Have an innovative idea? The Start-up Visa can lead to Canadian permanent residence.
You hear immigration consultants mention the Start-up Visa a lot these days. Because of its advantages, many applicants consider it.
Here is a short overview of how it works.
In short, the Government of Canada grants permanent residence to people who have an innovative business idea, often technology-based, so that they can come to Canada and build their business here.
The idea must meet certain criteria. In general, it must be new and benefit Canadians and the Canadian economy. Ideas that copy existing businesses, such as yet another ride-hailing app, are unlikely to be accepted.
The process works like this:
- You develop a start-up idea and prepare a business proposal to Canadian standards.
- A designated organization must accept and support your proposal. We explain designated organizations below.
- Once you have a letter of support, you apply to the Government of Canada for permanent residence.
The first advantage is clear from the process itself: as an applicant, your main task is to have a strong idea, and specialist teams in Canada can help you develop it.
Designated organizations are venture capital funds, angel investor groups and business incubators that invest in and support start-ups. Some help you set up your start-up for a fee, and some also invest in your project. Their approval is essential: without a letter of support from one of them, you cannot continue with the application.
If you or your consultant know these organizations well, obtaining a letter of support is achievable, which is another advantage of this program.
At the visa stage, applicants applied directly for permanent residence. Because processing took a long time, many also applied for a work permit at the same time to come to Canada sooner; that option has not been available to new applicants since December 19, 2025.
Another important advantage is that up to five people, together with their families, can apply as partners in one project and receive permanent residence. Each family has one main applicant, and their family members are included as dependants.
The program also has drawbacks. The first is the long timeline: from the start of the process to permanent residence can take two years or more. The second is the risk that IRCC refuses the application even after a designated organization has issued a letter of support, in which case the applicant loses significant time and money.
Who the program is for
The Start-up Visa Program is designed for immigrant entrepreneurs with the skills and potential to build businesses in Canada that:
- are innovative;
- can create jobs for Canadians;
- can compete globally.
The program is not accepting new applications at this time. Talk to us about current options for entrepreneurs and the replacement pilot once it is announced.
More about the Start-up Visa
- Who can apply for the Start-up Visa Program?
- How to apply for the Start-up Visa Program
- After you apply for the Start-up Visa Program
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