Canada Start-Up Visa (SUV)
The Start-Up Visa program offers immigrant entrepreneurs a pathway to permanent residence in Canada, empowering them to establish their roots in the country. This program not only fosters the growth of immigrant-led businesses but also facilitates their integration into the Canadian business landscape. Approved participants are connected with private sector organizations in Canada, providing them with access to financial support, invaluable guidance, and specialized expertise to launch and run their ventures successfully within the Canadian market.
What is the start-up visa program for Canada 2023?
The Start-up Visa Program of Canada provides business people with the chance to immigrate to Canada to build a new business. Immigrant entrepreneurs must describe that their company is innovative, generate new Canadian jobs, and fight globally.
If you are a business person with an innovative marketing idea, you may be qualified to immigrate to Canada through this stream. Canada is looking for skilled entrepreneurs engaged in beginning businesses to animate the Canadian economy while generating employment possibilities for its citizens.
Find out if you are eligible to get in Canada →
Eligibility Requirements for Canada Start-Up Visa (SUV)
To qualify for the Start-Up Visa program, prospective applicants must satisfy the following conditions:
- Demonstrated Language Proficiency: Attain a minimum proficiency level in either English or French (Canadian Language Benchmark – CLB 5 across all language skills).
- Financial Capacity: Possess adequate financial resources to establish themselves in Canada.
- Provincial Settlement: Intend to establish their residence in a province outside of Quebec.
- Security and Health: Successfully pass security and medical clearances required for Canadian immigration.
- Institutional Support: Provide evidence of receiving support for their business from a designated organization.
- Ownership Compliance: Confirm that their business complies with ownership regulations.
Please note that, under the Start-Up Visa Program, no more than five foreign nationals can apply for permanent residency as part of the same entrepreneurial venture.
How much money is required for a startup visa in Canada?
There are four essential requirements that an applicant must meet in order to obtain a Start-Up Visa, which fall under the following:
- Business Ownership with the following qualifications:
- Possessing at least 10% of the voting rights in favor of all shares.
- Owning 50% of the voting rights in favor of all shares along with the supporting company.
- Obtaining a Recommendation Letter from a Designated Institution:
- Proving the presence of risk capital or a business incubator to support your project.
- To obtain support, you must present your idea and convince the Designated institution of its importance and likelihood of success.
- The presentation of your ideas should differ from one institution to another.
- If your pitch is successful, you will receive a recommendation letter from the Designated institution, which must be included in your visa application.
- Investing $200,000 CAD if the project is funded through a venture capital fund or $75,000 CAD if funded through an angel investor group.
- Meeting Language Requirements:
- You must take a language test from an accredited agency and obtain a minimum score of 4 in the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) in the following skills: speaking, listening, reading, and writing.
- Proving Sufficient Funds:
- You must prove that you have enough funds to support yourself or any accompanying family members upon arrival in Canada. The required amount depends on the number of family members.
Number of Family Members Required Amount (in Canadian Dollars)
| Number of family members | Amount needed |
| 1 | $12,960 |
| 2 | $16,135 |
| 3 | $19,836 |
| 4 | $24,083 |
| 5 | $27,315 |
| 6 | $30,806 |
| 7 | $34,299 |
Each additional family member $3,492
How to Apply for the Start-Up Visa (SUV)?
- Fill out the application form:
- Fill out the application form.
- Click the Validate button on the application to ensure all required fields are completed.
- After verifying all information, print the application form and make sure to include the barcode page.
- Sign the form and add the date of the signature.
- Complete the document checklist:
- Assemble all the documents listed in the specified order on the document checklist.
- Place all necessary documents in a sealed envelope.
- Print the required document checklist and sign it.
- Put the document checklist at the front of your application pages.
- Pay the application fees:
The application processing fees include the applicant and any individuals listed in the application.
- Your right to permanent residence fees.
- Third-party fees, including medical exams, police certificates, and language tests.
- Biometric fees:
Primary applicant: $85 CAD
Family (in one application): Maximum total fee of $170 CAD
Group of three or more performing artists and their staff: Maximum total fee of $255 CAD
- Submit the application:
- Before submitting your application, ensure that you have completed all necessary details.
- Make sure you have signed all required documents.
- Pay the required fees and attach the corresponding receipts to your application.
- Place all supporting documents in a 9×12 inch envelope, write “Start-Up Visa” on the front of the envelope, and send it by mail to the address of the federal government subsidiary institution.
In case of project failure?
In the event of project failure, the applicant retains their permanent residence rights in Canada.
SUV Application processing time?
The processing time for the application varies between 12-16 months for approval of Canadian residency for the Start-Up Visa (SUV) program.
