Start-Up Visa Program

VisaVio is proud to offer comprehensive assistance for entrepreneurs looking to immigrate to Canada through the Start-Up Visa Program. This program is designed for innovative entrepreneurs who want to establish a business in Canada while contributing to its growing economy. With VisaVio by your side, you’ll receive expert guidance on every step of the process, ensuring that your start-up venture has the best chance of success in Canada. The Start-Up Visa Program provides a direct path to permanent residency for entrepreneurs who meet specific criteria, and VisaVio is here to help you navigate this exciting opportunity.

Requirements for the Start-Up Visa Program

To qualify for the Start-Up Visa Program, applicants must meet several key requirements:

• Have a qualifying business: Your business must be incorporated in Canada, with essential operations taking place in the country.
• Secure a letter of support from a designated organization: This can be a venture capital fund, an angel investor group, or a business incubator that has been approved by the Canadian government.
• Meet the ownership requirements: Up to five applicants can apply as owners, but each must hold at least 10% of the voting rights, and together with the designated organization, you must hold more than 50% of the total voting rights.
• Language proficiency: You must demonstrate proficiency in either English or French, with at least a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level of 5 in all four language skills (speaking, reading, writing, and listening).
• Sufficient settlement funds: You must prove that you have enough money to settle and support yourself and your family in Canada.

VisaVio will guide you through every stage of these requirements, ensuring that your application is complete and meets the program’s standards.

Process for the Start-Up Visa Program

The process for applying to the Start-Up Visa Program involves several key steps, all of which VisaVio can assist you with:

• Develop a business idea: Your business idea must be innovative and have the potential to create jobs for Canadians and compete on a global scale.
• Secure support from a designated organization: This is one of the most critical steps. VisaVio can help connect you with venture capital firms, angel investors, or business incubators that are designated by the Canadian government and willing to support your business.
• Submit your application: Once you have a letter of support from a designated organization, you can submit your Start-Up Visa application to the Canadian government. VisaVio will ensure that your application is complete, accurate, and meets all requirements.
• Obtain a work permit: If your business needs to get started while your permanent residency application is being processed, VisaVio can assist in applying for a temporary work permit to begin operations in Canada.
• Receive permanent residency: Upon approval, you and your family members will receive Canadian permanent residency, allowing you to live and grow your business in Canada.

VisaVio is committed to ensuring that your start-up journey to Canada is as smooth as possible, from securing support to obtaining permanent residency.

What is a Designated Organization?

A designated organization is a venture capital fund, angel investor group, or business incubator that has been approved by the Canadian government to support start-ups under the Start-Up Visa Program. To qualify, your business must receive support from one of these organizations, which will provide you with a letter of support for your visa application.

• Venture Capital Funds: You must secure a minimum investment of $200,000 CAD from a designated venture capital fund.
• Angel Investor Groups: You must secure a minimum investment of $75,000 CAD from a designated angel investor group.
• Business Incubators: You must be accepted into a designated business incubator program, which will help you grow your business in Canada.

VisaVio has connections with designated organizations and can help you secure the necessary support for your Start-Up Visa application.

What is a Qualifying Business?

For your business to qualify under the Start-Up Visa Program, it must meet certain ownership and operational requirements:

• Your business must be incorporated in Canada
• At the time you receive your permanent residency, you must provide active and ongoing management of the business from within Canada
• A significant part of the operations of the business must take place in Canada
• Up to five people can apply as owners, but each applicant must hold at least 10% of the voting rights in the business
• Together with the designated organization, the applicants must hold more than 50% of the total voting rights

VisaVio will work closely with you to ensure that your business meets all the criteria required for a qualifying business under the program.

Benefits of the Start-Up Visa Program

The Start-Up Visa Program offers many advantages for entrepreneurs, including:

• Direct pathway to permanent residency in Canada for you and your family
• Access to Canada’s thriving economy, which supports innovation and business growth
• No minimum net worth requirement, making it accessible for a broader range of entrepreneurs
• Ability to live and work in any province in Canada, without being tied to a specific region
• Potential to receive funding and mentorship from designated organizations to help your business succeed
• Opportunities to expand your business and create jobs for Canadians, contributing to Canada’s economic development
• Children of entrepreneurs can attend public schools for free, and the whole family can benefit from Canada’s excellent healthcare system

VisaVio is dedicated to helping you take full advantage of the Start-Up Visa Program, ensuring that your innovative business idea becomes a reality in Canada.