Start-up Visa
Program
What Is the Start-Up Visa (SUV) Program?
The Start-Up Visa Program is a direct to Permanent Residence immigration program (IRPR 98) designed to attract founders and entrepreneurs with innovative businesses to Canada. To be competitive, the innovative business idea must be scalable. Also, the entrepreneurs must be willing to relocate to Canada and establish the business as a Canadian business.
What makes a business or a business idea eligible?
For a business to be considered eligible, it has to:
- Be an innovative business.
- Be globally competitive.
- Provide economic benefits to Canadians and permanent residents.
What are the major program requirements?
Have a qualifying business or be a member of a team that has a qualifying business. The ownership structure of the business must be compliant with the program requirements. This means that:
- Each applicant must hold at least 10 percent of the voting rights of the business.
- All applicants and the designated entity hold more than 50 percent of the voting rights of the business.
The entrepreneur or group of entrepreneurs must obtain a Letter of Support from a Designated Entity. This Letter of Support goes into their permanent residence and work permit applications. The same Designated Entity that has provided the Letter of Support will send a Commitment Certificate on behalf of the founder(s) to the Minister.
Normally, Designated Entities are either a/an
- Venture Capital Fund
- Angel Investor Group
- Business Incubator
How does the SUV Program Work?
- A key component of the Start-Up Visa Program is in receiving a Letter of Support from an approved Designated Entity. Normally, the IRCC maintains a list of Designated Entities.
- The Immigration Regulations enable the Minister to enter into partnerships with select private sector entities. These entities evaluate a business idea to confirm that it is innovative and globally competitive.
- Once the assessment is made, the Designated Entity can then provide the entrepreneur(s) with a Letter of Support. Most times, the team of entreprenuers may have to go through an internal preparatory program of the Designated Entities to equip them with the requisite skills needed to position their company internationally.
- The Letter of Support received from the Designated Entities forms the basis for a PR and Work Permit application under this program.
Our Value Proposition
Designated Entities
- We are a trusted partner, providing a seamless immigration experience to entrepreneurs from across the globe.
- We customize unique solutions for each team of founders to accommodate the peculiarities of their cultural context and their personal and professional backgrounds.
- We journey with the founders, providing support for all outreaches made until the Work Permit is received and the Application for Permanent Residence (APR) is approved.
- With our expertise in the Start-Up Visa and program governance, we collaborate with you to ensure any peer reviews and audits are successful.
Entrepreneurs
- We expedite your immigration journey through our network of partners and structured services.
- We provide a concierge service, guiding you on all processes you need for a seamless and fast PR application.
- We connect you with our network of private sector institutions. They are approved by the Government of Canada to provide you with a Letter of Support.
- We connect you with other founders so you can collaborate further.
