Canada's Start-Up Visa: A Path to PR for Professionals

Sweet Mirasol • Feb 21, 2024

Canada has good chances for people who want to start businesses or have special skills. The government has a program called the Start-Up Visa, which began in 2013. It's a good choice if you want to help Canada grow and make a good impact. In this blog, we'll talk about this program and how it can help people from all around the world become permanent residents in Canada.

Please note: Immigration regulations are subject to change, and we cannot guarantee that this information is up-to-date. For up-to-date information, please visit the Government of Canada's website or speak with a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant.


1. Advantages of the Start-Up Visa Program


a. Pathway to Permanent Residency: Once approved, successful applicants and their immediate family members become eligible for Permanent Residency in Canada.


b. Access to Canada's Business Ecosystem: Start-Up Visa holders can tap into Canada's active business world. This means they can get help from experienced people, make business connections, and find resources to help their businesses grow.


c. Canadian Citizenship Eligibility: After you've been a permanent resident in Canada for some time and follow the rules, you can ask to become a Canadian citizen. This opens up more opportunities and benefits for you.


2. Understanding the Start-Up Visa Program


The Start-Up Visa program wants to bring creative entrepreneurs to Canada who can start and grow their businesses here. Unlike some other visas you need to invest a lot of money, this program checks if your business idea is good. To be eligible, you must get a letter of support from a specific Canadian group, such as an angel investor group, a venture capital fund, or a business incubator. This endorsement serves as a critical factor in the application process.


3. Qualifying Factors


To be eligible for the Start-Up Visa program, applicants must meet certain criteria:



4. The Application Process


Online Application and Biometrics: Since October 14, 2022, applying online has become mandatory for the Start-Up Visa program. Most applicants now need to provide biometrics (fingerprints and photo) after submitting their application, a crucial step for identity verification.


Eligibility and Forms: Applicants must meet specific criteria, including having a qualifying business idea and securing support from a designated Canadian organization. The application involves filling out digital and PDF forms.


Use of a Representative: Applicants can seek assistance from an immigration representative, but they must register online their name as a legal rule.


Photo Specifications: Each applicant requires a photo, and the online application provides scanning instructions.


Paying Application Fees: To process the application, you'll need to pay different fees, including biometrics fees.


Temporary Changes to Biometrics: Book biometric appointments early to avoid delays, and temporary measures may assist some applicants.


Submitting the Application: Ensure the application is complete and accurate to avoid rejection.


For more information on the application process, click here.


At Collision 2023, Minister Fraser announced enhancements to Canada's Tech Talent Strategy. These improvements include:


  • More slots available in 2023.
  • Longer work permits for tech talent.
  • Open permits not tied to specific start-up companies.
  • A focus on applicants who have investor support for the improved Start-Up Visa Program.


These changes underscore Canada's commitment to tech innovation and global talent attraction, setting its position as a top tech destination.

Canada's Start-Up Visa program offers entrepreneurs and professionals a fantastic chance to settle in a welcoming and economically vibrant country. It features a straightforward application process, emphasizes innovation, and provides a pathway to Permanent Residency. This program is an excellent opportunity for individuals passionate about business and looking to succeed in Canada's diverse and inclusive society.


Embrace a brighter future in Canada! Find out how the Start-Up Visa program at immigrate.biz can lead to PR and open doors to success. Apply now and make your mark in Canada!

Catching Up With Laika

By Miranda Miller • 28 Mar, 2024
At Immigrate, our team is passionate about making immigration dreams come true. Today, we're thrilled to introduce Sales Associate Laika Luslos, who exemplifies that attitude. Read on to find out what makes Laika so passionate about making the journey to Canada accessible! Can you please introduce yourself and what you do here at Immigrate? Laika: My name is Laika. I'm from the Philippines, and I hold a Bachelor's Degree in Public Administration and have completed a certificate in a teaching program for secondary education. I'm part of the team here at Immigrate as an immigration Sales Associate. I have a strong passion for music, and I enjoy spending quality time with my family. What is your role like on a day-to-day basis? Laika: My role involves connecting with clients who are interested in immigrating to Canada, understanding their needs and goals, addressing their questions and concerns, and helping them navigate the complexities of immigration procedures. My favorite part is witnessing the excitement and relief on clients' faces when they receive approvals for their immigration applications. It's incredibly rewarding to be part of their journey and help make their aspirations a reality. How do we help clients overcome barriers to starting their new life in Canada? Laika: We offer a wide range of personalized immigration guidance and support, like access to resources, assistance with navigating complex paperwork and legal documents, and help with language barriers or unfamiliarity with the Canadian immigration system. Our team is here to support every step of the way. What makes Immigrate different from other immigration providers? Laika: What sets Immigrate apart is our commitment to providing a high chance of success through personalized recommendations and advice. Our team goes above and beyond to ensure the success of our clients' immigration journey. Plus, having our own unique software platform minimizes the likelihood of mistakes and streamlines the process. What’s a goal you have for the future? Laika: Looking ahead, a future goal of mine is to continue growing within the field of immigration and learning in my role at Immigrate. I'm passionate about helping people achieve their goals and aspirations and I look forward to making a positive impact on even more clients’ lives in the future. And I am really excited about embarking on the journey to fulfill my own Canadian dream alongside my family, combining personal aspirations with professional growth.
A man is standing in a field with his arms crossed in front of a combine harvester.

New SINP Entrepreneur Category Changes in March 2024

By Dirk Propp • 28 Mar, 2024
This article is written by Immigrate President and Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant, Dirk Propp (license #R417407). On March 14th, the Saskatchewan Government made changes to the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) Entrepreneur Category, affecting many international entrepreneurs considering starting a business in the province. These new changes affect those in the Expression of Interest Pool for future draws. Many of the applicants already in the pool will need to look for different options, or be able to meet the new criteria. The most important changes are: New minimum language requirement: Applicants must have a CBL 5 in English. Previously no English was required. Mandatory exploratory visits: Visits are required for five calendar days, when applicants should conduct comprehensive research for their proposed business plan. This will mean that applicants will need to obtain a visitor visa to visit Saskatchewan. Extended operation: Applicants must operate the business for a minimum of 12 months on their work permit prior to removing conditions to get a nomination for permanent residence. Business purchases: Applicants cannot buy a business that a previous SINP applicant has started for at least five years after its inception. New ineligible businesses: More business types are not considered for investment. New definition of eligible business investments: This change affects which investments are eligible to meet the minimum investment criteria in the business plan and in operations to remove the conditions and obtain the nomination for permanent residents. Applicant requirements: This restricts applicants to live within 50km of their business, and extends the boundary of major cities to include urban communities. New interview requirements: There is now a mandatory interview which must take place within 90 days of the request by the province. In conclusion, these changes will give international business investors a better chance to build a successful business. For example, the language requirement will help with integration into English-speaking communities and likely a higher chance of success in business operations. These changes will also help rural businesses thrive in Saskatchewan. Secondly, these changes will limit the amount of applications and increase opportunities in certain countries where English is more prominent. The interview gives the officers the discretion to refuse any applicant based on their opinion, which may be frustrating for some applicants. However, it should also give successful applicants a higher chance of success if approved. This change removes Saskatchewan as one of the last provinces to not require English testing to become business immigrants in Canada. If you would like to know more about the changes or get help setting up an exploratory visit, completing your business plan and SINP application, and meeting all other requirements, please contact me directly through sales@immigrate.biz so we can see if this may be the right fit for you and your family to make Saskatchewan your new home.
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