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Start- Up Visa Program: Navigating Canada's
Start-Up Visa Program. Your Path to Residency
and Entrepreneurial Achievement.

Are you an entrepreneur looking to establish a business in Canada and secure permanent residency? The Start-Up Visa (SUV) Program offers a strategic pathway for innovative individuals like you. This article provides a comprehensive guide to Canada's SUV Program, detailing eligibility requirements, application procedures, and how Canvest can assist you throughout the process.

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Canada's Start-Up Visa Program is designed to attract entrepreneurs with innovative business ideas that can contribute to the Canadian economy. Endorsed by designated organizations such as venture capital funds and business incubators, this program expedites the immigration process for individuals who demonstrate the potential for significant business growth and job creation.​

Eligibility Criteria

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Each applicant must hold at least 10% of the total voting rights in the business, and together with the designated organization, must hold more than 50% of the total voting rights.

Qualifying Business

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Secure a letter of support from a designated organization that believes in the viability of your business idea. The organization will also provide a commitment certificate directly to (IRCC) as part of your application.

Letter of Support

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Achieve a minimum of CLB 5 in English or French for listening, reading, writing, and speaking. This proficiency level ensures effective communication & integration into the Canadian business environment.

Language Proficiency

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Demonstrate sufficient funds to support yourself and your dependents after arriving in Canada. The required amount varies based on family size, with updates published annually by IRCC.

Settlement Funds

Application Procedures

The application process for the SUV Program involves several steps:

  1. Obtain Designated Organization Support: Contact a designated organization to discuss your business proposal and secure their endorsement.
     

  2. Submit Application: Complete the application forms and provide necessary documentation, including the commitment certificate from the designated organization.
     

  3. Processing and Decision: IRCC will assess your application for completeness and adherence to program requirements. If approved, you will receive a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) and can proceed with your plans to immigrate to Canada.

Each designated organization can support up to 10 complete group applications per calendar year until December 31, 2026. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis. If the annual cap is reached, subsequent applications will be returned with processing fees reimbursed.

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While your application for permanent residence is under review, you can apply for a temporary work permit to travel to Canada and initiate business operations.

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It's essential to bring sufficient funds to support yourself and your family upon arrival in Canada. Ensure you have the required amount based on your family size and consider additional funds to facilitate relocation and initial business setup.

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Explore the opportunities offered by Canada's Start-Up Visa Program to achieve your entrepreneurial goals and secure Canadian residency. Whether you're driven by innovation, seeking a better future for your family, or eager to capitalize on Canada's vibrant business environment, this program provides a clear pathway to success. Contact Canvest today to begin your journey towards establishing your business in Canada.

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Contact Canvest now to discover how we can support your application for the Start-Up Visa Program and guide you through every step towards realizing your entrepreneurial ambitions in Canada. Your future begins with Canvest!

  • How do I apply for the Start-up Visa Program?
    To apply for the Start-up Visa Program, you must pitch your qualifying start-up to a designated organization and get their support. Meet the language requirements. Bring enough money to settle and invest in your business in Canada.
  • What kind of business qualifies for the Start-up Visa Program?
    Canada’s Start-up Visa Program targets immigrant entrepreneurs with the skills and potential to build businesses in Canada (outside Quebec) that Are innovative. Can create jobs for Canadians. Can compete on a global scale.
  • What is the processing time for the Start-up Visa Program?
    The processing time for the Canada Start-up Visa is 37 months.
  • Who can apply for the Start-up Visa Program?
    Anyone who meets the requirements of the Start-up Visa Program can apply. If you have a qualifying business, fulfill the language requirements, and have enough settlement funds, you can apply for the Start-up Visa Program.
  • How many people can apply under one application for the Start-up Visa Program?
    A total of five business partners can apply under one application for the Start-up Visa Program.
  • What is a qualifying business for the Start-up Visa Program?
    To qualify under this program Each applicant must hold 10% or more of the total voting rights. Applicants and the designated organization together must hold more than 50% of the total voting rights.
  • What is a designated organization for the Start-up Visa Program?
    Designated organizations are business groups that have been approved to invest in or support potential start-ups. The organization will also send a commitment certificate directly to the IRCC. This is an immigration document used to evaluate your application.
  • What is the latest update on the cap on designated organizations for the Start-up Visa Program?
    Each calendar year, only 10 complete group applications per designated organization will be considered. Applications will be considered on a first-come, first-served basis. If you apply after the annual cap is reached, your application will be returned and your processing fees reimbursed.
  • What is the language requirement for the Start-up Visa Program?
    You need to achieve a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 5 in listening, reading, writing, and speaking (in either English or French) to qualify for the Start-up Visa Program.
  • How much money should one bring as an immigrant under the Start-up Visa Program?
    The Government of Canada won’t support you financially as a start-up visa immigrant. When you apply, you’ll need proof that you have the money to support yourself and your dependents after you arrive in Canada. The amount you need depends on the size of your family. These amounts are updated every year.
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