Canada’s Start-Up Visa (SUV) Program is one of the few immigration pathways designed specifically for entrepreneurs. Unlike traditional visas that focus on personal income or job offers, the SUV gives founders the chance to build innovative businesses in Canada while securing permanent residence for themselves and their families.
All the details in this guide are drawn directly from official Canadian government publications, so you can be confident the information is accurate and up to date.
Why should you care now?
- Application caps: Each designated organization can support only a limited number of start-ups per year
- Priority processing: Some applications are moved ahead in the queue, affecting how long it takes to reach permanent residence
- Open work permit option: Founders can now get a three-year open work permit to start building their business in Canada while the permanent residence file is processed
If you are an entrepreneur looking to launch globally, Canada’s SUV combines a welcoming immigration framework with access to one of the world’s most dynamic markets.
What is the Canada Start-Up Visa?
The Canada Start-Up Visa (SUV) Program is an immigration pathway for entrepreneurs who want to establish and grow innovative businesses in Canada. It offers permanent residence to founders who can show that their start-up has the potential to create jobs for Canadians and compete internationally.
To qualify, applicants must secure support from a designated Canadian organisation in Canada, such as a venture capital fund, angel investor group, or business incubator. This support serves as proof that the business idea has real backing and is not just a passive investment.
The program first launched as a pilot in 2013 and became a permanent immigration stream in 2018, following positive results published in the Canada Gazette.
The SUV is best suited for entrepreneurs who:
- Have an innovative, scalable business idea
- Want to actively manage and grow their company in Canada
- Are looking for a direct path to permanent residence for themselves and their families
Canada Start-Up Visa Benefits
Applying for the Canada Start-Up Visa comes with a wide range of advantages for founders and their families.
Beyond permanent residence, the program opens doors to business opportunities, stability, and global credibility. Here are the nine biggest benefits:
Together, these benefits make the SUV much more than a residency pathway. It is a launchpad for entrepreneurs who want to build scalable businesses while securing a safe and prosperous future in Canada.
Eligibility: Who’s Eligible for the Canada Start-Up Visa
The following criteria are not only practical checkpoints but also legal standards written directly into the IRPR and IRCC’s official guidance. Meeting each requirement is mandatory, and even a small gap can lead to delays or refusal.
Where you’ll live
You must intend to live outside Québec. The SUV is a federal program and does not apply in Québec, which has its own entrepreneur and investor immigration streams.
Team size
Up to five applicants can apply as founders of the same start-up. All members must meet the eligibility rules and apply together.
Ownership thresholds
Each applicant must hold at least 10% of the voting rights in the Canadian corporation. Collectively, the applicants and the designated supporting organization(s) must hold more than 50% of the total voting rights.
Language requirement
Applicants must prove language ability at Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 5 in English or French for all four skills: reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Only results from IRCC-approved language tests are accepted.
Settlement funds
You must show proof of unborrowed settlement funds to support yourself and your family after arrival. The exact amount depends on family size.
Qualifying business (IRPR 98.06)
Your business must meet all four legal tests:
- Incorporated in Canada
- Active and ongoing management from within Canada
- An essential part of operations carried out in Canada
- Ownership structure meets the voting rights rules
Designated Organization (DO) support
You must secure support from a designated organisation (venture capital fund, angel investor group, or business incubator). This support comes in the form of:
- A Letter of Support (LoS) provided to you
- A Commitment Certificate sent directly by the DO to IRCC
👉 For full details, check IRCC’s official Who can apply for the Start-Up Visa page.
Designated Organizations (VCs, Angels, Incubators)
A Designated Organisation (DO) is a Canadian venture capital fund, angel investor group, or business incubator that has been officially approved by IRCC to support applicants under the Start-Up Visa Program.
Their endorsement is mandatory because it indicates that the business has been vetted by market experts rather than relying solely on government evaluation.
Why DO support matters
- Without a Letter of Support from a DO, no application can move forward.
- DOs are responsible for assessing the start-up’s potential and sending a Commitment Certificate directly to IRCC.
- Their involvement separates the SUV from passive investor visas, ensuring active entrepreneurship.
Official DO list
IRCC publishes and maintains a complete list of designated organisations on its website. Applicants must only rely on this public list to identify potential partners.
👉 See the official IRCC Designated Organizations list
Current designation status
IRCC is not currently designating new organisations, which means the pool of eligible DOs is fixed until further notice. This makes access to their endorsement slots highly competitive.
Syndication
Support can come from multiple DOs, provided the combined commitment meets the minimum thresholds (e.g., $200,000 total from venture funds, $75,000 total from angel groups).
Integrity rule: no review fees
Under IRPR 98.04(2), a DO’s commitment is invalid if it requires applicants to pay a review or assessment fee. This is a common pitfall—founders must be cautious and ensure their DO partner complies with this regulation.
Essential member concept
On the Commitment Certificate, DOs must identify which applicants are “essential members.”
If an essential member withdraws or is refused, the entire application can fail. This makes the designation of “essential” a high-stakes part of the process.
