Start-Up Visa Program
Overview
The Start-Up Visa Program allows innovative entrepreneurs to obtain Canadian permanent residence if they receive a commitment letter from a designated organisation — either a venture capital fund, angel investor group, or business incubator. The business idea must be innovative and have the potential to create jobs for Canadians and compete on a global scale. Up to 5 co-founders can apply together on a single business. There is no age requirement, net worth requirement, or points test — the key requirement is the commitment from a designated organisation.
Program status — paused as of 2026: The Start-Up Visa Program was paused effective January 1, 2026. No new commitment certificates are being accepted from designated organisations, and no new SUV permanent residence applications have been accepted since December 19, 2025. Applicants who hold a valid commitment certificate issued on or before December 31, 2025 must submit their PR application by June 30, 2026. For the current program status, refer to the IRCC Start-Up Visa page.
The Start-Up Visa was the world's first permanent immigration pathway specifically designed for entrepreneurs. It became a permanent program in 2018. The program is distinct from investor programs — the applicant is expected to actively manage the business, not merely invest.
Eligibility
Requirements
- Commitment letter: a valid commitment letter from a designated organisation (VC fund, angel investor group, or business incubator) in Canada
- Language: CLB 5 in all four abilities (Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking)
- Education: no minimum education requirement (though a diploma or degree is typically required to satisfy VC/angel due diligence)
- Proof of funds: the applicant must demonstrate sufficient settlement funds based on family size (same LICO table as FSW, except applicants already in Canada with a valid work permit are exempt)
- Business ownership: each applicant must hold at least 10% of the voting rights in the business; the designated organisation must hold at least 10% of the voting rights
Designated organisations
There are three categories of designated organisations:
- Venture capital funds: must commit a minimum investment of $200,000 in the business
- Angel investor groups: must commit a minimum investment of $75,000 in the business
- Business incubators: no minimum investment required; the incubator accepts the business into its program (acceptance itself is the commitment)
The list of designated organisations is maintained by IRCC and updated periodically. Working with an undesignated organisation does not satisfy the requirement.
Innovative business requirement
The business must be innovative — it cannot be a conventional franchise, retail, or service business. The designated organisation makes an initial assessment of the business's innovation credentials as part of its investment or acceptance decision. IRCC defers significantly to the designated organisation's judgment on the innovation question.
Selection criteria
Application process
Application process
- Develop a business concept and approach designated organisations
- Secure acceptance or investment and obtain the commitment letter from the designated organisation
- Obtain language test results (CLB 5 minimum)
- Apply for a temporary work permit to come to Canada and work on the business while the PR application is processed (applicants can apply for a work permit at the same time as the SUV PR application)
- Submit the complete SUV permanent residence application to IRCC
Processing times
The Start-Up Visa program has historically had very long processing times — often 30–40 months — due to limited processing capacity. IRCC has set targets for improvement, but applicants should verify current processing times. In the interim, applicants typically work in Canada on a temporary work permit while awaiting a decision.