Start-Up Visa Program

Start-Up Visa Program — Canada

Canada's Start-Up Visa (SUV) program targets immigrant entrepreneurs who have the potential to build innovative, high-growth companies that can compete globally and create jobs for Canadians.

Core Concept

Rather than requiring a minimum investment amount (as many countries do), Canada's SUV relies on the endorsement of a designated private-sector organization — a venture capital fund, angel investor group, or business incubator. This endorsement signals that a knowledgeable private entity has reviewed the business concept and found it genuinely innovative and viable.

Designated Organization Types and Minimum Investment Thresholds

• Venture capital funds — must commit at least CAD $200,000 of investment
• Angel investor groups — must commit at least CAD $75,000 of investment
• Business incubators — no minimum investment, but must formally accept you into their program

Up to 5 Co-Founders

Up to 5 founders can qualify under a single SUV application, provided each applicant holds at least 10% of the voting rights of the company and the applicants and designated organization collectively hold more than 50% of the voting rights.

Language and Settlement Funds

All applicants must demonstrate CLB 5 in either English or French across all four abilities. Applicants must also show sufficient settlement funds to support their family in Canada (amounts vary by family size and are updated annually — approximately CAD $12,960+ for a single applicant in 2024).

Work Permit While Waiting

Because PR processing can take 12–36 months, applicants are eligible to apply for a temporary work permit to start operating in Canada while their PR application is under review. The work permit is tied to the designated organization's commitment.