How to Get a Canada Start-Up Visa

Canada is an incredibly popular country. Visited by approximately 20 million people each year, many fall in love with the second-largest country in the world and decide it should be their next home or base for their business. With the last census showing that over 8 million people (23% of the population) decided to move to Canada, it’s clear there must be plenty of reasons to choose the country of Mounties, Rockies and maple leaves.

One is the start-up visa, an initiative that targets immigrant entrepreneurs. In this edition of our blog, we look at how you could apply, be successful and find yourself enjoying life in one of the most stunning nations on the planet.

The Canada Start-Up Visa programme is an initiative set up by the Canadian government for immigrant entrepreneurs to become permanent residents of Canada. Open to groups or individuals, it is aimed at those with the skills and potential to build a successful business in Canada that will strive to employ Canadians, be able to compete on a global scale and be innovative within its chosen space.

Currently, this scheme excludes Quebec where a separate scheme called the Quebec Immigrant Investor Program is run for wealthy individuals looking to invest in Quebec.

The Canada start-up visa requirements mean that it is not open to everybody. There are various eligibility factors that are considered, which we cover a little further down the page. You can apply for the visa as an individual or as a group of up to five individuals as long as you have the aim of starting a business in Canada and can fulfil the specific criteria. Each member of the business must make their own application and family members can be included on it too.

Before you set grand plans in place of a life in Canada, you’ll need to make sure you are eligible for the start-up visa in Canada.

Firstly, you should have a qualifying business. A qualifying business is one where you and your fellow applicants (if you have any) have at least 10% of the total voting rights within the business. In addition, you’ll need total voting rights of at least 50% when combined with those of the supporting designated organisation. The business should also be able to employ Canadian citizens and stand to compete on a global scale with other businesses. You’ll also need to make sure that your business can be actively managed from within Canada and that essential parts of the business operations take place in the country.

Once you have determined that your business has a viable space in Canada and you meet the requirements of a qualifying business, you need to seek out support from a designated organisation. These are businesses that have been approved to invest in or support start-ups. You’ll have to reach out to the organisation first to see how you can obtain their support. Then pitch. Pitch like you’ve never done before, so they can be convinced you have a valid business. Should they agree with your plans, they will give you a letter of support and pass a commitment certificate to the Canadian government. This document is particularly important as it will help evaluate your application to move to Canada. It should be noted that there are only 10 complete group applications per organisation per year. Due to this limited number, you need to apply as early as possible. If you apply within the time frame but the spaces are already filled, any processing fees for your application will be returned.

Both English and French are spoken in Canada, and it will be expected that you pass the Canadian Language Benchmark 5 in listening, reading, speaking and writing. You’ll need all of these to be able to qualify for your start-up visa in Canada. These tests can only be carried out by approved agencies and results must have been gained within the past two years.

You will not be eligible for any kind of financial support from the Canadian government when you apply for a start-up visa. Instead, you must be able to prove that you have sufficient funds in place to start a life there. This money must be enough to cover you and any dependents. This money cannot be borrowed either. Amounts alter each year to move with the cost of living but range from just under $CAN15,000 to almost $CAN40,000 at the time of writing. Should there be more than 7 family members, you’ll need an additional $CAN3,958 per person.

With supporting documents, sufficient finance and a viable business, you can start the application process for a start-up visa in Canada.

Since 14^th Oct 2022, all applications require online completion, however, should you have specific needs where an online application would not be possible, you can ask to apply via other means.

Assuming you’ll be using the online portal, you’ll need to create a permanent residence application account before you can go any further.

Once logged on, you’ll have a selection of forms to complete. It is essential that these are answered truthfully and that all sections of all relevant forms are completed.

Should it be found that you have intentionally missed out any important information or lied on your application, you could find this application rejected and see a ban on entering Canada for any reason for five years applied.

For everyone on the application aged over 18, you’ll need to complete the following online forms:

After this, 2 PDF forms need to be uploaded to your application. The document checklist (IMM 5760) and the Schedule 13 (IMM 008 Schedule 13).

If you have chosen to have an immigration representative complete the forms for you, you’ll need to complete IMM 5476 first. Just be aware that this representative cannot open an account for your application, electronically sign any documents for you or sign into your account with your details. To stay on the right side of the law, it must be you who types your name upon the reading of the declaration otherwise your application could be void.

You’ll need to upload one photo per person listed on the application and ensure that both sides of the photo are included. The application form will guide you through how to upload your photos.

Your application for a Canada start-up visa is almost complete. Now you just have to submit the relevant payments. These will typically be made up of the following:

With all information collated and payments made, you can submit your application. Before doing so, double-check that all forms are completed, that your application is signed, you include a receipt for your processing fee and that all supporting documents are uploaded successfully. Once submitted, you must provide your biometrics by having your fingerprints and photos taken at a designated venue. You’ll receive a letter informing you of this after submitting your application. You have thirty days from receiving your letter to have your biometrics taken.

All business partners must submit their own applications, and none will be processed until all relevant applications for your business partners have been received.

Once your application has been submitted and you have supplied biometrics, you’ll be required to have a medical exam. You’ll receive a letter informing you how to take the medical exam, which you would have already paid for during the application process. Should your health indicate that you may put residents at risk or put the health service under unnecessary strain, your application will be refused.

You may also need to supply a police certificate to the visa office too. This will show any criminal history should you have one. If you are deemed to pose a risk to the security of Canadians, your application will be rejected.

Processing times for your start-up visa for Canada vary depending on the complexities of your application and whether you have made any mistakes in completing it. In addition, the number of people on the application may also affect the time it takes due to additional checks and verification taking place. According to the official website, you could see your application take as long as 40 months to process.

Due to this long wait time, you could apply for a temporary work permit if you are able to show that your business will provide a significant economic benefit to Canada, and that you have enough funds to settle.

The host of fees for a start-up visa in Canada certainly don’t make it cheap but it will be worth it if your business is a success. You can expect to pay the following:

Processing fee: $CAN1810

Right of Permanent Residence Fee $CAN575

Biometrics $CAN85

Temporary Residence Permit $CAN239.75

Fees for medical exams or police certificates may also apply.

Should you apply and be successful, you could start to enjoy a life leading a business in one of the most stunning countries in the world. Just don’t forget your insurance. Living abroad poses similar risks to those you’d find at home. Arm yourself with comprehensive travel insurance for working abroad and international healthcare insurance so you remain covered for the duration of your stay. Our team at Expatriate Group can help with this. Get your free quote today or give our team a call.