Entrepreneur Immigration to Canada – Start-Up Visa Program
One way to immigrate to Canada is to start a business. Canada offers this program which is called the Start-Up Visa Program. If you have the skills to be a business owner, have a creative idea with a business plan, and want to employ Canadians to work in your business, then this program could be for you.
The province of Quebec handles its own business and entrepreneur immigration program.
Canada requires that in order to immigrate and start your own business, you need the backing of a designated organization. These organizations are approved to invest in and support start-up businesses for immigration to Canada. You will need to have a business plan to present to the organization(s) for their review. If an organization decides your business has potential, they can choose to support your business and will give you a Letter of Support.
To apply for the Start-Up Visa Program, you must have the backing of at least one of these designated organizations:
Venture capital funds – you must receive a minimum investment of $200,000 CAD from one of these organizations
Angel investor groups – you must receive a minimum investment of $75,000 from one of these organizations
Business incubators – you must be a part of one of these programs
The fee for the Start-Up Visa Program is $2,075 CAD (subject to change) and can take a year or more to process. During the application processing time, you can also apply for a temporary Work Permit to start the business, if the designated organization supports this request.
Your business and the designated organization must have voting rights in the business. You need to be active in the business operations, and the business must be incorporated in Canada.
You also need to meet the language requirements and have enough money for resettlement.
This program can help you become a Permanent Resident in Canada.
