Canada Startup Visa (SUV)

Written by Mike Arnold Moderated by Oleksandra Dosii

Mike Arnold

Mike is a freelance writer with eight years of experience and a love for travel, all things business, tabletop games and green tea.

Oleksandra Dosii

Oleksandra is a dedicated marketer with a passion for growing HR-tech products. She believes content marketing is about delivering high-quality content that provides value—not just generating leads. Since 2016, Oleksandra has been involved in tech talent relocation.

Last update: September 13, 2024

Next update: Scheduled for February 1, 2025

Canada's startup scene is impressive.

Home to over 50,000 startups and employing over 250,000 people, the startup ecosystem in Canada is ranked 4th in the world, making it an excellent place for new business leaders and entrepreneurs to migrate and follow their venture visions.

Canada wants to support this and therefore offers a dedicated Startup Visa Program to help immigrant entrepreneurs with proven skills and potential come and build their businesses as successfully as possible.

If you're innovative, aiming to create jobs for Canadian people, and want to compete globally, this could be your opportunity

 

What are the eligibility criteria for the Canada Startup Visa?

You can apply alone or as part of a group (up to 5 people). Either way, you need to meet these requirements:

Have a qualifying business

• Each applicant must own at least 10% of the company's voting rights.
• Together, you and a designated organisation must own more than 50% of the voting rights.
• If approved, you must:
  • Start your business in Canada
  • Actively manage the business from within Canada
  • Make sure a key part of the business operates in Canada

Get support from a designated organisation

• Designated organisations are business groups approved to invest in or support startups.
• You'll need to:
  • Contact them and show them why your business is worth supporting
  • Get a letter of support from them

Meet the language requirements

• You need to reach a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level 5 in English or French in all four skills (reading, writing, listening, and speaking).
• Your results must be from an approved language test, which can be found here.

Have enough money to settle

• You need to prove you have enough money to support yourself and your family after you arrive in Canada.
• You can't borrow this money.
• The amount you need depends on the size of your family.

The current figures are:

• 1 family member: C$14,690
• 2 family members: C$18,288
• 3 family members: C$22,483
• 4 family members: C$27,297
• 5 family members: C$30,690
• Six family members: C$34,917
• Seven family members: C$38,875
• If more than 7 people, for each additional family member, add C$3,958

Check the government website for the latest amounts.

Important notes:

• There's a limit on how many groups can be supported by each designated organisation each year. This is currently set at 10 per year but only runs until December 2026.
• You can apply for a temporary work permit to come to Canada while your application is being processed.

How to apply for the Canada Startup Visa?

Due to the nature of the application, you'll always need to fill out the application form online, as has been the rule since 2022.

However, if you absolutely can't apply online or require accessibility accommodations, you can request the application in another format here.

Create an account

• Sign in or create an online application portal account for Permanent Residence.
• Use the Instruction Guide (IMM 5759) to help fill out the forms correctly.

Fill out the online forms

Complete all required digital forms online for yourself and any family members 18 or older.

These forms are:

• Generic Application Form for Canada (IMM 0008)
• Schedule A – Background/Declaration (IMM 5669)
• Additional Family Information (IMM 5406)
• Supplementary Information - Your travels (IMM 5562)

Also, fill out the PDF forms (you don't need to sign them yet) and upload them to your online application.

Complete and sign PDF forms (if applicable)

Print, complete, and sign any additional PDF forms that apply to your situation. Make sure you get any required third-party signatures, and you upload these signed forms with your application.

Use a representative (if applicable)

If you have an immigration representative, they can help you with your application but cannot create an account or sign for you. Be sure to submit a "Use of a Representative" form if you're using one.

Include photos and other documents

Upload one photo for each person on your application, following the online instructions. Gather any other documents on your personalised checklist. These are not mandatory but can help support your application.

Pay your fees online

Fees typically include processing fees, Right of Permanent Residence Fees, biometrics fee, and any third-party fees. See fees in the section below. However, do note that you might need to pay for medical exams, police certificates, or language tests separately.

All fees will be paid here.

Submit your application

If you're applying as a group, everyone must submit their applications before any are processed. You must also inform IRCC if a team member is no longer using.

Be sure to double-check your application is complete, all questions are answered, you've signed electronically, and all documents are uploaded. Incomplete applications will be returned without processing.

