Canada's Start-Up Visa (SUV) Program is designed to attract innovative entrepreneurs from around the world who want to launch and grow their start-up businesses in Canada. This program offers a unique pathway for foreign nationals to become permanent residents and make a significant contribution to the Canadian economy. 

Key Eligibility Requirements for the Start-Up Visa Program

To be eligible for the Start-Up Visa Program, you must meet several criteria, including:

1. A Qualifying Business

Your business must meet specific requirements to qualify for the Start-Up Visa. These requirements focus on the nature of your business, its potential for innovation, and its ability to create jobs for Canadians. The business must:

• Be a new business that is still in its early stages.
• Have a minimum of one of the business partners own at least 10% of the shares in the business.
• Ensure that the applicants and the designated organization together own at least 50% of the business.
• Be incorporated and actively conducting business in Canada.

2. Support from a Designated Organization

To apply for the Start-Up Visa Program, you must secure support from one of Canada's designated organizations. These organizations are groups that are approved by the Canadian government to invest in or support start-ups. They include:

• Venture capital funds
• Angel investor groups
• Business incubators

You will need a letter of support from one of these designated organizations, which demonstrates that they believe your business idea is innovative and has the potential for growth. Depending on the type of organization, the amount of investment or support may vary. For example:

• Venture capitalists must provide at least $200,000 in investment.
• Angel investors must contribute at least $75,000.
• Business incubators must provide support but do not require specific financial backing.

3. Language Proficiency

Language proficiency in either English or French is crucial to ensure you can integrate into Canadian society and manage your business effectively. You must provide proof of your language skills by taking an approved language test. The minimum required language level is:

• Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) Level 5 in either English or French.

4. Sufficient Funds

Even though the Start-Up Visa Program is aimed at innovative entrepreneurs, Canada wants to ensure that applicants can financially support themselves and their families when they first arrive. You will need to demonstrate that you have enough money to support yourself and any dependents while you establish your business in Canada.

The amount required varies depending on the size of your family. The current minimum required funds for 2025 are:

• $13,757 for a single applicant.
• $17,127 for a family of two.
• Additional funds are required for each dependent.

These funds must be available and accessible to you when you apply for the visa.

5. Intent to Reside in Canada

As an applicant for the Start-Up Visa Program, you must have the intention to live and operate your business in Canada. You can reside anywhere in Canada, except for Quebec, as the province has its own immigration program for entrepreneurs..

 

In conclusion, the Start-Up Visa Program in Canada provides an excellent opportunity for innovative entrepreneurs to immigrate to Canada, launch their businesses, and create jobs in the process. If you have a promising business idea, meet the language and funding criteria, and can secure support from a designated organization, the Start-Up Visa Program could be the right pathway for you to make Canada your new home and business hub.