Startup Visa Program (SUV)

Overview

The SUV Program grants Canadian Permanent resident status to qualified immigrant entrepreneurs. This is achieved through a Partnership with an Approved Canadian Business Incubator (Business Incubator) who will play a key role in facilitating the establishment of your start-up business in Canada.  A key element of the facilitation process includes the Participation in the Global Business Accelerator Business Education Program (GSA Program).

This unique entrepreneur program was created in the wake of the Federal Entrepreneur Program’s cancellation. The SUV Program encourages innovative foreign entrepreneurs to establish their companies in Canada.

Successful applicants link with private Business Incubator organizations in Canada, where they can receive funding, guidance and expertise in opening and operating their new innovation or technology business in Canada.

In order to be eligible, applicants for a Start-Up Visa must meet the following requirements:

1. Meet minimum language requirements in English or French (Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) Level 5 in all abilities). This is equivalent to moderate language skills;
2. Have sufficient funds to establish their business, and settle their family in Canada;
3. Pass Canadian security and medical clearances;
4. Prove their business is supported by a Designated Business Incubator organization;
5. Prove that they Plan to establish their business and live in a Canadian Province other than the Province of Quebec; and
6. Prove they own the majority of the shares of their new Canadian business; and

Benefits of the Start-Up Visa program:

1. Processing directly to Canadian Permanent resident status;
2. No requirement to document sources of Personal Net Worth;
3. No requirement to have earned Personal Net Worth through the client’s own efforts. For example money can be a gift from a parent or another source;
4. No minimum educational requirements;
5. Business Incubator and GSA Program can assist the client to identify the business/technology opportunity (called Intellectual Property – IP ) they wish to develop in their new Canadian venture business;
6. Applicant receives, through the GSA Program, education and skills in operation and management of a new venture business in Canada;
7. Applicant will completely control the new Canadian company which owns the new business or technology

Selected and qualified applicants may qualify for Canadian permanent resident status under the Canadian Start-Up Visa Class, through the use of our relationship with approved Business Incubators.

Canada’s Start-Up Visa program does not apply to applicants who intend to reside in the province of Quebec. Please refer to our Quebec Investor Program page for more information.

 

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