Important considerations

• You'll likely need to give your biometrics (fingerprints and photo) after you apply.
• If multiple people are applying as business partners, all applications must be submitted before any are processed.
• Use of a representative (optional): You can appoint an immigration representative to assist you with the application process, but you must submit a Use of a Representative form.
• Photo specifications: Ensure your photos meet the requirements and upload them as instructed in the online application.
• Technical issues: If you encounter technical difficulties during the application process, contact IRCC using their web form.
• Completeness and accuracy: Double-check your application for completeness and accuracy before submitting it. Incomplete or inaccurate applications will be returned, causing delays.
• Misrepresentation: Providing false or misleading information can lead to your application being refused and a five-year ban on applying to come to Canada.

What are the application costs for the Canada Startup Visa?

Applying for the Canada Startup Visa comes with specific government fees that are essential to consider in your financial planning.

These fees include the processing fees, the Right of Permanent Residence Fee, and the Biometrics fee, which total C$2,555 (plus any third-party fees).

You can find the full list here (fees were increased in April 2024), or a breakdown below.

• Processing fees for you and your family: This fee covers the cost of processing your application and those of any family members included in your application. The current fee for the principal applicant is C$1,810, and for each dependent, it's C$230.
• Right of permanent residence fee (RPRF): This fee is payable once your application is approved and is required to obtain your permanent resident status. The current RPRF is C$575 per adult and is free for children under 18.
• Biometrics fee: In most cases, you'll need to pay a biometrics fee, which covers collecting your fingerprints and a digital photo. The current fee is C$85 per person or C$170 for a family applying together.

Third-party fees:

Depending on your circumstances, you may also need to pay for services provided by third parties, such as:

• Medical exams: You and your family members will need to undergo medical examinations by an approved panel physician. The cost of these exams can vary.
• Police certificates: You and any family members aged 18 or older will need to provide police certificates from any country where you've lived for six months or more since turning 18. The cost of obtaining these certificates will depend on the country and the specific requirements.
• Language testing: If you haven't already taken an approved language test, you'll need to do so to demonstrate your language proficiency. The cost will depend on your chosen test (IELTS, CELPIP, TEF Canada, or TCF Canada).

It's essential to budget for these fees and any additional expenses that may arise during the application process. However, remember that these fees are subject to change. Always consult the for the most up-to-date and accurate information on application fees.

What happens after you apply

Submitting your application is a significant step, but it's just the beginning of the process. Here's what you can expect after you apply for the Canada Startup Visa:

Biometrics and work permit

• Biometrics collection: If you're between 14 and 79 years old, you must provide your fingerprints and photo (biometrics) after applying. You'll receive a letter with instructions on where and when to do this.
• Work in Canada while waiting: You can apply for a temporary work permit to come to Canada and start building your business while your permanent residence application is being processed.

Application assessment

• Verification: The immigration authorities will verify that your application forms are filled out correctly, signed, and include all required documents and fees. Incomplete applications will be returned.
• Processing times: The standard processing time for the Startup Visa is currently around 40 months. This includes the time it takes to give your biometrics. However, processing times can vary depending on several factors, such as your country of residence, the completeness of your application, and any potential security or background checks.
• Potential delays: Your application may be delayed if there are criminal or security concerns, your family situation is unclear, or the visa office needs to verify your information with other offices. You can check the status of your application online after the visa office starts processing it.

Medical exams and police certificates

• Medical exam: You and your family members must undergo a medical exam before coming to Canada. You'll receive instructions on how to get the medical exam after your application is sent to the visa office.
• Police certificates: You and any family members 18 or older may be asked to provide police certificates from any country or territory where you have lived for six months or more since 18.

Decision and confirmation of permanent residence

• Decision: The immigration authorities will make a decision on your application based on your eligibility, financial resources, medical exam results, and police certificates. They may contact you for an interview or additional documents if needed.
• Approval: If your application is approved, you'll be asked to send your passport to the visa office so they can issue your permanent resident visa. This visa includes your Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) and entry visa.
• COPR: Your COPR contains important information about you and your photograph. Make sure it's correct and contact the authorities for any errors. You must have your COPR and visa when you arrive in Canada.

Remember, the application process can take time, so be patient and stay informed about the progress of your application.

Talk to a visa consultant

When starting a global business in Canada, the best path is through the Startup Visa.

However, managing your application and ensuring it's correct can be stressful, especially when trying to build your business. One of the best ways to overcome this is by using the help of a visa consultant who can provide the expertise and support you need to succeed.

If you have any questions or concerns, this is the best way to get answers.

Need visa assistance/immigration advice?

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Shoot us an email with your inquiry at [email protected].