Immigrate to Canada by starting a business
Over the past decades, immigration has become an important source of economic growth in Canada. It has been adding to the population as well. According to the Statistics Canada 2021 Census, one in five Canadians is now an immigrant. This has become possible due to the governmental support provided to multiple immigration programs such as Express Entry, Provincial Nominee program, and Family Sponsorship.
One can also immigrate to Canada through Start-up Visa Program which is targeting immigrant entrepreneurs with the skills and potential to build businesses and create jobs for Canadians.
Eligibility
To be eligible for the Start-up Visa Program, you will need to have a qualifying business. In such a business, there may be up to 5 people designated as owners. Each applicant must hold 10% or more of the voting rights attached to all shares of the corporation outstanding at the time you get a commitment from a designated organization. You (the applicant) and the designated organization jointly must hold more than 50% of the total voting rights attached to all shares of the corporation outstanding at the time you get a commitment from a designated organization.
Note that at the time you receive your permanent residence you must be ready to provide active and ongoing management of this business from within Canada, have an essential part of the operations of the business implemented in Canada, and to make sure your business has been incorporated in the country.
What is a designated organization
There are organizations that represent a business group that has been approved to invest in or support possible start-ups. You must get a letter of support from one of the designated organizations to be eligible, for which you will need to do the following:
- contact the designated organization to find out how to get its support since each organization has its own requirements. For example, you may be asked to present your business concept in person or submit a detailed business plan
- convince the organization that you have a business idea that is worth supporting
- get a letter of support from the designated organization which you will need to include when submitting your application to IRCC
The organization will also send a commitment certificate directly to IRCC to be used to assess your application along with the letter of support.
See the full list of designated organizations
Work in Canada while you wait
While your application for permanent residence is being processed, you can apply for a temporary work permit to get to Canada and start building your business. See work permits for start-up visa applicants.
Know the language
Finding and receiving approval from a designated organization is only half of the deal. You will need to meet the language requirements too.
You must take a language test from an approved agency and include the results with your application. To “pass” you need to meet the minimum level of the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 5 in either English or French in speaking, reading, listening, and writing.
The language tests approved by IRCC are:
English
- CELPIP: Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program. You will need to take “CELPIP-General (CELPIP-G)” option
- IELTS: International English Language Testing System. You will need to take “General Training” option
French
For more information see Language testing – Start-up visa
Bring enough money to settle
The Government of Canada does not give financial support to new start-up visa immigrants.
When you apply, you will need to give proof that you have the money to support yourself and your dependants after you arrive in Canada. You cannot borrow this money from another person.
The amount you need depends on the size of your family. IRCC updates these amounts every year.
How much money should you bring?
Use governmental tips to find out how much money you may need to settle in Canada. However, it is recommended to bring as much money as possible to make moving to Canada and finding a home easier.
