Start-up Visa Immigration

This program will be on hold from Jan 1, 2026.

Leandro, a 42-year-old Argentinian IT professional, developed an innovative idea for a cutting-edge software platform. He felt eager to bring his concept to life in Canada. Hearing about the Start-Up Visa program, Leandro wondered if he qualified and how to proceed. Determined, he researched the program’s requirements and realized he needed a designated organization to support his idea. Leandro reached out to potential investors, crafting a compelling pitch. He also connected with a Canadian immigration consultant, who guided him through the application process. With his idea gaining traction, Leandro felt optimistic about his future in Canada.

The Start-up Visa immigration program targets entrepreneurs and innovative businesspeople. Its purpose is to encourage these people to immigrate to Canada and create businesses that could succeed locally and globally. IRCC wants the next big hit, like Google or Apple, to get established in Canada via this program. Of course, not every start-up will turn into Google, but at least the idea needs to be significant and plausible.

Letter of Support from a Designated Organization

The most challenging phase of this program is to convince a designated organization to offer you a letter of support. You need to work on your business plan and try to perfect it. Then, approach any designated organizations and try to receive their support. Visit the following article for a list of designated organizations.

• Designated Organizations for the Start-up Visa Immigration

If an organization approves your idea and supports you, you may not add new partners to the business, so decide before approaching a designated organization.

Acceptable Businesses

A good business needs to meet the following.

• The business idea must receive a letter of support from a designated organization.
• Each immigration applicant needs to own at least 10% of the voting shares of the business.
• The minimum combined voting shares for the applicants and the designated organization must be at least 51% of the total voting shares.
• The applicant’s role must be integral to the management and day-to-day operations of the business.
• You need to incorporate the business in Canada.

The maximum number of applicants per application is five. Applicants must meet all requirements, so be careful when adding people to the application.

Minimum Language Requirements for Start-up Visa Immigration

You need to take at least one of the following tests.

• CELPIP: Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program  (Only CELPIP General is acceptable. Don’t take General-LS)
• IELTS: International English Language Testing System (Only IELTS General is acceptable. Don’t take IELTS Academic)
• PTE Core: Pearson Test of English
• TEF Canada: Test d’évaluation de français
• TCF Canada: Test de connaissance du français

You only need to take one of the tests per language. The officer will consider the latest results if you present multiple test results in the same language. They won’t combine the results. While taking the second language test is not mandatory, it could enhance the immigration officer’s view of your application.

The following table shows the minimum scores for the Start-up Visa program applicants under each test’s ability.

The figures above are the minimums. You must meet the minimum requirement for each ability (i.e. speaking, listening, reading, and writing). Even if your score falls under the minimum for one of the abilities, you may not apply. Of course, the higher your score, the better, because of the following reasons.

• The immigration officer will have a better feeling about your application
• You can run your business more effectively in Canada, as you know our official language(s)

Settlement Funds

There are no minimum investment funds for the Start-up Visa. However, consider the following:

• Legal mandates
• IRCC expectations
• Designated organizations expectations

IRCC Expectations

IRCC expects you to have minimum settlement funds per LICO for six months. For more information, read the following article.

• Low Income Cut-Off  (LICO) Table

Keep in mind these are the minimums.

Designated Organizations Expectations

Although there is no minimum investment for this immigration method, the designated organization may demand a certain amount of investment in the business from your side. Generally speaking, most successful people under this program are wealthy business owners.

Work permit options

If the designated organization identifies you as an essential member of the SUV group, you may apply for a work permit. I have published another article explaining this option. If you secure this work permit, you may start your work in Canada while waiting for your PR application to be processed.

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