Start-Up Visa Program
The Government of Canada offers a Start-Up Visa Program for immigrant entrepreneurs who possess the skills and potential to build businesses in Canada. Their proposed business must be innovative, have the potential to create jobs for Canadians, and compete on a global scale. It is also important to get support for your innovative business idea from one of the designated by the Government of Canada organizations.
The requirements of the Start-Up Visa defines a qualifying business as a created business that meets the following criteria: each of the applicants (up to 5 people) must hold 10% or more of the voting rights attached to all shares of the corporation outstanding at the time the applicants get a commitment from a designated organization; the applicants and the designated organization must jointly hold more than 50% of the total voting rights. At the time the applicants receive their permanent residence they must provide active and ongoing management of this business from within Canada.
The first step is to get a letter of support from a designated organization. You will need to contact the designated organization and learn how to get its support. You have to convince the organization that you have a business idea that is worth supporting. Remember, that each organization has its own requirements and may ask you to present your business concept in person or submit a detailed business plan. If you reach an agreement, you will receive their letter of support and you must submit it with your application. It will help you to demonstrate that the venture capital fund, angel investor group, or business incubator is supporting your business idea. This organization will also send a commitment certificate directly to Immigration and Citizenship, to help assess your application. Sometimes, more business information may be required from you for the final decision on your application.
Language requirements of the Start-Up Visa Program includes the ability to communicate and work in English, French, or both languages. This condition is important if you want your business to succeed in Canada. Only the results of language tests from the approved agencies are allowed. The minimum level of the Canadian Language Benchmark is 5 in either English or French.
It is worth mentioning, that the Government of Canada does not provide any financial support to new start-up visa immigrants. Applicants must guarantee they have the money to support themselves and their dependants after they arrive in Canada. The amount needed depends on the size of the applicant`s family and is updated every year. For example, the funds required for one family member is 12,960 CAD, for seven is 34,299 CAD.
The Start-Up Visa Program application package includes an instruction guide and a document checklist that can be downloaded. First, you have to fill out the Generic Application Form for Canada on your computer and click the “Validate” button. Then, print all the pages of the validated application form, including the barcode page, that comes up after you validate the form. Remember, that in case you have more than one package, a separate barcode page must be placed on each of them.The next step is to gather all supporting documents and information in the order identified in the document checklist. Collect all identification and supporting documents in a sealed envelope and include the signed document checklist as the cover page of your application. Remember, that if any of the required documents are missing, your application will be considered incomplete. If the information you provide is false or the important details are left out your application could be refused, or you could be found inadmissible and be barred from applying to come to Canada for five years.
After you apply for the Start-Up Visa Program, you will need to give your fingerprints and photo. Also, you will have to pay your application fees, including processing fees for you and anyone you include on your application, the Right of Permanent Residence Fee, third-party fees, and biometrics. It is very important to check, that you have completed the application properly. Please, do not forget to answer all questions; sign your application and all forms, and include all the required supporting documents. You must pay your processing fees and attach a copy of the receipt to your application.
The processing time of the Start-Up Visa Program is 12 to 16 months. You may be able to avoid any delays if you inform the visa office about any changes to your personal information, and avoid contacting the visa office more than once about the same issue. It is worth mentioning, that your application will be delayed if more background checks are needed (for example, there are criminal or security problems) or your family situation is not clear (for example, divorce or adoption that is not yet complete). You can always check the status of your application after the visa office has started processing it.
There are some other requirements that you must fulfill before you come to Canada. You and your family members must have a medical exam, and provide police certificates to the visa office if asked to do so.
If you meet the eligibility criteria of the Start-Up Visa Program, have enough money to support yourself and your family, pass the medical exam and police certificate, your application will be approved. The Visa Office may contact you if more documents or an interview are needed. Then you will be asked to send your passport to the visa office so they can issue your permanent resident visa. It will include your Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) and your entry visa to Canada. The information on your COPR should be the same as the information on your passport.
When you arrive in Canada you must have your COPR and your visa with you. Remember, the Government of Canada will not extend your COPR, so you should make sure to use it before it expires. If you’re already in Canada, you’ll have to do a short interview with an immigration officer to make sure all your documents are valid, check that you still meet the terms to immigrate to Canada, and confirm your Canadian mailing address. If you’re outside Canada, you must use ArriveCAN before crossing the border and submit your travel and contact information, quarantine plan, and COVID-19 symptoms self-assessment. Then, you’ll be greeted by an officer from the Canada Border Services Agency, who will ask you a few questions to make sure you still meet the eligibility requirements to immigrate to Canada.
Regards,
International Experience Club
