Startup Visa (SUV)
Type of Residency: Permanent
Startup visa or Startup is a program that allows you to obtain permanent residence in Canada by starting an innovative business (Startup). This program is one of the popular programs and it is only necessary that you use experts and startup lawyers in this way to prevent any fraud in addition to increasing your chances of success. In addition to the general introduction of this program, you can read the conditions, required documents, advantages and disadvantages, and common reasons for rejection of Canadian startup visa files.
Table of Contents
But what is a startup visa?
The Startup Visa Program is one of Canada’s immigration programs that gives foreign entrepreneurs the opportunity to obtain permanent residence in Canada. This program is less expensive than other immigration programs, and to start, you only need to have an innovative idea.
What are the requirements for a Canadian startup visa?
Start-up visa program checklist
| Table Header | Table Header |
|---|---|
|
The maximum number of people in the startup team |
5 |
|
Business idea |
This idea should:
- Be innovative.
- To be able to be commercialized.
-Create employment in Canada
|
|
Required language level |
At least IELTS (General) 5
IELTS General 5
CELPIP-G
TEF
|
|
financial ability |
required amount
for 1 person 13,310 for 2 people 16,570 for 3 people 20,371 for 4 people 24,733 for 5 people 28,052 for 6 people 31,638 for 7 people 13,310 Added amount for each member is more than 7 people 3,586 |
|
Letter of Support |
This letter is a document that confirms that your business idea has been approved and supported by one of the selected organizations of the Canadian government, including growth centers (incubators) or investors |
The path you need to follow to get Visa by startup visa program:
1- Preparation of documents according to the checklist of the Immigration Department
2- Completing the immigration office forms
3- Preparation of documents needed for the project
4- Paying the expenses of the immigration office
5- Sending visa application forms and documents
6- Obtaining permanent residence
How much should I spend to get a Canadian startup visa?
To get a Canadian startup visa, you will have two types of fees:
1- The costs you pay for preparing personal documents such as language certificate, certificate of no criminal record and medical examinations.
2-The fees you pay to the Canadian government, including visa fees and biometrics:
| Person | Visa Fee (CAD) |
|---|---|
|
Main Applicant |
2,140 |
|
Main applicant without permanent residence fee |
1,625 |
|
Main Applicant’s Spouse |
1,365 |
|
Spouse visa fee without permanent residence |
850 |
|
Child (per child) |
230 |
| Biometrics | Fee (CAD) |
|---|---|
|
Per person |
85 |
|
whole family |
170 |
What organizations can issue a letter of support for your startup?
To apply for a startup visa program, your business idea must be supported by one or more Designated Organization, approved by Canadian government listed on the official website of the Immigration Department. These organizations include:
- Venture capital (VCs)
- Angel Investors
- Business Incubators
The evaluation and support process of each of these organizations is different and your business must have received a letter of support from at least one of them.
Type of residency in the startup visa program
One of the benefits of this program is to receive permanent residence at the same time as receiving a startup visa. In this program, both the applicant and all his dependents receive permanent residence from the time of entering Canada. After staying for 3 years out of 5 years, the applicant can apply for citizenship and passport.
Married applicants of this program can apply for an Open Work Permit for their spouse and receive a study or work permit for their children. Minor children of the applicant who have not yet reached school age will have an eTA or Visitor visa.
Work permit in Startup Visa Program:
The essential member in the start-up team can apply for a work visa before the outcome of the case is determined and with this permission, he can proceed with the goals of his start-up in Canada.
Requirements for obtaining a work visa:
- The applicant must be an essential member of the team.
- Have a letter of support from a designated organization approved by the Canadian government.
- Have the financial ability to stay in Canada for 52 weeks.
| Number of dependents | Required amount for work permit (CAD) |
|---|---|
|
1 |
26,620 |
|
2 |
33,140 |
|
3 |
40,742 |
|
4 |
49,466 |
|
5 |
56,104 |
|
6 |
63,276 |
|
7 |
70,448 |
|
The amount of required money required for each member is more than 7 people |
7,172 |
Documents Checklist for work visa application
- Letter of Support from a designated organization approved by the Canadian government
- Biometric documents
- Proof of financial ability
- Police Clearances
- Medical examination results
- Employment offer
Benefits of Canada's startup visa program
Canada is the second largest country in the world with a good economic infrastructure and a supportive environment for innovative businesses. With this program, applicants can obtain permanent residence in this country and then obtain Canadian citizenship. This program does not require investment in Canada or a high language proficiency, and also before the finalization of the applicant’s file, they can enter Canada with a work permit and start their activities. The possibility of accompanying the family with the applicant is also one of the other features of this program.
Disadvantages of Canada's startup visa program
Although this program is suitable for working people with work experience with financial ability, it is not recommended for people over 50 years old or young people without work experience. It should also be kept in mind that the process of preparing documents as well as reviewing the case is a time-consuming process. Although some consultants mistakenly mention the end of this program after receiving a letter of support, it should be noted that this path actually begins after receiving this letter of support and requires the technical and specialized work of the startup consultant team to prevent the program from failing.
Rejection common reasons of a Canadian startup visa case
Although this program is one of the best ways to immigrate to Canada, the members of the startup team need to convince the immigration officer that the purpose of this case was not just immigration and that they really intend to start their own business in Canada! However, it is possible that following this path and after entering Canada, the said start-up will fail and the team members will decide not to continue this business anymore, and this decision will not affect the stay of the team members.
Other reasons for rejecting a startup visa can be one of the following reasons:
- Failure to provide sufficient documents, including documents related to financial ability, language certificate, lack of Police Clearance, etc
- Not having a letter of support from a designated organization
- Weakness of the plan and inconsistency of team member
- Failure to record activities and continuous progress of the plan
Q/A about the startup visa program:
How long does it take to review a startup visa case?
The maximum duration of reviewing this program and obtaining permanent residence is listed on the official website of the Canadian Government as 33 months. This website is the only official authority to announce any changes in schedule and details of this program.
In what case will my case be reviewed later?
In cases where the applicant has a criminal or security record, or because of residence in different countries further investigation is required, the process of examining your case may take longer.
Can I check the status of my startup visa case online?
Yes. You can check the status of your case online on the official website of the Canada in the applicant’s application status section.
If the start-up fails, will the residence of the members be invalidated?
One of the advantages of this program is that even if this startup fails in the future and the team members decide to close this startup, there will be no problem for their permanent residence.
Is the startup visa the same as the entrepreneur visa?
No Although these two programs have many similarities, they are different from each other.
| Program | Investment | Type of Residency | Minimum Required Residency | Dependent(s) Residency |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Startup Visa |
No |
Permanent |
2 years of presence out of 5 years |
As soon as the main applicant's plan and visa are approved |
|
Entrepreneur visa |
Yes |
First 1-year residence and then permanent residence |
9 to 10 months presence in a year |
After the entrepreneur plan is accepted |
Axiom Visa services to applicants of the Canadian startup visa program
We at Axiiom Visa are ready to support you in all stages, from presenting an idea to receiving a startup visa. Contact us for a free consultation.
