Canada’s Start-up Visa Program targets immigrant entrepreneurs with the skills and potential to build businesses in Canada:
- are innovative
- can create jobs for Canadians
- can compete on a global scale
To be eligible for the Start-up Visa Program, you must:
- have a qualifying business
- get a letter of support from a designated organization in Canada
- meet the language requirements
- bring enough money to settle
Get a letter of support from a designated organization
You must get a letter of support from a designated organization
(a business group that has been approved to invest in or support possible start-ups).
(these are in bulleted form)
- contact the designated organization to find out how to get its support
- convince the organization that you have a business idea that is worth supporting
- get a letter of support from the designated organization
Meet the language requirements
The ability to communicate and work in English, French or both languages will help your business succeed in Canada.
You must meet the minimum level of the Canadian Language Benchmark in either English or French in all of these four areas:
- speaking
- reading
- listening
- writing
If you don’t meet the minimum language skills, your application will be refused!
Bring enough money to settle
The Government of Canada does not give financial support to new start-up visa immigrants.
When you apply, you’ll need to give proof that you have the money to support yourself and your dependents after you arrive in Canada. You can’t borrow this money from another person.
Processing times
12 to 16 Months, this processing time includes the time you need to give your biometrics.