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Start Up Visa Program (“CSUV”)
Canada
Canada Start-up Visa Program
Canada’s Start-up Visa Program targets immigrant entrepreneurs with the skills and potential to build businesses in Canada that are innovative, can create jobs for Canadians, and are capable of competing on a global scale
This is a Permanent Resident program, where applicants will receive PR to come to Canada, incorporate a company, and work on a start-up concept in collaboration with a Canadian government-approved organization.
Start-up Visa Program:
1 Angel investor groups:
You need one or more investors connected to the approved groups to invest a minimum of CAD 75,000 in your business
2 Venture capital funds:
Applicants must secure an investment of CAD 200,000 from at least one of the approved venture capital funds
3 Business incubators
Applicants must be accepted into an approved business incubator program
Business Incubators – Application process:
The Canada Start-up Visa Program was launched in 2013 to attract entrepreneurs with the skills and potential to establish innovative businesses that can create jobs for Canadians and compete on a global scale. The program connects these entrepreneurs with designated organizations like business incubators, which help them bring their business ideas to life
Seed Stage and Assessment of Eligibility
At this stage, we gather the necessary information to assess the candidate’s eligibility for the Start-up Visa (SUV) Program. Using a confidential client intake form, we will collect details about the candidate’s:
• Background
• Language proficiency (CLB 5 in English or French)
• Personal assets
• Business and employment history
We also request a description of the start-up idea. The idea can be in its early stages, and our team will review it, providing feedback, modifications, and suggestions to tailor it to the Canadian market context. This helps ensure the business concept aligns with the requirements of the Canadian Start-up Visa Program
Preliminary Business Plan and Creation of Company
In this stage, our team of professionals works closely with the entrepreneur to refine the business concept. We develop a detailed business plan that covers:
• Innovation
• Marketing strategies
• Production processes
• Job creation
• Financial projections
Once the preliminary business plan is ready, it is sent for the entrepreneur’s approval. Additionally, we proceed to incorporate a Federal Corporation under the Canada Business Corporations Act. A Canadian lawyer is appointed to the board of directors to ensure compliance with Canadian laws, which require 25% of the board to be Canadian residents. This lawyer also offers management support and helps build trust with local partners and the business incubator
Complete the Business Plan, Submission of the Project to the Business Incubator, and Receive the Letter of Support
At this stage, the entrepreneur’s business idea is fully developed into a comprehensive business plan .This business plan is then presented to a Business Incubator for review and approval. The incubator may request additional information or suggest modifications . They may also arrange discussions with the entrepreneur to gain more insight into the project. Our team will assist the entrepreneur in preparing for these interactions, ensuring they are ready for any discussions or presentations required.
Once the incubator is satisfied with the project, they issue a Letter of Support, which is a critical document for the entrepreneur's application for the Start-up Visa Program
Key Elements of the Business Plan:
A strong business plan provides a detailed roadmap for how the company will operate. It covers every aspect of the business, from marketing strategies to financial performance. The following elements are typically included:
1) Executive Summary – A concise description of the project, the amount of financing required, and any additional key information needed to explain the business plan.
2) Business Overview –This section covers major factors influencing the business, including:
- Demographic, economic, social, and cultural factors
- Major players and industry trends
- Government regulations that may affect the business
- Market segment, pricing, distribution, and risk factors
3) The Competition – A detailed analysis of:
- Competitors in the market
- Their strengths and weaknesses
- The entrepreneur’s competitive advantage
4) Sales & Marketing Plan –Includes strategies for:
- Customer acquisition and retention
- Suppliers, advertising & promotion
- Pricing, distribution, and customer service plans
5) Financial Plan –A projection of the company’s expected financial performance, including:
- Sales and cost of goods sold
- Expenses, income statement, balance sheet, and cash flow projections
- Financial requirements and key performance indicators
6) Operating Plan, Human Resource Plan, and Action Plan:
A detailed plan covering the operational processes, human resource needs, timelines, and key milestones
Prepare and Submit the Application for Permanent Residence
Our team will assist in preparing the entrepreneur’s permanent residence application. This includes completing application forms and gathering supporting documents, such as:
- Language Test Results: The applicant must submit official test results from a designated language testing agency (IELTS, CELPIP, TEF-Canada, or TCF Canada), showing a minimum CLB 5 in listening, reading, writing, and speaking. These results must be less than 2 years old at the time of submission
- Police Clearances: The applicant and any family members aged 18 or older must provide police clearance certificates from each country where they have lived for at least 6 months since turning 18
- Government Fees: Application fees must be paid as required by the Canadian government, including biometric fees if applicable.
