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Start-Up Visa Program Canada: A Complete SUV Guide for Startup Founders.

 

Your definitive guide to launching your start-up in Canada in 2025.

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Updated June 2025

Foreign entrepreneurs can gain permanent residence in Canada by starting innovative businesses through Canada’s start-up visa. The program offers a pathway for entrepreneurs and their families to relocate to Canada, emphasizing the eligibility requirements, application process, and potential for securing permanent residence.

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What is a Start-Up Visa in Canada?

 

The Canada Start-Up Visa Program is a business immigration program that allows foreign entrepreneurs to obtain permanent residence in Canada by starting innovative businesses

Start-Up Visa Program Overview

Foreign Entrepreneurs
  • Individuals or groups (up to 5 people)
  • Must have innovative, scalable business ideas that create jobs and compete globally
  • Applicants must have relevant experience and be outside Quebec
Eligibility Requirements
  • Letter of Support from a designated organization
  • Innovative, scalable, job-creating start-up
  • Language proficiency: CLB 5 (English/French)
  • Sufficient settlement funds
  • Each applicant must own 10%+ voting rights
  • Applicants + designated org must hold 50%+ voting rights
Investment Amount Recommended: Access to minimum $100,000 CAD for startup investment. *Not mandatory by law, but often needed to secure a Letter of Support.
Processing Time
  • Regular stream: 37–40 months (as of June 2025)
  • Priority stream: Estimated 24+ months
  • Work Permit: 2–4 months
Key Risks
  • No guarantee of business success
  • Investment funds may not be recoverable
  • If one essential team member is refused, all applications are refused
  • Reduced immigration targets (2,000 in 2025, 1,000 in 2026–2027)
Benefits
  • Permanent residence for entrepreneur and family
  • 3-year open work permit while awaiting PR
  • Spouse eligible for open work permit
  • Children eligible for study permits
  • Access to healthcare and education
  • Retain PR even if the business fails
Approval Rate 86% approval rate (IRCC, February 2024). Higher success with strong designated organizations.

Start-Up Visa Canada Requirements

To be eligible for the Canada Start-up Visa Program, applicants must:

  • Obtain a Letter of Support from a Designated Organization in Canada

  • Incorporate the business within Canada;

  • Individually hold a minimum of 10% voting rights in the company alongside a Designated Organization;

  • Collectively, the applicants and the Designated Organization must possess over 50% of voting rights;

  • Actively manage the business, with core operations in Canada during and after the application process;

  • Fulfill language proficiency at CLB 5 in English or French;

  • Have adequate settlement funds and operational capital, ideally over $200,000.

Start-Up Visa vs Other Business Immigration Programs

In addition to the Start-Up Visa program, there are various business immigration programs in Canada that international entrepreneurs can use to relocate to Canada. Specifically, you can explore the C11 Entrepreneur Work Permit, Intra-Company Transfer Program, Self-Employed Category, Provincial Nominee Programs, or Quebec Immigrant Investor Program. See our table below to compare these programs and understand the pros and cons of some of the most popular business immigration programs.

Criteria Start-Up Visa Provincial Nominee Programs Temporary Work Permits to run a business in Canada (C11, ICT, C10) Self-Employed Category (paused until January 2027)
Who can apply? Business owners or professionals with experience or specialized knowledge Individuals willing to start a business or invest in a particular province and obtain PR Business owners, entrepreneurs, investors, professionals Self-employed professionals in cultural or artistic fields, including athletics, with unique skills.
Type of Business Innovative, scalable, business that can create jobs for Canadians, and compete globally. Must attract support or investment from Canadian designated organizations. New or existing business that aligns with the target province's economic development and diversification priorities and contributes to the local economy. Any business that will bring economic, social or cultural benefits to Canada (such as create jobs, stimulate economy or transfer knowledge or skills to Canadians) Businesses that make a significant contribution to the cultural or athletic life of Canada.
Ownership Structure Applicants must hold at least 10% of shares in the proposed business. Up to 5 applicants may apply At least 33% of ownership, but may vary depending on province Min. 51% of ownership is required 100% ownership is common
Investment Amount No min. investment is required, but recommended: $150,000–$200,000 Vary by province, but starting investment amount is $100,000 (Alberta) Business specific. Recommended: min. $200,000 Business specific. Recommended: $100,000
Language Skills CLB 5 Min. CLB 4 Not required, but strongly recommended CLB 5 Not required, but strongly recommended CLB 5
Processing Time for Work Permit Country specific, usually 2–6 months Program specific, usually 4–6 months Country specific, usually 2–6 months Country specific, usually 2–6 months
Processing Time for Permanent Residence Non-priority: 3+ years; Priority: no data available. 2–3 years N/A Paused until January 2027.
Approval Rate In 2024: 86% No available data Between 75%–88% In 2024: 44%

