Start-Up Visa Program

Canada's Immigration Pathway for Entrepreneurs

What is the Start-Up Visa Program?

The Start-Up Visa Program offers Canadian Permanent Residence with no visa conditions.

It is the fastest program in North America for business immigrants.

Under the program, foreign entrepreneurs with an approved business concept, recognized by a designated organization (VC, Angels, Incubators), receive a Commitment Certificate and a Letter of Support (LOS).

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With the LOS, proof of language competency, and sufficient funds, applicants and their dependants may submit an application for Canadian permanent residence.

The start-up can be in wide-ranging industries, including IT, Technology, Healthcare, Manufacturing Processes, Agriculture, Consumer Products, etc., with no limitations on the type of start-up concept.

The program involves an experienced business advisory team working with designated organizations, guiding and mentoring entrepreneurs through the mandatory due diligence process.

Once a suitable start-up is identified and approved by the designated organization, the due diligence process concludes in approximately 5 months.

With the Letter of Support in hand, the application for Canadian Permanent Residence is submitted.

The Process

Month 1-5
Start-up Approval and
Due Diligence Process

  • The start-up concept is developed and approved during this phase.
  • Immigration.ca assists in building the start-up team.
  • Team members bring their expertise to support the start-up individually, while collectively bringing essential experience and skill sets.
  • The start-up is presented together with Immigration.ca to a designated organization.
  • The start-up undergoes due diligence during this period.

Month 6-7
Final Letter of Support

  • Immigration.ca guides and supports the process of obtaining the Final Letter of Support.
  • The designated organization, usually an Incubator, issues the Final Letter of Support within the first 6-7 months.

Month 8-30
Processing application for Permanent
Residence and Early Entry Work Permit

  • Upon receiving the Letter of Support, the application for Canadian Permanent Residence can be submitted.
  • Where applicable, the application for a Work Permit can also be submitted.
  • The approximate processing time for a work permit is 6 months from submission.
  • The approximate processing for Permanent Residence is 22 months from submission.

What we do

This project offers a unique opportunity to obtain Canadian Permanent Residence and establish a real business with international scalability.

We guide you through

  • Business concept creation

  • The due diligence process

  • Canadian corporation formation

  • Intellectual property strategy

  • Patents

  • Pitch deck

  • Business plan

  • Letter of Support

  • Application for Canadian Permanent Residence

Upon finalization, you receive a Letter of Support for you, your partners, and family dependents (spouse, children under age 22). You can then relocate to Canada permanently with an unconditional Permanent Resident Status.

As a Canadian Permanent Resident, you would be able to operate the business created and pursue parallel businesses without restrictions.