Start-Up Visa Program: Complete Guide for Innovative Entrepreneurs (Program Closed December 2025)
Canada's Start-Up Visa (SUV) Program was a unique immigration pathway designed for innovative entrepreneurs with scalable business ideas that could compete globally and create jobs for Canadians. IMPORTANT: The Start-Up Visa Program officially closed to new applicants on December 31, 2025, after applicants faced unprecedented 10-year wait times for permanent residence. IRCC has announced a new entrepreneur pilot program will launch in 2026, but details have not been released. Unlike traditional business immigration programs focusing on net worth and capital investment, the Start-Up Visa Program prioritized innovation, scalability, and job creation potential. By requiring support from designated Canadian venture capital funds, angel investor groups, or business incubators, the program ensured entrepreneurs received both immigration pathways and valuable business mentorship, connections, and resources for success.
This comprehensive guide covers how the Start-Up Visa Program worked, including eligibility requirements, the role of designated organizations, minimum investment thresholds, application processes, letter of support requirements, work permit options, permanent residence pathways, and strategies for successfully pitching to designated organizations. This information is provided for reference and for those with grandfathered applications (2025 commitment certificates with June 30, 2026 deadline). For current business immigration options, please see our Business Immigration overview or contact us to explore alternative pathways.
CRITICAL UPDATE: Program Closed to New Applicants
Effective December 31, 2025, the Start-Up Visa Program is CLOSED to new applicants. After facing unprecedented 10-year processing delays, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has officially suspended the program indefinitely.
Critical Deadlines:
- Grandfathered Applications: Only applicants who received valid commitment certificates from designated organizations in 2025 can still apply—deadline June 30, 2026
- Work Permits: Optional SUV work permit applications also closed effective December 31, 2025
- New Pilot Program: IRCC has announced a "new, targeted pilot program for immigrant entrepreneurs" will launch in 2026, but details have not yet been released
Read the full announcement: Breaking: Canada Shuts Start-up Visa Program to New Applicants, New Path Coming 2026
What is the Start-Up Visa Program?
Program Overview
The Start-Up Visa Program connects immigrant entrepreneurs with private sector organizations in Canada that have expertise in working with start-ups. Launched in 2013 and made permanent in 2018, the program focuses on attracting innovative entrepreneurs who can build businesses in Canada that:
- Create jobs for Canadians
- Compete on a global scale
- Bring innovation to Canadian markets
- Contribute to Canada's economic growth
Key Features
- Direct Permanent Residence: Successful applicants receive permanent residence, not temporary status
- No Minimum Investment: No personal minimum net worth required (unlike provincial entrepreneur programs)
- Support from Experts: Designated organizations provide mentorship, resources, and networks
- Up to 5 Co-Founders: Can include up to 5 individuals per business
- Work Permits Available: Can obtain work permits while permanent residence applications process
- No Business Performance Requirements: After landing as permanent resident, PR status not conditional on business success
Who Should Apply
- Tech startup founders with scalable ideas
- Entrepreneurs with innovative products or services
- Business owners seeking Canadian expansion
- Inventors and innovators with commercial potential
- Teams with complementary skills and shared vision
Eligibility Requirements
1. Qualifying Business
Your business must meet specific criteria:
- Letter of Support: Must have letter of support from designated Canadian venture capital fund, angel investor group, or business incubator
- Incorporated in Canada: Business must be incorporated federally or provincially in Canada
- Essential Operations in Canada: Essential business activities conducted in Canada
- Ownership Requirements: Each applicant must hold at least 10% voting rights in the corporation
- Combined Ownership: Designated organization and all applicants together must hold more than 50% total voting rights
2. Letter of Support from Designated Organization
This is the most critical requirement. You must secure commitment from one of IRCC's designated organizations:
Venture Capital Funds:
- Must secure minimum CAD $200,000 investment
- Investment committed by designated venture capital fund
Angel Investor Groups:
- Must secure minimum CAD $75,000 investment
- Investment from designated angel investor group
Business Incubators:
- No minimum investment required
- Must be accepted into designated business incubator program
3. Language Proficiency
Minimum language requirements:
- Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 5 in English or French
- All four abilities: speaking, listening, reading, writing
- Accepted tests: IELTS General, CELPIP-G (English), TEF Canada, TCF Canada (French)
CLB 5 IELTS General Training equivalents:
- Speaking: 5.0
- Listening: 5.0
- Reading: 4.0
- Writing: 5.0
4. Settlement Funds
Must demonstrate sufficient funds to support yourself and family members after arrival (unless already working in Canada).
