Start-Up Visa Program – Turn Your Business Idea into a Canadian Success Story
Canada’s Startup Visa Program offers a streamlined pathway for international entrepreneurs who wish to establish innovative businesses in the country. To qualify, applicants must meet the eligibility criteria set by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). The program focuses on start-ups that can create jobs for Canadians, introduce solutions with global competitiveness, and bring forward new and innovative ideas that strengthen Canada’s economy.
The Start-Up Visa Program (SUV) is a unique immigration pathway for innovative entrepreneurs who have the vision and ability to build globally competitive businesses in Canada. It offers permanent residency to foreign entrepreneurs whose start-ups can create jobs, drive innovation, and compete on an international scale.
Purpose of the Start-Up Visa Program
Canada’s Startup Visa Program offers a streamlined pathway for international entrepreneurs who wish to establish innovative businesses in the country. To qualify, applicants must meet the eligibility criteria set by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). The program focuses on start-ups that can create jobs for Canadians, introduce solutions with global competitiveness, and bring forward new and innovative ideas that strengthen Canada’s economy.
The Start-Up Visa Program (SUV) is a unique immigration pathway for innovative entrepreneurs who have the vision and ability to build globally competitive businesses in Canada. It offers permanent residency to foreign entrepreneurs whose start-ups can create jobs, drive innovation, and compete on an international scale.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify, applicants must:
Have a qualifying business idea with growth potential
Obtain a letter of support from a designated organization (venture capital fund, angel investor group, or incubator)
Meet language proficiency requirements (CLB 5 or higher)
Have sufficient settlement funds to support themselves and their family in Canada


Designated Organizations – Your Gateway to Success
A key step in the SUV process is securing support from a designated organization. These approved Canadian entities assess your business concept and decide whether to invest in or mentor your start-up. Once you receive a Letter of Support, you can apply for permanent residency while also obtaining a temporary work permit to start building your business in Canada.
Processing Time and Business Development
The processing time for the Start-Up Visa can vary, but applicants can often obtain a temporary work permit within months to begin business operations. This allows you to establish your company, hire staff, and demonstrate progress while awaiting permanent residency approval.
Common Industries and Opportunities
Canada’s Startup Visa Program offers a streamlined pathway for international entrepreneurs who wish to establish innovative businesses in the country. To qualify, applicants must meet the eligibility criteria set by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). The program focuses on start-ups that can create jobs for Canadians, introduce solutions with global competitiveness, and bring forward new and innovative ideas that strengthen Canada’s economy.
The Start-Up Visa Program (SUV) is a unique immigration pathway for innovative entrepreneurs who have the vision and ability to build globally competitive businesses in Canada. It offers permanent residency to foreign entrepreneurs whose start-ups can create jobs, drive innovation, and compete on an international scale.
Innovate & Launch
The Canada Startup Visa Program helps entrepreneurs launch innovative businesses that create jobs for Canadians and bring globally competitive ideas to the market.
Startup Success
Designed for innovators and entrepreneurs, the Startup Visa Program connects you with Canada’s ecosystem to build job-creating, future-ready businesses.
Global Innovation
Through the Startup Visa Program, Canada welcomes entrepreneurs whose ideas are innovative, globally scalable, and beneficial to the Canadian economy.