Professionals and Entrepreneurs
Canadian Federal Business Immigration Programs
The Federal Business Immigration Programs match the skills and experience of successful business people who want to settle in any province excluding Quebec, whether you’re self-employed, want to grow or start a business in Canada, or simply want to contribute to the Canadian economy.
Our team of professionals are prepared to assist you in taking the next step in your business immigration efforts as there are an abundance of possibilities and opportunities to help drive the expanding Canadian economy. Our reputable business immigration experts will provide top-notch legal aid as they walk you through the immigration process, from eligibility to permanent residency, so you can focus on your business while resting assured that you and your business are in the best of hands.
Entrepreneur Start-Up Visa
Obtain Permanent Residence by starting a business in Canada.
The program grants successful Applicants and eligible dependents permanent residence in Canada and provides assistance with becoming established. Applicants receive leadership support, guidance and access to funding to assist with opening and operating their business in Canada through the designated Canadian organization that elects to support them.
Up to five (5) people can apply as owners.
Processing Time
- 12 to 16 months
If biometrics are required, the processing time will include the time you need to give your biometrics.
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible to apply, Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Have a qualifying business (see what constitutes a Qualifying Business);
- Obtain a letter of support from a designated organization;
- Obtain the minimum required investment (if going through a venture capital fund or angel investor group);
- Meet the minimum language requirement of CLB 5 in all abilities (English or French);
- Pass the medical and security clearances;
- Have enough funds to settle in Canada; and
- Intend to reside in a province other than Quebec.
Qualifying Business
A Qualifying Business must meet the following conditions:
- At the time of obtaining a commitment from a designated organization:
- Each Applicant holds at least 10% of the voting rights attached to all shares of the corporation outstanding at that time; 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 of obtaining permanent residence:
- Applicants are providing active and ongoing management of the business from within Canada;
- An essential part of the operations of the business happens in Canada; and
- The business is incorporated in Canada.
Investment Requirements
There is a designated number of organizations that may provide commitment to Applicants. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has authorized certain venture capital funds, angel investor groups and business incubator organizations to partake in the Start-Up Visa Program.
Successful applicants must:
- Secure an investment of at least $200,000 from a venture capital fund; OR
- Secure an investment of at least $75,000 from an angel investor group; OR
- Be accepted into a business incubator program.
Support from multiple organizations is acceptable. The designated organizations must be identified and jointly provide IRCC with a single Commitment Certificate and provide the Applicant(s) one Letter of Support.
In a situation where multiple designated organizations are providing support, the minimum total investment amount is determined by the requirements of the contributing organization that invests first (i.e. if the business receives an investment from an angel investor group, but not a venture capital fund, the minimum total investment must be $75,000).
Peer Review
In order to help preserve the integrity of the Start-Up Visa Program and ensure that the activities of the designated organization and the Applicant are in line with industry standards, immigration officers may request an independent assessment of a commitment. These assessments are to be conducted by a peer review panel of experts assembled by the Applicant’s industry association.
The panel of experts are responsible for the following:
- Assessing the level of due diligence performed by the designated organization;
- Assessing the terms of the commitment, and if applicable, the investment, to ensure the terms are consistent with industry standards;
- Ensuring that the business has been or will be incorporated in Canada;
- Ensuring that the business ownership has been verified and meets the requirements of the Program;
- Ensuring that the designated organization:
- Considered the viability of the proposed business model;
- Assessed the business venture’s management team; and
- Verified the ownership of the intellectual property.
- Ensuring that the focus of the business is on a high-growth potential product/service; and
- Validate whether the business was accepted into a business incubator program, if applicable.
Work in Canada While You Wait
The Start-Up Visa Program provides Applicants with the option to apply for a short-term Canadian Work Permit under the International Mobility Program while they await a decision on the permanent residence application.
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Office Location
401 Bay St. Suite 1600, Toronto,
ON M5H 2Y4, Canada
Tel: +1 416 225 2598
Office Location
401 Bay St. Suite 1600, Toronto,
ON M5H 2Y4, Canada
Tel: +1 416 225 2598