Start-Up Visa Program

To be eligible for the Start-up Visa, there are four main requirements that must be met. A summary of these is as follows with more information below:

1. Have a qualifying business
2. Gain the support of a designated organization
3. Prove your English or French language proficiency
4. Prove you have sufficient settlement funds

A qualifying business means the following:

• You must hold at least 10% of the total voting rights of the company
• Along with the designated organization, you must jointly hold more than 50% of the voting rights
• The business must be incorporated in Canada and you must operate and manage it from Canada.

For the designated organization requirement you will need to provide a letter of support from a designated organization. A designated organization can be a venture capital fund, an angel investor group, or a business incubator.

To secure such support you will need to approach potential designated organizations, book meetings, and pitch your business venture to them. You may be able to pitch to them online, or you may need to do this in person.

For the language requirement, you’ll need to book an English or French language test from an approved agency. The minimum level you must meet is level 5 of the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB).

As for the proof of funds, although for the Start-Up Visa no personal investment in your business is required, you do need to show you have enough funds to settle in Canada. The amount of these funds is set according to the size of your family, as follows:

• Single applicant – $13,213 CDN
• 2 family members – $16,449 CDN
• 3 family members – $20,222 CDN
• 4 family members – $24,553 CDN
• 5 family members – $27,847 CDN
• 6 family members – $31,407 CDN
• 7 family members – $34,967 CDN
• For each additional family member: $3,560 CDN

Additionally, you must also meet the Canadian admissibility requirements.

To be eligible for the Start-Up Visa, your new business must obtain the support of a designated organization.

Designated organizations are business groups that have been approved by the Canadian government to provide investment or support to new businesses through the Start-Up Visa Program. The support you will need to secure from a designated organization varies depending on the type of organization:

• Angel Investor Group – at least $75,000 CDN
• Venture Capital Fund – at least $200,000 CDN
• Business Incubator Program -acceptance into a designated Business Incubator Program (no investment capital is needed)

A list of designated organizations can be found here. Designated organizations will differ in their processes for providing support to visa applicants. For example, you may need to provide a comprehensive business plan or to pitch your business idea in person.

Upon securing the support of a designated organization, you will receive a letter of support with 6-month validity. This needs to be included in your Start-Up Visa visa application. A Commitment Certificate will also be sent directly to IRCC by the designated organization.

Applications for the Start-Up Visa are made via hard-copy in the post, or online.

If you are sending your application via post, the completed form, required documentation, and fee payment need to be sent to one of the IRCC’s addresses in Sydney, Nova Scotia on this page. A single envelope of size 23 cm x 30.5 cm (9″ x 12″) should be used with the words ”Start-up business visa” written on the front of the envelope. The document checklist needs to be printed and added as the cover page of your application. Two self-addressed mailing labels must be sent in the envelope. It’s advisable to keep copies of your application and supporting documents.

Significant supporting documentation needs to be submitted along with the Start-Up Visa application. As well as documentation to show you meet the four main requirements, you’ll need to submit other documents. These can vary depending on your business proposal and your individual circumstances but generally, other documents include passport, photographs, birth certificate, marriage certificate (if applicable), police certificates and clearances, receipt of payment of Start-Up Visa fees. 

Unless specifically requested, only copies, not originals of documentation should be sent.

Medical exams will need to be undertaken, and biometrics (fingerprints and photos) given. IRCC will contact you with regard to these. Upon receipt of your biometrics, IRCC will begin processing your application.

The processing time for a Start-Up Visa is around 12 to 16 months.

As with most Canadian visas, including the Start-Up Visa, applicants must prove their language proficiency in either English or French. In order to do this, a language test through an IRCC-approved agency must be taken, and the test result submitted when you apply.

For the Start-Up Visa, the level of English or French proficiency required is Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) Level 5 or higher. The test cannot be taken more than two years before making an application.

The following test agencies are approved by the Canadian government to provide language testing:

• English (IELTS) – Cambridge Assessment English, IDP Australia, and The British Council
• English (CELPIP G-Test) – Paragon Testing Enterprises Inc.
• French (TCF Canada) – France Education International (FEI)
• French (TEF Canada) – The Paris Chamber of Commerce and Industry

Fees are payable when arranging a language test.

In general, the following Start-Up Visa fees apply:

Main applicant – $CAN 1,895 application fee and $CAN 575 Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF)

Accompanying spouse/common-law partner – $CAN 990 – Application fee for spouse/common-law partner and $CAN 575 Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF)

Dependent child – $CAN 270 application fee

In most cases, biometrics will need to be given, for which the fee is currently $CAN 85.

Other fees including language tests, medical exams, police certificates, and translation of documents fees (if applicable) will also be payable. 

There is an IRCC Fees Wizard tool that tells you the fees you will need to pay for your chosen immigration program. Payment of fees can also be made via this tool.

At Total Law, we understand how important the process of setting up a business in Canada is, and all that is involved, including settling in a new country and bringing your family with you (if applicable). Our immigration lawyers are well versed in helping clients every step of the way when it comes to Canadian immigration programs.

We offer a tailor-made service for your individual situation, that ensures a compelling and error-free application is submitted, including the following steps:

• A thorough assessment of your situation, goals, and eligibility for the Start-Up Visa
• Support with securing the support of a designated organization
• Direct handling of aspects of the process, or supporting you with actions that need to occur including:
  • Gathering required documentation
  • Arranging the language test
  • Undertaking medical exams
  • Obtaining police certificates
  • Correctly submitting the visa application
  • Applying for a temporary work permit (if relevant)

Contact us via our online inquiry form, or call us on (+353) 061 518 025 and get started on your visa application.