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Start a Business, Stay for Life

Are you an entrepreneur with a big idea and global ambitions? The Canada Start-Up Visa Program is your golden gateway to building your business and securing Permanent Residency (PR) in one of the world's most innovation-friendly countries. At Apical Immigration Experts, we help future-ready entrepreneurs like you transform ideas into thriving Canadian ventures.

Why Choose Canada Start-Up Visa?
  • Direct Pathway to Canadian PR
  • No Prior Business Ownership Required
  • No Minimum Net Worth Requirement
  • Support from Canadian Incubators, Angel Investors, or Venture Capitalists
  • Eligible for a Work Permit While PR is Being Processed
  • Ideal for Individuals or Small Teams (up to 5 co-founders)
Program Overview:
Key Eligibility Criteria
  1. Own a Qualifying Business
    You must hold at least 10% of the voting rights individually. Together with your designated organization, you must control over 50%.
  2. Secure a Letter of Support
    This is mandatory and must come from a recognized designated organization (e.g., a business incubator, angel investor group, or venture capital firm).
  3. Meet Language Proficiency Requirements
    A minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level 5 in either English or French.
  4. Show Proof of Settlement Funds
    Demonstrate that you have sufficient financial resources to support yourself and your dependents in Canada.
What Are Designated Organizations?

These are government-authorized business groups that assess and endorse promising start-ups. Approval is based on the viability and scalability of your idea. Most require:

  • A strong business plan
  • A compelling pitch deck
  • Possible interviews or presentations

Without their Letter of Support, your application cannot proceed.

Why Work with Apical Immigration Experts?

We offer more than just application processing. We become your immigration and innovation partner.

Our Services Include:
  1. Business Concept Evaluation
  2. Tailored Business Plan & Investor Pitch Deck
  3. Connect with Designated Organizations
  4. Full Documentation & Filing Assistance
  5. Post-Approval Support & Landing Guidance

With a seasoned team of immigration strategists, business planners, and documentation specialists, we ensure that your vision aligns with Canada’s expectations for start-up success.

What is the Canada Start-Up Visa Program?

The Start-Up Visa Program is an immigration pathway for innovative entrepreneurs who want to establish a business in Canada. It targets individuals who have the skills and potential to build businesses that are innovative, create jobs for Canadians, and can compete on a global scale.

Who is eligible for the Start-Up Visa Program?

To qualify, you must:

  1. Have a qualifying business idea
  2. Get a letter of support from a designated organization (angel investor, venture capital fund, or business incubator)
  3. Meet the language requirements (CLB 5 in English or French)
  4. Have sufficient settlement funds to support yourself and your family in Canada

What is a "designated organization"?

Designated organizations are approved Canadian entities (venture capital funds, angel investor groups, and business incubators) that are authorized to support foreign entrepreneurs under this program. You must secure a commitment from one or more of these organizations.

Do I need to invest my own money in the business?

There is no personal investment requirement. However:

  1. You must secure a minimum investment of $200,000 CAD from a designated venture capital fund OR
  2. At least $75,000 CAD from an angel investor group
  3. No investment amount is required if you are accepted into a business incubator

Can I apply alone or do I need business partners?

You can apply alone or as a team (up to 5 people). However, each person must be an essential part of the business and meet the individual eligibility requirements.

What are the language requirements for this program?

You must prove proficiency in English or French by taking an approved language test. A minimum of Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level 5 is required in speaking, reading, listening, and writing.

Can my family accompany me to Canada?

Yes. Your spouse or common-law partner and dependent children can be included in your application for permanent residence.

How long does it take to process a Start-Up Visa application?

Processing times vary, but it typically takes 12 to 16 months. During this period, you can also apply for a temporary work permit to start building your business in Canada while your permanent residence is being processed.

Is this a direct pathway to Canadian Permanent Residency (PR)?

Yes, the Start-Up Visa Program offers a direct pathway to PR. Once approved, you and your family can live, work, and study anywhere in Canada.

What happens if my business fails after I receive PR?

The Start-Up Visa is not dependent on the success of the business. Once you are granted permanent residency, your status will not be affected if the business fails.

Do I need a business plan to apply?

Yes, a detailed business plan is essential. It helps present your business idea to designated organizations and shows how your business will operate and grow in Canada.

What types of businesses qualify for the Start-Up Visa?

There are no restrictions on industry. However, the business must be:

  1. Innovative
  2. Globally scalable
  3. Able to create jobs for Canadians

Can I switch to another immigration program after applying for a Start-Up Visa?

Yes, in some cases. If your circumstances change, you may consult an immigration expert to determine eligibility for other pathways such as Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), or Work Permits.

Can I live anywhere in Canada under this program?

Yes. As a permanent resident, you can live and operate your business in any province or territory in Canada.

What support do designated organizations offer?

Support varies by organization and may include funding, mentorship, business development support, networking opportunities, and access to resources and office space.

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