Startup Visa
Canada
Program Overview
Canada's Startup Visa Programme (SUV) is one of the most entrepreneur-friendly immigration pathways in the world, designed specifically to attract innovative founders who can build scalable, globally competitive businesses in Canada. Unlike traditional investor visa programmes that require a minimum capital transfer, the Canadian Startup Visa has no minimum investment requirement — what it requires instead is a letter of support from a designated Canadian organisation: a venture capital fund, angel investor group, or business incubator.
Successful applicants receive Canadian Permanent Residency (PR) — not a temporary work permit — which means they arrive in Canada with the full rights of a permanent resident from day one. After three years of physical presence in Canada as a PR holder, they become eligible to apply for Canadian citizenship, one of the world's most respected passports with visa-free access to over 185 countries.
Canada's Startup Visa is particularly well-suited to technology entrepreneurs, fintech founders, and deep-tech innovators. The programme has no sector restrictions, but designated organisations naturally gravitate toward scalable, technology-driven businesses. Applicants can include up to five co-founders in a single application, making it an attractive route for founding teams.
Key Highlights
Suited For
Eligibility Requirements
- Letter of support from a designated Canadian venture capital fund, angel investor group, or business incubator
- Ownership of at least 10% of voting rights in the business at the time of application
- Designated organisation must hold at least 10% of voting rights (VC/angel) or have accepted the applicant into their programme (incubator)
- Language proficiency: minimum CLB 5 in English or French across all four abilities
- Sufficient settlement funds to support yourself and your family in Canada
- Admissibility: clean criminal record and medical clearance
- Business must be incorporated in Canada or in the process of being incorporated
Investment Options
Venture Capital Backing
CAD 200,000 minimum VC commitmentA designated Canadian venture capital fund must commit to invest at least CAD 200,000 in the business and issue a letter of support. The investment is made by the VC, not the applicant.
Angel Investor Backing
CAD 75,000 minimum angel commitmentA designated Canadian angel investor group must commit to invest at least CAD 75,000 in the business and issue a letter of support.
Business Incubator
No investment requiredAcceptance into a designated Canadian business incubator programme. No minimum investment required — the incubator's letter of support is sufficient.
Key Benefits
- Permanent Residency granted immediately — not a temporary work permit
- No minimum personal investment required
- Up to five co-founders can be included in a single application
- Path to Canadian citizenship after three years of physical presence
- Canadian passport: visa-free access to 185+ countries including the US, UK, EU, and Australia
- Access to Canada's world-class healthcare and education systems
- Full work rights for the applicant and spouse from day one of PR
- Children receive PR and access to Canadian public schools immediately
Based on enquiry volume and advisor recommendations on the Jurentra platform.
Min. Investment
No minimum
Processing Time
12–16 months
Visa Type
Entrepreneur Visa
Path to Citizenship
3 years
More programs in North America
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