If you have a creative idea and want to open a business in Canada, you will need a visa. More specifically, you will have to apply for the Canada Startup Visa Program for Entrepreneurs.
Canada’s Startup Program offers great opportunities for new foreign businesses trying to get a foothold in Canada. However, you will have to meet eligibility requirements before being eligible for a Canadian start-up visa.
Read on to learn about eligibility requirements, application process, and other information you should know before applying for a Canadian startup visa.
1. Am I eligible for the Canada Startup Program?
To qualify for the Canada Startup Program, you will initially have to meet the eligibility requirements for a Canadian visa.
Eligibility requirements for a Start-up Visa
If you are eligible for a Canadian visa, you will also have to meet the specific criteria for the Start-up visa. People who are:
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- You must have a qualifying business.
- You must have a letter of support from a designated organization.
- You must have enough money.
- You must meet language requirements.
Eligible businesses
If the business wants to qualify, they must meet the following requirements:
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- All business owners (for a maximum of one year) must hold at least 10% of the company’s voting rights.
- Business owners and designated organizations must hold a minimum of 50% of the company’s voting rights.
What is a designated organization?
If you want to open a business in Canada, you must first receive the support and investment of a designated organization.
A designated organization is an organization designated by the Canadian government to cooperate in the field of Startup Visa. These organizations can invest in and support new businesses through the Startup Program. They are divided into:
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- Venture capital funds
- Angel investor groups
- Business incubators
You should research different organizations and see which one is best suited for your own startup. You should then contact any organizations that you find suitable and see if they are interested in investing in your company.
If you receive support from a designated organization, that organization will provide you with a Letter of Support. Once you receive the letter, you can apply for the Canadian Startup Visa program. You will have to attach the letter to your application. Your nominated organization will also send the Certificate of Completed Commitment directly to IRCC.
If you receive support from multiple organizations, they will be required to participate and submit to IRCC a Joint Certificate of Commitment and provide you with a Joint Letter of Support.
Enough money to apply for a Canadian startup visa
When you arrive in Canada, you will need enough money to support yourself or any family members traveling with you.
You will not receive any financial support, so you will have to bring enough money to be able to live in Canada until your business begins to bring in financial profits.
You will need to have a minimum of $12,669 for yourself and about $3,400 for each additional member.
Language requirements for Canada Start-up visa
To live in Canada, you must be able to communicate in one or both of the official languages: English and French.
To prove your qualifications, you will have to take a test before applying and attach the results with your application. Canada has a list of approved agencies on the IRCC site, such as IELTS or CELPIP for English, or TEF Canada or TFC Canada for French.
You must achieve at least a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 5 in either language. You will be tested on your reading, listening, speaking and writing skills.
2. How to apply for a Canadian Startup Visa?
Once you have confirmed your eligibility for a Canadian Start-up Visa, you can begin applying, filling out the necessary forms, and gathering the necessary documents for your Start-up visa application.
Compile document files
You will be required to “Authenticate” the documents, print and sign, and complete your application packet. This will include all necessary documents and fees.
Documents required for a Canadian startup visa include:
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- Standard documents required for any Canadian visa application.
- Copy of travel document/passport. They must display name and date of birth, passport number, expiration date as well as changes in name, date of birth, expiration date, etc.
- Proof that you have passed the language proficiency test.
- Letter of support from your nominated institution.
- Birth certificate.
- Marriage certificate or divorce/annulment certificate. (If any)
- If married more than once, provide documents for each marriage.
- Death certificate of ex-spouse/common-law partner. (If any)
- If you have a live-in partner: Statutory Declaration of the Common Law Union (IMM 5409 – original) and evidence you have lived together for a minimum of 12 months (this could be proof of tenancy of the flat common, common invoice, common address on documents etc.)
- Information about your child, such as birth certificate, adoption papers, or proof of custody. (If any).
- National ID or household registration book. (If any)
- Police certificate and license. They must be from every country/territory in which you have lived for six months or more.
- Image requested by Canada.
- Fee receipt.
Necessary forms for startup visa application
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- Common Application Form for Canada [IMM 0008]
- Dependents/Additional Declaration [IMM 0008DEP]
- Appendix A – Background/Declaration [IMM 5669]
- Appendix 13 – Business settlement program – Start-up
- Additional Family Information [IMM 5406]
- Statutory Declaration of the Common Law Union [IMM 5409]
- Declaration of separation for minors traveling to Canada [IMM 5604]
- Additional Information – Your Trip [IMM 5562]
- Using of a representative [IMM 5476]
You will have to send the completed application to the address you are provided with.
Provides biometrics
After applying for a Canada Start-up visa, you will also have to provide your biometric information, such as fingerprints and photos. Your visa officer will inform you when and how to do it.
However, you will not be allowed to apply unless you receive support from a designated organization and they have submitted their Certificate of Commitment to IRCC and given you a Letter of Support.
Make sure you have all the documents and fees attached to the application, otherwise they will send it back to you.
3. Temporary Work Permit for Startup Visa
You can apply for a temporary work visa in Canada to establish your business before applying for a residence permit for the Start-up Visa.
You can only apply for a work permit after you have received a Letter of Support and Certificate of Commitment from your designated organization.
In addition to receiving support from the designated organization, you will pay employer compliance fees and have enough income to support yourself and your family.
You will also have to make a job offer through the IRCC Recruitment Portal. You will have to provide detailed business information, your personal information and a job details form.
However, a short-term work permit before a Start-up visa is optional.