Eligibility Factors
With the Start-Up Visa, Canada is targeting a new type of immigrant entrepreneur who has the potential to build innovative companies that can compete on a global scale and create jobs.
Prove your business venture or idea is supported by a designated organization
Before you apply for the start-up visa, you must convince a Designated Organization to support your business idea. If the designated organization supports your business idea, it will give you a Letter of Support.
You must include your Letter of Support with your application as proof that a designated organization supports your business idea.
If you do not have a Letter of Support from a designated organization or do not meet any of the eligibility requirements below, your application will be refused.
Meet the language requirements
Being able to communicate and work in English, French or both will help your business in Canada.
You must prove your ability in English or French in these four areas:
- speaking
- reading
- listening
- writing
You must meet the minimum level of the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) of 5 in either English or French for all four language abilities.
If you do not meet the minimum language skills, we will refuse your application.
You must take a language test from an agency approved by Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) and include the results when you apply. If you do not, we will not process your application and we will return your fees.
Use your test results to find your CLB level.
Meet the education requirements
To meet the Start-up education requirements you must provide proof of your education with your application. Specifically, you will need:
- proof of having completed at least one year of post-secondary education
- proof that you were in good standing during at least one year while you were attending a post‑secondary institution
Your proof of education may be in the form of transcripts and a letter of good standing, or certificate or diploma or degree.
Have sufficient settlement funds
The Government of Canada does not provide financial support to new Start-up business visa immigrants.
Start-up visa applicants must show that they have enough money to support themselves and their dependants after arriving in Canada. You cannot borrow this money from another person. You must be able to use this money to support the costs of living for your family.
You will need to provide proof of your funds when you submit your application for immigration.
The amount of money you need depends on the size of your family. These amounts are updated every year.
| Number of Family Members |
Funds Required (in Canadian dollars) |
|---|---|
| 1 | $11,115 |
| 2 | $13,837 |
| 3 | $17,011 |
| 4 | $20,654 |
| 5 | $23,425 |
| 6 | $26,419 |
| 7 or more | $29,414 |
Please Contact Us for more information on this program.