Canada Startup Immigration: Policies, Application, Costs & Requirements — This One Article Covers It All

Original: Sino-Canada Startup Camp, June 28, 2023, 16:22

Background

What is Startup Immigration?

Canada’s Startup Visa (SUV) is a federal immigration program launched in 2013 and made permanent in 2017. It was designed to attract entrepreneurs with technology expertise and innovation potential to establish startups in Canada, driving job creation and economic growth.

The Origin of the SUV Program

The SUV program was created after three years of lobbying by venture capitalists in British Columbia.

In 2010, Romanian tech talents Cristan Strat and Mircea Pașoi founded a startup called Summify in Vancouver. Despite strong ideas, incubator support, and angel investments, they had no path to legal work or immigration status under Canada’s immigration laws at the time.

Their story motivated Vancouver tech investors like Boris Wertz, Danny Robinson (Perch co-founder), and Maura Rodgers (Strutta co-founder) to lobby the government for a better system. In 2013, the Startup Visa program was born.

SUV Program Timeline

2013 – Pilot program launched
2017 – Announced as a permanent program
2018 – Official regulations enacted (effective April 1, 2018)

Immigration Statistics

Between 2015 and 2022, the SUV program saw growing adoption:

2022: 580 new immigrants (2.3× increase from 2018)
2023 projection: Over 800 (including family)
Top source countries (2015–2022):
- Vietnam: 455
- India: 325
- China (Mainland): 315

Why SUV is Popular

The most affordable, fastest, and most reliable immigration route in North America.

Eligibility Requirements

Age: 18+
Education: College diploma or higher
Language: CLB 5+ in English/French (IELTS 5+)
Business Plan: Must demonstrate sustainable innovation
Equity: At least 10% ownership
Letter of Support: From a Designated Organization
Funds: Must show sufficient settlement and startup funds
Background: Clean record and medical clearance

Settlement Funds (CAD)

Family SizeRequired Funds1$13,3102$16,5703$20,3714$24,7335$28,0526$31,6387$35,224Each extra+$3,586

Letter of Support: The True Barrier

You don’t need to explain the source of funds, but the real challenge is securing a Letter of Support from one of the following:

Venture Capital Fund: Min. $200,000 CAD
Angel Investor Group: Min. $75,000 CAD
Business Incubator: Acceptance (no investment required)

Application Process

Eligibility assessment
Develop business concept & plan
Apply to VC/angel/incubator → get Letter of Support
Submit PR & work permit application
Start business operations
Obtain permanent residency

Advantages

No need to study or work in Canada first
Apply for PR + work permit with Letter of Support
One application covers the whole family
Processing time: 12–16 months
Low startup capital required
Up to 5 co-founders per team
Low English requirement (CLB 5)
No asset or tax documents needed
High flexibility in choosing province (except Quebec)
PR status remains valid even if the startup fails
Success rate:
- Overall: 75%+
- After Letter of Support: 90%+

Common Rejection Reasons

Weak business concept
Unclear market potential
Vague or changing business plan
Unreliable incubator
Stronger immigration intent than entrepreneurial drive
Incoherent team structure / unrelated backgrounds
Lead founder lacks experience
Unbalanced equity distribution
No startup activity after work permit issued
Past legal issues in Canada

Designated Incubators (Sample List)

Alacrity Foundation
Creative Destruction Lab
DMZ Ventures
Empowered Startups
Genesis Centre
Highline BETA
Launch Academy (Vancouver)
NEXT Canada
Toronto Business Development Centre (TBDC)
Techstars Canada
Waterloo Accelerator Centre
York Entrepreneurship Development Institute

FAQs

Q: Can I apply with no English?
No. Minimum CLB 5 required (IELTS 5+).

Q: Which industries are favored?
IT, Internet, Communications, Biotech, AI, Green Tech, Animation, etc.

Q: What kind of projects get support?
Projects with global innovation, job creation, and scalability potential.

Q: I have money but no experience. Can I apply?
Not recommended. Immigration officers look for matching business & personal background.

Q: Can multiple people apply as co-founders?
Yes — up to 5 co-applicants per startup. But all must pass background checks and contribute meaningfully.

Sino-Canada Startup Camp offers resources, co-founder matchmaking, and project support.
Message us directly to learn more.

Everything You Need to Know About Canada's Startup Immigration: Policies, Application, Costs, and Requirements