Startup Visa

To apply for a Startup Visa to Canada, you’ll need to meet several requirements and provide the necessary documentation. Here’s a checklist for the process:

Eligibility Requirements

Ensure you meet the following criteria:

Qualifying Business: You need to establish an innovative business, that can compete globally, and create jobs in Canada. The company must be incorporated in Canada, and each applicant must hold at least 10% of the voting rights. The designated organization (investor) must have more than 50% of the voting rights.
Language Proficiency: You must demonstrate proficiency in either English or French (minimum of CLB 5 in speaking, listening, reading, and writing).
Sufficient Settlement Funds: Prove you have enough money to settle in Canada without needing social assistance. The required amount varies depending on the number of family members you plan to bring.

Designated Organization Support

You need to secure support from a designated organization (venture capital fund, angel investor group, or business incubator). You can get this by:

Venture Capital: A commitment of at least $200,000 in funding from a designated venture capital fund.
Angel Investor: A commitment of at least $75,000 in funding from a designated angel investor group.
Business Incubator: If you’re accepted into a business incubator program, they can provide you with support for your application.

This support must be documented with a letter of support from the organization.

Documents to Submit

Valid Passport/Travel Document: A clear copy of your passport.
Application Forms: Complete all forms as required by the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Form IMM 5709 (Temporary Resident Visa or Study Permit, if required).
Form IMM 5669 (Schedule A – Background/Declaration).
Other forms as instructed by the IRCC.
Letter of Support from a designated organization.
Proof of Language Proficiency: Test results from an approved provider like IELTS for English or TEF for French.
Proof of Funds: Show you have sufficient funds for yourself and your dependents.
Business Plan/Proposal: You may need to provide detailed documentation or a business plan outlining your startup and its potential in Canada.

Fees

Be ready to pay the application fees for the start-up visa:

Application fee for the principal applicant.
Fees for any dependents included in the application (spouse, children).
Biometrics fee (if applicable).

Processing and Biometrics

After submission, your application will be processed, and you might be required to provide biometrics (fingerprints and photos).
Be prepared to attend an interview if requested by the immigration authorities.

Wait for Approval

After submission and the necessary interviews or documentation requests, wait for the decision on your visa application.

It’s important to follow the specific instructions provided by IRCC for the application, as requirements can change. It may also be a good idea to consult with a legal or immigration professional to ensure everything is in order for your application.

Let us know if you want to dive deeper into any of the steps!

Authorised Representative of

STARTUP VISA

Eligibility Requirements

Designated Organization Support

Documents to Submit

Fees

Processing and Biometrics

Wait for Approval

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