Canada Start Up Visa Program

To apply for a Canada Startup Visa 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 permanent Canadian residency and citizenship.

There are no specific age limit restrictions for any Canadian start-up visa program or immigration in Canada. 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 skill development. The likelihood of selection and fulfillment 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 innovative business idea, you can still obtain Canadian permanent residency through business immigration programs. You can be introduced to an existing founder and other members like yourself to be a participant in a start-up business idea. Based on your profile, you can qualify under this program, as the government allows up to six applicants to apply for immigration under one new start-up business.

Yes, as a permanent resident of 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 Canada startup visa 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 years 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 before 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, 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 in Canada, irrespective of the 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.

You can apply for the Start-up Visa Program as the main applicant, his/her spouse, and any unmarried children under the age of 22. All the family members included in the application will be entitled to the benefits of permanent residency in Canada, 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 investment 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 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.