Start-up Visa Program
Start-up Visa Program
Are you creative? Ambitious? Ready to take chances and be an entrepreneur? As you may know, Canada is always looking for ways to enrich Canada’s economy and culture. That is why the Start-up visa program was made available. Creative entrepreneurs can contribute to the labour market of Canada. This program is specifically for people with the skills and resources required to start businesses. The main purpose for their business is to create jobs for Canadians. Now before we get into more detail, for those who are interested in opening a business in Quebec, please visit. This is because Quebec has its own program for entrepreneurs.
The application fee for this visa is about $2,075 CAD and the application will take 12 to 16 months to process. It seems like a long time, but when you are preparing to start a new business in a different country, you need extra time to get organized. Your preparation will allow time to fly by!
Before you start your application, you must find a designated organization to support your business idea! What is a designated organization? Designated organizations are approved business groups who can invest or support your start-up venture. Once you draft up an amazing business idea, you can send it to an organization listed here. Once an organization decides to support your business, they will issue a letter of support.
Start-up Visa Program
In addition to having a letter of support, you must also meet the language requirements, have enough money to support your stay in Canada as well as have a business that meet the following:
- When you receive support from a designated organization, each applicant holds 10% or more of voting rights and they also must have more than 50% total voting rights.
- Once you receive your permanent residence, you must manage your business in Canada with the business incorporated in Canada.
For the language requirement, the minimum requirement is level 5 of the Canadian language benchmark. You can find more information here:
Another useful resource is the site below. You can use it to calculate an estimate of living expenses of Canada depending on the province or territory you would like to move to.
If you are coming to Canada with family, you need to provide proof of financial means that can support not only you, but the accompanying family members. You can refer to the table provided by IRCC to see how much money you should prepare.
Based on the information above, please determine if you are eligible to apply or not. If you meet the requirements, Congratulations! You can move on to the application process.
Start-up Visa Program
To apply, you must follow three steps:
- Complete the application package.
You can get your application forms and instruction of how to fill those forms here:
It is very important that you provide the most recent, up-to-date information. If you submit an incomplete application, IRCC will not process your application. If you lie about your information, you may be deemed inadmissible and have your application refused. Let’s be honest and double check, or even triple check your documents!
- Pay your application fee and any additional fees that may apply.
As mentioned in the beginning, the application fee is about $2,075 CAD. However, there may be additional fees if you are required to get biometrics, a medial exam, and/or a police check. Please keep these in mind when you apply. To pay your fees online, please go here:
Remember to keep a copy of the receipt for your own record and include it in your application package as proof of payment.
- Submit your application with all the supporting documents.
Now that you finished the application package and paid your fees, you are ready to submit your application. Once again, make sure the information you provide is complete and true with all the necessary supporting documents. You will have the option to send your application by regular mail or courier. For the full details, please go here:
Make sure you have the correct address!
After you have submitted your application, be on the look out for requests for biometrics, medial exam, and/or police certificate. Once you submit additional requested documents (if any), and receive approval, you will receive a confirmation of permanent residence (COPR) and entry visa. Please use it before it expires! Extensions are not allowed and it would be a waste to lose your chance for permanent residence due to such a careless mistake. For detailed information on what to do upon your arrival, please go here:
Another great thing about the start-up visa application is that once you receive a support letter, you may apply for a short-term work permit. You can apply for this before or after you apply for your permanent residence.
Starting something new in a different country is always challenging. That is why there are professionals like us who are trained to help you! If you are overwhelmed by the information or need assistance in any way, reach out to one of our licensed consultants. We are happy to help!
Sincerely,
International Experience Club
