Eligibility Requirements

• Meet minimum language requirements in English or French (CLB 5 in all abilities);
• Have sufficient funds to settle in Canada;
• Plan to settle in a province other than the Province of Quebec;
• Pass Canadian security and medical clearances;
• Prove your business is supported through a designated organization; and
• Show your business meets ownership requirements.

Investment Details

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has designated a number of venture capital funds, angel investor groups, and business incubator organizations to participate in the Start-Up Visa program.

Successful applicants are required to secure a minimum investment for their Canadian start-up. If coming from a designated Canadian venture capital fund, the investment must be at least $200,000. If coming from an angel investor group, it should be at least $75,000.

Applicants do not need to secure any investment from a business incubator. However, applicants must be accepted into a Canadian business incubator program.

Applicants are not required to invest any of their own money. If their Canadian start-up is unsuccessful, individuals granted permanent residence through this program will retain their permanent resident status.