Applying for a Canada Start-Up Visa involves a series of steps:

 

Step 1: Develop and Validate Your Business Concept

  • Validate your business idea with market research, prototypes, or pilot testing before approaching designated organizations.
  • Concrete evidence like customer feedback or early sales significantly strengthens your application.
  • Focus on businesses that solve genuine Canadian market problems or bring unique international expertise that can create a measurable economic impact.

 

Step 2: Select & Apply to Designated Organizations:

  • Select and submit your proposal to at least 3 designated organizations for support, starting with the priority organizations first.
  • If your concept is at the ideation stage, focus on business incubators and consider a few angel investors, as venture capital funds rarely invest without proven revenue or paying customers.

Here is a complete list of the designated organizations.

 

Step 3: Pitch, Undergo Due Diligence & Secure Support

  • Present business concept to selected designated organizations through their formal pitch process, then undergo their comprehensive due diligence review.
  • This stage is time-intensive and can span 2-3 months per organization, as each has its own evaluation criteria and timeline before issuing a Letter of Support.
  • Be prepared for multiple rounds of presentations, financial reviews, and business plan refinements during this critical phase.

 

Step 4: Submit Your Permanent Residence Application

If you successfully secure a Letter of Support, congratulations! You can now begin your permanent residence application by collecting the required documents such as:

  • Language test results
  • Proof of settlement funds
  • Work experience documentation
  • Other supporting materials

Submit your complete application online through IRCC’s permanent residence portal.

 

Step 5: Apply for an Open Work Permit (Essential Team Members Only)

  • While your permanent residence application is processing, essential team members can apply for a 3-year open work permit to come to Canada and begin building the business.

  • This permit allows you to work on your start-up and pursue employment or other business opportunities.

  • Your family is eligible to join you in Canada.

  • You must demonstrate sufficient liquid funds to support yourself and your dependents while awaiting permanent residence approval.

 

Step 6: Arrive and Work on Your Start-Up Project in Canada

  • While awaiting your permanent residence status, it is crucial to keep IRCC updated on your start-up’s progress, as approval rates declined to 51% in early 2023 from a historical average of 75%.

  • IRCC officers routinely refuse SUV applications when applicants show minimal progress, present poor business models, or lack serious intent.

  • To mitigate these concerns, proactively provide business progress updates every 6 months, demonstrating your commitment to the venture and the quality of your business development.

  • If your application is successful, you will be granted PR status, marking a significant milestone on your entrepreneurial journey in Canada.

  • Should the decision be negative, you will be given reasons and, if applicable, instructions on how to address any deficiencies or appeal the decision.

Processing Time for Start-Up Visa Program

Based on the latest IRCC internal data from December 2024, the Startup Visa program shows significant application volume with 18,780 applications currently in the system across all processing stages. With applications in inventory and annual admission targets of 5,000, there’s approximately 6 years’ worth of inventory at current processing capacity, explaining the extended processing times.

Realistic Timeline Expectations

Given the current inventory levels, applicants should plan for processing times at the upper end of estimates and consider the priority stream criteria to potentially reduce wait times.

  • Standard Processing: as of July 2025: 50 months for regular stream applications, reflecting the substantial inventory backlog.
  • Priority Stream: Estimated 24+ months for applications meeting priority criteria (backed by $75,000+ Canadian capital or Canada’s Tech Network members), though official data not yet available.

Canada Start-Up Visa Success Rate

The Canada Startup Visa program demonstrates strong and improving approval rates, with a clear upward trajectory over the past three years.

Overall Approval Rate (2017-2024)

  • Total Applications Processed: 13,530
  • Total Approved: 10,890
  • Overall Approval Rate: 80.5%

Year-by-Year Approval Rates:

Year Applications Approved Refused Withdrawn Approval Rate
2017 290 230 55 5 79.3%
2018 365 230 130 5 63.0%
2019 800 620 155 25 77.5%
2020 260 185 50 - 71.2%
2021 720 600 70 50 83.3%
2022 600 470 70 60 78.3%
2023 3,850 3,145 440 270 81.7%
2024 6,655 5,390 1,025 245 81.0%

The improving trend suggests that both applicants and designated organizations have become more sophisticated in preparing applications that meet IRCC requirements.

