🇨🇦 Start-Up Visa Program
Category: Business · Processing time: 12–24 months
⚡ Quick Answer
Canada's Start-Up Visa grants PR to founders backed by a designated Canadian VC, angel, or incubator. Up to 5 founders per startup may apply.
Visa record in MigrantIQ database.
Apply through official authority
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)
Always submit applications through the official source. Last verified 2026-05-07.
Visa type
Business
Processing time
12–24 months
Fees
RightOfPRFee: CAD 575
Validity
Confirm on official source
Stay duration
Confirm on official source
Entry type
Confirm single/multiple entry rules
Insurance
Confirm if required
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Overview
Permanent residency for entrepreneurs whose innovative business is supported by a designated Canadian venture capital fund, angel-investor group, or business incubator.
- Leads to permanent residency: Yes
- Requires job offer: No
- Language required: Yes
- Minimum education: Not specified
- Financial requirement: Confirm current proof-of-funds rules on the official source
- Accommodation proof: Confirm if accommodation proof is required
- Return ticket: Confirm if onward/return travel proof is required
Estimated Costs
- - RightOfPRFee: CAD 575
- - BiometricsFee: CAD 85
- - ApplicationFee: CAD 2,140
- - CapitalRequirement: No fixed government threshold; investor commitment varies
Required Documents
- - Letter of Support from a designated organisation
- - Commitment Certificate from the same organisation
- - Language test results (CLB 5)
- - Proof of funds for settlement
- - Business plan
Application Steps
- Pitch your startup to a designated VC, angel group, or incubator
- Receive Letter of Support and Commitment Certificate
- Demonstrate CLB 5 language ability
- Show proof of settlement funds
- Submit PR application via IRCC
- Pass medical and background checks
Always confirm the latest steps and forms on the official portal: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) →
Travel Insurance Requirement
- Mandatory: Confirm with official source
- Minimum coverage: Confirm current coverage rules
- Valid regions: Confirm accepted regions
- Approved providers: Use providers accepted by the official authority
Embassy, Consulate & Appointments
Embassy, consulate, jurisdiction, and appointment details vary by applicant location. Confirm the correct office before booking travel or paying fees.
Open appointment or official portal →Application checklist
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Benefits & What This Visa Allows
- - Permanent residency for principal + family
- - Operate the business anywhere in Canada
- - Path to citizenship
Trust & safety
Before you pay or submit documents
Use the official portal for applications and payments. Be careful with agents who guarantee approval, ask for personal-account transfers, or pressure you to send originals before a written contract.
Relevant laws
- Immigration Status and Overstay Rules
Immigration · Severity: Critical
Your right to stay in Canada depends on the exact visa, residence permit, entry stamp, or visa-free allowance you hold. Do not assume a pending application, job offer, or school admission automatically extends your lawful stay.
- Tax Residency and Income Reporting
Tax · Severity: High
Living in Canada for long enough, working locally, or registering as a resident may trigger tax-residency or income-reporting duties even if your income is paid from abroad.
- Work Authorisation Rules
Employment · Severity: Critical
In Canada, a visa that allows entry does not always allow work. Paid employment, freelancing, remote work, internships, and trial shifts may each have different permission rules.
- Employment Standards Act
Employment · Severity: Critical
You are entitled to minimum wage, 2 weeks paid vacation after 1 year, and up to 3 days paid sick leave. Your employer cannot take these rights away by contract — they are protected by law.
Active scam alerts
Some agents overcharge newcomers for translations, notarisation, apostilles, or courier services for Canada, and may produce documents that are not accepted by official authorities.
Scammers impersonate airport staff, immigration officers, or travel agents and claim you must pay a special fee to enter Canada, avoid questioning, release documents, or fast-track border checks.
Fraudsters offer admission, scholarships, or student visa packages for Canada through unofficial agents. Victims may receive fake acceptance letters that fail verification during visa processing.
Scammers advertise fake apartments in Canada, pressure newcomers to transfer a deposit before viewing, and disappear after sending a fake lease or copied property photos.
Quick Eligibility Check
Use this self-check for Start-Up Visa. It does not replace official legal assessment.
Common Rejection Reasons
- - Incomplete or inconsistent documents
- - Insufficient financial evidence
- - Unclear purpose of visit or weak ties to home country
- - Missing translations, signatures, appointment confirmations, or required forms
Application Tips
- - Start with the official checklist before paying any third party.
- - Keep bank statements, employment letters, travel plans, and accommodation details consistent.
- - Book appointments early and keep copies of every submitted form, receipt, and confirmation.
- - Do not use agents who guarantee approval or request payment to personal accounts.
Sources & References
Use these references for verification. Official government and appointment portals override summary guidance on MigrantIQ.
- Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)
Official source for forms, appointments, fees, and final requirements.
- MigrantIQ visa record
Summary record maintained for planning and source verification.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common documents include: Appointment confirmation letter, Valid passport, Any previous immigration documents and Payment receipt (if applicable). Requirements may change. Always check official sources or consult licensed advisors for case-specific decisions.
You will usually need: Completed application forms, Valid passport, Proof of funds, Business plan, Letter of support from a designated organization, Medical exam results and Police clearance certificate. Rules can change; consult official sources or licensed advisors for case-specific decisions.
Obtaining a Canada visit visa from Pakistan can vary in difficulty based on individual circumstances, such as financial stability and travel history. Requirements include a valid passport, application forms, and proof of ties to Pakistan. Rules can change, so consult official sources or licensed immigration advisors for case-specific advice.
The Start-Up Visa allows entrepreneurs from Pakistan to establish a business in Canada. Applicants must secure a commitment from a designated Canadian organization. Ensure you meet eligibility criteria and prepare necessary documentation. Rules can change, so consult official sources or licensed immigration advisors for case-specific decisions.
To obtain a Canada Start-Up Visa from Pakistan, you must secure a qualifying business proposal and obtain a letter of support from a designated organization. Ensure you meet language and financial requirements. Rules can change, so consult official sources or licensed immigration advisors for case-specific guidance.