Apply - Start-up visa
Follow these steps to apply for a start-up visa:
Get a medical exam and police checks.
Medical exam and police checks
- Applications with completed medical exams and police checks may benefit from faster processing
- Applicants are responsible for all fees required for medical exams and police checks
Get an application package.
Application package
The package includes the application guide and all the forms you need to fill out. Download and print the application package.
- Fill out the forms on your computer, and when you are done:
- validate the Generic Application Form for Canada [IMM 0008] online and print the barcode page, then sign where indicated. Include the barcode page with your application.
- print the other forms and then, sign where indicated.
- Answer all questions carefully, completely and truthfully. Incomplete application packages will not be processed and will be returned to you. There are serious consequences for applicants who misrepresent or withhold relevant information on their application.
- You must complete the forms:
- Generic Application Form for Canada [IMM 0008];
- Schedule 1: Background/Declaration;
- Additional Family Information;
- Schedule 6: Economic Classes: Business Immigrants;
- Use of a Representative (Form IMM 5476). You must complete this form if you intend to use a representative or an agent to help you apply. Using a representative is a personal choice. Find out more about using immigration representatives.
- Include language test results that are valid at the time of application.
Pay the application fees.
Application fees
You will have to pay:
The processing fee for you and your dependants
An officer will assess your application to determine whether you meet the basic eligibility requirements. If you are found ineligible to apply, we will inform you and refund your processing fee.
If you are eligible, we will tell you that your application is being processed. Once processing has started, we cannot refund your fee.
The Right of Permanent Residence fee
You will need to pay this fee if your application to immigrate is approved. It covers you and your accompanying spouse or common-law partner, if applicable. It must be paid before Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) issues your permanent resident visa. This fee is refundable if you withdraw your application or if you do not use your visa.
If you have not already, you will also have to pay fees to third parties for:
- your medical exam;
- a police certificate, if you need one; and
- your language testing, as required.
Information on how to pay your fees is included in the application guide.
Submit your application.
Submit your application
Make sure your application is completed correctly, and that you include all the necessary supporting documents. Use the Checklist included in the Guide (Appendix A) to make sure you have not forgotten anything.
The Central Intake Office (CIO) cannot process your application if supporting documents or processing fees are missing, or if your forms are not completed and signed. If you validate the Generic Application Form for Canada [IMM 0008] online as well as print and include the barcode page, it will help ensure your application is complete and avoid delays.
Mail your application and your fees to the CIO in Sydney, Nova Scotia (Canada).
Do not submit your application to the visa office responsible for your country of nationality or residence.
Representatives
How-to video

Save Time: Send a Complete Application
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