Canada Start-Up Visa Immigration Program

There are certain eligibility requirements to qualify for the SUV.

• You must have a qualifying business in an industry in high demand in Canada today.
  • Up to five (5) people can apply as an owner of the business, and each must hold 10% or more of the voting rights attached to all shares of the company; and the applicants jointly with the designated organization hold more than 50% of the total voting rights attached to all shares of the company.
  • At the time you receive your PR, there must be proof of business management, business operation and incorporation within Canada.
• You must secure the support from one or more designated organizations, who are approved to invest in start-up businesses.
  • Designated Organizations are defined venture capital funds, angel investor groups or business incubators. Different organizations have their own criteria used to review proposals and assess applicants.
  • Venture capital funds are required to invest a minimum of $200,000 and angel investor groups must invest a minimum of $75,000. Business incubators are not required to invest a minimum capital amount.
• You must provide proof of sufficient funds to start a business and settle in Canada
  • The government of Canada will not provide financial support for SUV immigrants. During the application process, you must provide proof that you can financially support yourself and any dependants upon arriving to Canada.
  • It is advised to have between $13,000 to $35,000 depending on the size of the applicant’s family.
• You must meet the minimum language requirements to be able to communicate with staff and operate a successful business.
  • You must include a language test from an approved agency with your SUV application or it will be refused. You must achieve a minimum level of 5 of the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) in either English OR French in speaking, reading, listening and writing.
  • If your English needs improvement, we can suggest courses for you to take prior to your application and help you achieve the minimum requirements.

Why the Start-Up Visa?

There are many benefits for qualifying immigrants of the SUV program. It is a unique immigration opportunity for business entrepreneurs to directly secure a PR in Canada. Once your SUV application is approved, you are able to relocate to Canada on a work permit and register and operate the business while your PR application is processed. This allows you to decide which province and city you would like to start the business and settle in Vancouver.

The program allows you to collaborate with up to five (5) business partners in the same start-up, which means the minimum investment capital can be divided amongst each partner.

There is no limitation on nationality of the applicant. The program is open to any foreigner who meets all requirements, including the language proficiency. The ability to communicate in English or French is essential, but fluency is not a requirement. You only need to meet the minimum language requirements, which is a level 5 of the Canadian Language Benchmark.

How to Apply for a Canadian Start-Up Visa

In order to apply to the Canadian SUV program, the following steps must be taken:

1. Prepare a business concept and pitch deck.
2. Submit your pitch deck and application to designated organizations (venture capitalist, angel investor or incubator).
3. Obtain a Letter of Support from one or more designated organizations
4. Apply for a work permit and PR
5. Relocate to Canada and start running the business

It can take between 12-17 months (or more) to receive a final decision on your SUV application. Once it is approved, your application for a PR is automatically processed, which can take 2+ years to receive.

What Titan Law Offers:

Titan Law is a leading immigration law firm in Vancouver, British Columbia. Our lawyers have experience handling different types of immigration applications, including SUV applications. Here is how we can help you:

• We offer a personalized business assessment and detailed implementation plan based on an in-depth consultation with one of our business immigration lawyers and industry experts. Our lawyers are experts in immigration, corporate/commercial law, franchise law, and real estate law. If you are unsure if the business immigration program is for you, this assessment will give you more clarity on the likelihood of success of your business and immigration to Canada.
• We collaborate with expert business professionals, who will assist you in creating a business plan and obtain a letter of support from a designated organization.
• We will commence immigration applications and see them through until the end.
• We will incorporate your business and assist in setting up the corporate records.
• We are available at all times for additional questions and concerns throughout the entire process.