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🇨🇦 Canada · Start-Up Visa
2 mandatory requirements, 3 supporting factors, and 7 core documents — here is exactly what Canada expects.
Missing any of these disqualifies an application outright — confirm them before investing in fees or document preparation.
Must have a commitment certificate and a letter of support from a IRCC-designated venture capital fund, angel investor group, or business incubator.
Must demonstrate Canadian Language Benchmark 5 in speaking, listening, reading, and writing in English or French.
Not strictly required, but each strengthens your case — the weight shown reflects how heavily our scoring engine (and in practice, adjudicators) value it.
Must show proof of sufficient funds to support yourself and dependants upon arrival in Canada (approximately CAD $12,960+ for a single applicant).
Each applicant must hold at least 10% of the voting rights, and applicants + designated organization must collectively hold more than 50%.
The business idea must be genuinely new or improved, have a realistic path to revenue, and be capable of growth beyond the local market.
Valid Passport
Current passport for all co-founders and dependants.
Commitment Certificate
Official commitment certificate from the IRCC-designated VC, angel group, or incubator.
Letter of Support
Letter from the designated organization confirming endorsement of the business and the applicants.
Language Test Results
Official IRCC-approved language test results showing CLB 5 or higher.
Proof of Settlement Funds
Bank statements or letters showing sufficient funds to support all family members upon arrival.
Proof of Business Ownership / Shareholding
Corporate documents showing each co-founder holds at least 10% of voting rights.
Police Certificate
Police clearance from every country lived in for 6+ months since age 18.
Official source: government website. See also: costs & fees and processing time.
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