OtherDiscontinued

Canada Start-Up Visa

Canada · North America

2.5
Editorial Score

Min Monthly Income

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Application Fee

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Processing Time

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Path to Citizenship

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Overview

Canada's Start-up Visa Program targets immigrant entrepreneurs to build innovative businesses but is currently closed to new applications.

Eligibility Requirements

RequirementDetails
NationalityOpen to all nationalities
Minimum IncomeNot specified
DependentsAllowed
Local Work PermittedYes
Health InsuranceNot required
Language RequirementCLB 5 minimum in English or French for all four abilities (reading, writing, listening, speaking). Approved tests include IELTS, CELPIP, TEF, or TCF. No exemptions specified for native speakers or prior education.
Physical PresenceNot specified
Max Consecutive AbsenceNot specified
RenewableNo
DurationNot specified
Leads to PRYes

Requirements Checklist

- **Identity & Support**: Passport; letter of support from designated organization; commitment certificate issued to IRCC (2025 only).

- **Language**: Approved test results (e.g., IELTS, CELPIP) proving CLB 5 in all four abilities.

- **Education**: Proof equivalent to one year Canadian secondary school (no apostille required).

- **Financial**: Evidence of sufficient settlement funds (amount not specified; no apostille).

- **Business**: Business plan; proof of 10%+ applicant voting rights and 50% combined with organization; incorporation docs or intent.

- **Admissibility**: Police certificates; medical exam if requested (not routinely required). No FBI background check, apostille, or certificate of coverage needed.

📍 Application location: Applications are submitted online via the IRCC secure account from inside or outside Canada. Eligible applicants with 2025 commitment certificates must apply by June 30, 2026. No consulate or in-country immigration office submission required.

Tax Information

As permanent residents via this visa, holders become Canadian tax residents taxed on worldwide income. No special tax regimes like NHR or non-dom apply, and tax treaty with US status is unknown. Filing obligations include annual T1 returns; business income from the start-up is fully taxable in Canada. Local bank account requirements are not specified. Pension income recognition and social security counting are not specified.

Work Permissions

·Local employment: Permitted

Application Steps

  1. 1

    📋 Research designated organizations

    1-6 months

  2. 2

    📋 Secure commitment certificate

    2-4 months

  3. 3

    📄 Take language proficiency test

    1-2 weeks

  4. 4

    📄 Gather proof of funds and business docs

    2-4 weeks

  5. 5

    📬 Submit PR application online

    1 day

  6. 6

    📬 Apply for work permit if eligible

    1-2 weeks

  7. 7

    ⏳ Wait for PR processing

    not specified

  8. 8

    🏛️ Arrive and incorporate business

    1-2 weeks

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Click any question to expand the answer.

This visa targets immigrant entrepreneurs with innovative business ideas that can create jobs for Canadians and compete globally. It requires support from a designated Canadian organization like a venture capital fund, angel investor group, or business incubator. The program leads to permanent residence but is now discontinued except for specific 2025 commitment certificates.
Key requirements include a qualifying innovative business, a letter of support from a designated organization, meeting language proficiency at CLB 5 in English or French, and sufficient settlement funds. Applicants must hold at least 10% voting rights in the business, with the organization and applicants together holding at least 50%. The program is discontinued as of January 1, 2026, except for valid 2025 commitment certificates with applications due by June 30, 2026.
Sufficient funds to settle and live in Canada before business income are required, though exact minimum savings amounts are not specified. Investment from designated organizations is typically $200,000 from venture capital or $75,000 from angel investors, but personal investment is not mandated. No minimum monthly income is specified.
Yes, dependents are allowed, including spouse and children. They can accompany the principal applicant for permanent residence. Specific additional fees or percentages for adult or child dependents are not specified.
Yes, this visa leads directly to permanent residence upon approval. It grants PR status to successful entrepreneurs and up to four co-applicants per business. Years to PR or citizenship are not specified.
Yes, local work is permitted, specifically to operate and manage the start-up business in Canada. A work permit may be available while the PR application processes, though the work permit option is closed to new applicants as of December 19, 2025. No local income limit is specified.
Secure a commitment certificate from a designated organization issued before December 31, 2025, then submit PR application by June 30, 2026 if eligible. Processing times were often 36+ months previously, but current times are not specified due to the program's discontinued status. Applications can be made from inside or outside Canada.
The program is discontinued and closed to new applicants without a valid 2025 commitment certificate. IRCC stopped accepting new commitment certificates after December 31, 2025, and PR applications must be submitted by June 30, 2026 for those certificates. Existing work permit holders may extend while PR processes.
Common issues include lack of a valid commitment certificate from a designated organization, failure to meet CLB 5 language requirements, or inadmissibility due to security or medical reasons. Businesses not deemed innovative or unable to create jobs also lead to refusals. Since the program is discontinued, new applications without 2025 certificates are rejected.

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At a Glance

Renewable✗ No
Dependents✓ Allowed
Leads to PR✓ Yes
Local Work✓ Permitted
Health InsuranceNot required
Admin Ease1.0/5

Last verified: May 13, 2026

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