IMMIGRATION SERVICES

Start-Up Visa Canada

Launch your business and secure permanent residence through the Start-Up Visa Canada program. Designed for innovative entrepreneurs, this pathway allows you to build a business in Canada with support from designated organizations.

Important Information About Start-Up Visa

Start-Up Visa Program is paused as of January 1, 2026, and new commitment certificates from designated organizations stopped after December 31, 2025. Applicants with a valid 2025 commitment certificate must apply by June 30, 2026.

WOY Immigration Services continues to help clients understand eligibility, deadlines, existing commitments, and alternative business immigration options.

OVERVIEW

What Is the Start-Up Visa Program?

The Start-Up Visa Program is a federal immigration pathway that grants permanent residence to entrepreneurs with innovative business ideas. To qualify, applicants must secure support from a designated organization such as a venture capital fund, angel investor group, or business incubator.

This program is designed to attract entrepreneurs who can create jobs and contribute to Canada’s economy.

WHO THIS IS FOR

Is the Start-Up Visa Pathway Right for You?

This service is for entrepreneurs who want to understand whether the Start-Up Visa pathway is available to them, whether they already have the required support, and what other business immigration options may be worth considering.

Entrepreneurs With a Valid Commitment

You already received a valid commitment certificate or letter of support from a designated organization and need help understanding the next application step.

Applicants Facing a Deadline

You have a 2025 commitment certificate and need to confirm whether you must apply before the applicable deadline.

Founders With an Innovative Business Idea

You have a business concept and want to understand whether Start-Up Visa, provincial entrepreneur streams, or another business pathway may be more realistic.

Business Immigration Applicants Needing Strategy

You are unsure whether Start-Up Visa is still available to you and need a careful review before spending more time or money on the wrong route.

The Start-Up Visa Program has changed significantly. Before preparing documents or approaching organizations, it is important to confirm whether the pathway is currently available for your situation.

ELIGIBILITY

Who Qualifies for the Start-Up Visa Canada Program?

To qualify for the Start-Up Visa Canada program, you must:

1

Qualifying Business

Have a qualifying business

2

Letter of Support

Obtain a Letter of Support from a designated organization

3

Language Requirements

Meet minimum language requirements (CLB 5 or higher)

4

Sufficient Funds

Show sufficient settlement funds

5

Business Intent

Intend to actively manage the business in Canada

What Is a Qualifying Business?

A qualifying business must meet the following conditions:

Each applicant holds at least 10% of the voting rights
Applicants and the designated organization jointly hold more than 50% of voting rights
The business is incorporated and operated in Canada

These requirements ensure that applicants play an active role in the business.

COMMON PROBLEMS

Mistakes That Can Affect a Start-Up Visa Strategy

Start-Up Visa cases can become difficult when applicants rely on outdated program information, misunderstand the role of designated organizations, or move forward without confirming current intake rules.

Relying on Old Program Information

The program is paused for new intake, so information that was accurate before may no longer apply to new applicants.

No Valid Letter of Support

Applicants need support from at least one designated organization, and the letter of support is a key part of the application process.

Missing the Commitment Certificate Deadline

Applicants with a valid 2025 commitment certificate must pay close attention to the application deadline and certificate validity.

Weak Business Concept

A business idea must be innovative, viable, and capable of competing in the market. A generic or poorly supported idea may not be strong enough.

Confusing Business Immigration Pathways

Start-Up Visa is not the same as a provincial entrepreneur stream, self-employed pathway, LMIA-based work permit, or regular investor-style application.

Ignoring Work Permit and PR Timing

Some applicants may already have a Start-Up Visa work permit or PR application in process and need to understand how the pause affects their next steps.

OUR PROCESS

How We Help

We support you throughout the Start-Up Visa application process

Assess Eligibility

Assess your eligibility and business idea

Guide You

Guide you through the process of securing a designated organization

Review Business Plan

Review and strengthen your business concept

Submit Application

Prepare and submit your permanent residence application

Support You

Provide ongoing support throughout processing

WHAT WOY REVIEWS

What We Check Before Advising You

Before recommending a next step, we review your business profile, current Start-Up Visa status, documents, deadlines, and whether another business immigration option may be more suitable.

