When most people hear about the Canada Startup Visa Program, one of the first questions they ask us at Loft Immigration is this:
👉 “Can I apply for Canada Startup Visa without a business partner?”
It’s a very good question, and the answer is: Yes, you can apply alone. You don’t necessarily need a business partner.
But before you rush into it, let’s talk about what applying alone really means, when it makes sense, and when it might be better to apply with partners.
What Is the Canada Startup Visa Program?
The Canada Startup Visa is one of the most exciting immigration programs for entrepreneurs. It allows innovative business owners to move to Canada, set up a business, and also get permanent residency for themselves and their families.
If you’re curious about how this program compares to other business immigration routes, you might want to check out our guide on Canada Business Immigration: How We Help You Turn Ideas Into Permanent Residency.
Do You Need a Business Partner for the Canada Startup Visa?
Here’s the truth: you don’t need a business partner to apply. The program allows you to apply as a sole founder.
At the same time, it also allows up to five people to apply together for the same business idea. That means you can come in alone or with partners—it’s completely up to you.
So, if you’ve been asking yourself “Can I apply for Canada Startup Visa without a business partner?” the answer is: Yes, you can.
The Challenges of Applying Alone
On the flip side, going solo comes with challenges:
All the work is on you – From product development to pitching investors, it’s your responsibility.
More scrutiny – Designated organizations may want stronger proof that you alone can manage the business.
Possible skill gaps – You may be strong in one area but weak in another (like marketing, finance, or technology).
In fact, one of the 5 Biggest Mistakes Nigerians Make With Canada Startup Visa Application is not preparing well enough to cover all areas of the business before applying.
What Canadian Organizations Look For
Whether you apply alone or with partners, what really matters is convincing a designated organization. They will want to see:
A strong business idea – Innovative, scalable, and competitive.
Your capacity to deliver – Your skills, leadership, and track record.
Benefits to Canada – Will your business create jobs and contribute to the economy?
Ownership requirements – At least 10% of the voting rights must belong to you, and together with the designated organization, you must control more than 50%.
To improve your chances, it helps to prepare a solid business plan. We’ve explained exactly how in our post: How to Write a Business Plan That Can Help You Get Canada Startup Visa.
What You Gain From the Canada Startup Visa
No matter how you apply—alone or with partners—the Canada Startup Visa offers big rewards:
Permanent residency for you and your family
Access to Canada’s start-up ecosystem (talent, infrastructure, markets)
A path to citizenship once you meet residency requirements
If you’d like to understand the full journey from Startup Visa to permanent residency, don’t miss our article on Canada Startup Visa to PR: How Does It Work?.
Our Final Advice
Yes—you can apply for the Canada Startup Visa without a business partner. Many entrepreneurs have successfully done so. But whether you apply solo or as a team, you need the right guidance to improve your chances.
At Loft Immigration Services Inc., we’ve spent over 10 years helping entrepreneurs and investors from Nigeria, Africa, and around the world secure Canadian permanent residency through programs like the Canada Startup Visa. We know what designated organizations are looking for, and we guide you every step of the way.
To see why more and more Nigerian entrepreneurs are choosing this pathway, you can also read our insights on the Top 5 Reasons Why Canada is Welcoming Nigerian Entrepreneurs Through Business Immigration.
Let’s discuss the best way to position your Canada Startup Visa application for success.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the Canada Startup Visa?
The Canada Startup Visa is a special immigration program designed for entrepreneurs who have an innovative business idea that can create jobs in Canada and compete globally. It allows successful applicants to get permanent residency in Canada while building their business.
2. Can I apply for Canada Startup Visa without a business partner?
Yes, you can apply for the Canada Startup Visa without a business partner. The program does not require you to have co-founders if your idea is strong enough and you have the support of a designated organization in Canada. However, some people prefer having partners to share the workload and strengthen the application.
3. How much money do I need to apply for the Canada Startup Visa?
You must show that you have enough settlement funds to support yourself and your family when you arrive in Canada. The required amount depends on your family size and is updated yearly by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
4. Who qualifies for the Canada Startup Visa Program?
To qualify, you must:
Have an innovative business idea.
Get a letter of support from a designated organization in Canada (like an angel investor group, venture capital fund, or business incubator).
Meet the language requirements.
Have enough settlement funds for yourself and your family.
5. How long does it take to get permanent residency through the Canada Startup Visa?
On average, it takes about 12 to 18 months for most applications to be processed. However, timelines can vary depending on your application and background checks.
6. Do I need IELTS or English test results to apply for Canada Startup Visa?
Yes, you need to prove your language ability in English or French. For the Canada Startup Visa, the minimum requirement is CLB 5 in speaking, listening, reading, and writing, which is a moderate level of English or French.
7. What happens if my startup fails after I get permanent residency?
The good news is that your permanent residency in Canada is not tied to the success of your business. Even if the startup does not succeed, you and your family can continue living and working in Canada as permanent residents.
8. Why should I use an immigration consultant for the Canada Startup Visa?
The process can be complex — from getting support from a designated organization to preparing a strong business plan and submitting the right documents. Working with an experienced immigration consultant like Loft Immigration, who has helped many clients succeed with Canadian immigration over the past 10 years, increases your chances of approval and makes the process much smoother.
