Canada Start Up VisaImmigration Program
- Permanent Residency
- Pathway to Citizenship
- Family Inclusion
- No source of funds requirements
Overview
Canada has consistently upheld its reputation as a welcoming destination for immigrants, offering a superior quality of life alongside an excellent educational and universal healthcare system. In 2018, the Canadian Government made the pilot program of the Canada Start Up Class, commonly referred to as the Start-Up Visa program (SUV), permanent. The scheme provides permanent residence opportunities for qualified immigrant entrepreneurs, with a specific focus on those who drive innovation. It targets innovative entrepreneurs and links them with private sector investors in Canada.
Initially, program applicants can relocate to Canada by obtaining a work permit, facilitated by their designated Canada-based organizations. Once their business is established and operational, they become eligible to apply for permanent residence status. Applicants should demonstrate sufficient settlement funds and pass language tests in English or French at a minimum Canadian Language Benchmark level 5.
The application for permanent residence can be submitted after receiving a letter of support, and in approximately 18 months, the status of permanent resident is granted. Applicants are required to actively participate in the management of the business in Canada. The business must be incorporated and engaged in activities within Canada.
Benefits
Residency in Canada
Health & Education
Family Inclusion
Sponsoring Relatives
Business Opportunities
Pathway to Canada Citizenship
Investment Options
In order to apply for the Start-up Visa (SUV) Program in Canada, aspiring immigrant entrepreneurs must possess or create a viable business project or venture. This project should align with the due diligence criteria set forth by government-approved designated entities, garnering their support and commitment. These designated entities may encompass venture capital funds, angel investor groups, or business incubators. The requisite commitment must fulfill the following criteria:
| A designated venture capital fund must confirm that it is investing at least CAD 200,000 into the qualifying business. Candidates can also qualify with two or more commitments from designated venture capital funds totaling CAD 200,000. |
| A designated angel investor group must invest at least CAD 75,000 into the qualifying business. Candidates can also qualify with two or more investments from angel investor groups totaling CAD 75,000. |
| A designated business incubator must accept the applicant into its business incubator program and there is no investment threshold requirement. |
Applicable Fees
| Processing Fees | |
| Main applicant | $1050 |
| Spouse | $550 + $490 (as RPRF) |
| Each family member | $150 |
| Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPFR) | $500 |
Application Process
Bayat Legal Services’ compliance team will conduct an internal due diligence check, which entails a background security screening of the applicant, Preparation of KYC (Know Your Client) and a qualification assessment.
Applicants for Canada SUV program have to provide evidence of language proficiency (English or French at the CLB/IELTS 5 level) and submit additional personal documentation.
Applicants must have a viable business plan and obtain the commitment certificate from angel investor group, venture capital fund or business incubator. Bayat Group’s experts will curate the process of getting endorsement letter and approval.
After receiving the commitment, the applicant should proceed to collect needed documents, submit the application to the Canada Immigration & Citizenship and cover required fees.
In case of application success, applicants will be granted the Canada SUV visa, valid for 3 years. The processing time for the work permit application is 8-12 weeks, whereas the review of the permanent residency application spans 33 months.