With an 86% approval rate in 2024, applicants who successfully secure a Letter of Support from a designated organization and submit complete applications have strong prospects for permanent residence approval, making the program’s primary challenge obtaining initial support from designated organizations rather than the final IRCC decision.

Start-Up Visa Program Costs

The fees are approximate estimates based on market averages. Actual costs may vary depending on your business type and development stage.

Stage Description Cost (CAD)
Stage 1: Pre-Letter of Support Business concept development, validation, pitch training, business plan refinement, designated organization selection and application assistance $15,000 – $25,000
Stage 2: Designated Organization Fees Due diligence and support services (varies by organization and business strength) $10,000 – $70,000 per founder
Stage 3: Immigration Application Legal Fees: $30,000–$50,000 per family.

Government Fees:
  - Main Applicant: $2,385
  - Spouse: $1,525
  - Dependent Child: $260 each 		$30,000+ per family
Stage 4: Living Costs in Canada Minimum funds required (for 52 weeks):
  - 1 person: $29,380
  - 2 people: $36,576
  - 3 people: $44,966
  - 4 people: $54,594
  - 5 people: $61,920
  - 6 people: $69,834
  - 7 people: $77,750 		$30,000 – $78,000
Varies by family size
Stage 5: Business Investment Seed capital to cover operational costs of your start-up in Canada Minimum $50,000 per founder or $200,000 per company

Total Estimated Cost Range: $120,000 – $400,000+ depending on family size, business complexity, and designated organization chosen.

What Can Go Wrong with Your Start-Up Visa Application

  • Everyone Gets Rejected If One Essential Person Fails: If one “essential person” in your team gets refused, everyone else in your group application also gets refused. So, your immigration success depends on every key team member getting approved
  • IRCC Thinks You’re Not Serious About Business: If immigration officers believe you’re only using the start-up as a way to get permanent residence and don’t genuinely want to build a business, they’ll refuse your application. You need to prove real commitment to developing your company in Canada, not just securing immigration status.
  • Your Start-Up Will Probably Fail: Over 90% of start-ups fail, meaning you’ll likely lose all the money you invested in your business. Even if you get permanent residence, your business can still collapse, leaving you with major financial losses and no guarantee of success in Canada.
  • The Rules Can Change Anytime The government frequently changes SUV program rules and has already reduced annual quotas significantly. New policy changes could affect your application even after you’ve submitted it, potentially making the process longer, harder, or completely different.
  • You Might Wait Years If You Choose the Wrong Organization: IRCC prioritizes applications from certain designated organizations and francophone applicants. If your designated organization isn’t on the priority list, you could wait much longer than the standard processing time to get your permanent residence approved.

Why the Start-Up Visa is Still a Good Program to Consider

  • Business Flexibility: The SUV offers complete flexibility to run your business as you see fit, with no ties to specific locations or minimum presence requirements like most Provincial Nominee Programs.
  • PR Security Even with Business Failure: Even if your start-up fails, you’ll still receive permanent residence as long as you demonstrate genuine effort in trying to build your business.
  • Immediate Family Benefits: You and your family can relocate to Canada with 3-year open work permits, gaining access to healthcare, education, and other Canadian benefits while building your business.
  • Strong Success Rates: The program maintains higher approval rates compared to many other business immigration pathways, especially when working with experienced advisors and priority designated organizations.
  • North American Market Access: You’ll have the rewarding opportunity to grow your business in the North American market, giving you a real shot at scaling to a multi-million dollar company with access to one of the world’s largest economies.

Start-Up Visa Program: Essential Tips for Success

Recently, a series of cases at the Federal Court level highlighted common issues that IRCC officers have been questioning in Start-Up Visa applications. These cases shed light on several key areas of concern for IRCC, such as:

  • Applicant’s direct experience
  • Substantive proof of the business’s past and projected performance
  • Essential operations that are to be based in Canada
  • Applicant’s engagement with the Designated Organization during the application’s waiting period,
  • Overall viability of the business, including its growth orientation and the size of the target market.

