Start Up Visa Program

Canada’s Start Up Visa Program, also commonly referred to as the SUV program of Canada, is a Canada immigration pathway for qualified entrepreneurs.

Linking innovative entrepreneurs with private sector investors in Canada, the SUV program specifically targets immigrants that have the potential of successfully establishing their business in Canada.

Initially coming to the country on a Canada work permit – supported by their designated Canadian investor – such candidates will be qualifying for acquiring Canada PR once their business in Canada is fully operational.

During the processing of their Canadian permanent residence application, the SUV candidate will be able to apply for a temporary work permit for entering Canada and begin building-up their business in the country.

AM I EIGIBLE?

To be able to immigrate to Canada through the Start Up Visa program, a candidate will be required to fulfil 4 eligibility requirements.

These are – having a qualifying business, meeting the specific language requirements for the SUV program, securing a Letter of Support from any of the designated organizations, and possessing sufficient funds for settling in Canada with family.

By a “qualifying business” is implied a business that fulfils certain specific requirements laid down by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada [IRCC].

Do note that at the time of receiving their permanent resident visa for Canada, the individual must be providing “active and ongoing” management of that particular business from within Canada. Additionally, an essential part of the business operations must be conducted within Canada.

For the language requirements, the individual will be required to have secured at least a Canadian Language Benchmark [CLB] Level 5, in either English or French, in each of the 4 abilities assessed [speaking, reading, listening, writing].

PROCESSING TIME

Generally, if an entrepreneur has a viable start up business plan, the processing timeline is as follows –

4 to 6 months for securing a Letter of Support, and
18 months for finalizing the visa application.

Start Up Visa Program