Start-up Visa Program
This program gives permanent residence to immigrant entrepreneurs who want to build an innovative business in Canada outside Quebec that can create jobs and compete globally. The centrepiece is support from a government-designated organization, which must issue a letter of support and send a commitment certificate to IRCC. Up to 5 owners of the same business can apply together.
Paused
Paused on June 30, 2026. IRCC stopped accepting new applications after December 31, 2025, except applicants holding a valid 2025 commitment certificate, who had to apply by June 30, 2026. Applications accepted before the pause continue to be processed.
Status
Job offer
How you apply
Key requirements
| Age | No age requirement in the official eligibility requirements |
| Education | No education requirement among the four official eligibility requirements |
| Language | English or French at CLB/NCLC 5 in all 4 abilities on an approved test (minimum CLB 5) |
| Work experience | No prescribed years of work experience; the applicant must have a qualifying business backed by a designated organization |
| Job offer | Not required |
| Where you must live | Must intend to live outside Quebec |
| How you apply | Direct application when you meet the requirements |
| Money — funds, net worth, investment | Settlement funds by family size (based on 50% of the low-income cut-off), excluding any investment made by the designated organization into the business |
| Employer requirements | No employer; support must come from a designated organization: a venture capital fund investing at least $200,000, an angel investor group investing at least $75,000, or a business incubator accepting the applicant into its program |
Summary only — requirements change and details decide real cases. Always confirm the full criteria on the official program page before applying: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/start-visa/about.html (this record was verified against that source on 23 Oct 2026). This page is general information, not legal or immigration advice.
Guides for this program
Guide: Business immigration: start-up visa, self-employed, and investor routes
Entrepreneurs, investors, and self-employed people who want permanent residence through a business or cultural or athletic contribution.
Not sure this is your program?
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How long will it take?
Current IRCC processing-time estimates, recorded daily.