YOUR CANADIAN DREAM

Applying for a Canada Start-Up Visa is a multi-step process that involves validating your business idea, securing support from a designated organization, and submitting your immigration application. Here’s a breakdown of the key steps:

1. Develop Your Business Concept: Your start-up idea must be innovative, scalable, and competitive. This requires market research, a solid business plan, and a clear strategy for operating in Canada. Many entrepreneurs struggle at this stage, but our team—backed by over a decade of immigration experience—can assist in refining your business concept and crafting a strong application.
2. Choose the Right Designated Organization: There are 84 designated organizations, including venture capital firms, angel investors, and business incubators, each with different requirements and fees ranging from $10,000 to $50,000. Selecting the right one is crucial, and we can guide you in making the best choice.
3. Secure a Letter of Support: You must pitch your start-up to a designated organization and convince them of its potential. A successful pitch results in a Letter of Support, which is a key requirement for your application. Our team can help prepare you for this stage.
4. Gather Required Documents: You’ll need to provide proof of language proficiency (CLB 5), settlement funds, a business plan, and other supporting documents like incorporation records, intellectual property details, and financial projections.
5. Submit Your Application: Complete the Start-Up Visa application forms and submit them with all necessary documents. Ensure accuracy to avoid delays.
6. Launch Your Business in Canada: While awaiting PR approval, you can apply for a work permit to begin building your business in Canada. This demonstrates commitment and strengthens your application.
7. Keep IRCC Updated: Regularly updating IRCC on your start-up’s progress is essential, especially given recent scrutiny on SUV applications. Providing updates every six months can help mitigate concerns and improve your chances of approval.
8. Receive a Decision: IRCC will review your application and notify you of their decision. A successful application grants you permanent residence, allowing you to establish and grow your business in Canada.

Canada Start-Up Visa: List of Approved Designated Organizations

To qualify for the Start-Up Visa (SUV) program, you must secure a Commitment Certificate and Letter of Support from one or more government-approved designated organizations. These organizations fall into three categories: 

Venture Capital Funds, Angel Investor Groups, and Business Incubators. Depending on your choice, you may need to complete a start-up development program or receive funding in exchange for equity in your company. Click here to see the complete list of designated organizations authorized by the Canadian government.

Benefits and Challenges of the Canada Start-Up Visa (SUV) Program

Before applying, it’s important to understand both the benefits and challenges of the SUV program to see if it’s the right fit for you.

Benefits of the SUV Program:

✅ Direct path to permanent residence – No need for temporary status first.
✅ Open to all nationalities – Anyone from any country can apply.
✅ Freedom to start any type of business – No industry restrictions.
✅ No minimum net worth requirement – You don’t need to show a specific amount of personal wealth.
✅ Team-based application – Up to 5 founders can apply together (each must own at least 10%).
✅ Work permit option – You can move to Canada and start your business while waiting for PR approval.

Challenges of the SUV Program:

❌ Difficult to get support – Competition is high for approval from designated organizations.
❌ Long processing times – Permanent residence can take 3+ years.
❌ High financial commitment – Founders may need to invest a significant amount to attract support.
❌ Strict business requirements – Your start-up must have strong growth potential and a solid business model.
❌ Risk of delays or rejection – Applications may go through peer reviews, which can slow things down or lead to refusals.

Canada Start-Up Visa Costs: A Complete Breakdown

Applying for the Canada Start-Up Visa (SUV) program requires a financial commitment, with total costs typically ranging between CAD $150,000 to $250,000+, depending on various factors. Below is a sample cost breakdown to help you plan your budget. These estimates include service provider fees and other expenses associated with securing support for your application.

Lessons from Our Experience with Canada’s Start-Up Visa Program

Over the past year, we’ve observed that IRCC has intensified its scrutiny of Start-Up Visa applications by frequently requesting additional details from applicants. These follow-up inquiries typically focus on the genuineness and viability of the business, going beyond the Letter of Support from Designated Organizations.

Common questions include:

What steps have you taken to establish your business in Canada?

How has your Designated Organization contributed to your business so far?

Do you have a solid, proven business plan for success?

Can you provide an update on your product development, including progress, timeline, and budget?

What milestones has your business achieved since incorporation?

Why did you choose Canada over other countries for your business?

