- Lasted Update: February 6, 2026
Canada Startup Visa
The Canadian Startup Visa Program is for entrepreneurs with innovative ideas who will spur economic growth. This program requires a start-up business investment and grants permanent residency in Canada and Canadian citizenship after 3 years.
Canada Startup Visa Benefits
Residency and Family Inclusion
- Permanent residence for successful applicants.
- Dual citizenship is permitted.
Dependents included:
- Spouse or common law partner.
- Children under 22 years old who do not have a spouse or a common law partner.
Travel and Quality of Life
- Ability to live, work and study upon approval.
- Access to high quality subsidized education upon approval.
- Access to advanced health and welfare systems upon approval.
Ease of Access
- No age limit.
- Possibility to apply for Canadian citizenship after 3 years of permanent residence.
Canada Startup Visa Requirements
- The applicant must demonstrate that they are innovative immigrant entrepreneurs who will spur economic growth by obtaining a commitment certificate from a designated organization in order to qualify for the Canada start-up visa.
- The applicant must hold at least 10% of the voting shares in the business, and together with the designated organization more than 50% of the voting shares.
- The applicant must operate and manage the business venture once set up from within Canada.
- The applicant must meet a minimum of level 5 in the Canadian Language Benchmark Test in English or French, in speaking, reading, listening, and writing.
- The applicant must show that he has enough funds to support herself and any dependents after they arrive in Canada.
- The applicant and family members must be in good health and have no criminal record.
Canada Startup VisaInvestment options
Business Incubator
Obtain a commitment certificate which confirms the applicant’s business is currently participating in or has been accepted into its business incubator program.
Angel Investor Group
Obtain a commitment certificate which confirms the Angel Investor Group is investing at least CAD 75,000 in the applicant’s business.
Venture Capital Fund
Obtain a commitment certificate which confirms the Venture Capital is investing at least CAD 200,000 in the applicant’s business.
Canada Startup Visa Process
Canada startup visa processing time : 51 Months
Due Diligence And Application
- Appointment of an authorized representative to submit the application.
- Provide proof of language proficiency, and other personal documentation.
- Obtain commitment certificate from angel investor group, venture capital fund or business incubator.
Approval And Investment
- Submission of application form, supporting documents and fees.
- Published processing time for permanent residence applications submitted under this category is 51 months.
Residency
Successful applicants will immediately receive permanent residence status in Canada.
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With over 30 years of immigration experience, each of Harvey Law Group’s lawyers carefully studies each client’s needs, resources and determines the immigration solution that best aligns with our client’s vision and values.