Start-Up Visa Program Startup Visa

Required Documents & Information

• Valid passport with 6+ months validity

  Submit a copy of your travel document or passport with at least 6 months of validity beyond your intended arrival in Canada.

• Qualifying business ownership

  Each applicant must hold at least 10% of the voting rights in the business; applicants and the designated organization together must hold more than 50% of the total voting rights. The business must be incorporated and actively managed in Canada, with significant operations occurring in-country.

• Comprehensive business plan

  Provide a detailed business plan outlining your innovative concept, market research, business model, and operational strategy. This plan will be used to secure a letter of support from a designated organization.

• Letter of support from designated organization

  Obtain a letter of support from an approved venture capital fund, angel investor group, or business incubator, who will also send a commitment certificate directly to the Canadian authorities. Minimum investment: $200,000 CAD (venture capital) or $75,000 CAD (angel investor); no monetary minimum for incubator, but proof of acceptance required.

• IELTS score of 5.0 or equivalent (CLB 5)

  Provide test results from an IRCC-approved agency showing at least Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level 5 in speaking, reading, listening, and writing (e.g., IELTS General Test score of 5.0 in all abilities).

• Proof of funds: $11,150 USD or greater (CAD $15,263+)

  Provide original bank statements or official financial documents showing sufficient readily available funds. Amount required depends on family size (e.g., CAD$15,263 for single, CAD$19,001 for two, etc.).

• Police clearance certificate

  Submit police certificates from every country where you have lived for six months or longer since age 18 for both primary applicant and accompanying family members.

• Medical examination by approved physician

  Undergo a medical examination by a panel physician approved by Canada. Submit the medical report for all family members included in the application.

• Birth certificates and identity documents

  Provide official birth certificates for the principal applicant and any accompanying dependents, plus any civil status documents (e.g., marriage certificates).

• Passport-sized photographs

  Recent passport-sized photos for all applicants, meeting Canadian immigration photo requirements.

• Fee payment receipt

  Proof of payment of the official application and biometrics fees for all included family members.