Start-Up Business Class (Start-Up Visa Program)
As a foreign entrepreneur with an innovative business idea, you may be eligible to immigrate to Canada through the Start-Up Visa program. This program is a popular pathway to Permanent Residency in Canada for foreign entrepreneurs. To be eligible under this program, your business idea must be innovative and stimulate the Canadian economy by generating employment opportunities for its residents. Further eligibility criteria are listed below:
- have a qualifying business
- have a letter of support from a designated entity
- meet the language requirements, and
- the monetary requirements under this program to settle and live in Canada.
If you meet the criteria mentioned above and are willing to move to Canada as an entrepreneur, please contact us for a free assessment of your business plan and profile.
Am I eligible to immigrate to Canada as a self-employed person?
To qualify as a self-employed person, you must show that you have at least two years of experience in cultural or athletic life, score a minimum 35 points on selection criteria and you intend to work as a self-employed individual in Canada. To determine whether you qualify to immigrate as a self-employed person, contact us!
Is there a net worth eligibility for applying for Canadian business visa programs?
Yes, there is a networth eligibility for applying for a business visa program. Each province has its own minimum net worth requirement. If you’re willing to apply for a business visa, please contact our office for a direct appointment with our team.
Business Visitors:
Planning to visit Canada for international business activities? From extensive information on eligibility, permissibility and admissibility to helping you get an electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), Shory Law can guide you through the process of entering Canada as a business visitor. If you think your visit to Canada aligns with the points listed below, feel free to contact our office:
- Visiting for a short term (from a few weeks to a maximum period of up to six months) to advance your business ties.
- Visiting to take part in international business activities without being a part of the Canadian Labour Market.
- Visiting to explore investment opportunities and grow your business.
Who needs a business visitor visa?
If your visit to Canada falls under the below-mentioned categories, you are viewed as a business visitor:
- Visit to participate in international business activities without being part of the Canadian labour market
- Temporary visits to invest and advance business ties.
How do I qualify for a Canadian business visa?
To qualify as a business visitor to Canada, you must show, among other things:
- You will leave Canada within 6 months.
- You do not plan to enter the Canadian labour market
- Your principal place of business, source of income and profits is outside Canada.
What are the best ways for entrepreneurs to immigrate to Canada?
Foreign Graduate Entrepreneur, Graduate Entrepreneur Stream, Start-up Visa etc., are some of the common business immigration programs through which foreign entrepreneurs can immigrate to Canada.
Contact our office to schedule an in-person meeting to discuss the best option for you and your family to start your business in Canada.
What activities am I allowed to conduct as a business visitor in Canada?
Here are a few examples of activities that you may conduct as a business visitor in Canada:
- Buying Canadian goods or services for a foreign business or government
- Taking orders for goods or services
- Going to meetings, conferences, conventions or trade fairs
However, the above list is not exhaustive. Kindly contact our office to know more about the nature of activities you may conduct on your Canadian business visa.
How do I qualify, as an investor, for the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program?
This program has multiple streams, namely, Rural Entrepreneur Stream, Graduate Entrepreneur Stream, Farm Stream, and Foreign Graduate Entrepreneur Stream, for entrepreneurs who plan to buy and start a business and live in Alberta. If you want to know more about a particular stream, contact our office for an appointment.
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FAQs
Can I apply for a Canada start-up visa if my business idea is related to the healthcare industry?
Yes, you can apply for a Canada start-up visa if your business idea is related to the healthcare industry. The start-up visa program does not restrict the industry or sector you can be involved in.
What support can I expect from Shory Law during the Canada start-up visa application process?
At Shory Law, we provide comprehensive support throughout the Canada start-up visa application process, including assessing your eligibility, connecting to designated organizations, guiding you in document preparation, and liaising with immigration authorities on your behalf. Our goal is to ensure a smooth and successful application experience for you.
Can I include my family members in my Canada start-up visa application?
Yes, you can include your family members (spouse or common-law partner, as well as dependent children) in your Canada start-up visa application. They will be eligible for open work permits and study permits, allowing them to live, work, or study in Canada.
Can I apply for a Canada start-up visa if I have already received funding from a venture capital firm?
Yes, having funding from a venture capital firm can strengthen your application for a Canada start-up visa. It demonstrates the potential of your business idea and the confidence of investors. However, you still need to meet all the other eligibility criteria of the start-up visa program.
What is the minimum investment required under the start-up visa program?
The start-up visa program does not have a minimum investment requirement for entrepreneurs. However, you are required to secure a minimum commitment of financial support from a designated organization. The designated organization will provide an investment commitment based on its evaluation of your business plan.
What happens if my designated organization withdraws its support?
If your designated organization withdraws its support after you have submitted your application but before your permanent residency is granted, it may affect the outcome of your application. In such cases, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) may allow you to secure a new commitment of support from another designated organization. However, it is important to note that the final decision regarding the application will be at the discretion of the IRCC.
Are there any restrictions on the type of business that qualifies under the program?
The start-up visa program does not restrict the type of business that qualifies. However, it is essential to demonstrate the innovative nature and economic potential of your business idea
in your application.
