Head-to-head comparison
Canada Start-up Visa vs UK Innovator Founder: Which Should You Choose?
Both let founders immigrate on the strength of a venture rather than a points score, and both hinge on third-party validation: a designated investor/incubator letter in Canada, an endorsing body in the UK.
| Start-Up Visa Start-Up Visa Program | Innovator Founder UK Innovator Founder Visa | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | 🇨🇦 Canada | 🇬🇧 United Kingdom |
| Leads to PR | Yes — permanent residence | No — temporary status |
| Government fees | ~$1,565 | ~$1,200 |
| Typical timeline | 12–36 months | 3–6 months |
| Mandatory requirements | 2 | 2 |
| In depth | RequirementsCostsTimeline | RequirementsCostsTimeline |
Choose the Start-Up Visa if…
- You want permanent residence immediately — the SUV grants PR, not a provisional status
- You can win support from a designated VC, angel group, or incubator
- Up to 5 co-founders can share one venture on the same application
Choose the Innovator Founder if…
- You can show an innovative, viable, scalable business to a UK endorsing body
- You want speed of decision — endorsement plus visa is typically months, not years
- A 3-year route to UK settlement (with business milestones) fits your plan
Our verdict
Canada’s prize is bigger — direct PR with no business-performance conditions on keeping it — but the queue is long and designated-organization support is competitive. The UK is faster to start but keeps grading your business until settlement.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between the Start-Up Visa and the Innovator Founder?
Both let founders immigrate on the strength of a venture rather than a points score, and both hinge on third-party validation: a designated investor/incubator letter in Canada, an endorsing body in the UK.
Which is cheaper: Start-Up Visa or Innovator Founder?
Government filing fees are approximately $1,565 for the Start-Up Visa Program and $1,200 for the UK Innovator Founder Visa. Supporting costs (tests, translations, medicals, optional legal help) apply to both.
Which is faster: Start-Up Visa or Innovator Founder?
The Start-Up Visa Program typically takes 12–36 months; the UK Innovator Founder Visa typically takes 3–6 months. Individual timelines vary with caseload and completeness of evidence.
Should I choose the Start-Up Visa or the Innovator Founder?
Canada’s prize is bigger — direct PR with no business-performance conditions on keeping it — but the queue is long and designated-organization support is competitive. The UK is faster to start but keeps grading your business until settlement.