How will critical business operations take place in Canada?

How did you meet your co-founders?

Why is it necessary for you to relocate to Canada immediately?

With our years of experience, we can body tell you that, these questions signal a shift in IRCC’s approach. Rather than relying solely on the Letter of Support, officers are independently evaluating the legitimacy of each business venture.

This means that applicants must demonstrate a genuine commitment to building and growing an innovative business in Canada—not just using the SUV program as a means to obtain permanent residence.

Understanding Delays and Rejections in the Start-Up Visa Process

In some cases, immigration officers may request a peer review if they have concerns about the legitimacy or feasibility of a business venture. This process involves an independent panel assessing whether the designated organization has conducted due diligence according to industry standards.

Recent rulings in Federal Court have highlighted common issues that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) examines in Start-Up Visa applications. These include:

• The applicant’s direct experience in the business sector.
• Concrete proof of the business’s current progress and future potential.
• Clear evidence that key business operations will take place in Canada.
• The level of engagement with the Designated Organization during the application process.

The overall viability of the business, including its potential for growth and total addressable market (TAM).

Applicants are often required to provide detailed explanations of their efforts to establish their business in Canada, the support received from their Designated Organization, and a well-documented business plan demonstrating a realistic path to success. These additional checks ensure that the Start-Up Visa program supports innovative, scalable businesses with a strong presence in Canada’s economy.

To improve your chances of approval, ensure that your business activities are well-documented, your growth plans are realistic, and you have strong supporting evidence of your venture’s credibility.

How We Support Your Canada Start-Up Visa Application

Our approach to Start-Up Visa (SUV) applications is personalized and strategic, ensuring you receive comprehensive guidance from start to finish.

Step 1: Understanding You and Your Business Idea

We begin by getting to know you—your background, experience, financial capacity, and business aspirations. This helps us assess the viability of your startup idea. If we determine that your concept needs refinement or lacks feasibility, we provide honest feedback and recommendations to strengthen it.

Step 2: Developing a Strong Business Foundation

Our in-house business team works closely with you to refine your idea into a scalable and competitive startup. We analyze the capital and resources needed and ensure your business structure aligns with Canadian market expectations. Unlike many firms, we don’t outsource business plan writing—our legal and business experts collaborate to create a tailored, well-researched business plan and pitch deck that aligns with your immigration application.

Step 3: Connecting You with the Right Designated Organization

We help you identify and apply to the most suitable Designated Organization, leveraging our network to secure better terms where possible. As intake partners for several organizations, we negotiate discounts and pass on any savings directly to you. We also prepare you for the pitch interview, ensuring you can confidently present your business plan and handle the due diligence process.

Step 4: Application Submission and Immigration Support

Once you receive your Letter of Support, we meticulously prepare and submit your immigration application, ensuring every detail is covered. We anticipate potential concerns from IRCC and proactively address them to avoid delays.

Step 5: Ongoing Business and Immigration Guidance

Our support doesn’t stop after submission. We stay connected throughout your immigration process and after arrival in Canada, helping you stay on track with your business plan and providing necessary updates to IRCC to facilitate a smoother PR application process.

At our firm, we don’t just handle paperwork—we act as your partners on this journey, offering honest, dedicated, and professional support every step of the way. Your success is our priority, and we take the trust you place in us seriously.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS 

Start-Up Visa vs. C11 Work Permit: Which is Right for Your Business in Canada?

Deciding between the Start-Up Visa (SUV) and the C11 Work Permit depends on your business goals, risk tolerance, and how quickly you want to relocate to Canada.

Start-Up Visa (SUV): Ideal for launching innovative, high-growth startups. It comes with higher risk, potential investment losses, and longer processing times (about 3 years for permanent residence). Moderate language skills are required, and applicants must be ready to build a scalable business in Canada.

C11 Work Permit: Designed for entrepreneurs who want to start or buy a traditional business in Canada. It offers lower risk and a faster route to permanent residence (typically 18–24 months). This program is a great option for those looking for stability while actively managing their business.

Both pathways require active business management and significant investment, with similar approval rates. Need help deciding? Schedule a consultation to explore the best option for your situation.

