Who can apply

You can apply for the Start-up Visa Program as an individual or as part of a group of up to 5 owners. Either way, you need to meet certain requirements:

• have a qualifying business
• get a letter of support from a designated organization
• meet the language requirements
• bring enough money to settle

Get a letter of support from a designated organization

Designated organizations are business groups that have been approved to invest in or support possible start-ups.

You’ll need to

• contact the designated organization to find out how to get its support
• convince the organization you have a business worth supporting
• get a letter of support from the designated organization

The organization will also send a commitment certificate directly to us. This is an immigration document used to evaluate your application.

Designated organization caps

Until December 31, 2026

Each calendar year, we’ll only be considering 10 complete group applications per designated organization. Applications will be considered on a first-come, first-served basis.

If you apply after the annual cap is reached, we’ll return your application and reimburse the processing fees.

Meet the language requirements

You need to take achieve Canadian Language Benchmark 5 in listening, reading, writing and speaking (English or French) to qualify for an SUV.

Your results need to be from a language test done by an approved agency.

Bring enough money to settle

The Government of Canada won’t support you financially as a start-up visa immigrant.

When you apply, you’ll need proof that you have the money to support yourself and your dependants after you arrive in Canada. You can’t borrow this money from another person.

The amount you need depends on the size of your family. We update these amounts every year.