Start-Up Visa Canada - Bring Your Business to Canada
Immigrate as an entrepreneur by securing support from a designated Canadian organization: venture capital fund, angel investor group, or business incubator. The business must be innovative, create jobs, and compete internationally. We help you understand the requirements and prepare a strong application.
You need
- • Commitment from designated org
- • CLB 5 English or French
- • Innovative business
- • Create jobs in Canada
Explore the Start-Up Visa
Free consultation - we outline requirements and options.
Free consultation →Processing: 36+ months in many cases. Work permit option may allow you to be in Canada sooner.
Important (IRCC) - Program status
IRCC states that as of January 1, 2026, the Start-Up Visa Program is paused. IRCC stopped accepting commitment certificates from organizations after December 31, 2025. Applicants with a valid 2025 commitment certificate must apply by June 30, 2026.
What is the Start-Up Visa?
The Start-Up Visa program is for entrepreneurs who have a business that can be supported by a designated Canadian organization - a venture capital fund, angel investor group, or business incubator. Once you have a commitment from a designated organization and meet language, education, and other requirements, you can apply for permanent residence. The business must be innovative, able to create jobs for Canadians, and able to compete internationally.
You need minimum CLB 5 in English or French and the equivalent of at least one year of Canadian secondary education. Processing times are lengthy (often 36+ months); a work permit may be available to run your business in Canada while waiting.
Sources: IRCC eligibility · IRCC designated organizations
Designated organization types
- 💰
Venture capital fund
Must invest at least $200,000
- 👤
Angel investor group
Must invest at least $75,000
- 🏢
Business incubator
Must accept you into their program
Eligibility
Commitment from a designated organization; language test (CLB 5); education equivalent to one year Canadian secondary; business incorporated or to be incorporated in Canada; you and the designated organization (or others in the application) hold at least 10% of voting rights; business must be innovative and create jobs in Canada.
Process & work permit
Secure a commitment from a designated organization, complete language test, gather documents, and submit your PR application. You can apply from inside or outside Canada. You may be eligible for a work permit to come to Canada and run your business while your PR application is in process.
Ready to Explore the Start-Up Visa?
Free consultation to outline requirements and designated organizations, or book a full consultation to build your application strategy.
Start-Up Visa FAQ
Common questions about the Start-Up Visa program.
Is the Start-Up Visa program open in 2026?▼
IRCC states that as of January 1, 2026, the Start-Up Visa Program is paused. IRCC stopped accepting commitment certificates from organizations after December 31, 2025. Applicants with a valid 2025 commitment certificate must apply by June 30, 2026. Source: IRCC (Start-Up Visa eligibility).
What is the Start-Up Visa program?▼
The Start-Up Visa program is a permanent residence pathway for entrepreneurs who have a qualifying business and support from a designated organization (venture capital fund, angel investor group, or business incubator). Source: IRCC.
What are designated organizations?▼
Designated organizations are business groups approved by IRCC to invest in or support Start-Up Visa applicants. You need a letter of support, and the organization sends a commitment certificate to IRCC. IRCC publishes the official list of designated organizations.
What language level do I need?▼
Minimum CLB 5 in English or French in all four abilities (reading, writing, listening, speaking). You must take an approved language test (e.g. IELTS, CELPIP, TEF, TCF).
Can I get a work permit while waiting for PR?▼
You may be eligible for a work permit to come to Canada and run your business while your PR application is in process. Specific criteria apply. We can advise on your situation.
How long does Start-Up Visa processing take?▼
Processing can take 36 months or more. IRCC publishes current processing times. We recommend being prepared for a long wait and using the work permit option if you want to be in Canada sooner.
Take the Next Step
Free Start-Up Visa consultation or book a full assessment.