Canada Start Up Visa Program For PR

As the world becomes increasingly globalized, more and more individuals are seeking to start businesses in countries other than their own. Canada Start Up Visa program aims to attract entrepreneurs from around the world to launch their businesses in Canada.

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What is Canada Start Up Visa Program?

The Start-up Visa program was launched in 2013 and is designed to attract foreign entrepreneurs who have the potential to create jobs in Canada and compete on a global scale. The program is unique in that it doesn’t require applicants to invest any capital, but rather they must be endorsed by a designated organization, such as a venture capital firm or angel investor group, who will then sponsor their application for a start-up visa.

What are the benefits of Canada Start Up Visa Program?

There are several benefits to the Start-up Visa program. Firstly, it provides a pathway to permanent residency in Canada for successful applicants. Additionally, the program connects entrepreneurs with experienced Canadian investors and accelerators who can provide guidance and resources to help grow their businesses. Furthermore, it encourages innovation and helps to create jobs in Canada.

One example of a successful Start-up Visa program is Vancouver-based company, Foodee. Founded by entrepreneur Ryan Spong, Foodee is a food delivery service that connects offices with top local restaurants. The company has experienced rapid growth and now operates in multiple cities across Canada and the United States.

Another successful company that has gone through the Start-up Visa program is Montreal-based C2RO. Founded by co-founders Soodeh Farokhi and Riccardo Badalone, C2RO offers a cloud-based platform for robotics that enables robots to perform tasks such as object recognition and tracking. The company has raised millions in funding and has been recognized as one of the most innovative companies in the world.

For entrepreneurs who are interested in applying for the Start-up Visa program, there are several designated organizations that can provide endorsements, including the National Angel Capital Organization and MaRS Discovery District. Additionally, the Canadian government provides information and resources for applicants on their website.

Overall, the Start-up Visa program is an innovative way for Canada to attract talented entrepreneurs from around the world and encourage innovation and job creation in the country. By providing a pathway to permanent residency and connecting entrepreneurs with experienced investors and accelerators, the program helps to ensure the success of new businesses and contributes to the growth of the Canadian economy.

Canada Start Up Visa Program: Application Requirements

Here are the requirements for applying to the Canada Start-up Visa program:

1. Qualifying Business: To be eligible for the Start-up Visa program, applicants must have a qualifying business that meets the following criteria:

• Innovative: The business must be innovative and show the potential for high growth.
• Supported by a Designated Organization: The applicant must be supported by a designated organization that is either a venture capital fund, angel investor group or a business incubator.
• Job Creation: The business must have the potential to create jobs for Canadians.

2. Language Requirements: Applicants must meet the minimum language requirements in English or French. The minimum requirement for English is a score of 5.5 or higher in the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) in all four areas (reading, writing, listening and speaking).
3. Education Requirements: There are no specific education requirements to apply for the Start-up Visa program. However, applicants must show that they have the skills and experience necessary to establish and manage a successful business in Canada.
4. Financial Requirements: There are no minimum investment requirements for the Start-up Visa program. However, applicants must demonstrate that they have sufficient funds to support themselves and their families while they establish their business in Canada.
5. Medical and Security Requirements: Applicants must undergo a medical examination and provide police certificates to prove that they do not pose a security risk to Canada.

Approved Language Tests for Start Up Visa program

The agencies designated to conduct language Test for Canada Start Up Visa program are:

English (CELPIP G-Test)

• Paragon Testing Enterprises Inc.

English (IELTS)

• Cambridge Assessment English
• IDP Australia, and
• The British Council

French (TEF Canada)

• The Paris Chamber of Commerce and Industry

French (TCF Canada)

• France Education International (FEI)

How to Apply for Canada Start Up Visa Program?

Once an applicant meets the application requirements as listed above, they can apply for the Start-up Visa program. The application process involves three stages:

1. Endorsement: The applicant must obtain an endorsement from a designated organization. The endorsement confirms that the applicant’s business meets the program’s requirements.
2. Letter of Support: Once the applicant receives an endorsement, they must apply for a letter of support from the Canadian government. The letter of support confirms that the applicant has met the program’s requirements and is eligible for a start-up visa.
3. Visa Application: After receiving the letter of support, the applicant can apply for a start-up visa. The application can only be submitted ONLINE. The application includes creating a permanent residence profile, providing biometric data, submitting the required documents and paying the necessary fees. Click here to apply online for Canada Start-Up Visa.

How to find a Designated Organization for Start Up Visa?

