Start-up Visa Program
🇨🇦 Canada visas · Business
What it is
Canada's main pathway for innovative entrepreneurs. Requires a letter of support from a designated Canadian venture capital fund, angel investor group, or business incubator. Leads to permanent residence.
Key facts
- Category
- Business
- Duration
- Permanent residence once application is approved.
- Application fee
- CAD 1,365
- Processing time
- 36 months
Standard figures for this route. Some applicants pay a reduced fee or none at all, so confirm your own case on the official page.
Key requirements
- Letter of support from a designated Canadian venture capital fund (min CAD 200,000 investment), angel investor group (min CAD 75,000), or business incubator
- Hold a qualifying ownership stake in the business
- Language proficiency at CLB 5 (English or French)
- Sufficient settlement funds
- Intend to actively manage the business from Canada
Facts checked against the official source. Last updated 26 June 2026.