Canada’s Start-up Visa Program targets immigrant entrepreneurs with the skills and potential to build businesses in Canada that: Are innovative Can create jobs for Canadians Can compete on a global scale To be eligible for the Start-up Visa Program, you must: Have a qualifying business Get a letter of support from a designated organization Meet the language requirements Have sufficient money to settle

To apply for the Start-up Visa Program, your business idea or venture must get the support of one or more of the designated organizations listed below: Venture capital funds Angel investor groups Business incubators Designated organizations are business groups that are approved to invest in or support possible start-ups through the Start-up Visa Program. Organizations choose which business proposals to review. Each organization has its own intake process for proposals and criteria used to assess them. For example, you may be asked to present your business concept in person or submit a detailed business plan. If an organization decides to review your business idea, it will assess the potential…

A qualifying business means you created a business that meets the following conditions. At the time you get a commitment from a designated organization: Each applicant holds 10% or more of the voting rights attached to all shares of the corporation outstanding at that time (up to 5 people can apply as owners) AND Applicants and the designated organization jointly hold more than 50% of the total voting rights attached to all shares of the corporation outstanding at that time At the time you receive your permanent residence: You provide active and ongoing management of this business from within Canada An essential part of the operations of the business happens…

The ability to communicate and work in English, French or both languages will help your business succeed in Canada. You must meet the minimum level of the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 5 in either English or French in all four areas: Speaking Reading Listening Writing

You will be required to give proof that you have sufficient money to support yourself and your dependants after you arrive in Canada. The chart below indicates the amount of funds required to settle in Canada. Number of family members Funds required (in Canadian dollars) 1 $12,960 2 $16,135 3 $19,836 4 $24,083 5 $27,315 6 $30,806 7 $34,299 For each additional family member $3,492

The Self-employed Persons Program allows people to immigrate to Canada permanently as a self-employed person. To be eligible for this program, candidates must: Have relevant experience Be willing and able to be self-employed in Canada Meet the program’s selection criteria and Meet medical, security and other conditions

Your experience is relevant if you have: Taken part in cultural activities or athletics at a world-class level or Been a self-employed person in cultural activities or athletics Definitions Relevant experience for a self-employed person means at least two years of experience. It must be during the period starting 5 years before the day you apply and ending on the day, IRCC decides on your application. At a minimum, your experience must be: For cultural activities: 2 one-year periods being self-employed in cultural activities, or 2 one-year periods participating at a world-class level in cultural activities, or A combination of a one-year period described in (a), and a one-year period described…

Applications from interested candidates are assessed using a points system. The pass mark for the self-employed persons program is 35 points out of 100.  Selection Factors Points Experience Maximum 35 points Age Maximum 10 points Education  Maximum 25 points Language Proficiency in English or French Maximum 24 points Adaptability Maximum 6 points Total Maximum 100 points Pass Mark 35 points

You and your family members must have a medical exam and get police certificates. You must also show that you have enough money to support yourself and your family after you get to Canada.