Update October 2026
This program has closed. The Start-up Visa Program closed to new permanent residence applications at 11:59 pm on 31 December 2025. Holders of a 2025 commitment certificate could still apply until 30 June 2026, and Start-up Visa linked work permits are closed to new applicants (extensions are still possible for those in Canada). A replacement entrepreneur pilot has been announced, but no rules or opening date had been published by late 2026. The federal Self-Employed Persons Program also remains paused. The information below is kept for reference. Please speak with our team about other business options, such as provincial entrepreneur streams under the PNP.
If you have the skills, enterprise and entreprenurial spirit to start a business in Canada, you may qualify for permanent residence in Canada under the Start-up Visa Program. This program is targeted at individuals who want to establish a startup in Canada which:
- can grow to compete in the global marketplace
- will create jobs for Canadian worker
- is innovative
Who can apply for the Start-up Visa Program?
In order to qualify for the Start-up Visa Program, you must:
- be applying either as an individual entrepreneur, or as part of a group no larger than five owners
- hold at least 10% of the voting rights in your business, and at least 50% of the voting rights when yours are combined with those of your co-applicants and sponsoring organization
- have received a letter of support from a ‘designated organization’ authorized by Canadian authorities to sponsor start-up visa applicants
- demonstrate that you have sufficient English or French language skills by gaining at least Canadian Language Benchmark 5 in a language test administered by a government-approved agency
- demonstrate that you have sufficient funds to support yourself and any accompanying family members when you move to Canada. Specifically:
- CAD $15,263 for yourself
- CAD $19,001 for yourself and one family member
- CAD $23,360 for yourself and two family members
- CAD $28,362 for yourself and three family members
- CAD $32,168 for yourself and four family members
- CAD $36,280 for yourself and five family members
- CAD $40,392 for yourself and six family members
- Plus CAD $4,112 for any additional family members in excess of six
What does the Start-up Visa Program offer?
If accepted onto the Start-up Visa Program, you will be given the right to live and work in Canada on a permanent basis. Permanent residents in Canada get access to a social insurance number, public healthcare, and the right to live, work or study anywhere in Canada.
Once permanent residence has been granted, it will last indefinitely providing that you continue to live in Canada for a minimum of 730 days in any five year period.
How do I apply for the Start-up Visa Program?
Applications for the Start-up Visa Program can be submitted online, with fees starting at CAD $2,495 (including the Right of Permanent Residence Fee). When you apply, you will need to provide a letter of sponsorship from a designated organization, so you should ensure you secure this well in advance of when you would like to apply.
Applications for the Start-up Visa Program are currently taking around 38 months to process, and there is a cap of ten group applications per designated organisization.
If you are awaiting the outcome of an application for permanent residence under this program, you may be able to secure a temporary work permit to allow you to start or continue building your business in Canada.