To apply for the Start-up Visa program in Canada, applicants must be endorsed by a designated organization, such as a venture capital fund, angel investor group, or business incubator. Here are some ways to find a designated organization for the program:

1. Government of Canada Website: The Government of Canada maintains a list of designated organizations on their website. The list includes contact information for each organization and specifies the type of business that the organization supports.
2. Online Searches: Applicants can conduct online searches for designated organizations that specialize in their business area or industry. They can use keywords such as “venture capital fund” or “business incubator” along with the location to narrow down the search results.
3. Business Associations and Networking Events: Applicants can attend networking events and join business associations to connect with potential designated organizations. These events and associations provide opportunities for entrepreneurs to meet with investors and other entrepreneurs who can provide endorsements.
4. Referrals: Applicants can also seek referrals from other entrepreneurs who have gone through the Start-up Visa program. They can ask for recommendations from colleagues, mentors, or business partners who have experience in the Canadian start-up ecosystem.

It is important to note that each designated organization has its own criteria for selecting entrepreneurs for endorsement. Therefore, applicants should research each organization to determine whether their business aligns with the organization’s investment or support focus. Additionally, applicants should carefully review the requirements and application process for each designated organization before submitting their application for endorsement.

Here is the complete Canada Start-Up Visa Program Designated Organization List

How much is the Fee for Canada Start Up Visa Program?

The Start-up Visa program in Canada has several fees associated with the application process. These fees include application fees for the government, as well as fees for biometric data collection and medical examinations. Here is a breakdown of the fees for the Start-up Visa program:

1. Application Fees: The application fee for the Start-up Visa program is CAD $2,140 per applicant. This fee is non-refundable and must be paid online when the application is submitted.
2. Biometric Data Collection: Applicants are required to provide biometric data (fingerprints and a photo) when they apply for a start-up visa. The fee for biometric data collection is CAD $85 per person or CAD $170 per family (two or more people). This fee is paid when the applicant submits their biometric data.
3. Medical Examination: Applicants must undergo a medical examination to ensure that they do not pose a health risk to Canadians. The cost of the medical examination varies depending on the country of residence and the availability of panel physicians. Applicants are responsible for paying the cost of the medical examination directly to the panel physician.

It is important to note that fees are subject to change, and applicants should check the Government of Canada’s website for the most up-to-date information.

To pay the application fees for the Start-up Visa program, applicants must use a credit or debit card that is accepted by the Government of Canada. The online payment system accepts Visa, MasterCard, and American Express. The payment must be made in Canadian dollars and the applicant’s bank may charge a conversion fee if they are paying in a foreign currency.

How much funds required for Canada Start Up Visa Program?

Applicants are required to prove that they have enough funds to support themselves and their families while they establish their business in Canada.

The amount you need depends on the size of your family. These amounts are updated every year. Below is the amount that is required, as of 04/14/2023. Please check the Government of Canada website for latest updates to these amounts.

Number of family members	Funds required (in Canadian dollars)
1	$13,310
2	$16,570
3	$20,371
4	$24,733
5	$28,052
6	$31,638
7	$35,224
For each additional family member	$3,586

If you are applying just for yourself, then you would require at least $13,310 as per the current rules.

Canada Start Up Visa Program: Short-term Work Permit

Once an entrepreneur has been endorsed by a designated organization under the Start-up Visa program, they can apply for a work permit to come to Canada and launch their business. The work permit is a temporary immigration document that allows the entrepreneur to work in Canada for a specified period of time.

To apply for a work permit under Canada Start Up Visa program, the entrepreneur must meet the eligibility requirements, which include:

1. Having a valid letter of support from a designated organization
2. Meeting the language requirements for their designated occupation
3. Having enough money to support themselves and their family members while in Canada
4. Completing a medical examination, if required
5. Providing biometric data, if required
6. Meeting other requirements, such as having a clean criminal record and not being a security risk

Once the entrepreneur has met these eligibility requirements, they can apply for a work permit online or by mail. The application will be processed by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), and the processing time can vary depending on the volume of applications and the completeness of the application.

The work permit is typically valid for one year, but can be renewed if the entrepreneur is still working on their start-up and meets the eligibility requirements. Additionally, the entrepreneur’s spouse or common-law partner and dependent children can apply for a work or study permit to come to Canada with the entrepreneur.

Only foreign nationals who have received a Commitment Certificate and Letter of Support issued by a designated entity may apply. The designated entity must indicate on the letter why the applicant is urgently needed in Canada before they attain their permanent residency.

The work permit is a crucial part of the Start-up Visa program in Canada, as it allows entrepreneurs to come to Canada and launch their businesses while they wait for their PR. Entrepreneurs must meet the eligibility requirements and apply for the work permit online or by mail. The work permit is typically valid for one year and can be renewed if the entrepreneur is still working on their start-up.

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