If you are an entrepreneur and thinking about settling in Canada to start a new business, the Canada Start-Up Visa (SUV)—often called the Canada Entrepreneur Visa—is one of the easiest pathways to Canadian PR when you have a strong, innovative business idea and backing from a designated organization.
This Start-Up Visa program began on April 1, 2013 to attract top founders who can create jobs in Canada through new ventures. Unlike some other countries, every qualified entrepreneur can apply for permanent residence through SUV when they meet the requirements.
How the Program Works
To immigrate via SUV, you must obtain support from a designated organization in Canada:
- Venture Capital Fund (designated)
- Angel Investor Group (designated)
- Business Incubator (designated)
Your goal is to convince one of these groups that your idea is worth backing. Each organization has its own process (intake forms, pitch deck, interviews). Review their websites to learn what they invest in and how to apply. If they decide to back you, they will issue a Letter of Support.
You cannot apply for the Start-Up Visa without a Letter of Support from a designated organization.
SUV Eligibility — At a Glance
1) Designated Support & Investment
- VC fund: minimum CAD 200,000 investment or
- Angel group: minimum CAD 75,000 investment or
- Business incubator: acceptance into the program (no minimum cash required)
2) Language Requirement
- Meet Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 5 in English or French across reading, writing, listening, and speaking (via an approved test such as IELTS/CELPIP or TEF/TCF).
3) Ownership & Control
- Up to five people can apply as owners of one business.
- Each applicant must hold at least 10% of voting rights.
- The applicants + designated organization(s) must jointly hold more than 50% of voting rights.
- Founders must play an active, day-to-day role in the venture.
4) Settlement Funds
- Show sufficient settlement funds for yourself and family, since the government does not provide financial support to SUV applicants.
- Amount depends on family size. Bring as much as reasonable to cover housing and living costs while your business ramps up.
- Declare if you carry CAN $10,000+ when you arrive in Canada.
Step-by-Step: From Idea to PR
-
Research & Prepare
- Validate your business model, market, and team.
- Identify suitable designated organizations (sector fit).
-
Pitch & Secure Support
- Follow the group’s application process.
- Obtain the Letter of Support/commitment certificate.
-
Apply for Start-Up Visa
- File your PR application under SUV with the Letter of Support.
- Include language results, proof of funds, ownership documents, and other required forms.
-
Work Permit (Optional, if eligible)
- Some founders secure a work permit to move earlier and build the business in Canada while PR is processed.
-
Decision & Landing
- When approved, complete landing and continue operating your innovative business in Canada.
What the Organizations Look For
- Innovation & IP potential
- Scalable business model and global market fit
- Team strength (skills, track record)
- Realistic financial plan and job creation in Canada
Spending time to match your idea with the right VC, angel, or incubator increases your odds of success.
Why SUV vs. Other Business Routes?
- Direct PR pathway tied to innovation and designated support
- No LMIA requirement for investor support
- Up to five co-founders can be included (if meeting ownership criteria)
- Family (spouse/partner & dependent children) can be included on your PR file
Contact Us
For tailored guidance—shortlisting designated organizations, preparing pitch materials, and assembling your SUV dossier—contact our expert consultants at +91-9019-400-500 or [email protected].
FAQs
1) Do I need cash if I’m accepted by a business incubator? Acceptance by a designated incubator typically does not require a minimum cash investment, but you must still show settlement funds for your family size.
2) How many co-founders can apply together? Up to five people can apply on the same business, each holding ≥10% voting rights, and together with the designated organization(s) holding >50%.
3) What language score do I need? At least CLB 5 in English or French across all four abilities using an approved language test.
4) Is SUV only for tech startups? No. Designated organizations back many sectors. The key is an innovative, scalable idea with job-creation potential in Canada.
5) Can I move to Canada while PR is processing? Many founders pursue an employer-specific work permit linked to their SUV support so they can build the business in Canada sooner (subject to eligibility).
