Canada Golden Visa Program (Startup Visa)

Program Overview

The Canada Startup Visa (SUV) Program serves as Canada’s equivalent to a Golden Visa, providing foreign entrepreneurs with a direct pathway to permanent residence through business immigration. This innovative program attracts global entrepreneurial talent by enabling qualified individuals to invest in Canadian businesses while securing permanent residency and potential citizenship.

Launched to boost innovation, create jobs, and drive economic growth, the SUV program offers a streamlined route for ambitious entrepreneurs to gain permanent resident status while building innovative companies and contributing to the Canadian economy. Unlike traditional investment programs, this initiative focuses on creating scalable, high-potential startups with support from designated Canadian organizations.

The program provides access to one of the world’s most desirable countries for residence, offering exceptional quality of life, robust economy, and comprehensive social benefits in a welcoming, multicultural environment.

Key Benefits

Direct Permanent Residency: Pathway to Canadian permanent residence without traditional employment requirements

Global Access: Open to all nationalities with no country-specific restrictions

Family Inclusion: Comprehensive coverage for spouse and dependent children under 22 years

Business Flexibility: No limitations on business activities within Canada

Partnership Opportunities: Allows up to 5 individuals in the same startup with minimum 10% ownership each

Work Authorization: Immediate work permit while permanent residence application processes

No Net Worth Verification: No mandatory minimum net worth requirements or verification

Citizenship Pathway: Clear route to Canadian citizenship after meeting residency requirements

Investment Requirements

Option A: Angel Investment Groups

Minimum Investment: CAD $75,000 (approximately $55,000 USD)

Structure: Investment from designated angel investor groups

Requirements:

• Letter of Support from designated angel investor organization
• Minimum 10% ownership in startup venture
• Combined foreign nationals and designated organization must hold over 50% voting rights
• Business must demonstrate scalability and innovation potential

Option B: Venture Capital Funds

Minimum Investment: CAD $200,000 (approximately $147,000 USD)

Structure: Investment from designated venture capital funds

Requirements:

• Letter of Support from designated venture capital organization
• Proven business model with strong market validation
• Demonstrated revenue generation or clear path to profitability
• Significant job creation potential for Canadian market

Option C: Business Incubators

Investment Range: Variable based on incubator requirements

Structure: Support and mentorship from designated business incubators

Requirements:

• Acceptance into designated business incubator program
• Completion of incubator program requirements
• Business plan validation and market readiness demonstration
• Ongoing mentorship and development participation

Eligibility Categories

Innovative Entrepreneurs

Business leaders with ownership of innovative or successful businesses generating scalable and sustainable revenue or demonstrating strong market validation. Must possess highly specialized knowledge or unique experience in their field.

Experienced Managers

Executives with solid managerial experience and proven track records in business development, capable of establishing and scaling operations in the Canadian market.

Capital-Backed Founders

Entrepreneurs with access to capital funding between CAD $75,000 to CAD $200,000 minimum per applicant, demonstrating financial capacity to support startup ventures.

Skilled Professionals

Individuals with upper-intermediate level English or French language skills and expertise in high-growth industries aligned with Canadian economic priorities.

Family Inclusion

Eligible Family Members

Spouse: Legal spouse included in application with full residency rights

Children: Dependent children under 22 years old without spouse or partner

Family Benefits

Permanent Residency: Same permanent resident status as principal applicant

Work Authorization: Spouse eligible for open work permit

Education Access: Children entitled to Canadian public education

Healthcare Coverage: Access to provincial healthcare systems

Settlement Support: Family settlement services and integration programs

Terms and Validity

Business Requirements

Ownership: Minimum 10% individual ownership in startup venture

Control: Combined foreign nationals and designated organization must hold majority voting rights

Operations: Active and ongoing management participation required

Innovation: Business must demonstrate scalability and innovation potential

Residency Obligations

No Initial Requirement: No minimum residency requirement under SUV program

Business Management: Practical requirement to remain in Canada for active business management

Citizenship Path: 1,095 days (3 years) physical presence in Canada within 5 years for citizenship eligibility

Language Requirements

Minimum Standard: Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level 5 in English or French

Assessment: Approved language testing required (IELTS, CELPIP, TEF, TCF)

Family Members: Language requirements may apply to dependent family members

Path to Citizenship

Work Permit Stage

Initial work permit allows entry to Canada and business establishment within 8-12 weeks of approval.

Business Operation Phase

Establish and operate business according to designated organization requirements and business plan commitments.

Permanent Residency Grant

Permanent residency approved after successful business operation demonstration, typically within 33 months.

Citizenship Eligibility

Apply for Canadian citizenship after meeting physical presence requirements of 1,095 days within 5 years as permanent resident.

Canadian Citizenship Benefits

• Visa-free access to 119 countries and territories
• Canadian passport ranked 6th globally for travel freedom
• Full voting rights in federal and provincial elections
• Access to all Canadian social benefits and programs

Contact Us To Start Your Journey

For personalised consultation on the Canada Golden Visa Program, including business plan development, designated organisation connections, and comprehensive application management, contact our specialist immigration advisors for detailed assessment and guidance or fill in our eligibility form below

FAQs

What is the total cost estimate for the Canada Golden Visa SUV program?

The total estimated cost is approximately CAD $250,000, which includes investment requirements, legal fees, administrative costs, and government processing fees for the complete program.

Do I obtain Permanent Residence immediately upon approval?

No, initially investors receive a work permit within 2-3 months of approval. Permanent residency processing takes 33 months on average, during which time you can operate your business in Canada.

Is there an interview requirement before obtaining Permanent Residence?

Yes, there will be an interview at the IRCC office in your country of residence or at the port of entry when you arrive in Canada as part of the approval process.

What are the language requirements for the SUV program?

All applicants must demonstrate Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level 5 proficiency in either English or French through approved testing methods such as IELTS, CELPIP, TEF, or TCF.

How long do I need to live in Canada to become eligible for citizenship?

To apply for Canadian citizenship, you must be physically present in Canada for at least 1,095 days (3 years) within a 5-year period as a permanent resident, along with meeting other citizenship requirements.