Designated Organizations & Priority Flag
⚠️ Disclaimer: Priority labels shown on IRCC’s list don’t guarantee a faster outcome for every file; they only signal eligibility for a priority stream.
Sidebar: How founders approach DOs
Entrepreneurs typically approach DOs much like they would private investors:
- Pitch criteria: A compelling business plan, innovation focus, and global scalability.
- Incubator intakes: Many incubators run cohort-based programs, requiring formal applications and interviews.
- Proof of traction: Early customer validation, IP, or funding can significantly improve chances of receiving support.
Note: Always use the official IRCC list. Avoid relying on third-party directories or consultants promising introductions.
Application Process (PR) and Required Forms
Applying for the Canada Start-Up Visa requires careful preparation. The process is fully digital through the Permanent Residence Portal, and each stage must be completed correctly to avoid delays or refusals.
1. Secure support from a Designated Organization
Your first step is to pitch your start-up to a designated venture capital fund, angel investor group, or business incubator.
If accepted, you will receive a Letter of Support and the organisation will send a Commitment Certificate directly to IRCC.
Note: Each designated organisation can only support 10 completed group applications per year until December 31, 2026.
2. Prepare your application package
You must complete specific forms and gather supporting documents, including:
- IMM 0008 – Generic Application Form for Canada
- IMM 5669 – Schedule A: Background/Declaration
- IMM 5406 – Additional Family Information
- IMM 0008 Schedule 13 – Business Immigration Programs (Start-Up Business)
- IMM 5760 – Document Checklist (Start-Up Business Class)
You will also need:
- Approved language test results at CLB/NCLC 5 or higher
- Proof of settlement funds (updated annually by IRCC)
- Identity documents, civil status records, and supporting evidence.
3. Submit your application online
Applications must be filed digitally via the Permanent Residence Portal. Upload forms, supporting documents, and your Letter of Support. Pay the government fees:
- Principal applicant: CAD $2,385
- Spouse/partner: CAD $1,525
- Dependent child: CAD $260
- Biometrics: CAD $85 per person (or $170 max for a family)
4. Biometrics, medicals, and police certificates
IRCC will send you a Biometrics Instruction Letter. You must provide fingerprints and photos within 30 days at an authorised collection facility.
In addition, you and all dependants must complete a medical exam and provide police certificates for every country where you’ve lived 6+ months since age 18.
5. Optional: Apply for a 3-Year Open Work Permit
After submitting your PR application, you may apply for a 3-year open work permit if your Commitment Certificate identifies you as an “essential member”. This lets you relocate earlier, build your start-up, and also work for other employers.
6. IRCC review and final decision
IRCC will assess your application, background, and start-up viability. VCs, angels, or select incubators may prioritise applications, but processing times currently exceed 4 years (53 months).
Upon approval, you obtain a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR), granting you the status of a permanent resident in Canada.
Processing Times, Inventories & Expectations
What the Wait Looks Like in Practice
The Start-Up Visa process involves multiple stages, from securing designated organisation support to submitting your application, biometrics, and medical checks through the long wait for a decision.
This overview illustrates how the steps unfold, but it does not guarantee exact dates.
Official Processing Times
IRCC publishes expected wait times through its Processing Times tool. These figures change often, so applicants should always verify them directly before making business or relocation plans.
For clarity, here is a snapshot at the time of publication:
- Permanent residence applications under the Start-Up Visa show an estimated 53 months in IRCC’s tool.
- No dedicated estimate is listed for the optional open work permit. These are processed under general work permit timelines, which vary.
This snapshot is for reference only. Actual outcomes depend on whether your file is in the priority or regular stream and on IRCC’s current backlog.
Priority vs. Regular Streams
Since April 30, 2024, IRCC applies a two-tier system:
- Priority stream: Applications supported by venture capital funds, angel investor groups, or select incubators (Canada’s Tech Network or $75k+ investment) are moved ahead in the queue.
- Regular stream: Applications backed by non-priority incubators are processed later, often meaning significantly longer waits.
This policy overlay creates very different timelines between applicants but does not guarantee fast approvals.
Backlogs & Inventories
IRCC has acknowledged backlogs in the SUV stream, with some public sources citing multi-year waits.
These reflect global inventory pressures and restricted annual caps for designated organisations. This guide references only official IRCC evaluation reports and inventory disclosures.
Caps & Priority Processing
Recent policy changes have reshaped how applications for the Start-Up Visa are handled. Two new rules now define both accessibility and speed: caps on endorsements from designated organisations (DOs) and a priority processing stream.
The Annual Cap
- Each designated organisation can endorse up to ten completed group applications per calendar year.
- This rule applies until December 31, 2026.
- A group is counted only once all team members’ applications are received. Even if one later fails the completeness assessment, the group slot still counts.
- Applications are processed strictly on a first-come, first-served basis.
- If the DO has already reached its cap, IRCC will return the application package and refund the fees.
