Start-Up Visa - Global Bridge Immigration Advisors PEI

Start-Up Visa Program

Canada’s Start-up Visa Program targets immigrant entrepreneurs with the skills and potential to build businesses in Canada that are innovative, can create jobs for Canadians and can compete on a global scale.

Minimum Criteria

To be eligible for permanent residency through the Start-Up Visa Program, you must have:

An innovative business idea and a qualifying business
Each applicant holds 10% or more of the voting rights and up to 5 people can apply as owners
A Letter of Support from a designated organization (Venture Capital, Angel Fund or Incubator)
English Level CLB 5 or above (IELTS General Training: Reading 4.0, Writing 5.0, Listening 5.0, Speaking 5.0)
Sufficient funds to settle in Canada
A business incorporated in Canada
Active and ongoing management of this business from within Canada
An essential part of the operations of the business happens in Canada

*See IELTS and CLB for more information

Application Process

Have an initial assessment with Immigration Consultant and create a venture concept
Have an online interview with the Incubator
Obtain an Acceptance Letter for the online training program (Step 1 to Step 3 can be completed within 1 month)
Complete the Online Training Program (Step 4 can be completed within 2-3 months)
Sign the Term Sheet with the Incubator and obtain the Letter of Support
Submit Work Permit (WP) and Permanent Resident (PR) status applications concurrently
Arrive at Canada on WP with accompanying family members and start the business

*Step 1 to Step 3 can be completed within 1 month

**Step 4 can be completed within 2-3 months)

+Processing time for WP: 4-8 months & PR: 12 – 16 months normal/ 32 months due to COVID-19

#Above processing time is only for reference from IRCC official website (Last update: July 2022)