How does the Start-Up Visa Program work and what counts as a qualifying business?

The Start-Up Visa Program offers a pathway to permanent residence for entrepreneurs whose business idea receives a letter of support from a designated entity, a venture capital fund, angel investor group, or business incubator that IRCC has specifically designated, confirming that entity's commitment of qualifying support or investment, or acceptance into an incubator program. Without that commitment, there is generally nothing for IRCC to assess the application against.

A nuance that surprises many applicants is that permanent residence is generally granted on meeting the program's criteria and securing the designated entity's commitment, not on proof the business has already become commercially successful. The business is expected to be established after landing, and IRCC does not revoke permanent residence simply because a start-up later fails commercially, though separate misrepresentation concerns can still arise if the original application was not genuine. Ownership of one qualifying business can also generally be shared among a small group of entrepreneurs, provided each individually meets the program's criteria and holds a qualifying stake, and applicants can generally apply separately for a temporary work permit to begin working on the business while the residence application is pending.

Because this program has been subject to change, confirm it is currently open and accepting applications, and what its terms are, through IRCC's published guidance or with an immigration lawyer.