Canada’s Start-up Visa Program is one of the world’s most attractive immigration pathways for innovative entrepreneurs. Launched as a pilot in 2013 and made permanent in 2017, the program connects foreign entrepreneurs with Canadian private-sector organizations that can provide funding, mentorship, and expertise to help them establish and grow their businesses in Canada. Unlike traditional investor immigration programs that require applicants to invest their own capital, the Start-up Visa focuses on the strength of your business idea and your ability to execute it. If a designated Canadian organization believes in your concept enough to support it, you can qualify for permanent residence—regardless of your age, education, or prior work experience.
The program targets entrepreneurs who will:
The Start-up Visa applies to all Canadian provinces and territories except Quebec, which operates its own immigration programs.
Unlike many business immigration programs that grant temporary status first, successful Start-up Visa applicants receive permanent resident status immediately upon approval. Your status is not conditional on your business's success—if your startup fails, you retain your permanent residence.
Your spouse or common-law partner and dependent children under 22 (who are not married or in a common-law relationship) can be included in your application and will also receive permanent resident status.
While your permanent residence application is being processed, you can apply for a temporary work permit to enter Canada and begin building your business immediately.
After holding permanent resident status for three years (1,095 days within a five-year period), you become eligible to apply for Canadian citizenship. Canada allows dual citizenship.
The program connects you with designated venture capital funds, angel investor groups, and business incubators that provide not just funding but mentorship, resources, and access to professional networks.
You are not required to invest your own capital. The investment comes from designated organizations who believe in your business concept.
Canada consistently ranks among the top countries globally for ease of doing business, political stability, and quality of life.
As a permanent resident, you and your family gain access to Canada's publicly funded healthcare system and other social benefits.
Canada offers access to major trade agreements including CUSMA (Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement), CETA (Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement with the EU), and CPTPP (Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership).
Must commit to investing at least CAD $200,000 in your business.
Must accept you into one of their incubation or acceleration programs. No minimum investment is required, but you must be accepted into their program.
Multiple designated organizations can team up (syndication) to meet the minimum investment thresholds.
Important: As of 2024, IRCC has implemented caps limiting each designated organization to supporting only 10 complete group applications per calendar year until December 31, 2026.
You must demonstrate proficiency in English or French at Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) Level 5 or higher in all four abilities:
Acceptable language tests include:
Your test results must be less than two years old at the time of application.
The amount of settlement funds required depends on the number of family members included in the application. For a single applicant, the minimum required funds are CAD $15,263. If there are two family members, the required amount increases to CAD $19,001. For three family members, applicants must show at least CAD $23,360, while a family of four needs CAD $28,362.
For larger families, the required settlement funds continue to rise. A family of five must have CAD $32,168, six family members require CAD $36,280, and seven family members must show CAD $40,392. For each additional family member beyond seven, an extra CAD $4,112 must be added to the total settlement funds.
These settlement fund requirements are updated annually by IRCC. Although these figures represent the minimum amount needed, it is strongly recommended to have additional funds available, as settling in Canada and starting a new life or business can involve significant initial expenses.
Develop a strong and scalable business concept supported by a detailed business plan. This includes defining your product or service innovation, market opportunity, competitive advantage, revenue model, financial projections, team expertise, and job creation potential in Canada.
$1,810 + $575 + $950 + $575 + $260 + $260 + ($85 × 4) = $4,770
Fees charged by designated organizations vary significantly:
Business incubators: $10,000–$50,000+ (may also take equity)
Angel investors and VC funds: May charge due diligence fees or take equity as part of investment
For a solo founder working with a business incubator: $25,000–$75,000+
For a team securing venture capital: $40,000–$150,000+
These estimates exclude settlement funds and business operating capital.
