Canada Start-up Visa Program (SUV)
At Step Global Group, we help aspiring founders, entrepreneurs, and start-up teams successfully apply for the Canada Start-up Visa Program with end-to-end support—from business concept validation to PR approval.
Canada
North America
Residency By Investment
The Canada Start-up Visa Program (SUVP) is a government-backed permanent residency program intended to encourage the flow of capital into Canada’s economy and promote entrepreneurship and employment in Canada. This Canada startup visa program is designed to bolster the culture of entrepreneurship in Canada by supporting the establishment of new businesses or start-ups. To achieve these goals, the Canada Startup Visa seeks individuals with innovative ideas who can 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 $195,000 including both investment and fees, making the startup visa Canada cost more affordable than some of the world’s most well-known and popular permanent residency by investment programs.
Government
Federal parliamentary constitutional monarchy
Population
41,575,585
Language
English
Currency
Canadian dollar ($) (CAD)
Climate
Köppen
Visa Free
Visa-free access to the Schengen Area
Canada Start-up Visa Eligibility Requirements
Eligibility and Cost for the Canada Startup Investor Visa Program:
Applicants must invest CAD $195,000 (inclusive of investment and fees) in a business startup venture, making start-up visa Canada cost more affordable than other popular residency programs. The startup visa immigration programs in Canada allow an investor, their spouse, and children under 22 to apply for Canadian permanent residency and citizenship by investment. This start-up visa program – permanent residence offers a streamlined path for families to settle in Canada. To navigate the application process, many applicants work with startup visa Canada consultants who specialize in this area.
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What Is the Canada Start-up Visa Program?
The Canada Start-up Visa Program is a federal immigration program designed to attract innovative entrepreneurs who can build globally competitive businesses in Canada.
Applicants receive direct permanent residence, not a temporary visa, making it one of the most attractive business immigration programs worldwide.
To qualify, applicants must secure support from a designated Canadian organization, such as:…
- Business incubators
- Venture capital funds
- Angel investor groups
Key Benefits of the Canada Start-up Visa Program
- Direct Permanent Residence (PR) for the applicant and family
- No minimum personal net worth requirement
- No mandatory prior business ownership in Canada
- Ability to live, work, and settle anywhere in Canada
- Family members included in PR application
- Access to Canada’s startup ecosystem, funding & mentors
- Pathway to Canadian citizenship
Who Can Apply for the Canada Start-up Visa?
The Canada Start-up Visa Program is ideal for:
- Startup founders with innovative business ideas
- Tech entrepreneurs and digital innovators
- Global entrepreneurs seeking Canadian PR
- Business owners looking to expand into Canada
- Startup teams (up to 5 co-founders)
Canada Start-up Visa Eligibility Requirements
To apply for the Canada Start-up Visa Program, you must meet the following criteria:
1. Qualifying Business
- The business must be innovative, scalable, and capable of competing globally
- Up to 5 founders can apply under one startup
- Each applicant must hold at least 10% voting rights
- Applicants and designated organization together must control more than 50% voting rights
2. Letter of Support
- Mandatory support from a designated Canadian organization
- Can be from an incubator, angel investor, or venture capital fund
3. Language Requirement
- Minimum CLB 5 in English or French
- IELTS General or equivalent accepted
4. Settlement Funds
- Proof of funds to support yourself and family in Canada
- Amount depends on family size (as per IRCC guidelines)
Step-by-Step Canada Start-up Visa Application Process
Step 1: Business Idea Assessment
Our experts evaluate your business idea for innovation, scalability, and SUV eligibility.
Step 2: Business Plan & Pitch Deck
We prepare a Canada-compliant business plan and pitch deck aligned with designated organization expectations.
Step 3: Secure Designated Organization Support
We assist in connecting with approved incubators or investor groups to obtain a Letter of Support.
Step 4: Apply for Permanent Residence
Once the Letter of Support is issued, we file your Canada PR application under the Start-up Visa Program.
Step 5: Work Permit (Optional)
Applicants can apply for a temporary work permit to move to Canada while PR is under processing.
Role of Designated Organizations in the SUV Program
Designated organizations are approved by the Canadian government to support startups. They assess:
- Business innovation
- Market potential
- Founder capability
- Scalability in Canada
Types of designated organizations:
- Business Incubators (most popular option)
- Angel Investor Groups
- Venture Capital Funds
Step Global Group works closely with reputed designated incubators to maximize approval chances.
Canada Start-up Visa Processing Time
- Permanent Residence processing time: 24–36 months
- Work permit processing: 4–6 months (approx.)
Processing time may vary depending on:
- Application quality
- Background checks
- IRCC workload
Cost of Applying for Canada Start-up Visa
Costs may include:
- Government processing fees
- Biometrics fees
- Language test fees
- Settlement funds
- Designated organization program fees
No fixed investment amount is required under the Start-up Visa Program.
Common Reasons for Canada Start-up Visa Rejection
- Weak or non-innovative business idea
- Poorly prepared business plan
- Inadequate role of applicant in the startup
- Insufficient language scores
- Incomplete documentation
With professional guidance from Step Global Group, rejection risks are significantly reduced.
Why Choose Step Global Group for Canada Start-up Visa?
- Specialized expertise in Canada business immigration
- Strong network with designated incubators
- High success rate for SUV applications
- End-to-end support: idea to PR approval
- Transparent process and personalized guidance
- Dedicated case manager for every applicant
We don’t just file applications – we build strong startup cases that immigration officers trust.
Canada Start-up Visa vs Other Entrepreneur Programs
| Feature | Start-up Visa | Entrepreneur / PNP |
| PR Type | Direct PR | Conditional / Temporary |
| Investment | No fixed amount | High investment |
| Net Worth | Not required | Mandatory |
| Innovation Focus | Yes | Limited |
| Processing | Federal | Provincial |
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Canada PR Visa Process | About Canada PR Benefits | Canadian Investment Immigration Options | Canada Gears Up For Massive Intake Over The Next 3 Years | Canada Startup Visa | International Students in Canada | Cost of Studying in Canada.
Canada Start-up Visa FAQs
1. What is the Canada Start-up Visa Program?
The Canada Start-up Visa Program allows innovative entrepreneurs to obtain permanent residence by launching a business supported by a designated Canadian organization.
2. How long does the Canada Start-up Visa take?
PR processing typically takes 24–36 months, while work permits can be issued earlier.
3. Is IELTS mandatory for Canada Start-up Visa?
Yes, a minimum CLB 5 in English or French is required.
4. Can family members get PR under the Start-up Visa?
Yes, spouse and dependent children are included in the PR application.
5. Can I apply with partners?
Yes, up to 5 co-founders can apply under one startup.
The Step Global immigration lawyers are available to answer your questions. Contact us today to arrange a consultation.