2026 settlement funds requirements:
- 1 person: CAD $13,757
- 2 persons: CAD $17,127
- 3 persons: CAD $21,055
- 4 persons: CAD $25,564
- 5 persons: CAD $28,994
- 6 persons: CAD $32,700
- 7+ persons: CAD $36,407 (plus CAD $3,706 for each additional family member)
5. Admissibility
Must meet standard Canadian immigration requirements:
- No criminal inadmissibility
- Pass medical examination
- No security concerns
- Not misrepresented on previous applications
Designated Organizations
What are Designated Organizations?
Designated organizations are Canadian venture capital funds, angel investor groups, and business incubators that have been approved by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to participate in the Start-Up Visa Program.
Current Designated Organizations
IRCC maintains an official list of designated organizations on their website. As of 2026, there are approximately:
- Over 40 designated business incubators
- Over 20 designated angel investor groups
- Several designated venture capital funds
The list includes organizations across major Canadian cities including Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, Calgary, Waterloo, Ottawa, and others.
How to Approach Designated Organizations
Research and Selection
- Review IRCC's complete list of designated organizations
- Research each organization's focus areas, industries, and stage preferences
- Identify organizations aligned with your business concept
- Understand their application processes and requirements
Prepare Your Pitch
- Business Plan: Comprehensive, professional business plan
- Market Analysis: Clear understanding of market, competition, opportunities
- Financial Projections: Realistic revenue models and growth forecasts
- Team Credentials: Demonstrate team's expertise and complementary skills
- Innovation: Clear articulation of innovation and competitive advantages
- Scalability: Evidence of global scalability potential
- Job Creation: Plans for hiring Canadians
Application Process to Organizations
Each designated organization has its own application process, timeline, and selection criteria. This is completely separate from the immigration application—you're pitching a business investment or incubator acceptance, not applying for immigration.
Typical process:
- Submit initial application/pitch deck
- Initial screening by organization
- Pitch presentation (if shortlisted)
- Due diligence by organization
- Decision on investment or incubator acceptance
- Letter of support issued (if approved)
The Start-Up Visa Application Process
Step 1: Develop Business Concept
Create innovative, scalable business idea with clear value proposition, competitive advantages, and job creation potential.
Step 2: Secure Letter of Support
Pitch your business to designated organizations. This is the most challenging and critical step. Be prepared for:
- High competition (organizations receive hundreds of applications)
- Rigorous evaluation processes
- Multiple rounds of presentations and due diligence
- Potentially months of engagement before decisions
Step 3: Obtain Language Test Results
Take approved language tests achieving minimum CLB 5 in all four abilities.
Step 4: Gather Required Documents
- Letter of support from designated organization
- Commitment certificate (issued by designated organization)
- Language test results
- Proof of settlement funds
- Police certificates
- Educational credentials
- Passport and travel documents
- Business incorporation documents
- Proof of ownership structure
Step 5: Submit Permanent Residence Application
With letter of support, submit complete permanent residence application to IRCC including all supporting documents.
Step 6: Medical Examination and Biometrics
- Complete medical examination with panel physician
- Provide biometrics (fingerprints and photo)
Step 7: Processing
IRCC processes application. Processing times typically 12-16 months, though times vary.
Step 8: Decision and Landing
If approved, confirm permanent residence and land in Canada. Receive permanent resident cards.
Work Permits During Processing
Temporary Work Permits
While permanent residence applications are processing, Start-Up Visa applicants can apply for work permits allowing them to begin working on their businesses in Canada.
Eligibility for Work Permits
- Have letter of support from designated organization
- Submitted Start-Up Visa permanent residence application
- Received positive eligibility assessment from IRCC
Benefits of Work Permits
- Begin establishing business operations immediately
- Generate revenue while PR processes
- Build Canadian business networks and relationships
- Demonstrate business viability
- Family members can accompany (spouse may get open work permit)
After Receiving Permanent Residence
No Conditional Requirements
Importantly, once you receive permanent residence through the Start-Up Visa Program, your PR status is NOT conditional on business success. Even if your business doesn't succeed, you retain permanent resident status.
