation Planning and Advice on Canada Self Employed Program also.
- Conduct Exploratory Visits with active assistance from Local associates.
- Guidance for investment bodies collaborates to acquire a letter of support.
- Turnkey services.
- Concierge services for Premium clients.
- Assistance in compiling the Application package.
- Preparation of application with appropriate agencies for the work permit and Canada PR Visa.
To know more, connect with us through a call on +918595338595 or mail us at [email protected]. We will be more than happy to assist you.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q1. How do I get a Canadian Startup Visa?
You can achieve Canada Startup Visa by following the step-by-step process of the program. First, you need to have a unique business plan that can generate revenue and employment in Canada, then acquire a letter of support and investment from the investment bodies with your business plan, set up a business in Canada on a temporary residency permit, and apply for permanent residency under start-up visa.
Q2. How can I apply for Canada Startup Visa from India?
You can apply for a startup visa once you have successfully attained a letter of support from the designated investment body, acquired investment from these bodies, and established your business in Canada. The Canada start-up visa processing time is much quicker than other entrepreneur programs, which clock at 12 to 15 months. You can submit the application by supporting all the relevant documents to the immigration authority.
Q3. How much do I need to invest to get a Business Visa in Canada?
If you choose the investment body of a Venture capital fund, you need to acquire a letter of support and an investment of CAD 200,000 with the help of your business plan for a startup visa. From the Angel investor group, you need a minimum investment of CAD 75,000. Interestingly, under the Business incubator program, you do not need to acquire investment but need approval from the body under the Canada Startup Visa.
Q4. How do I open my own startup in Canada?
Considering the confusion about what is start-up visa Canada, people often seek the help of business visa consultants. And, it becomes easy for the startup visa process from inception, documentation to successful PR grant. And, these consultants can help you set up your own startup in Canada with the help of their networks and association with the investment bodies. These designated bodies provide all the strategic support and networking to help establish your business in the country.
Q5. How much money do you need to show for your Canada visa?
Start Up Visa Canada program guidelines does not require you to demonstrate minimum net-worth. However, you must show minimum settlement funds to support your initial stay in the country. Below is the minimum funds required:
| Number of Family Members | Funds Required |
|---|---|
| 1 | CAD 13,213 |
| 2 | CAD 16,449 |
| 3 | CAD 20,222 |
| 4 | CAD 24,553 |
| 5 | CAD 27,847 |
| 6 | CAD 31,407 |
| 7 | CAD 34,967 |
| For each additional family member | CAD 3,560 |
