Start-up Visa Program

Canada’s Start-up Visa Program targets immigrant entrepreneurs with the skills and potential to build businesses in Canada (outside Quebec) that

Apply through the Start-up Visa Program

To apply for the Start-up Visa Program, you must

  • pitch your qualifying start-up to a designated organization and get their support
  • meet the language requirements
  • bring enough money to settle

Start your start-up visa application

Get a work permit while you wait

If you already applied for permanent residence through the Start-Up Visa Program, you might be able to work in Canada while you wait if you

  • show that your business will provide a significant economic benefit to Canada
  • bring enough money to settle

Start your temporary work permit application

Apply to become a designated organization

To become a designated organization, you need to be a recommended member of either the

  • Canadian Venture Capital and Private Equity Association or
  • National Angel Capital Organization

Become a designated organization

Help an entrepreneur with their start-up

As a designated organization, you can develop your own process for receiving proposals from immigrant entrepreneurs. You can also develop your own criteria to assess them.

It’s up to you to find potential immigrant entrepreneurs you’d like to support.

Find a start-up to support

Page details

Date modified: