If you’re an entrepreneur thinking about moving to Canada, growing your business, and getting permanent residency, the Canada Start-Up Visa program is one of the best options available.
But here’s the reality: not every business qualifies. That’s why we’ve created this eligibility checklist: Can your business qualify for Canada Start-Up Visa? It will help you quickly see if your business meets the requirements so you don’t waste time chasing something that isn’t a fit.
At Loft Immigration, we’ve spent over 10 years helping Nigerian and African entrepreneurs successfully submit their Canada Startup Visa applications, so when we speak about this, we speak from experience.
What is the Canada Start-Up Visa Program?
In simple terms, the Canada Startup Visa is for entrepreneurs with an innovative business idea who want to set up their business in Canada.
Unlike other immigration programs that demand huge personal investments, the Start-Up Visa focuses on:
Your business idea and its innovation
The potential to create jobs for Canadians
Your commitment to grow the business in Canada
Benefits include:
Permanent residency for you and your family
A work permit to start running your business
Access to Canada’s market and global business opportunities
Before starting your Canada Startup Visa application, let’s check if your business qualifies.
If you want to explore more business immigration pathways to Canada, check out our article: 5 Best Business Immigration Pathways to Canada for Nigerians & African Entrepreneurs in 2025.
Eligibility Checklist: Can Your Business Qualify for Canada Start-Up Visa?
Here’s a step-by-step checklist to help you evaluate your business.
1. Is Your Business Innovative?
Canada wants new and creative ideas, not just local businesses like salons, boutiques, or restaurants.
Ask yourself:
Does my business solve a real problem in a new or better way?
Can it grow beyond my country?
Can it create jobs in Canada?
Does it have potential to compete internationally?
Examples of businesses that usually qualify:
Fintech platforms
Health-tech solutions
EdTech platforms
AI-powered tools
Agritech or renewable energy solutions
For a deeper dive into which sectors Canada is prioritizing, read: Top 3 Industries Canada Wants for the Start-Up Visa.
2. Do You Have a Prototype or Proof of Concept?
You don’t need a fully running business, but Canada wants something tangible to show. This could include:
A basic prototype
Market research
A clear solution to a real problem
This is crucial for your Canada Startup Visa application because it shows that your idea can work.
3. Can You Get a Commitment Letter from a Designated Organization?
The heart of the Canada Start-Up Visa program is a letter of support from a designated Canadian organization.
Designated organizations include:
Venture capital funds
Angel investor groups
Business incubators
Without this endorsement, you cannot submit your Canada Startup Visa application.
Our team at Loft Immigration can help you identify the right designated organization and prepare your pitch to secure the commitment letter. Book an Evaluation Call if you want a seamless canada startup visa application process.
4. Do You Meet the Ownership Requirements?
Canada has rules about ownership structure:
Up to 5 founders can apply
Each founder must own at least 10% of voting rights
Together with the designated organization, the founders must hold more than 50% of total voting rights
Avoid giving away too much ownership before endorsement.
5. Can You Prove Your Language Skills?
You must show proficiency in English or French. Minimum requirement: CLB 5, equivalent to:
IELTS Reading: 4
IELTS Writing: 5
IELTS Listening: 5
IELTS Speaking: 5
Most of our clients can meet this requirement with adequate preparation.
6. Do You Have Enough Settlement Funds?
Canada wants to ensure you can support yourself and your family after arrival.
Approximate settlement funds for 2024–2025:
1 person: CAD $14,690
2 people: CAD $18,288
3 people: CAD $22,483
Funds must be accessible and in your bank account.
7. Is Your Business Scalable?
Canada is looking for businesses that can grow and succeed internationally. Ask:
Can this business expand in Canada and abroad?
Is it repeatable?
Can it attract investors?
Scalability makes your application more appealing to designated organizations.
If you’re unsure, you might also want to read our article: Canada Business Immigration: How We Help You Turn Ideas Into Permanent Residency to understand how scalability is assessed.
8. Can Your Business Create Jobs?
Job creation is central to the SUV program. You don’t need employees yet, but you must show a plan to create jobs in Canada, such as:
Software developers
Marketing and sales teams
Customer support staff
9. Are You Ready to Actively Run Your Business?
The Start-Up Visa is not just a ticket to Canada. You must be actively involved in:
Operations
Hiring and managing staff
Pitching to investors
Growing the business
For tips on avoiding common mistakes in the Canada Startup Visa application, check: 5 Biggest Mistakes Nigerians Make with Canada Startup Visa Application.
