Business Immigration Pathways

🔍 How It Works

 

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

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• Pitch to a Designated Organization
  Submit your business idea to a designated incubator, angel investor group, or venture capital fund. If approved, you'll receive a required Letter of Support.

• Meet Language Requirements
  Achieve CLB 5 in English or French.

• Prove Settlement Funds
  Demonstrate you can support yourself and your dependents in Canada (per IRCC guidelines).

• Launch While You Wait
  Eligible applicants may apply for a temporary work permit to begin operations in Canada while awaiting permanent residence approval.

 

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Startup Visa Program: Understanding the Fees

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Canada’s Startup Visa Program (SUV) offers a pathway to permanent residency for entrepreneurs who can bring innovative business ideas to life. While the government itself does not charge a fee for joining a startup group, the real costs lie in building a credible business and securing the required support.

Here’s a breakdown of the key costs involved in the SUV process.​​

💸 Startup Team Participation Fees

 

Applicable to Conceptual or Investor-Joined Startups

For entrepreneurs who are joining an existing startup group, especially those not involved in the initial business concept, there is often a group participation fee. This fee covers administrative and onboarding costs handled by business coordinators or consultants.

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• Estimated Range: CAD 75,000 – CAD 250,000

• Use: Access to an eligible startup, preparation of documents, founder alignment, and internal business role allocation

• Note: These are private-market fees, not charged by IRCC or the Canadian government. Founders with their own startup concepts usually avoid this expense.

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📄Designated Organization Support Fees

 

Business Incubators, Angel Investors, or Venture Capital Funds

To qualify for the SUV program, you must obtain a Letter of Support from a designated organization. These organizations assess your business proposal and determine whether to support it through mentorship, investment, or incubation.

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• Business Incubators: May charge CAD 30,000 – CAD 100,000 (especially for early-stage or conceptual ventures)

• Angel Investor Groups: Require proof of investment (CAD 75,000 minimum)

• Venture Capital Funds: Minimum investment commitment of CAD 200,000

• Real Startups: May only pay CAD 10,000 – CAD 20,000 for support services

• Exceptional Cases: Some incubators offer free support in exchange for equity if the startup is revenue-generating and high-potential

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These fees vary and are based on the stage, quality, and innovation potential of your business. They may include business plan development, pitch coaching, due diligence, and internal assessments.​

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🚀Business Investment Capital

 

Funding the Actual Launch of Your Startup

IRCC expects genuine business activity from SUV applicants. Passive or inactive ventures face long processing times or refusals.

• Solo Founders or Co-Founders: Expected to commit between CAD 50,000 – CAD 250,000 to their business, either from personal funds or investor backing

• Purpose: This investment should go toward business setup, hiring, development, operations, and customer acquisition

• Tip: IRCC looks favorably on businesses that demonstrate traction and operational presence in Canada

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📝IRCC & Government Fees

       These are standard federal fees charged for all permanent residence applications.

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