- Medical Examination: A medical exam is required for the applicant and their family to ensure that no health conditions pose a danger to Canada’s public health or safety, or place an excessive demand on health or social services
At the time of applying, the applicant must submit official test results from a designated language testing agency (IELTS, CELPIP, TEF-Canada or TCFCanada) demonstrating a minimum CLB 5 in listening, reading, writing and speaking. These results must be less than 2 years old at the time of submission.
The applicant and any family members 18 years of age and older must provide police clearance certificates from each country where they have lived for 6 months or more, since the age of 18.
Launch of the Start-up and Incubation
During this phase, the entrepreneur must begin taking concrete steps to execute the business plan. This includes:
• Opening a company bank account, initiating marketing and branding efforts, and developing the company’s website.
• In some cases, the business may hire employees, develop partnerships, and acquire strategic resources to advance the business
• An investment in the Start-Up is necessary at this stage, typically at least CAD $100,000, depending on the project, to ensure the company has sufficient liquidity during the start-up phase
Temporary Work Permit
Although not mandatory, entrepreneurs can apply for a temporary work permit while waiting for their permanent residence application to be processed. This work permit allows the entrepreneur to start the incubation program early, which typically includes meetings and guidance to help launch the start-up over a period of six months If a work visa is not feasible before the PR is granted, the entrepreneur can still join the incubation program once permanent residence is approved
Permanent Residence
Once the application is positively assessed, permanent resident status is granted to the entrepreneur and their family by Immigration, Refugees & Citizenship Canada (IRCC). After receiving PR:
• The appointed Director on the company’s board will resign, as the entrepreneur now has full control over managing the business.
• The entrepreneur will be responsible for ensuring the business remains sufficiently capitalized and is the primary driver behind its growth and success.
• Additional investment from the entrepreneur may be required to ensure the ongoing success of the business
Where is Canada?
Benefits
- Federal Processing 12-16 months
- Permanent Residence for Applicant and Dependents (spouse and children under 21)
- Freedom to Live Anywhere in Canada
- Option to Apply for a Work Permit
Eligibility Requirements
Have a qualifying business
Obtain a Letter of Support from a Designated Organization
Meet Language Requirements
Enough Money to Settle
- Have a qualifying business
- At the time you get a commitment from a designated organization:
- Applicants and the designated organization must jointly own more than 50% of the voting rights attached to all shares At the time you receive your permanent residence:
- The applicant must be actively managing the business from within Canada
- A substantial portion of the business’s operations must occur in Canada.
- The business must be incorporated in Canada
- Obtain a Letter of Support from a Designated Organization
- Present your business idea to a designated business incubator, angel investor, or venture capital fund for their endorsement.
- Once your business idea is approved, the designated organization will provide a Letter of Support, which is crucial for your permanent residence application
- Meet Language Requirements
- Demonstrate language proficiency by meeting at least CLB 5 in listening, reading, writing, and speaking in English or French. This must be proven through an official language test (IELTS, CELPIP, TEF-Canada, or TCF Canada)
- Enough money to settle
- The Canadian government does not offer financial support for this visa. Applicants must prove they have sufficient settlement funds to support themselves and their family when they arrive in Canada
A qualifying business means you created a business that meets the following conditions.
Program Timeline
STEP 1
- Seed Stage and Eligibility Assessment
Month 1
This involves collecting necessary background information and assessing eligibility for the Start-up Visa Program
STEP 2
- Preliminary Business Plan and Company Formation
Month 2
Develop a preliminary business plan and establish a federal corporation under Canadian law
STEP 3
- Completion of Business Plan and Letter of Support
Month 4
Finalize the business plan and submit it to the designated organization. Upon approval, you will receive the Letter of Support
STEP 4
- Prepare and Submit the Application for Permanent Residence
Month 5
Submit the application for permanent residence, along with supporting documents such as language test results, police certificates, and biometrics
STEP 5
- Launch of the Start-up and Incubation
Month 5
Begin executing the business plan and participate in the Business Incubator’s incubation program, which helps guide the launch of your start-up
STEP 6
- Permanent Residence
Month 14 to 20
Once approved, receive permanent resident status for you and your dependents
Canada Start Up Program
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