Canada•North AmericaSUV — Start-up Visa
At a Glance
10 years
CAD $2,495
Permanent residence
Renewable
Renewal
Renewable
Family
Dependents allowed
PR Pathway
Yes
Sponsor
No job offer needed
Work
Remote work not allowed
Living in Canada
Overview
Permanent residence for entrepreneurs backed by a designated Canadian VC, angel, or incubator — program paused; only 2025 commitment-cert holders may apply by Jun 30, 2026.
Canada's Start-up Visa (SUV) grants permanent residence to entrepreneurs backed by a designated Canadian organization — a venture capital fund, angel investor group, or business incubator. No personal investment is required; designated orgs assess the concept's innovation, scalability, and job-creation potential.
Applicants need CLB 5 in English or French, settlement funds (CAD 15,263 for one), and must hold at least 10% of voting rights — with applicants plus the designated organization together holding over 50%. The government fee is CAD 2,495 (1,895 processing + 600 RPRF). As of January 1, 2026 the program is paused: only holders of a valid 2025 commitment certificate may apply, deadline June 30, 2026.
This visa is ideal for international entrepreneurs who already hold a valid 2025 commitment certificate from a designated Canadian organization and can file before the June 30, 2026 deadline.
Curious about life in Canada?
Discover cost of living, salary benchmarks, tax rates, and quality of life — everything you need to know before you make the move.
Cost Breakdown
Requirements
PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS
Obtain a Letter of Support from a designated Canadian organization (venture capital fund, angel investor group, or business incubator).
Meet minimum language requirements in English or French (CLB 5 in all abilities).
Have sufficient settlement funds to support yourself and your family.
Plan to settle in a province other than Quebec.
Pass Canadian security and medical clearances.
Meet ownership requirements: each applicant must hold at least 10% of the voting rights, and the applicants plus the designated organization must collectively hold more than 50% of the voting rights.
Actively manage the business with core operations in Canada.
KEY CRITERIA
Min. Savings
15,263 CAD
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
Document Checklist (IMM 5760)
Generic Application Form for Canada (IMM 0008)
Schedule A – Background/Declaration (IMM 5669)
Additional Family Information (IMM 5406)
Supplementary Information – Your Travels (IMM 5562)
Schedule 13 – Business Immigration Program – Start-Up Business (IMM 0008 SCHEDULE 13)
Letter of Support from a designated organization
Commitment Certificate
Proof of settlement funds
Language test results
Police certificates
Medical examination results
Passport or travel documents
Photos of all family members
Advantages & Considerations
Key Benefits
- Permanent residence granted directly to applicant and accompanying family.
- No requirement to invest personal funds into the business.
- PR is retained even if the business venture fails.
- No age limit for the principal applicant.
- Spouse can work in Canada without restriction.
- Access to publicly funded healthcare and education for children.
- Direct pathway to Canadian citizenship after meeting residency rules.
Worth Knowing
- Processing time is currently more than 10 years, far longer than other PR pathways.
- Securing a commitment from a designated organization is highly competitive.
- Business must be innovative, scalable, and create jobs for Canadians.
- Not available to applicants intending to settle in Quebec.
- Each applicant must hold at least 10% of voting rights; applicants plus the designated organization must hold over 50%.
- Program paused as of January 1, 2026 — no new commitment certificates issued after December 31, 2025.
- Only applicants with a valid 2025 commitment certificate may apply, deadline June 30, 2026.
- Without a Letter of Support from a designated organization, the application cannot proceed.
Application Process
Secure a commitment from a designated organization (venture capital, angel investor, or incubator).
Obtain the Letter of Support and Commitment Certificate from the organization.
Prepare the permanent residence application package.
Submit the application to IRCC (online or by mail).
Undergo medical examinations and background/security checks.
Receive Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) upon approval.
Related visas
More visas in Canada
- Skilled Worker Selection Program (PSTQ)
Residency
- Canadian Experience Class
Residency
- Express Entry (Federal Skilled Worker)
Residency
Residency visas in other countries
- Gurkha and Hong Kong Military Unit Veteran Settlement Visa
United Kingdom
- Diversity Immigrant Visa (Green Card Lottery)
United States
- Permanent Resident Status
Barbados
Living in Canada
Ready to see if the SUV — Start-up Visa is your visa path?
Discover how your answers compare with the published requirements. 2 minutes. Free to use.
Start Visa Discovery