Canada Start Up Visa Program

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What is the Canada Start-Up Investor Visa Program?

The Canada Start-up Visa Program (SUVP) is a government permanent residency program intended to encourage the flow of capital into Canada’s economy and to promote entrepreneurship and employment in Canada. The Canada Permanent Residence Citizenship by Investment program is focused on bolstering the culture of entrepreneurship in Canada through new businesses or start-ups. To accomplish these goals, the Canadian government seeks individuals with innovative ideas to contribute to the Canadian economy. For those who do not have an innovative idea, the government is also looking for qualified investors to pool their skills and funds into the business of a Start-Up founder. The Canada startup investor citizenship visa program has a total cost of CAD $195,000 inclusive of investment and fees, making it even more affordable than some of the world’s most well-known and popular permanent residency by investment programs.

Benefits of Obtaining Canada Permanent Residency (PR) and Citizenship through Investment

Canadian permanent residents have access to free public education for primary and secondary students
Canadian permanent residents have access to highly rated universities and lowered domestic tuition fees for college and university students as compared to international students
Canadian permanent residents have access to the Free universal healthcare system and to leading medical hospitals and treatments
Canadian permanent residents have the right to obtain Canadian social security benefits
Visa-free travel to Canada with a permanent residency card and travel visa-free to over 142 countries worldwide with a Canadian passport
Eligible for a Canadian passport and citizenship as soon as three years are spent in Canada in five years
Canadian permanent residents have the freedom to live and/or work in any province of Canada without sponsorship
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Investment & Requirements for Canada’s Start-Up Visa Program?

Canada Start-up Visa Program(SUV)

Eligibility and Cost for the Canada Startup Investor Visa Program:

You must invest CAD $195,000 (inclusive of investment and fees) in a business venture, making it more affordable than some of the most well-known and popular residency by Canada SUV programs in the world. Through this route, the investor, the investor’s spouse, and any number of children under the age of 22 can be included on a single application for Canadian permanent residency and citizenship by investment.

Canada Startup Visa (SUV) Program Process

Startup Visa Canada Investment Options

The Canadian Startup Investor Visa program offers investment options for entrepreneurs. Applicants must secure investment from a designated venture capital fund, angel investor group, or business incubator to qualify. These entities must be approved by the Canadian government. Meeting investment criteria and obtaining a letter of support from the designated organization allowing them and their family to apply for permanent residence and citizenship by investment are essential steps in the application process for the Canadian Startup Visa program.

Procedures and Time Frame of the Canadian Citizenship by Investment

There are various immigration pathways for investors and business individuals, such as the Quebec Immigrant Investor Program (QIIP) and the Start-Up Visa program. The QIIP & Canada Startup Visa Program allows investors to obtain Canadian permanent residence by investing. Procedures and timeframes can vary based on the specific program chosen. Typically, applicants need to make a qualifying investment, provide documentation, and undergo a thorough application process.

How Can You Gain Citizenship by Investing in Canada?

The Canada Startup Visa program offers entrepreneurs a unique avenue to gain citizenship in Canada by encouraging the establishment of innovative ventures (start-ups) in the country. To qualify, individuals must secure the support of a designated organization, which can provide essential mentorship and financial backing for their startup. The designated organizations play a pivotal role in selecting promising entrepreneurs with high-growth potential; once the startup is established and meets the Canada Startup  Program’s criteria, entrepreneurs can apply for permanent residency in Canada. Subsequently, meeting the residency requirements allows them to apply for Canadian citizenship. This pathway encourages the growth of innovative businesses in Canada while also providing a viable route for dedicated entrepreneurs to become permanent residents and, ultimately, citizens of the country.

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Canada SUV Program FAQs

Being proficient in the English language is not a mandatory requirement. However, the main applicant requires a basic score of Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 5 in the IELTS test to show that the applicant has a basic understanding of the English language to operate in Canada. This test must be completed before the final submission of the application for Canadian permanent residency and citizenship.

To date, there are no age restrictions for any Canadian start-up visa or immigration program. However, an applicant should be able to adequately invest in the qualified start-up and contribute towards the management of the start-up in Canada. Oftentimes, this requires evidence of a certain level of work experience or skills development. The likelihood of selection and fulfilment of eligibility criteria is increased if the primary applicant is experienced as a professional or entrepreneur.

To date, there are no restrictions based on nationality for the Canada Start-up visa program. Any foreign national may apply. 

No, even if you don’t have your own innovative business idea, you can still apply under the Canadian investor visa program. You can be introduced to an existing founder and other members like yourself to be a participant in a start-up business idea. On the basis of your profile, you can qualify under this program as the government allows up to 6 applicants to apply for immigration under one new start-up business.

Yes, once you achieve permanent residency in Canada, you will be able to be employed by any company in Canada without sponsorship. Even though the applicant is investing in the start-up, he/she will be allowed to work anywhere in Canada and will not be restricted to the start-up. That means he/she can do any job or start his/her own business in Canada and he/she is not required to be entirely committed to the start-up.

As a shareholder and investor in the start-up, and as per government requirements under the program, the applicant must obtain a minimum 10% stake in the start-up in return for their investment amount. The investment must be kept in the start-up until the permanent residency application is processed. The applicant may then be allowed to transfer or sell his/her stake in the start-up after obtaining permanent residency depending on the understanding he/she has with other business partners and the Founder. He/she can also remain in the start up as an investor should they choose to. 

A person must physically be inside Canada for at least 3 years during the 5-year period of permanent residency to be eligible for Canadian citizenship or passport. That means one can immediately apply for Canadian citizenship upon completion of the 3 years requirement in Canada at any time during the 5 years, even if this is concluded prior to holding the permanent residency for a full 5 years. This requirement is unique to Canada out of most residency by investment programs which require a minimum holding time for the permanent residency.

One can travel in and out of Canada at their leisure as a permanent resident. However, in order to maintain and renew the permanent residency status, one must stay for a minimum of two years in Canada out of 5 years. This stay does not have to be continuous but the days inside Canada must add up to two years in total.

The most unique feature of this Canada permanent residency program is that it enables the applicant to retain their permanent residency irrespective of success or failure of the business. Even if the Canadian start-up is shut down or unsuccessful, individuals granted permanent residency through this program can still retain their permanent residency status.

The main applicant, his/her spouse and any unmarried children under the age of 22. All the family members included on the application will be entitled to the benefits of permanent residency like social security, universal free healthcare, education, and employment.

Step Global is an immigration consultancy and advisory firm based in Dubai specializing in facilitating the US Eb-5 investement immigration program and the Portugal Golden Visa Program, which grant permanent residency in the united States and Portugal, respectively.

Canada does not have a specific “Investor Visa” program with a set investment amount. However, Canada offers the Quebec Immigrant Investor Program (QIIP), which requires a significant investment based immigration. As of the last available information, the investment threshold for the QIIP is typically CAD 1.2 million. It’s crucial to check for the latest details and eligibility criteria as immigration policies may change.

The Canadian Startup Visa Program is aimed at immigrant entrepreneurs who can build businesses in Canada and requires applicants to have a comprehensive business plan outlining their startup venture. The business plan should include details such as the business concept, market analysis, financial projections, and the team’s qualifications. It plays a crucial role in demonstrating the viability and potential success of the proposed startup, contributing to the overall assessment of the application.

The processing time for the Canada Startup Visa Program Permanent Resident Application can vary. Each application has a different process and timeframe. It typically takes several months, and factors such as the completeness of the application, the volume of applications, and other variables can influence the processing time. It’s advisable to check the most recent information on processing times from official immigration sources or consult with immigration professionals and consultants for the latest updates.

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