“These cases suggest a more rigorous examination of the authenticity and intent of SUV applicants’ business activities in Canada. Therefore, it’s essential to demonstrate intent that aligns with the program’s objectives—to establish and grow an innovative business in Canada and to relocate permanently to oversee its development rather than using the program solely as a means for immigration.” Feruza Djamalova, Senior Business Immigration Lawyer

Therefore, we suggest keeping the following in mind:

Pre-ITA Stage

  • Test Your Business Concept Test your business concept with real customers and gather concrete evidence of market demand before approaching designated organizations – pilot sales, user feedback, or partnership letters significantly strengthen your application.
  • Keep Good Records Document all business development activities, market research, customer interactions, and validation efforts from day one to demonstrate genuine entrepreneurial commitment.
  • Build a Strong, Qualified Team Assemble team members with relevant experience and qualifications for your venture, ensuring each person brings valuable expertise to the business.
  • Verify Team Admissibility Ensure that each essential team member is admissible to Canada with no criminal record or serious medical issues, since one rejection can sink the entire group application.

During Engagement with Designated Organizations

  • Apply to Multiple Organizations Submit to several designated organizations simultaneously to increase your chances of securing support and compare different partnership opportunities.
  • Prepare for Due Diligence Expect thorough evaluation processes lasting 2-3 months per organization – have your financials, business model, team credentials, and market analysis professionally prepared.

Post-PR Submission

  • Maintain Regular Team Communication: Keep consistent communication with your designated organization and team members throughout the processing period to demonstrate ongoing commitment.
  • Document Everything: Maintain detailed records of all business activities, progress milestones, and development efforts to support regular IRCC updates every 6 months.
  • Be Committed to Your Start-Up: Show genuine dedication to building your business in Canada and embrace the local entrepreneurial ecosystem through networking and community involvement.

Lastly, Have Back-Up Plans

If your application fails for any reason, you may request a substituted evaluation based on your likelihood of economic establishment in Canada. IRCC can still approve your application if you prove you’re capable of generating income in Canada independent of your start-up through factors like educational credentials, in-demand skills, work experience, and available funds.

It’s important to build a strong professional portfolio in Canada and demonstrate your ability to establish yourself economically regardless of the start-up program outcome – this serves as both a safety net and strengthens your overall application.

Frequently Asked Questions

Below, you will find answers to the most frequently asked questions that are based on market research and our experience with Start-Up visas:

Program Eligibility

Do I need to have a working business to apply for the Start-Up Visa?
No, you can apply with just a business concept or idea. However, having validation evidence like pilot sales or customer feedback significantly strengthens your application.
 
You can apply individually or with up to 4 other co-founders (maximum 5 people per business). Teams often have stronger applications but create additional risk if any essential member gets refused.
You must achieve Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 5 in all four abilities (speaking, listening, reading, writing) in English or French.
 
Settlement funds vary by family size, ranging from $14,690 for one person to $38,875 for seven people. These funds must be separate from your business investment.
No, there is no age limit for applying to the Start-Up Visa Program in Canada.

Designated Organizations

Do I need to have a working business to apply for the Start-Up Visa?
No, you can apply with just a business concept or idea. However, having validation evidence like pilot sales or customer feedback significantly strengthens your application.
 
You can apply individually or with up to 4 other co-founders (maximum 5 people per business). Teams often have stronger applications but create additional risk if any essential member gets refused.
You must achieve Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 5 in all four abilities (speaking, listening, reading, writing) in English or French.
 
Settlement funds vary by family size, ranging from $14,690 for one person to $38,875 for seven people. These funds must be separate from your business investment.
No, there is no age limit for applying to the Start-Up Visa Program in Canada.

Business Requirements

Do I need to have a working business to apply for the Start-Up Visa?
No, you can apply with just a business concept or idea. However, having validation evidence like pilot sales or customer feedback significantly strengthens your application.
 
You can apply individually or with up to 4 other co-founders (maximum 5 people per business). Teams often have stronger applications but create additional risk if any essential member gets refused.
You must achieve Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 5 in all four abilities (speaking, listening, reading, writing) in English or French.
 
Settlement funds vary by family size, ranging from $14,690 for one person to $38,875 for seven people. These funds must be separate from your business investment.
No, there is no age limit for applying to the Start-Up Visa Program in Canada.

Common Concerns

Do I need to have a working business to apply for the Start-Up Visa?
No, you can apply with just a business concept or idea. However, having validation evidence like pilot sales or customer feedback significantly strengthens your application.
 
You can apply individually or with up to 4 other co-founders (maximum 5 people per business). Teams often have stronger applications but create additional risk if any essential member gets refused.
You must achieve Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 5 in all four abilities (speaking, listening, reading, writing) in English or French.
 
Settlement funds vary by family size, ranging from $14,690 for one person to $38,875 for seven people. These funds must be separate from your business investment.
No, there is no age limit for applying to the Start-Up Visa Program in Canada.