Business Operations
However, you should:
- Genuinely attempt to establish and operate the business
- Be actively involved in managing the business
- Conduct essential operations in Canada
- Not misrepresent business intentions
Permanent Residence Obligations
- Maintain physical presence in Canada (730 days in every 5-year period)
- Comply with Canadian laws
- File taxes as required
Pathway to Citizenship
After meeting residency requirements (1,095 days in 5 years), permanent residents can apply for Canadian citizenship.
Multiple Founders and Co-Applicants
Team Applications
Up to 5 individuals can apply based on the same business and letter of support.
Requirements for Each Co-Applicant
- Each must hold minimum 10% voting rights
- Each must meet language requirements (CLB 5)
- Each must have settlement funds
- Each must meet admissibility requirements
- All must be essential to the business
Combined Ownership
Designated organization and all applicants together must hold more than 50% total voting rights in the corporation.
Start-Up Visa vs Other Business Immigration
Comparison with Provincial Entrepreneur Programs
Start-Up Visa Advantages:
- Direct permanent residence (no conditional period)
- No minimum personal net worth requirements
- Access to expert mentorship and networks
- Focus on innovation over capital
Provincial Programs Advantages:
- Don't need to convince designated organizations
- Clearer pathways for established business owners
- Lower requirements for some traditional businesses
See our Business Immigration overview for complete comparison.
Comparison with Self-Employed Program
The Self-Employed Persons Program targets cultural workers, athletes, and farm managers—different from Start-Up Visa's focus on scalable businesses.
Common Start-Up Visa Challenges
1. Securing Letter of Support
The biggest challenge is convincing designated organizations to support your business. Competition is intense—organizations receive far more applications than they can support. Success requires:
- Truly innovative, scalable business concepts
- Strong founding teams with relevant expertise
- Clear market opportunities and competitive advantages
- Professional business plans and financial projections
- Compelling pitch presentations
2. Long Processing Times
From business development to letter of support to permanent residence decision can take 2-3+ years total. Work permits during processing help but require patience.
3. Business Viability
While PR status isn't conditional on success, you should genuinely believe in your business concept and be prepared to work hard establishing operations.
4. Funding Beyond Initial Investment
Minimum investments (CAD $75,000-200,000) may not be sufficient for full business development. Plan for additional funding sources.
5. Immigration vs Business Advice
Designated organizations assess business merit, not immigration eligibility. Ensure you meet both business investment criteria AND immigration requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions About Start-Up Visa
Is the Start-Up Visa Program currently accepting applications?
No, the Start-Up Visa Program is currently halted and not accepting new applications as of January 2026. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has temporarily paused the program to review program integrity and address concerns about fraud and misrepresentation. No timeline has been announced for when the program will resume. IRCC will make announcements when the program reopens. In the meantime, entrepreneurs should explore alternative business immigration options such as provincial entrepreneur programs, owner-operator LMIA work permits, or intra-company transfers.
What is the Start-Up Visa Program?
The Start-Up Visa Program is a Canadian immigration pathway for innovative entrepreneurs with scalable business ideas. Unlike traditional business immigration requiring significant net worth and investments, Start-Up Visa focuses on innovation and job creation potential. Entrepreneurs must secure support (letter of support) from designated Canadian venture capital funds, angel investor groups, or business incubators. The program provides direct permanent residence with no conditional business performance requirements after landing.
How much do I need to invest for Start-Up Visa?
Required investment depends on which type of designated organization supports you: venture capital funds require minimum CAD $200,000 investment, angel investor groups require minimum CAD $75,000 investment, and business incubators have no minimum investment requirement (though you must be accepted into their programs). Additionally, you need settlement funds (CAD $13,757+ depending on family size) but there's NO personal minimum net worth requirement unlike provincial entrepreneur programs.
How do I get a letter of support from designated organizations?
Securing letters of support is the most challenging part—you must convince designated organizations your business merits their investment or incubator acceptance. Research organizations on IRCC's list, identify those aligned with your industry, prepare comprehensive business plans and pitch decks, apply through their processes, present your business concept, and undergo due diligence. This is highly competitive with low acceptance rates. Success requires truly innovative ideas, strong teams, clear scalability, and professional presentations. Organizations evaluate business merit independently of immigration.
Can I apply for Start-Up Visa without a business idea?
