How long does the Start-Up Visa Program take?

End to end, the Start-Up Visa Program typically takes 12 to 36 months. Preparing a complete application (5 stages) usually takes around 11 months; the rest is government processing, which varies with caseload and country of application.

What slows down Start-Up Visa applications?

The most common delays are incomplete evidence triggering requests for more information, missing or expired documents (police certificates and medicals have validity windows), and backlogs at specific processing offices. Filing a decision-ready application is the single biggest controllable factor.

Can I speed up the Start-Up Visa?

You cannot skip the queue in most cases, but you can avoid adding to it: submit complete evidence the first time, respond to requests immediately, and keep documents valid. Some categories offer premium or priority processing — check the official government page for current options.

🇨🇦 Canada · Start-Up Visa

Start-Up Visa Program: Processing time

Typical end-to-end timeline: 12–36 months. Here is where that time actually goes, stage by stage.

Typical processing time

12–36 months

from first preparation to final decision

Government processing times move with caseload. Check the official processing-time page for the current published estimate — our platform tracks these automatically.

The 5 stages of a Start-Up Visa application

1
Develop Business Concept and Approach Designated Organizations
≈ 180 days
Prepare a compelling pitch deck, business plan, and supporting materials. Research IRCC-designated VCs, angel groups, and incubators. Apply to organizations whose investment thesis aligns with your sector. Competition for endorsement is high.
2
Take Language Test
≈ 30 days
Complete an IRCC-approved language test demonstrating CLB 5 in all four abilities. IELTS, CELPIP (English) or TEF Canada, TCF Canada (French) are accepted.
3
Receive Commitment Certificate and Letter of Support
≈ 30 days
Once the designated organization agrees to invest or accept you into an incubator program, they issue a Commitment Certificate and a Letter of Support. These documents are essential for the IRCC application.
4
Submit Permanent Residence Application to IRCC
≈ 30 days
File the complete Start-Up Visa PR application online or by mail to the Case Processing Centre. Include all forms, the commitment certificate, letter of support, language results, and proof of funds.
5
Apply for Work Permit (Optional)
≈ 60 days
While your PR application is being processed (typically 12–36 months), you can apply for a temporary work permit to start building your business in Canada. Submit simultaneously with or after your PR application.

Are you eligible for the Start-Up Visa?

Answer a few questions and get scored against this pathway — and the other 46 we track across the US, Canada, UK, and Australia. Free, no credit card.

Check my eligibility — free

Free eligibility check

Could the Start-Up Visa Program work for you?

Get your personalized eligibility report for the US, Canada, UK, and Australia — scored against today's actual rules. No credit card needed.

We only email you about your report and major rule changes. Unsubscribe anytime.

The 5 stages of a Start-Up Visa application

Develop Business Concept and Approach Designated Organizations

≈ 180 days

Prepare a compelling pitch deck, business plan, and supporting materials. Research IRCC-designated VCs, angel groups, and incubators. Apply to organizations whose investment thesis aligns with your sector. Competition for endorsement is high.

Take Language Test

≈ 30 days

Complete an IRCC-approved language test demonstrating CLB 5 in all four abilities. IELTS, CELPIP (English) or TEF Canada, TCF Canada (French) are accepted.

Receive Commitment Certificate and Letter of Support

≈ 30 days

Once the designated organization agrees to invest or accept you into an incubator program, they issue a Commitment Certificate and a Letter of Support. These documents are essential for the IRCC application.

Submit Permanent Residence Application to IRCC

≈ 30 days

File the complete Start-Up Visa PR application online or by mail to the Case Processing Centre. Include all forms, the commitment certificate, letter of support, language results, and proof of funds.

Apply for Work Permit (Optional)

≈ 60 days

While your PR application is being processed (typically 12–36 months), you can apply for a temporary work permit to start building your business in Canada. Submit simultaneously with or after your PR application.