10. Do You Have a Strong Business Plan?
A strong business plan is essential. It should include:
The problem your business solves
Market research
Competitive advantage
Revenue model
Job creation strategy
Growth plan for Canada and internationally
At Loft Immigration, we’ve helped clients craft business plans that get endorsements from designated organizations. Learn more here: How to Write a Business Plan That Can Help You Get Canada Startup Visa.
Quick Self-Check
Answer YES or NO to these questions:
Is my business innovative?
Can it scale internationally?
Do I have a prototype or concept?
Can I get a commitment letter?
Do I meet language requirements?
Do I have settlement funds?
Can it create jobs in Canada?
Am I ready to manage the business?
Do I have a strong business plan?
Am I open to mentorship or incubator support?
7–10 YES: Strong candidate
5–6 YES: Possible with guidance
Less than 5 YES: Need preparation before applying
We’ve spent over 10 years helping entrepreneurs successfully submit their Canada Startup Visa applications.
We can help you:
Assess eligibility
Refine your business idea
Write strong business plans
Connect with the right designated organization
Guide you through PR and work permit applications
Book an Evaluation Call to see if your business can qualify for the Canada Start-Up Visa.
The Canada Start-Up Visa is an amazing opportunity for entrepreneurs who want to grow their business and move to Canada.
Preparation is key. Use this checklist honestly, and get expert guidance. With the right support, your Canada Startup Visa application can be successful, and you can start your Canadian business journey confidently.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Canada Start-Up Visa
1. What is the Canada Start-Up Visa program?
The Canada Start-Up Visa program is designed for entrepreneurs with innovative business ideas who want to establish their business in Canada. The program allows you to obtain permanent residency while growing your business, provided you meet eligibility criteria like innovation, job creation potential, and endorsement from a designated Canadian organization. Learn more about business immigration pathways here.
2. How can I know if my business qualifies for the Canada Start-Up Visa?
You can use our eligibility checklist to assess your business. Key factors include:
- Innovation and scalability of your business
- A prototype or proof of concept
- Endorsement from a designated organization
- Ability to create jobs in Canada
- Adequate settlement funds and language proficiency
For a full breakdown, read our article: Eligibility Checklist: Can Your Business Qualify for Canada Start-Up Visa?
3. Which types of businesses are most likely to be approved?
Canada prioritizes innovative and scalable businesses in sectors like:
- Technology (AI, software, FinTech)
- HealthTech and EdTech
- Renewable energy and Agritech
For more details, check: Top 3 Industries Canada Wants for the Start-Up Visa.
4. Do I need a business plan for the Canada Start-Up Visa application?
Yes! A strong business plan is essential to get endorsement from a designated organization. Your plan should include your market research, competitive advantage, revenue model, and job creation strategy. Learn how to craft an effective plan here: How to Write a Business Plan That Can Help You Get Canada Startup Visa.
5. Can I apply for the Canada Start-Up Visa without a designated organization’s support?
No. A commitment letter from a designated organization (venture capital fund, angel investor group, or business incubator) is mandatory. Without this endorsement, your Canada Startup Visa application cannot be processed. Our guide on Canada Business Immigration: How We Help You Turn Ideas Into Permanent Residency explains this step in detail.
6. How much money do I need to support myself when moving to Canada through the Start-Up Visa?
Canada requires applicants to have enough settlement funds to support themselves and their family. Approximate amounts for 2024–2025:
- 1 person: CAD $14,690
- 2 people: CAD $18,288
- 3 people: CAD $22,483
Funds must be accessible and verifiable.
7. Can I apply with multiple founders for one business?
Yes, up to 5 founders can jointly apply for the Canada Start-Up Visa. Each founder must hold at least 10% of the voting rights, and together with the designated organization, they must hold more than 50% of total voting rights.
8. What common mistakes should I avoid in my Canada Start-Up Visa application?
Common mistakes include:
- Not having a strong business plan
- Failing to secure a commitment letter from a designated organization
- Not showing scalability or job creation potential
- Ignoring settlement funds or language requirements
For a detailed guide, read: 5 Biggest Mistakes Nigerians Make with Canada Startup Visa Application.
