Start-Up Visa Program

There are four main eligibility criteria to be eligible for the Start-up Visa, as follows:

1. Qualifying business – In order for your business to qualify for this visa, you must hold at least 10% of the total voting rights of the company, and along with the designated organization, you must jointly hold more than 50% of the voting rights. Additionally, the business must be incorporated in Canada and it must be operated and managed from Canada.

2. Designated organization – You must gain the support of a designated organization and provide a letter of support to show this. A designated organization is one of the following: a venture capital fund, angel investor group, or business incubator.

In order to gain this support, you will need to make appointments with potential designated organizations and pitch your business idea to them.

3. Language requirement – You will need to take an English or French language test from an agency approved by the Canadian government. The level you must meet is a minimum level 5 of the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) in speaking, reading, listening, and writing.

4. Proof of funds – For the Start-Up Visa, no personal investment in your business is needed, as the funding or support comes from the designated organization. However, you do need to have sufficient settlement funds to support yourself and your family (if applicable) upon arrival in Canada. The amount of settlement funds you need to show you have is determined by 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

In addition to the above requirements, you must also meet the admissibility requirements for Canada.

To meet the Start-Up Visa requirements, your business must have the support of a designated organization.

A designated organization is a business entity that the Canadian government has approved to provide investment or support to start-ups through the Start-Up Visa Program. The amount you need to secure is as follows:

• Angel Investor Group – at least $75,000 CDN
• Venture Capital Fund – at least $200,000 CDN
• Business Incubator Program – no investment capital is required, instead, you need acceptance into a designated business incubator program

You can find a list of designated organizations here, which you can look through to find potential matches for your new business. Note that organizations may differ in respect of their pitching process and requirements they need businesses to must meet. As an example, some may require you to present your business idea in-person or to submit a comprehensive business plan.

If you gain the support of a designated organization, you will be sent a letter of support, which will be valid for 6 months from their date of issue. It needs to be included in your visa application.

The designated organization will also send a Commitment Certificate directly to IRCC.

Supporting documents

Along with the application form, you will need to submit significant supporting documents for the Start-Up Visa Program.

You’ll need to submit evidence that you meet the four main requirements plus provide other documentation. The full range of documents may vary depending on your business proposal and your individual circumstances, but generally-speaking the following documentation will be required:

• Proof of a qualifying business
• Letter of Support from a designated organization
• Language test result
• Proof of settlement funds (such as bank statements)
• Passport
• Photographs
• Birth certificate
• Marriage certificate (if applicable)
• Police certificates and clearances
• Receipt of payment of Start-Up Visa fees

How to apply

You can choose to send your application via hard-copy via mail, or apply online.

Here are the instructions for sending your application by mail:

• Make sure to sign and date it
• Send your completed forms, supporting documents and fee payment to one of the IRCC’s addresses in Sydney, Nova Scotia on this page
• Use a single envelope of size 23 cm x 30.5 cm (9″ x 12″)
• Write ”Start-up business visa” on the outside of the envelope.
• Print and send the document checklist as the cover page of your application.
• Enclose 2 self-addressed mailing labels
• Keep a copy of your application and supporting documents

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

You will need to take a medical exam and provide biometrics (fingerprints and photos) before being able to move to Canada. IRCC will contact you with regard to these. Biometrics applies to anyone between the ages of 14 and 79. When IRCC has received your biometrics, they will begin to process your application.

Applications are usually processed within a 12 to 16-month timeframe. If however, you need to visit Canada for business activities before your PR residence application is processed, then you are able to apply for a temporary work permit.

Most applicants for Canada’s immigration programs, including the Start-Up Visa, must demonstrate a level of proficiency in either English or French, Canada’s two official languages. To demonstrate you possess the required language skills, you must take a language test through an IRCC-approved agency. The test result must be included with your application.

For the Start-Up Visa, you will need Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) Level 5 or higher in English or French. Note that the test cannot be taken more than two years before your apply.

Currently, the following test agencies are approved to provide language tests:

English (CELPIP G-Test)

• Paragon Testing Enterprises Inc.

English (IELTS)

• Cambridge Assessment English
• IDP Australia
• The British Council

French (TEF Canada)

• The Paris Chamber of Commerce and Industry

French (TCF Canada)

• France Education International (FEI)

When arranging a language test you will need to pay the required fees.

In the majority of cases, the Start-Up Visa fees are as follows:

Main applicant

• $1,575 CDN – Application fee
• $500 CDN – Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF)

Accompanying family

• $825 CDN – Application fee for spouse/common-law partner
• $500 CDN – Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF) for spouse/common-law partner
• $225 CDN – Dependent child application fee

A biometrics fee will also most likely need to be paid which is currently $170 CDN.

Bear in mind that other fees including language tests, police certificates, medical exams, and translation of documents fees, if applicable, will also need to be paid.

The IRCC provides a fees wizard tool that informs you of the fees you need to pay for your chosen immigration program. Fees can also be paid via this tool.

To apply for the Start-Up Visa you need to meet several eligibility and program requirements, such as getting a designated organization on board, compiling and submitting significant documentation, getting police certificates, and more. The application process itself also has some protocols that need to be followed to ensure a successful submission.

At Total Law, we understand how much is at stake when planning to not just move to Canada but to set up a new business as well. Our immigration lawyers are experts in Canadian immigration programs and can assist you with every step of the process.

We offer a tailor-made service that ensures a compelling and comprehensive application is submitted, including the following:

• In-depth assessment of your situation and eligibility for the Start-Up Visa
• Support with pitching to designated organizations
• Direct handling of or supporting you at all stages of the application process including:
  • Gathering supporting documentation
  • Language testing
  • Medical exams
  • Obtaining police certificates
  • Correct submission of the visa application
  • Application for a temporary work permit (if needed)
• Liaison with IRCC on your behalf if needed

Contact us via our quick online enquiry form, or call us on 0333 305 9375 to get started on your Start-Up Visa application.