Canada Start-up Visa Program.

Start-Up Visa Program.

  • The Start-Up Visa Program consists of 3 streams:

    • Angel Investor – An angel investor group must invest C$75,000 into a qualifying business

    • Business Incubator – A business incubator selects and approves applicants to develop a business concept or proposal

    • Venture Capital – A venture capital group must invest C$200,000 into a qualifying business

  • The Venture Capital Funds Stream under Canada’s Start-Up Visa (SUV) Program is designed for entrepreneurs who secure funding from designated venture capital (VC) firms. This stream offers a structured pathway to permanent residency for innovative business founders with high-growth potential

Key Features of the Venture Capital Funds Stream

  1. Investment Requirement

    • Applicants must receive a minimum investment of CAD $200,000 from a designated venture capital fund.

    • The investment serves as proof that the startup has commercial viability and the backing of experienced investors.

  2. Role of Venture Capital Firms

    • These firms provide funding in exchange for equity or a stake in the company.

    • They actively support the startup with business strategy, mentorship, and connections to industry networks.

  3. Application Process

    • Entrepreneurs must pitch their business idea to designated VC firms.

    • If a VC firm agrees to invest, it will issue a Letter of Support, which is a mandatory requirement for the Start-Up Visa application.

    • The business idea must demonstrate innovation, scalability, and a strong potential for success in Canada.

CSUV: Benefits.

  • Fast, simple and straight-forward program

  • We will develop the business concept and manage the complete process

  • The Permanent Residence Visa is not tied to the performance of the business

  • Small up-front payment, with balance required after issuance of the Letter of Support

  • CSUV leads directly to Permanent Residence

  • Applicant and family can live anywhere in Canada

  • Qualifications are flexible and many applicants qualify for CSUV

  • PR visa processing time is 12 months

CSUV: Qualifications.

  • Have basic proficiency in English or French: CLB 5 or greater

  • Be between ages 20 and 70 years

  • Have minimum C$ 500,000 in net worth (combined principal applicant and spouse)

  • Incorporate a company and intend to develop a business concept or idea in conjunction with a Canadian Government-approved Designated Organization (Business Incubator, Angel Investor Group, or Venture Capital Fund).

  • Cannot be inadmissible to Canada for medical, security or criminality reasons

  • 2+ years of post-secondary education (beneficial but not required)

  • Business ownership or management experience (beneficial but not required)

Process.

  • 24 Hour Client Assessment - We will assess the client’s qualifications in 24 hours

  • Interview & Preparation - We will develop the business concept and prepare the client for the interview with the Venture Capital firm

  • Approval - The Venture Capital firm will approve the client and issue a Letter of Support (usually within 2 months)

  • Work Permit & Student Visa (Optional) - If families wish to accelerate their move to Canada, they may be able to apply for a Work Permit

  • PR application - The federal application is processed and permanent residence visas are issued in approx. 12 months

Our Role.

  • We work only with government-approved Venture Capital firms.

  • Ensure the Applicant meets CSUV qualifications

  • Develop a creative business concept with input from the entrepreneur

  • Prepare the applicant for interview with the Venture Capital firm

  • Following a successful interview, we obtain the Letter of Support

  • Review and assist with the Work Permit and Permanent Residence application

  • Prepare a cover letter unique for each client, and monitors the immigration process

  • Undertakes any legal challenge to ensure success for all clients