Are you a Nigerian entrepreneur or business owner thinking of relocating to Canada through the Canada Startup Visa program?
Great choice. The Canada Startup Visa application is one of the smartest pathways for business-minded Nigerians who want to move to Canada—not just for a better life, but to grow something innovative that matters.
But we’ve noticed something: many Nigerians make avoidable mistakes with the Canada Startup Visa application, and sadly, these mistakes can ruin the entire process.
At Loft Immigration, we’re a licensed Canadian immigration consulting firm based in Toronto, and we’ve helped many Nigerians and Africans successfully move to Canada—especially through the Startup Visa program. With over 10 years of experience, we’ve seen what works and what doesn’t.
Let’s sit down and talk about the 5 biggest mistakes Nigerians make with the Canada Startup Visa, and more importantly—how to avoid them.
1. Thinking Any Business Idea Can Work for Canada Startup Visa
This is one of the most common mistakes we see with the Canada startup visa application for Nigerians. Many applicants assume that any regular business can be used to apply.
But here’s the truth: Canada Startup Visa is not for just any type of business. Canada is looking for innovative, scalable businesses that can grow fast, create jobs, and compete globally.
So, if your idea is to open a supermarket, salon, or provision store, it sadly won’t qualify.
✅ What works?
Ideas like a mobile health app, agri-tech platform, fintech solution, or anything tech-based with international potential.
You can also check out our guide on how Nigerian entrepreneurs can get a Canada Startup Visa for more clarity on qualifying ideas.
👉 Avoid this mistake: Before you apply, be sure your idea meets the Canadian standards. At Loft, we help review your concept to see if it qualifies. Book an Evaluation Call today to get started the right way
2. Submitting a Weak or Rushed Business Plan
Even if you have a solid idea, your Canada startup visa application still needs a strong business plan to back it up. And this is where a lot of Nigerians miss it.
Some people submit plans with no clear direction, no market research, and unrealistic projections. But in Canada, this won’t fly. The investors and incubators reviewing your file expect you to show how your business will succeed in the Canadian market.
❌ A rushed or copy-paste plan is a red flag.
✅ A solid business plan shows growth strategy, target market, competitive analysis, and financial forecast.
👉 Avoid this mistake: Don’t write your business plan in a hurry. Work with professionals who understand what Canadian incubators are looking for. At Loft Immigration, we help our clients craft winning plans.
You can also read our tips on how to get your startup ready for success under the Canadian Startup Visa.
3. Sending the Same Pitch to Every Designated Organization
Another big mistake Nigerians make during the Canada startup visa application is this: they send the same pitch deck to every designated organization on the list.
That approach simply doesn’t work.
Each designated organization—whether an incubator, angel investor group, or venture capital firm—has its own focus area. Some only support fintech startups. Others may prefer agri-tech or med-tech. If your pitch doesn’t match their area of interest, they’ll likely ignore you.
👉 Avoid this mistake:
Do your homework. Understand who you’re pitching to and what they care about. Tailor your presentation to match their expectations.
For further help, we wrote about the 7 best practices for Canada Startup Visa to PR—go check it out.
At Loft, we’ve worked with several designated organizations and can help you identify the right fit for your idea.
4. Not Preparing for What Comes After Getting the Visa
Let’s say your Canada startup visa application is approved—congrats! But what next?
Many people don’t plan for the next phase: actually running the business in Canada.
You’ll be expected to:
Move to Canada
Build and operate your business
Deliver on your business plan
Stay in communication with your supporting organization
Some applicants think once they get permanent residence, they can forget the business. But Canada doesn’t play like that. You’re expected to do what you said you would.
👉 Avoid this mistake: Be serious about building the business in Canada. Don’t just apply for PR and abandon your startup. At Loft, we’ll help you create a post-landing strategy to stay on track and grow your business the smart way.
For more guidance, read our latest update on the Canada Startup Visa process and news in 2025.
5. Trusting Unlicensed or Inexperienced Consultants
This is one of the most dangerous mistakes.
Too many Nigerians fall into the hands of unlicensed agents or immigration middlemen who don’t truly understand how the Canada startup visa application for Nigerians works.
Some of these people will promise you fast-track approval, charge ridiculous amounts, and disappear. Others might submit fake documents that get you blacklisted.
Please hear this loud and clear:
If the person helping you with your immigration isn’t licensed with the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC), don’t work with them.
👉 Avoid this mistake:
Work with a licensed, experienced firm like Loft Immigration Services Inc. We’re based in Toronto, regulated by CICC, and we’ve helped many Nigerians succeed with their Canada immigration.
In fact, you can read the 5 lessons we’ve learned from 10 years of helping clients succeed with Canadian immigration.
The Canada Startup Visa is an amazing opportunity for Nigerian entrepreneurs, but it’s not a shortcut. It takes preparation, knowledge, and the right team behind you.
You need:
A strong and innovative business idea
A solid business plan
The right support from the right organization
A long-term mindset for success in Canada
And the right team to guide you
At Loft Immigration, we’ve been doing this for over a decade—and we’d be glad to help you too.
And if you’re still exploring your options, check out these 4 recommended ways to move from Nigeria to Canada in 2025.
👉 Ready to get started the right way? Book a consultation call with our team today and let’s help you navigate your Canada Startup Visa application successfully.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the Canada Startup Visa, and who is it for?
The Canada Startup Visa is a Canadian immigration program designed for entrepreneurs who have an innovative and scalable business idea. It’s ideal for business-minded individuals—like many Nigerians—who want to move to Canada, launch a business, and gain permanent residency. To qualify, your business idea must attract support from a designated Canadian organization and show potential for job creation and global success.
Related: How Nigerian Entrepreneurs Can Get a Canada Startup Visa
2. What kind of business idea qualifies for the Canada Startup Visa application for Nigerians?
Not all businesses qualify. For your Canada Startup Visa application to be considered, your business must be innovative, technology-driven, and scalable. Canada is looking for startups in areas like fintech, health tech, green energy, and agri-tech—something with global potential.
Related: Canadian Startup Visa: How to Get Your Startup Ready for Success
3. What are the common mistakes Nigerians make with the Canada Startup Visa?
Some of the most common mistakes include:
Using non-innovative business ideas
Submitting weak business plans
Targeting the wrong designated organizations
Working with unlicensed agents
To avoid mistakes with your Canada Startup Visa application, it’s crucial to work with licensed professionals like Loft Immigration.
4. How do I choose the right designated organization for my startup?
Each designated organization (incubators, venture capital firms, and angel investors) has its own area of interest. Before you apply, research their focus. Some support fintech startups, others prefer clean tech, AI, or healthcare. Submitting the same pitch to all of them is a common mistake Nigerians make with their Canada Startup Visa application.
5. Can I apply for the Canada Startup Visa alone, or do I need a team?
You can apply as a solo founder or with a team of up to five people. But all team members must play an essential role in the business. Canada wants to see that every person listed is contributing meaningfully to the startup’s growth.
Related: The Canada Startup Visa Family Immigration Explained
6. What happens after my Canada Startup Visa is approved?
After approval, you’re expected to relocate to Canada and actually run the business you presented in your application. This includes staying in touch with your designated organization and meeting all your business obligations. Canada takes this seriously—your PR status could be questioned if you abandon your startup.
