Canada's Startup Visa program targets immigrant entrepreneurs with the skills and potential to establish a business in Canada: to be innovative, to create jobs for Canadians, to compete on a global scale.

Have an eligible business

An eligible business means that the business you created meets the following criteria.

When you get a commitment from a designated organization:

•Each applicant holds 10% or more of the voting rights attached to all issued shares of the company at that time (up to 5 persons may apply as owners)

• The applicant and the nominated authority jointly hold more than 50% of the total voting rights attached to all the shares then issued in the company

When you get permanent residency:

• You have active and ongoing management of the business within Canada

• Significant components of business operations take place in Canada

• The company is incorporated in Canada

Obtain a letter of support from a nominated organisation (a business group that has been approved to invest in or support a possible start-up)

You need:

• Contact the designated organization to find out how to get their support

• Convince the organization that you have a business idea worth supporting

• Obtain a letter of support from the designated organization

Every organization has a different process for coming up with ideas. Every organization has its own requirements. For example, you may be asked to present your business concept in person or submit a detailed business plan.

If you have an agreement with a nominated organisation, it will send you a letter of support. You will need to include this letter with your application. This is the evidence you need to show that a venture capital fund, angel investor group or business incubator is supporting your business idea.

The organization will also send a certificate of commitment directly to IRCC. IRCC will use your letter of support and your organization's certificate of commitment to evaluate your application. IRCC may ask you to provide additional business information in order to make a final decision on your application.

If you do not include a letter of support or meet any other requirements, the application will be rejected. While processing your application for permanent residence, you can apply for a temporary work permit to travel to Canada and start a business.

Meet the language requirements

You must achieve a minimum level of Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 5 in the following four areas:

1. Speaking

2. Reading

3. Listening

4. Writing