No, you must have a developed business concept to pitch to designated organizations. You need comprehensive business plans, market analysis, competitive positioning, financial projections, and clear innovation. The designated organization must believe in your business enough to provide letter of support with investment commitments or incubator acceptance. Start developing your business concept, validate market opportunities, and build founding teams before approaching organizations.
What happens if my business fails after getting permanent residence?
This is an important feature of Start-Up Visa: your permanent residence status is NOT conditional on business success. Once you receive PR, you keep it even if the business doesn't succeed. However, you should make genuine efforts to establish and operate the business as intended. Misrepresenting business intentions could affect status, but legitimate business failures don't. This reduces risk for entrepreneurs while ensuring they genuinely attempt their business ventures.
Can I work in Canada while my Start-Up Visa application processes?
Yes, after submitting your permanent residence application and receiving positive eligibility assessment, you can apply for a work permit allowing you to begin operating your business in Canada while PR processes. This typically takes several months but allows you to establish operations, generate revenue, build networks, and demonstrate business viability during the 12-16 month PR processing period. Spouses may be eligible for open work permits.
How many people can apply under one Start-Up Visa business?
Up to 5 individuals can apply for permanent residence based on the same business and letter of support. Each co-applicant must hold at least 10% voting rights in the corporation and meet all immigration requirements (language CLB 5, settlement funds, admissibility). Combined, the designated organization and all applicants must hold more than 50% total voting rights. This allows founding teams with complementary skills to immigrate together.
How long does Start-Up Visa processing take?
Timeline includes multiple stages: developing business concept and securing designated organization support (varies widely, often 6-18 months), then submitting permanent residence application which processes in approximately 12-16 months. Total timeline from starting the process to permanent residence typically 18-36 months. You can apply for work permits during PR processing to begin operations sooner. Processing times vary based on application volume and individual circumstances.
Is Start-Up Visa better than provincial entrepreneur programs?
It depends on your situation. Start-Up Visa advantages: no minimum net worth requirements, direct permanent residence (not conditional), expert mentorship from designated organizations, focus on innovation. Provincial program advantages: don't need to convince designated organizations, established business owners may find clearer pathways, some have lower requirements. Start-Up Visa suits innovative entrepreneurs with scalable concepts; provincial programs suit those with capital and traditional business experience. Review our Business Immigration guide for comparisons.
Should I hire an immigration consultant for Start-Up Visa?
While you can apply independently, Start-Up Visa involves complex business development, pitching to designated organizations, and immigration applications. Many entrepreneurs benefit from professional guidance navigating both business and immigration aspects. A Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) like Azadeh Haidari-Garmash can help assess eligibility, develop immigration strategy, ensure applications meet requirements, and coordinate timing. However, note that consultants help with immigration aspects—you still need to convince designated organizations of your business merit. Contact us for assistance.
Ready to Pursue Start-Up Visa?
The Start-Up Visa Program offers innovative entrepreneurs a unique pathway to Canadian permanent residence while building globally competitive businesses. With the right business concept, strong founding team, and support from designated organizations, you can achieve both immigration success and business growth in Canada's thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Get Expert Start-Up Visa Assistance from VisaVio
VisaVio Immigration Consultants provides guidance on Start-Up Visa applications, helping entrepreneurs navigate immigration requirements and develop comprehensive strategies. As a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC R710392), Azadeh Haidari-Garmash understands both business immigration pathways and can guide you through the process.
Free Start-Up Assessment
Determine if your business concept qualifies for Start-Up Visa Program
Check EligibilityBusiness Immigration Options
Explore other business and entrepreneur immigration pathways
View ProgramsAdditional Business Immigration Resources
Explore more pathways for entrepreneurs and business owners:
- Business & Investor Immigration - Overview of all business pathways
- Self-Employed Persons Program - For cultural workers and athletes
- Owner-Operator Work Permits - Temporary work permits for business owners
- Intra-Company Transfers - For multinational business owners
- Provincial Entrepreneur Programs - Provincial business immigration
- Immigration Blog - Latest Start-Up Visa updates
- Immigration News - Breaking business immigration news
- Service Fees - Transparent pricing
About the Author: This guide was prepared by VisaVio Immigration Consultants, led by Azadeh Haidari-Garmash, a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC R710392) registered with the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants. All information is current as of January 2026 and based on official IRCC guidelines.