Start-Up
To be eligible for the Canadian Start-up Visa program, an applicant must propose an innovative, scalable, and job-creating business idea in Canada. The business must be incorporated Federally or Provincially and must be in one of the following sectors:
- Information and communications technology (ICT)
- Digital media
- Clean technology
- Life sciences
- Agri-food
- Advanced Manufacturing
Language Proficiency
A candidate must demonstrate proficiency in either English or French by taking a Canadian government-approved test. The minimum score required is CLB 5 for speaking and listening and CLB 4 for reading and writing.
Educational Qualification
Applicants must have completed at least one year of post-secondary education. That can be a degree, diploma, or certificate from a recognized institution.
Investment
Applicants must secure a minimum investment of $200,000 from a designated organization or a minimum investment of $75,000 from a designated angel investor group. Applicants can also apply for funding from venture capital funds or business incubators designated by the Canadian government.
Support from Designated Organization
Applicants must obtain a letter of support from a designated organization willing to invest in their startup. The Canadian government must approve the designated organization and have experience working with startups.
Application Process
Submission of Expression of Interest
(EOI)
The first step in the Canadian Start-up Visa application process is to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) to the Canadian government. The EOI must include information about the applicant’s business idea, qualifications, and language proficiency. The EOI is evaluated based on the applicant’s potential to create jobs in Canada, the scalability of their business idea, and their ability to secure funding from a designated organization.
Letter of Support from a Designated Organization
Once the EOI is approved, the applicant must obtain a letter of support from a designated organization willing to invest in their startup. The Canadian government must approve the designated organization and have experience working with startups. The letter of support must include details about the investment amount and the terms of the investment.
Immigration Application
After obtaining a letter of support, the applicant must submit an immigration application to the Canadian government. The application includes personal information, educational qualifications, work experience, and details about the applicant’s business idea. The application must also include proof of language proficiency and financial and criminal background checks.
Medical Examination and Police Clearance Certificate
As part of the application process, the applicant must undergo a medical examination by a doctor approved by the Canadian government. The examination includes a physical exam, blood tests, and X-rays. The applicant must also obtain a police clearance certificate from every country where they have lived for more than six months since they were 18.
Interview
A Canadian immigration officer will interview the applicant if the immigration application is approved. In the interview, the applicant is assessed on their knowledge of the Canadian market, their ability to integrate into Canadian society, and their understanding of the business idea.