Welcoming eligible small businesses and startups alike, Canada will help your business reach new heights as you work together to bolster the economy and create jobs for its citizens and permanent residents like yourself. Important pathways for entrepreneurs are provided below.  

1.Startup Visa

2.High-Wage LMIA 

3.Intra-Company Transfer (ICT)  

4.PNP Entrepreneur Programs  

Startup Visa Program: Your Path to Canadian Entrepreneurship 

Canada’s Start-Up Visa program offers an unparalleled opportunity for innovative entrepreneurs to launch their dreams on a global stage. This groundbreaking initiative not only provides a direct path to permanent residency but also opens doors to Canada’s thriving business ecosystem without the burden of personal financial investment.  

Key Eligibility Criteria for the Start-Up Visa Program 

To qualify for the Start-Up Visa program, applicants must meet the following requirements: 

Innovative Business Idea: Applicants must bring a business idea that shows genuine innovation and has the potential for global competitiveness. 

Support from a Designated Organization: A designated organization, such as a venture capital fund, angel investor group, or business incubator, must agree to support your start-up. 

Language Proficiency: Applicants need to demonstrate language proficiency in English or French at a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level of 5 or higher. 

Sufficient Settlement Funds: Proof of funds is required to show that applicants and their families can support themselves upon arrival in Canada. 

Active Involvement and Shared Ownership Requirements 

The program requires applicants to be actively involved in the Canadian operations of their start-up. In addition: 

Each applicant must hold at least 10% of the voting rights in the company. 

Together, the applicants and the designated organization must hold over 50% of the total voting rights in the business. 

Capital Investment: Securing the Right Backing 

The investment amount varies based on the type of organization supporting the start-up: 

Venture Capital Fund: Minimum investment of CAD 200,000. 

Angel Investor Group: Minimum investment of CAD 75,000. 

Business Incubator: Financial investment isn’t required, but the start-up must be accepted into a Canadian business incubator program. 

These designated organizations provide essential capital and mentorship, helping start-ups get established in Canada’s competitive landscape. 

Pathway to Permanent Residence 

The Start-Up Visa program provides a direct path to permanent residence, making it highly attractive to entrepreneurs: 

1. Letter of Support: Obtain this from a designated organization. 

2.Permanent Residence Application: Submit a complete application with your letter of support. 

3.Permanent Resident Status: Upon approval, applicants and their families receive permanent resident status upon arriving in Canada.