Canada’s Start-up Visa Program targets immigrant entrepreneurs with the skills and potential to build businesses in Canada that:
- are innovative
- can create jobs for Canadians
- can compete on a global scale
Do you have an innovative business idea? If you can get support for your idea from one of the designated organizations, you may be able to immigrate to Canada. Canada’s start-up visa program gives entrepreneurs the opportunity to immigrate to Canada in order to establish a new business
To qualify for the Start-up Visa Program, You must:
- Have a qualifying business
A qualifying business means you created a business that meets the following conditions.
At the time you get a commitment from a designated organization:
-each applicant holds 10% or more of the voting rights attached to all shares of the corporation outstanding at that time (up to 5 people can apply as owners)
AND
-applicants and the designated organization jointly hold more than 50% of the total voting rights attached to all shares of the corporation outstanding at that time
At the time you receive your permanent residence:
-you provide active and ongoing management of this business from within Canada
-an essential part of the operations of the business happens in Canada
-this business is incorporated in Canada
- Have a letter of support from a designated organization
You must get a letter of support from a designated organization (a business group that has been approved to invest in or support possible start-ups).
You’ll need to:
-contact the designated organization to find out how to get its support
-convince the organization that you have a business idea that is worth supporting
-get a letter of support from the designated organization
The process to pitch your idea is different for each organization. Each organization has its own requirements. For example, you may be asked to present your business concept in person or submit a detailed business plan.
- Meet the language requirements-(CLB) 5
Have the settlement funds
