Canada’s Start-up Visa Program targets immigrant entrepreneurs with the skills and potential to build businesses in Canada that: are innovative, can create jobs for Canadians, can compete on a global scale. Foreign entrepreneurs with a business concept and Letter of Support (LOS) approved by a designated organization (VC, Angels, Incubators), proof of language competency, and sufficient funding can apply for Canada Start-up visa Program.

The Startup Visa Program sets itself apart in several key aspects. Unlike alternative streams, SUV eliminates age restrictions, maintains a moderate English proficiency requirement (CLB 5), operates without a candidate pool, and less complicated streamlined immigration process. With lower investment demands and no mandatory educational proficiency, this pathway becomes an all-encompassing route, facilitating both the establishment of a business in Canada and the attainment of permanent residency for the main applicant and their immediate family—a holistic journey toward an enhanced life.

Eligibility criteria include obtaining support from a designated organization, having a qualifying business, and meeting language and financial requirements. For more detail read [here].

You can apply yourself or by securing support from an organization like Genesislink Canada, which will guide you through the application process.

Yes, Genesislink provides comprehensive assistance throughout the application process, ensuring all requirements are met. We are working with a trusted partner regarding immigration part of Start-up visa which will help you to have peace of mind and ensure A-Z of this process.

The Startup Visa program offers a range of advantages, making it an appealing choice for entrepreneurs:

– Streamlined Processing:

The program ensures swift application processing, allowing entrepreneurs more time to focus on developing their start-up businesses.

– Flexible Residency:

Successful applicants and their families can live anywhere in Canada (excluding Quebec). Additionally, a 10-year membership in an angel group is provided, fostering networking opportunities and potential additional investments.

– Direct Path to Permanent Residence:

Entrepreneurial success leads to permanent residency, granting access to social benefits and a high standard of living.

– Business Independence:

Permanent residence status is not contingent on the performance of the start-up. Once acquired, individuals are free to pursue diverse entrepreneurial or professional opportunities in Canada.

– Path to Citizenship:

Permanent residents can apply for Canadian citizenship after residing in Canada for three years, offering benefits like voting rights and unrestricted access to work and study.

The start-up must be innovative, scalable, and capable of creating significant economic benefits for Canada.

The overall duration of the process hinges on various factors, encompassing idea development, business plan preparation, and pitching the startup until receiving the Letter of Support (LOS). On average, securing an LOS takes approximately 1 to 6 months, though the timeframe may vary based on the team or the designated organization involved. It’s crucial to acknowledge that Immigration processing times are subject to change by IRCC. Typically, from the time of application to obtaining permanent residency, the process averages around 12 to 16 months. For the most recent processing times, you can check [here].

IRCC has allocated substantial planned admissions for permanent residence to Start-Up Visa applicants. Whereas this number has only been 2,750 in 2023, this number will increase respectively in 2024.

Yes, applicants can include their spouse or common-law partner, as well as dependent children under 22, in their application.

Yes, Genesislink offers guidance on financial documentation to ensure applicants meet the program’s financial requirements.

Genesislink assists in the innovativeness and scalability of the business through the development of a robust business plan. In the ideation phase, we make sure the ideas are innovative and suitable for Canadian market if not we add innovation or we review your aidea and give you some solutions

There is no specific age limit for applicants, making the program inclusive for entrepreneurs of all ages.

Yes, the program is open to applicants from any country, fostering a diverse and inclusive entrepreneurial community.

Several factors contribute to rejections within the Canada Startup Visa Program. Key elements encompass a poorly developed business plan, a lack of innovation, insufficient business experience and financing, deficient documentation, and failure to meet the required language proficiency. The Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) may scrutinize applications if there’s suspicion of misrepresented intentions, emphasizing the importance of demonstrating tangible progress while awaiting Permanent Residency (PR). The misrepresentation of intention—primarily seeking PR rather than actively engaging in business—can be a critical factor. The choice of Designated Organization (DO) also plays a crucial role, considering aspects such as their fees, responsiveness to IRCC inquiries, the manner of selection, and the services provided. Furthermore, failure to pass medical or security checks can lead to the outright refusal of the application.

While your application for permanent residence is being processed under Canada Startup visa program, you can apply for a temporary work permit to get to Canada and start building your business.

Your chances will not increase or decrease if you are a single applicant under the Startup Visa program. The key is to prove your previous experience as a subject matter expert in the field, past management and entrepreneur experience, and a proactive role in terms of showing real progress and investment in your Startup business.

Yes. There are no restrictions. Keep in mind that their professional profile, work experience and expertise should be related to your startup business and they should keep an active role.

No. If you do not have any geographic commitments in your agreement signed with the designated organization, you can be anywhere in Canada except Quebec.

Success in the application process relies on meeting program requirements, and with Genesislink’s dedicated support, the likelihood of a successful outcome significantly increases. We guide you through every stage of the process, ensuring your business idea meets the eligibility criteria and is competitive in the Canadian market. Our comprehensive services include thorough market research and the development of a robust business plan.

To secure a Letter of Support (LOS) from a Designated Organization, we meticulously assess their reputation, approval rate, and expertise in various industries. We scrutinize their LOS acquisition process, considering factors such as their success rates and fees, recognizing their pivotal role in the PR application’s final result.

Collaborating with reputable immigration partners, we ensure the accuracy and completeness of your application. Our support extends beyond the application process; we assist in developing, executing, and expanding your start-up in Canada. Our services cover essential aspects such as company registration, opening bank accounts, bookkeeping, tax filing, shareholder agreements, IP strategy, branding, digital marketing, research and development (R&D), and establishing connections with potential clients in Canada.

Furthermore, we assist in preparing progress reports, submitting them during the PR application process, and liaising with the relevant authorities to address any potential issues. Our comprehensive approach is designed to facilitate a seamless journey from idea conception to the attainment of Permanent Residency (PR), ensuring that you encounter no obstacles throughout the process.