Start-Up Visa
Canada's pathway for innovative entrepreneurs to build a business and gain permanent residency. Get backed by a designated Canadian organisation and launch your venture with full PR status.
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The Start-Up Visa Program is Canada's flagship entrepreneur immigration pathway, designed to attract innovative founders who can build high-growth businesses in Canada. Unlike most work-based immigration routes, the SUV grants permanent residency directly, you don't need to hold a temporary work permit first. To qualify, you need a commitment from a designated Canadian venture capital fund, angel investor group, or business incubator that believes in your idea.
The programme was structured around a simple premise: if experienced Canadian investors are willing to back your venture, Canada wants you building it here. Each designated organisation provides a Letter of Support confirming they'll invest in or incubate your business. You also need to meet language requirements (CLB 5 in English or French) and have enough settlement funds to support yourself and your family.
Important update: IRCC closed the SUV to new applications effective December 31, 2025, due to a massive backlog and processing times exceeding 3 years. A new Entrepreneur Pilot is expected to launch later in 2026, featuring 12-month processing targets, sector-specific quotas (cleantech, AI, life sciences), and milestone-based work permit extensions. Concord is actively tracking the pilot's development and can position you to apply as soon as it opens.
Who is it for?
The Start-Up Visa is ideal for founders with genuinely innovative business concepts who want to build in Canada and gain permanent residency. Strong candidates typically have a working prototype or early traction, a clear market opportunity in Canada, and the ability to secure backing from a designated Canadian VC fund, angel investor group, or business incubator.
It's also a compelling option for founders who are currently building elsewhere (the US, Europe, or Asia) and want a stable immigration pathway that doesn't depend on employer sponsorship or lottery systems. If you've been exploring US options like the O-1A or E-2 but want a direct path to permanent residency, the Canadian entrepreneur route is worth serious consideration.
What are the requirements
Designated Organisation Support
You must secure a Letter of Support from a designated Canadian venture capital fund (minimum $200K investment), angel investor group (minimum $75K), or business incubator accepted into their programme.
Innovative Business
Your business must be innovative, scalable, and capable of competing globally. It must be incorporated in Canada, and you must hold at least 10% of voting rights.
Language Proficiency
Minimum CLB 5 in English or French across all four abilities (speaking, listening, reading, writing), demonstrated through an approved language test.
Settlement Funds
You must prove you have enough money to support yourself and your family upon arrival in Canada. The amount varies by family size and is updated annually by IRCC.
Visa Timeline
Concord Processing Time
Premium Processing Time
USCIS Processing Time
Concord assesses your business concept, founder profile, and connects you with the right designated organisation (VC, angel group, or incubator).
2–4 weeks
Pitch to designated organisations and secure a Letter of Support or commitment certificate confirming their backing for your venture.
4–12 weeks
Submit your permanent residency application to IRCC with your Letter of Support, language test results, settlement funds proof, and supporting documents.
2–4 weeks
12–37+ months
12–37+ months
6–42+ months (expected to shorten under new pilot)
The Concord
Difference:
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