Priority Processing
Some files are moved to the front of the queue:
- Applications backed by a Canadian venture capital fund or angel investor group (both must be on IRCC’s designated list).
- Applications supported by a business incubator that is a member of Canada’s Tech Network.
These endorsements trigger faster processing, a significant advantage given that standard PR applications under the SUV currently face waits of over four years.
Practical Implications for Founders
- Scarcity of DO spots: With each DO limited to 10 endorsements annually, slots are highly competitive.
- Team coordination: All co-founders (up to five) must align the timing of their submissions so the group counts together. A delay by one member can jeopardise the cap spot.
- Strategic choice of DO: Entrepreneurs may wish to approach multiple organisations in parallel, balancing their fit with the potential for priority processing.
Fees, Funds & Costs
Government fees (Permanent Residence)
Applicants must pay several government fees when submitting a Start-Up Visa application.
These include the processing fee, the Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF), and biometrics. All amounts are in Canadian dollars (CAD).
Government fees for Start-Up Visa + biometrics
Always verify on IRCC’s official fee list or ePay before filing.
Non-official costs
Beyond government and settlement requirements, founders should budget for additional expenses that vary widely depending on their situation:
- Legal or advisory fees for preparing and reviewing the application.
- Founders should also budget for incubator tuition or participation fees, if applicable.
- Translations and certified copies of documents not in English or French.
- Police records from each nation where they have lived since they were 18.
- Medical exams by an IRCC-approved panel physician.
Risks, Rejection Triggers & Edge Cases
Even strong applications can fail if critical details are overlooked. These are the main pitfalls founders must avoid under the Start-Up Visa:
Even small oversights can derail an SUV application—precision is key.
Optional Open Work Permit (OOWP)
The Start-Up Visa includes an optional open work permit valid for up to 3 years. It is available only to applicants who have already filed their permanent residence (PR) application under the SUV program.
The OOWP lets founders work on their start-up and also take jobs with other Canadian employers, providing financial flexibility during the long PR wait.
Requirements
Applicants must show:
- Applicants must provide a Letter of Support from their designated organisation along with an Acknowledgement of Receipt for their PR file.
- Settlement funds to cover family living costs for 52 weeks, plus funds to launch the business.
- Proof of language ability (minimum CLB/NCLC 5).
- A significant economic benefit rationale explaining how the start-up will contribute to Canada (jobs, innovation, regional growth).
Transition rules
Before October 3, 2024, the SUV work permit was a 1-year, employer-specific permit. Those applicants can switch to the new OOWP, but must apply for the open permit before withdrawing the older application to maintain legal status.
Family members
Spouses can apply for an open work permit, while dependent children may apply for study permits.
Canada Start-Up Visa Alternatives & Comparisons
The Start-Up Visa is not the only pathway for entrepreneurs. Depending on your profile, these programs may be worth comparing:
- Provincial Entrepreneur Streams (PNPs)
Each province runs its own business immigration track. Most require higher personal net worth, investment commitments, and active management in that province. Unlike SUV, they’re province-bound and often start with a work permit before PR. - C11 Entrepreneur Work Permit
A flexible option under Canada’s International Mobility Program for entrepreneurs who can prove “significant benefit to Canada.” It’s quicker to obtain but is temporary. PR must be pursued later through another route. - Self-Employed Program
A niche stream for cultural or athletic professionals with notable track records. Very narrow eligibility compared to SUV.
Global Comparisons
The SUV is lighter on pure capital requirements than many global investor routes:
- U.S. EB-5 Visa: Requires USD 800,000–1,050,000 and proof of creating 10 U.S. jobs. SUVs prioritise innovations and endorsements, not just capital.
- Portugal Golden Visa: Often tied to €500,000+ real estate or fund investments. No active start-up role required.
- Italy Investor Visa: Requires €250,000–€2M direct investments into companies or bonds. Investment-driven, not founder-driven.
- Greece Golden Visa: A real-estate-focused route with a €250,000–€800,000 minimum property purchase, depending on location. Purely passive investment; no business activity needed.
👉 The contrast is clear: Canada’s SUV is founder-focused, designed for those building innovative companies. Most alternatives are capital-focused, offering residency in exchange for passive investment.
Final Thoughts
The Canada Start-Up Visa stands apart from global investment routes by prioritising innovation and entrepreneurship over passive capital. It grants permanent residence to founders and their families, offering stability even if the venture does not succeed.
However, the program is not for everyone. With strict eligibility, annual caps, and long processing times, it demands careful preparation and the right fit with a designated organisation. Compared to global alternatives like the U.S. EB-5, Portugal or Greece Golden Visa, and Italy’s Investor Visa, Canada’s SUV remains unique in focusing on founders, not investors.
At Movingto, we help entrepreneurs navigate these complexities, from eligibility checks to application strategy, making the process clearer, faster, and more achievable.
Ready to Launch Your Business in Canada?
At Movingto, we guide entrepreneurs through the Canada Start-Up Visa process. From eligibility checks to connecting with vetted legal partners and designated organizations, we help you turn your idea into a Canadian success story.
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