Start-Up Visa Eligibility Factors/Requirements

To be eligible for Canada’s Start-Up Visa Program, you must meet specific requirements that ensure you have skills, resources, and potential to build an innovative business in Canada. Below are the key eligibility criteria for the Start-Up Visa:

To qualify under this program, You must have:

· Own at least 10% of a business with an innovative idea, actively developing or planning its establishment in Canada. You and the designated organization together must hold over 50% of voting rights. The business must be a for-profit, operational enterprise.

· There must be a letter of support from one of Canada’s designated organizations, such as venture capital funds, angel investors, or business incubators. These organizations assess the business idea and must agree to invest or offer support. The letter of support or a Commitment Certificate must be included in the application. Venture capital funds invest in high-growth businesses, angel investors fund early-stage startups, and business incubators provide mentoring, office space, and resources to help entrepreneurs succeed and grow their businesses.

How to Qualify for Canada Start-up Visa program

• You must demonstrate proficiency in English or French with a minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level of 5 in speaking, listening, reading, and writing. To prove language ability, you must take an approved language test, such as IELTS for English or TEF for French.

• You must show you have enough funds to support yourself and your family members after arriving in Canada, ensuring you can settle and sustain yourselves while developing your business. The required amount depends on the family size, but you are not required to invest a specific amount in the business, as the designated organization provides the necessary financial support. The settlement funds are determined based on the number of family members accompanying you.

Check Eligibility for Canada Start-up Visa program

• The business idea must be innovative, scalable, and capable of creating jobs in Canada. It should have growth potential and the ability to compete globally. The business cannot be a passive investment, such as real estate or stocks. You must actively manage and operate the business, which must be located in Canada.

• You must meet certain general requirements to be eligible for the Start-Up Visa. You must not be inadmissible to Canada due to criminality, security issues, or medical reasons. The business must comply with all Canadian laws and regulations and be operational. You must demonstrate active involvement in running the business. Additionally, you must plan to establish the business in any province or territory in Canada, except Quebec, which has its own separate immigration program for entrepreneurs. The business must be a genuine, functioning enterprise located outside Quebec to be eligible for this program.

Eligibility for Canada Start-up Visa program

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