Federal Start-Up Visa Program (SUV) 

Overview

The Federal Start-Up Visa Program (SUV) is designed to attract talented entrepreneurs from around the world who can build innovative businesses in Canada. The program targets business ideas that are innovative, create jobs for Canadians, and have the potential to compete on a global scale. 

 

Successful applicants and their families receive permanent residency (PR), making the SUV program one of Canada’s most exciting immigration opportunities for entrepreneurs and business owners. 

Key Features

Innovation and Job Creation

Encourages businesses that are creative, scalable, and capable of generating employment in Canada.

Permanent Residency

Founders and their families gain PR status upon approval. 

Support from Designated Organizations

Applicants must secure a Letter of Support from an IRCC-designated organization (venture capital fund, angel investor group, or business incubator). 

Work Permit Option

While waiting for PR, applicants can apply for a temporary work permit to begin building their business in Canada. 

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the Start-Up Visa Program, applicants must meet the following criteria: 

  1. Qualifying Business

    • At the time of receiving PR, the business must be incorporated and actively operating in Canada. 
    • Each applicant must hold at least 10% of the voting rights. 
    • Up to five applicants may apply as owners, but together with the designated organization, they must hold more than 50% of the total voting rights. 

  2. Letter of Support from a Designated Organization 
    Applicants must secure one of the following: 

    • Venture Capital Fund investment of at least $200,000 CAD.
    • Angel Investor Group investment of at least $75,000 CAD. 
    • Acceptance into a Designated Business Incubator Program. 

  3. Language Proficiency 

    • Minimum CLB 5 in English or French (speaking, reading, writing, listening) via approved language tests (IELTS, CELPIP, TEF, or TCF). 
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  4. Proof of Funds  

    • Applicants must show sufficient settlement funds based on family size, unless they are already working in Canada.  
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Application Process

STEP 1

Secure a Letter of Support 

    • Pitch your business idea to a designated organization (VC fund, angel group, or incubator). 
    • Obtain a Letter of Support, which is essential for your application. 

STEP 2

Prepare Your Application 

  • Collect required documents: Letter of Support, language test results, proof of funds, and business documentation. 

STEP 3

Submit Your Application

  • Apply for permanent residency with IRCC. 
  • Pay the required government fees and include all supporting documents. 

STEP 4

Apply for a Work Permit (Optional) 

  • While waiting for PR, you may apply for a temporary work permit to begin operating your business in Canada. 

STEP 5

Medical & Security Screening 

  • Complete medical exams and provide police certificates to confirm admissibility.

STEP 6

Receive Permanent Residency

  • If approved, you and your family members will receive PR status and can establish your innovative business in Canada. 

Benefits of Start-Up Visa Program

Permanent Residency

Direct PR pathway for founders and their families.

Funding & Mentorship

Access to investments, business expertise, and mentorship from designated organizations.

Supportive Ecosystem

Build your business in Canada’s thriving innovation hubs.

Family Inclusion

Spouses and dependent children can be included in the application.

Work Permit Flexibility

Begin business operations in Canada before PR is finalized.

Pathway to Citizenship

PR holders may apply for Canadian citizenship once residency requirements are met.

How GEMS Migration Assists

At GEMS Migration, we recognize that the Start-Up Visa Program is not only about immigration — it’s about entrepreneurship, innovation, and building your future. Our support includes: 

Business & Eligibility Review

Ensuring your business model meets IRCC requirements.

Connecting with Designated Organizations

Guidance on preparing your pitch and securing Letters of Support.

Application Preparation

Full support in gathering documents and filing PR applications.

Work Permit Guidance

Helping you apply for a temporary work permit while PR is in process.

Settlement Support

Through Golden Trail Canada Settlement Society, we assist with housing, community integration, and family support.

Local Canadian Expertise

With URS Canada in New Westminster, BC, you gain reliable immigration and business support in Canada.

About us

Why Choose GEMS Migration?

  • Expertise in Business Immigration: Extensive experience with the Start-Up Visa and other entrepreneurial pathways.
  • Tailored Strategies: Every business is unique; we provide customized guidance to highlight your strengths.
  • End-to-End Support: From concept to settlement, we walk with you at every step.
  • Strong Canadian Partnerships: Collaboration with URS Canada and Golden Trail Canada Settlement Society ensures both professional immigration expertise and real settlement assistance.
  • Trusted Guidance: Transparent, empathetic, and professional service to help you succeed.

To learn more about SUV, Visit Here