Designated Organizations | PR Pathway | Work Permit Option
Start-Up Visa Canada 2025 — Bring Your Business to Canada
What is the Start-Up Visa?
The Start-Up Visa program is for entrepreneurs who have a business that can be supported by a designated Canadian organization (venture capital fund, angel investor group, or business incubator). Once you have a commitment from a designated organization and meet the other requirements, you can apply for permanent residence.
Designated Organizations
Designated organizations are venture capital funds (must invest at least $200,000), angel investor groups (must invest at least $75,000), or business incubators (must accept you into their program). IRCC publishes a list of designated organizations. You must secure a commitment from one of them before applying.
Eligibility Requirements
You need a commitment from a designated organization, language test results (minimum CLB 5), and the equivalent of one year of Canadian secondary education. The business must be incorporated in Canada (or will be), and at least 10% of the voting rights must be held by you and the designated organization (or others in the application). The business must be innovative and able to create jobs in Canada.
Business Requirements
The business must be innovative, able to create jobs for Canadians, and able to compete internationally. The designated organization will assess your business plan. Not every business idea will qualify — the bar is high.
Application Process
You secure a commitment from a designated organization, complete the language test, gather supporting documents, and submit your permanent residence application. You can apply from inside or outside Canada. Processing times are lengthy — currently 36+ months in many cases.
Work Permit While Waiting for PR
You may be eligible for a work permit to come to Canada and run your business while your PR application is in process. This allows you to be in Canada and grow the business. Eligibility criteria apply; VMC can advise.
Processing Time (Honest Assessment)
Start-Up Visa processing is currently 36 months or more in many cases. IRCC publishes current times. We recommend planning for a long wait and considering the work permit option if you want to be in Canada sooner.
Start-Up Visa vs Self-Employed vs Entrepreneur PNP
The Start-Up Visa requires support from a designated organization. The Self-Employed program is for cultural/athletic/agricultural self-employment. Some provinces have Entrepreneur PNP streams with different requirements (e.g. investment, net worth). VMC helps you compare and choose the right pathway for your situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Explore the Start-Up Visa — Free Consultation
Speak with a licensed RCIC. No obligation — we guide you through your options.