Start-Up Visa Rejection Rate & Common Reasons for Denial

The rejection rate for Canada’s Start-Up Visa (SUV) program varies, but approvals largely depend on the business’s viability, innovation, and the applicant’s ability to execute the business plan.

Common Reasons for Rejection:

Weak Business Model: Lack of a scalable, high-growth strategy

No Competitive Edge: Failing to demonstrate what makes the business unique

Insufficient Market Potential: Unclear demand or lack of strong market validation

Lack of Investor Support: Not securing proper backing from a designated Canadian organization (incubator, angel investor, or venture capital fund)

Doubts About Execution: Uncertainty about the applicant’s ability to run the business successfully

To boost your approval chances, focus on proving your business idea’s uniqueness, market demand, and long-term viability. A well-prepared application with strong supporting evidence is key.

Can You Immigrate to Canada Without Business Ownership Experience?

Yes! Lacking business ownership experience doesn’t automatically disqualify you from Canada’s business immigration programs. Many pathways focus on your skills, knowledge, and business plan rather than requiring prior ownership.

Key Factors That Matter More Than Ownership Experience:

1. A strong, innovative business idea
2. A well-structured business plan with clear market potential
3. The ability to secure support from a designated organization (for the Start-Up Visa)
4. Relevant industry experience, leadership skills, or technical expertise

If you’re new to entrepreneurship, working with mentors, industry experts, or business partners can strengthen your application and improve your chances of success.

How Much Money Do You Need for Canada’s Start-Up Visa?

There’s no fixed investment requirement for the Start-Up Visa (SUV) program, but applicants should be financially ready for the costs of launching and sustaining their business. On average, expenses range from CAD 120,000 to CAD 300,000, depending on your business model, family size, and other factors.

Estimated Costs for the Start-Up Visa:

• Business Concept Development: CAD 20,000 – CAD 100,000
• Designated Incubator Fees: CAD 25,000 – CAD 50,000
• Legal Fees: CAD 10,000 – CAD 30,000
• Company Formation: CAD 3,000 – CAD 5,000
• IRCC Government Fees (for a family): CAD 3,500 – CAD 5,000
• Operational Costs (3 years): CAD 50,000 – CAD 150,000

These are general estimates, and your actual costs will depend on your business structure, industry, and personal financial needs. Proper planning and budgeting are crucial to ensuring a smooth immigration and business launch process.

Can You Get a Start-Up Visa in Canada Without Investment?

Technically, the Start-Up Visa (SUV) program does not have a mandatory investment requirement. However, in practice, securing approval without financial backing is extremely difficult.

Success in the SUV program depends on launching a business that is innovative, scalable, and globally competitive, which usually requires significant capital. Entrepreneurs need either personal funds to support their venture or strong skills in securing external investment.

To attract support from designated organizations—such as angel investor groups or venture capital funds—your business should ideally have:

• A well-developed product or service
• An existing customer base or strong market traction
• A clear pathway to profitability

While some entrepreneurs succeed without upfront investment, the reality is that most designated investors prefer businesses that have already secured funding or generate revenue. Therefore, while investment isn’t a strict requirement, in most cases, it becomes essential to moving forward in the program.

Disadvantages of the Start-Up Visa (SUV) Program in Canada

While the Start-Up Visa program offers a pathway to Canadian permanent residence for entrepreneurs, there are some key challenges to consider:

1. Long Processing Times

One of the biggest drawbacks is the lengthy wait for permanent residence (PR). It’s not uncommon for applicants to wait up to 3 years for a decision. During this period:

• Entrepreneurs face uncertainty, making business planning and operations difficult.
• Access to Canadian capital and business opportunities may be restricted.
• Applicants often find themselves in temporary status limbo, affecting their ability to fully execute their business plan.

2. No Guaranteed Approval

Even after years of waiting, 30% of applications are rejected. Reasons for refusal include:

• IRCC officers questioning the business’s viability and progress.
• Errors or inconsistencies in the application.
• IRCC’s growing scrutiny—officers are not required to follow recommendations from designated organizations and conduct independent evaluations, leading to unexpected rejections.

3. Financial Pressure & Limited Work Options

Applicants must prove financial self-sufficiency while waiting for PR. This includes:

• Having enough funds to support themselves and their family.
• Covering business expenses to keep the venture active.
• Being restricted from working outside their start-up, making financial sustainability challenging.

