Canada Start-Up Visa
Direct permanent residence for entrepreneurs with a backed venture.
Minimum investment
CAD 200,000
Processing time
Varies (PR on approval)
Grants
Residence permit
Region
Americas
Overview
Canada's Start-Up Visa grants permanent residence to entrepreneurs whose business secures support from a designated investor or incubator, a direct PR route, with a path to Canadian citizenship.
Investment routes
Qualifying options for this programme. We model each against your goals.
Designated VC investment
From an approved venture-capital fund
CAD 200,000
Angel investor
From a designated angel group
CAD 75,000
Business incubator
No fixed investment
Acceptance
Key benefits
- Permanent residence for you and your family on approval
- Path to Canadian citizenship after meeting residence requirements
- Live, work and study anywhere in Canada
- No net-worth or management-experience threshold
Requirements
- A qualifying business with required ownership and control
- Support from a designated investor, angel group or incubator
- Meet language and settlement-funds requirements
Family inclusion
Spouse and dependent children are included on the application.
What to weigh
- Approval hinges on securing designated-organisation support for a viable business.
- Processing times vary and have lengthened in recent years.
Where it takes you
A selection of notable destinations this programme unlocks.
Frequently asked
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Is Canada Start-Up Visa right for you?
We'll tell you honestly, including when another programme, or simply waiting, would serve you better.