Canada Start-Up Visa Program Guide
The Start-Up Visa (SUV) Program is one of Canada’s most innovative immigration pathways, designed for entrepreneurs who can build businesses that are innovative, create jobs for Canadians, and compete globally. It offers permanent residence to qualified applicants and their families while they establish their business in Canada.The program also provides open work permits to essential members of the start-up team and their accompanying family members.
Overview
The program connects foreign entrepreneurs with designated organizations in Canada—venture capital funds, angel investor groups, or business incubators—that can help them launch and grow their start-up. Applicants can apply individually or as a group of up to five owners.
To qualify, you must:
- Have a qualifying business
- Obtain a Letter of Support from a designated organization
- Meet the language requirements
- Show sufficient settlement funds
1. Qualifying Business
To qualify under the Start-Up Visa Program:
- Each applicant must own at least 10% of the voting rights in the company.
- Together, the applicants and the designated organization must control more than 50% of the voting rights.
- The business must be incorporated in Canada, actively managed from within Canada, and have an essential part of its operations in Canada.
2. Letter of Support
A Letter of Support from a designated organization is mandatory. This letter confirms that a recognized Canadian business group has agreed to support your start-up idea.
Types of Designated Organizations:
Type | Minimum Investment | Description |
Venture Capital Fund | $200,000 | Provides investment and strategic support |
Angel Investor Group | $75,000 | Offers smaller-scale investment and mentorship |
Business Incubator | None | Provides mentorship, resources, and workspace |
To obtain a letter, we will present your business plan and follow each organization’s application process. Each organization can support up to 10 complete group applications per year until December 31, 2026, on a first-come, first-served basis.
3. Language Requirement
Applicants must demonstrate proficiency in English or French at a minimum level of Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 5 in listening, reading, writing, and speaking.
Accepted tests include:
- IELTS General Training
- CELPIP General
- TEF Canada
- TCF Canada
4. Settlement Funds
Applicants must show proof of sufficient funds to support themselves and their dependents after arriving in Canada. These funds cannot be borrowed.
Minimum Settlement Funds (as of July 29, 2025):
Family Members | Required Amount (CAD) |
1 | $15,263 |
2 | $19,001 |
3 | $23,360 |
4 | $28,362 |
5 | $32,168 |
6 | $36,280 |
7 | $40,392 |
Each additional person | +$4,112 |
Bringing more than the minimum amount is recommended to help with living costs and business setup.
5. Open Work Permit
Applicants who have already submitted their permanent residence application under Canada’s Start-Up Visa (SUV) Program may be eligible to obtain an optional open work permit.
This work permit enables entrepreneurs to enter Canada, reside, and actively develop their start-up business while their permanent residence application is being processed.
Key Feature of the OWP
- Validity: Up to three (3) years
- Purpose: Allows applicants to establish, manage, and grow their start-up business in Canada prior to receiving permanent residence
- Employment Flexibility: Permits the holder to work for almost any employer in Canada in addition to their own business, providing income stability during the PR process
Who Can Apply
To qualify for the Start-Up Visa Open Work Permit, applicants must meet several key requirements. They must have submitted a complete application for permanent residence under the Start-Up Visa Program and be identified as essential members of the entrepreneurial team, if applicable. In addition, they are required to meet or exceed the minimum language proficiency level of CLB or NCLC Level 5 in either English or French. Applicants must also intend to reside in a province or territory other than Quebec and demonstrate that their proposed business will bring significant economic benefits to Canada. Moreover, they must possess sufficient financial resources to support themselves and any accompanying family members upon arrival, as well as to launch and operate their start-up business with these funds being separate from settlement funds.
How to Apply
Applications for the optional open work permit must be submitted online through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Supporting Documents for the WP application
- Proof that the applicant (and all team members, if applicable) have submitted a permanent residence application, such as: An Acknowledgement of Receipt (AOR) issued by IRCC or a courier receipt showing delivery of the PR application package and proof of fee payment.
- Confirmation of online submission and proof of payment.
- A Letter of Support from a designated entity (angel investor group, venture capital fund, or business incubator).
- Evidence of settlement funds and separate business start-up capital.
- Medical examination results and police certificates, if required.
- A comprehensive business plan demonstrating progress and operational steps taken since the issuance of the Commitment Certificate.
- A staffing plan and exploratory research evidence, such as supplier discussions, site visits, and partnership meetings.
- A résumé and documentation showing relevant experience, transferable skills, and investment readiness.
After You Apply
Following submission, applicants can track the status of their work permit through their IRCC online account. During processing, IRCC may request biometrics, medical examinations, or additional documentation.
If the open work permit is nearing its expiry while the permanent residence application is still in progress, applicants may apply for an extension through the standard work permit renewal process to maintain legal status in Canada.
Family Members
Eligible family members may accompany the principal applicant to Canada.
- A spouse or common-law partner may apply for an open work permit, allowing them to work for any employer in Canada.
- Dependent children may apply for study permits or visitor visas as applicable.
Each family member accompanying you must file an individual application based on their purpose in Canada — whether for work, study, or as a visitor
6. Supporting documents you need to upload
travel document or passport
language proficiency test results
letter of support
birth certificates
identity and civil status documents
children’s information
police certificates
photos of you and each family member in Canada
fee payment receipt
proof of funds
The document checklist has more detail on each supporting document.
7. Application Process
- Create an account and apply online through the Permanent Residence Portal under “Start-Up Business Class.”
- Gather and upload all required forms and supporting documents, including the Letter of Support, proof of funds, language test results, and police certificates.
- Pay the application fees, including processing, biometrics, and permanent residence fees.
- Submit your application and await instructions for biometrics and medical exams.
Incomplete applications are returned for correction.
8. After You Apply
- Biometrics: Applicants aged 14–79 must provide fingerprints and a photo within 30 days.
- Medical Exam: All applicants and dependants must complete a medical exam by an approved physician.
If approved, you’ll receive a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) and a passport request.
9. After Arrival in Canada
Upon landing, new permanent residents receive their PR card by mail and can apply for a Social Insurance Number (SIN). Settlement services are available to assist with housing, job search, language training, and integration.
Avoiding Fraud
Only organizations listed on the official IRCC website are authorized to issue Letters of Support. No one can guarantee approval or “fast-track” processing. Always verify the legitimacy of any organization or representative before paying fees.
Conclusion
Canada’s Start-Up Visa Program offers a unique opportunity for innovative entrepreneurs to establish and grow their businesses in one of the world’s most stable and diverse economies.
By combining innovation with Canadian support and resources, successful applicants can secure permanent residence and build a lasting future in Canada.