Canada’s Start-up Visa Program

Canada Start‑Up Visa Program – 2025

What is the Start‑Up Visa?

Canada’s Start‑Up Visa (SUV) offers permanent residency to innovative entrepreneurs who:

• Create globally-competitive businesses,

• Generate employment for Canadians,

• Bring fresh ideas that drive economic growth 

Who Can Apply?

You may apply individually or in a group (up to 5 people), provided that:

1. You own ≥ 10% of the start‑up’s voting shares, and together with designated investors, hold > 50% 

2. Your business is incorporated and actively managed in Canada 

3. You secure a Letter of Support from a designated organization—a venture capital fund, angel investor group, or Canadian incubator 

   • VC funds: Provide ≥ CAD 200,000

   • Angel groups: Provide ≥ CAD 75,000

   • Incubators: No investment required, but acceptance into the program is mandatory

4. You meet language proficiency (CLB 5 in English or French in all areas) 

5. You demonstrate sufficient settlement funds (e.g., CAD 14,690 for one person, up to CAD 38,875 for a family of seven)

2025 Program Updates

• Caps per organization: Each designated organization is limited to 10 applications annually—creating a more competitive selection

• Open Work Permit: Since October 3, 2024, applicants and essential team members qualify for 3-year open work permits while the SUV application is processed 

• Priority processing: Applicants backed by members of Canada’s Tech Network incubators (AI, biotech, clean-tech, etc.) are fast-tracked

• Reduced backlogs: Intentional caps and priority streams have improved efficiency and processing times 

Typical Timeline

• Incorporation & Letter of Support: 5–6 months (due diligence by the designated org)

• Work Permit: ~6 months from submission 

• Permanent Residence: Varies—cases processed as quickly as 9–15 months internally, although IRCC estimates up to ~31 months; improvements ongoing 

Steps to Apply

1. Refine your business plan – Highlight innovation, global scalability, and Canadian job creation 

2. Engage designated organizations – Pitch and secure a Letter of Support and Commitment Certificate 

3. Prepare your PR application – Include forms, passport, language test results, funds proof, Letter of Support, and fees (application + biometrics ≈ CAD 1,810–2,385 plus biometrics)

4. While waiting – Apply for an open work permit to immediately start on your venture in Canada 

5. Land in Canada – Once permanent residency is approved, plan your landing and launch your company here.

Why Choose the Start‑Up Visa?

• PR from day one, including your spouse and children .

• Access to Canadian innovation ecosystems, funding, and markets.

• Opportunity to contribute to the tech and business community.

• Full pathway to Canadian citizenship via PR.

• Benefit from family inclusion, universal healthcare, and education.

Let CanLink Elevate Your Strategy

We offer turnkey support across every stage:

• Business plan development

• Pitch coaching for designated organizations

• Application and documentation

• Settlement planning and open permit facilitation

• Strategic guidance to boost fast-track eligibility

Your move to Canada deserves a leader, not a follower. Let’s innovate your future.

📞 Ready to transform your start-up into a Canadian success story?

Contact us today to schedule your personalized Start‑Up Visa consultation.