While the SUV program is a promising route for entrepreneurs, it requires financial preparedness, patience, and a solid business execution strategy to navigate these challenges successfully.

Can I Apply for a Start-Up Visa with a Traditional Business like a baking business?

If you’re looking to start a traditional business under the Start-Up Visa (SUV) program, you’ll need to introduce an innovative element to qualify. The program isn’t just about creating brand-new industries—it’s about transforming how things are done.

For example, if you’re planning to open a bakery, consider how you can redefine the customer experience, optimize efficiency, or introduce new technology. Maybe you develop an AI-powered ordering system that personalizes recommendations based on customer preferences. Or perhaps you introduce an eco-friendly, zero-waste baking process that differentiates your brand in a competitive market.

The key is not just running a business, but improving the way it operates. If you’re willing to think outside the box and bring innovation to your industry, we can help you shape a strong application for the Start-Up Visa program.

Can I obtain a Canadian Startup Visa by investing my own money instead of securing approval from a designated entity?

No, the Canadian Startup Visa (SUV) program is not structured to grant visas solely based on personal investment. Instead, it requires entrepreneurs to gain the backing of a designated Canadian organization—such as a venture capital firm, an angel investor group, or a business incubator. This support is a fundamental requirement, as demonstrated by the Letter of Support issued by these organizations.

If your goal is to immigrate to Canada through investment rather than through the Startup Visa program, you may want to explore other business immigration options. Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), for instance, offer business immigration streams that prioritize personal investment and active business management in Canada.

My SUV Work Permit Was Refused – What Should I Do Next?

If your Startup Visa (SUV) work permit was refused, here are the steps you can take to move forward:

1. Review the Refusal Letter: Carefully go through the letter from IRCC to understand the specific reasons for the denial. This will help determine whether the refusal was due to missing documents, insufficient proof, or other concerns.

2. Address the Issues: If the refusal was based on incomplete documentation, lack of clarity, or misunderstandings, gather the necessary evidence and explanations to strengthen your case.

3. Reapply: Once you’ve addressed the reasons for the refusal, you can submit a new application with stronger supporting documents to improve your chances of approval.

4. Seek Legal Guidance: Consulting an immigration lawyer experienced in business immigration can provide valuable insights. They can assess your case, help you respond to the refusal effectively, and guide you through the reapplication process.

Each case is unique, so taking the right steps promptly can increase your chances of success.

Can I Apply for a Startup Visa Without a Product?

While there is no strict requirement that you must have a launched product to apply for the Startup Visa (SUV) program, securing a Letter of Support from a designated organization without a minimum viable product (MVP) and some customer traction can be difficult.

Designated organizations—such as business incubators, angel investor groups, and venture capital funds—typically look for proof of concept. This often includes a working prototype, early user engagement, or market validation. From our experience, many designated organizations prefer applicants who have at least an MVP and some customer interest before offering their support.

To improve your chances of approval, consider finalizing your MVP and acquiring initial users before applying. This will not only strengthen your application but also demonstrate to incubators and investors that your business idea has real market potential. Additionally, organizations will assess other factors such as the uniqueness of your business idea, the strength of your pitch deck and business plan, your ability to execute the project, and whether you have sufficient funds to sustain the business.

Why your Work Permit for a Startup Visa Be Rejected and how to fix it?

Yes, a work permit application under the Startup Visa (SUV) program can be denied. The most common reasons for rejection include:

1. Unclear Business Intent – You must demonstrate an urgent need for your presence in Canada. If your application lacks a clear and well-documented explanation of your role in the business, an immigration officer may reject it. Ensure your business plan is detailed, outlining your responsibilities and planned activities in Canada.

2. Lack of Demonstrated Significant Benefit – Your business must provide measurable benefits to Canada, such as job creation or industry innovation. If your application does not include strong evidence of how your venture will contribute to the Canadian economy, your work permit may not be approved.

3. Failure to Show Dual Intent – Even if you are applying for permanent residence, you must prove that you will leave Canada if your PR application is unsuccessful. A lack of proof of strong ties to your home country, such as property ownership, financial assets, or family connections, may lead to rejection.

To improve your chances of approval, ensure your application clearly presents your business’s impact, your necessity in Canada, and your commitment to complying with immigration requirements.