Whether you already have a valid letter of support
Whether a commitment certificate was issued in 2025
The deadline for submitting a permanent residence application, if applicable
The designated organization involved in your case
Your business ownership structure and founder role
Whether you are applying alone or as part of a founder group
Your business concept, innovation, and market readiness
Your language test results and settlement funds
Your education, business, and management background
Your current Canadian status, if applicable
Whether a Start-Up Visa work permit extension may be relevant
Alternative business immigration options if Start-Up Visa is not available

Our goal is to help you avoid building a strategy around a pathway that may not currently be open to you. If Start-Up Visa is not realistic, we can review other options based on your business profile.

FEES & COSTS

Start-Up Visa Application

Start-Up Visa applications involve government fees and professional service fees. Additional costs may apply depending on business development and designated organization requirements.

Visit our Pricing page or book a consultation for a personalized assessment.

View Full Pricing

WHAT YOU NEED TO PREPARE

Your Pre-Consultation Checklist

You do not need to have everything perfect before speaking with us. Bring what you already have, and we will explain what is missing.

Prepare Your Start-Up Visa Documents

Bring your letter of support, commitment certificate details, designated organization correspondence, founder agreement, or any documents showing support for your business.

Prepare Your Business Concept Documents

Bring your pitch deck, business plan, market research, product summary, financial projections, customer validation, or documents showing how the business is innovative and viable.

Prepare Founder and Ownership Information

Bring details of all founders, ownership percentages, roles, voting rights, shareholder agreements, incorporation documents, and any business registration records.

Prepare Personal Immigration Documents

Bring your passport, current Canadian status document if applicable, previous visas or permits, language test results, proof of settlement funds, and any prior IRCC correspondence.

Prepare Previous Applications or Refusals

Bring previous Start-Up Visa applications, work permit applications, refusal letters, portal screenshots, application numbers, or any communication from IRCC or a designated organization.

If you are not sure whether your business document is useful, bring it. We will help determine what supports your immigration strategy and what still needs work.

AFTER YOUR CONSULTATION

What Happens Next?

After your consultation, you will understand whether the Start-Up Visa pathway is available to you, what deadlines or documents matter, and whether another business immigration option should be considered.

We Confirm Your Start-Up Visa Position

We review whether you already have a valid letter of support or commitment certificate and whether the current program rules allow you to proceed.

We Review Deadlines and Program Restrictions

We identify any application deadlines, certificate validity issues, work permit concerns, or program restrictions that may affect your next step.

We Assess Your Business and Founder Documents

We review your business concept, founder structure, designated organization documents, ownership details, and supporting evidence for consistency.

We Recommend the Best Next Step

We explain whether to proceed with Start-Up Visa documentation, strengthen the business evidence, consider work permit options, or explore another business immigration pathway.

We Support the Application Strategy

If WOY is retained, we help prepare the forms, organize supporting documents, draft explanations, and guide the next immigration submission where available.

FAQ

Start-Up Visa Canada FAQs

What is Start-Up Visa Canada?

The Start-Up Visa Canada program allows entrepreneurs with innovative business ideas to obtain permanent residence by securing support from a designated organization.

How long does the Start-Up Visa process take?

Processing times vary but can take several months to over a year depending on the application and supporting documents.

Do I need to run the business after approval?

Yes. You are expected to actively manage and operate the business in Canada.

Do I need investment to apply?

Not always. Some designated organizations require investment, while business incubators may accept applicants without direct capital investment.

Can I include my family in the application?

Yes. You can include your spouse and dependent children in your Start-Up Visa application.

Considering business immigration to Canada?

Learn how the Start-Up Visa Canada program works, including eligibility, requirements, and how to apply. Get expert help to start your business in Canada.

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