Start-Up Visa Program (SUV) - Federal
Immigrate to Canada as an Entrepreneur
Canada’s Start-Up Visa Program (SUV) is designed for immigrant entrepreneurs with innovative business ideas that can create jobs for Canadians and compete on a global scale. Through this program, eligible entrepreneurs and their families can obtain permanent residency and establish their businesses in Canada with the support of designated organizations.
Why Choose the Start-Up Visa Program?
- Direct pathway to PR: Permanent residency for you and your family while you build your business in Canada.
- Global opportunity: Establish and grow your business in one of the world’s most competitive markets.
- Flexibility: Up to 5 entrepreneurs can apply together for the same start-up project.
- Designated support: Secure backing from a Canadian investor, angel investor group, or business incubator.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the Start-Up Visa Program, applicants must meet the following requirements:
Business Support
- Obtain a Letter of Support from a designated Canadian organization: Venture Capital Fund → minimum investment of $200,000 CAD / Angel Investor Group → minimum investment of $75,000 CAD / Business Incubator → acceptance into their program (no set investment required)
Language Proficiency
- Minimum CLB 5 in English or French (speaking, listening, reading, writing).
- Accepted tests: IELTS (General Training), CELPIP (General Test), TEF Canada, TCF Canada.
Settlement Funds
- Show proof that you can financially support yourself and your dependents upon arrival in Canada.
Qualifying Business
- The business must be incorporated in Canada and meet ownership and control requirements.
Admissibility
- Applicants must not be inadmissible to Canada for medical, security, or criminal reasons.
Application Process
- Check Eligibility: Confirm you meet business, language, and financial requirements.
- Secure Support: Pitch your idea and obtain a Letter of Support from a designated organization.
- Prepare Application Package: Complete the forms, attach documents, and pay required fees.
- Submit Application: Send your application package to IRCC as instructed.
- Provide Biometrics & Exams: Submit biometrics, medical exams, and police certificates when requested.
- Work in Canada (Optional): While waiting for PR, apply for a temporary work permit if your business will provide significant benefit to Canada.
- Obtain Permanent Residency: Once approved, you and your family can settle and grow your business in Canada.
Processing time: Approximately 12–16 months.
Required Documents
- Valid passport or travel document
- Letter of Support from a designated organization
- Language test results (IELTS, CELPIP, TEF, or TCF)
- Proof of settlement funds
- Completed application package (forms, signatures, supporting documents)
- Medical exams, police certificates, and biometrics (as requested by IRCC)
Program Costs
- Processing fee: $1,050 CAD
- Right of Permanent Residence Fee: $490 CAD
- Biometrics fee: $85 CAD
- Additional fees: May apply for accompanying family members.
How We Support You
At Shreehari Immigration, we guide entrepreneurs through every stage of the Start-Up Visa journey:
- Eligibility assessment: Know your chances before applying.
- Investor/Incubator connection: Guidance on approaching designated organizations.
- Step-by-step support: From preparing your pitch to completing IRCC forms.
- Ongoing advice: Business immigration strategies tailored to your project.
Get professional help bringing your business to Canada.
Frequently Asked Questions
To qualify for the Start-Up Visa Program, applicants must:
- Have a qualifying business that meets ownership and incorporation requirements in Canada.
- Obtain a Letter of Support from a designated Canadian organization (venture capital fund, angel investor group, or business incubator).
- Meet the minimum language requirement (CLB 5 in English or French).
- Show proof of sufficient settlement funds to support yourself and your family until your business generates income in Canada.
$200,000 CAD (venture capital) or $75,000 CAD (angel investor). No minimum for business incubators.
Up to 5 entrepreneurs can apply together if they all play essential roles.
Minimum CLB 5 in all four skills (speaking, listening, reading, writing).
Processing times are usually 12–16 months.
Yes. If your business is expected to benefit Canada significantly, you may qualify for a temporary work permit.
Take the Next Step
Book your consultation today and let Shreehari Immigration help turn your business idea into a Canadian success story.