Startup Visa Program

To qualify for the Startup Visa Program, applicants must meet basic eligibility requirements, as well as the admissibility requirements to enter Canada.

1. Have a qualifying business – A “qualifying business” means applicants created a business in Canada that meets the following conditions.

• At the time SUV project gets a commitment from a Designated Organization: each applicant holds 10% or more of the voting rights attached to all shares of the corporation (must be incorporated in Canada) outstanding at that time (up to 5 people can apply as co- owners) AND
• Applicants and the designated organization jointly hold more than 50% of the total voting rights attached to all shares of the corporation outstanding at that time AND
• Applicants must be actively involved in the management of the SUV venture in Canada AND
• The operations of the business, or an essential part, must take place in Canada.

2. Have a letter of support from a Designated Organization

• The SUV program targets innovative entrepreneurs and connects them with private sector investors from Canada who will help establish their Startup venture. Generally, prospective immigrants must contact the Designated Organization to find out how to get its support, convince the organization that you have a business idea that is worth supporting and get a letter of support from the designated organization

3. Meet the language requirements

• Applicants must meet the minimum level of the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB5) in either English or French in all of these four areas: speaking / reading/ listening/ writing.

4. Have enough money to settle and live in Canada before you make money from your business

• The amount you need depends on the size of your family.

Reach out to our investors and startup mentors to find out if your innovative business idea qualifies. 

• Direct path to PR (Permanent Residency) in Canada for up to five applicants participating in one innovative newly established Canadian business venture.
• Fastest processing time (10-16 months) amongst Canada business immigration programs.
• Startup Visa applicants can work in Canada towards launching an innovative business while a permanent residence application is in the process (Temporary Work Permit for Start-Up Visa Applicant is widely used and generally supported b y Visa offices overseas).
• Ecosystem support from reputable Canadian angel investors, venture capital funds, and business incubators (Canada Startup Visa Designated Organizations).
• Startup Visa applicants are not required to invest their funds in a business venture or meet any minimum net worth requirement.
• Canada Startup Visa is a federal business immigration program, and therefore, an applicant can select a location/province to work and live after landing.
• Startup Visa applicants can bring a family (spouse and children) to Canada.

InWest Ventures helps dozens of foreign entrepreneurs each year develop their Canadian Startup Visa idea. 

1. Cultivation of the initial business proposal from its innovative perspective, and adaptation of the original plan to fit all SUV terms and regulatory conditions
2. Established relationships with the designated organizations, immigration lawyers and consultants
3. Preparation of the project materials, investor preparation and meeting with a federally approved Designated Organization's investment panel to apply for the Letter of Support and Commitment Certificate.
4. Preparation of the SUV Certification package to be transferred to IRCC and to the Applicant's Legal Representative to be equipped for Permanent Residency (PR) and Work Permit processes
5. Complete immigration process assistance in collaboration with immigration law firms
6. Assistance with an exploratory visit to Canada to establish SUV venture
7. Assistance with applying for a work permit to develop a new SUV venture in Canada
8. All-inclusive business development support
9. Formation and cultivation of SUV business conceptual design in full compliance with Federal SUV standards and terms
10. Building a unique brand identity for the business
11. Assistance in drafting intended Canadian qualifying business' marketing, financial and business plan within market standards and based on suitability for the SUV program
12. Incorporation of the qualified company in Canada strictly according to SUV terms and conditions
13. Setting up the corporate bank account for valid business activities
14. Turn-Key digital marketing, relevant market analysis, web design and online implementation
15. Social media and user experience active profiling
16. Marketing, Public Relations and collaborative activities leading to the preparation of Memorandums of Understanding within clients' industrial interests and Letter of intent from related business payers and prospective vendors and customers
17. Active recruitment and staffing activities according to the SUV program' terms and conditions
18. Arrangement of the optimal office lease
19. Participation in a maximum of local relevant business events, trade conferences and industry-related shows to establish sufficiently active business operations
20. Peer review preparation and drafting of clients' responses to CICC
21. Many more relevant activities to satisfy applicants to meet the expectations of IRCC