Insights
Canada offers a wealth of opportunities for entrepreneurs and investors seeking to expand their horizons. With a stable and growing economy, favorable business policies, and a high standard of living, Canada is an ideal destination for those looking to establish a new business venture. One of the most effective ways to tap into these opportunities is through Canada's investment visa programs, which provide a pathway to permanent residency and citizenship.
Canada’s GDP has consistently grown over the past few years, and its policies continue to maintain economic stability. These conditions are perfect for entrepreneurs, yet to take advantage of them, you will require a Canada investment visa.
This legal document is a path to permanent residency in a country that offers a luxurious lifestyle. However, this visa has specific requirements you will need to meet to receive it.
This article will explore this type of visa, the benefits it offers, and the process you need to undertake to acquire it.
Canada offers various pathways for foreign investors and entrepreneurs to obtain permanent residency and citizenship through its investment visa programs. Each program has unique requirements and benefits, catering to different types of business ventures and investment levels.
Below is the primary investor visa program available in Canada—the “start-up visa”—along with its necessary requirements and application process.
This visa is available to those with a supported business they plan to operate and incorporate in Canada. Alternatively, you can acquire this visa after you have established your new business and have already received a commitment from one of the designated organizations. In addition, you can apply as an individual or a group of five. As a group, each applicant must have 10% voting rights minimum and collectively have over 50% voting rights in the business.
The minimum financial support these organizations may offer for you to qualify is:
| Designated Organization | Minimum Investment |
| Business Incubation Program | $0 |
| Angel Investor Group | $54,700 (75,000 CAD) |
| Venture Capital Fund | $148,880 (200,000 CAD) |
With business incubators, you only need to be accepted into their program. However, the Canadian government currently prioritizes applications that have received an investment.
Before you start your start-up visa application, you should meet the following requirements:
This visa requires proficiency in either French or English. You will need to receive a Canadian Language Benchmark 5 result from a test delivered by a government-approved agency. For them to be valid, you must use these results within 2 years.
You must prove you have the means to settle in Canada. The government has provided these general minimums:
| Number of Family Members | Funds Required |
| 1 | $14,690 |
| 2 | $18,288 |
| 3 | $22,483 |
| 4 | $27,297 |
| 5 | $30,690 |
| 6 | $34,917 |
| 7 | $38,875 |
| Each Additional Member | $3,958 |
Your application will require a letter of support, which is valid for 6 months. You will receive this letter from your designated organization. If you have received investments from multiple organizations, only one organization will send you a letter of support. They will also send a commitment certificate to the government.
You will need a medical exam from an authorized doctor. If you wish for your family members to join you as you settle in this country, they will also need to undergo a medical exam. If they fail to do so prior to your application's success, you will not be able to sponsor them.
Finally, you will need a clean criminal record. Any crimes in your or your family's past may lead to a refusal. Nevertheless, there are rehabilitation options that may allow you to apply successfully.
This application is an online process except for the biometrics, which you need to do in person before you submit your forms.
Now, let us dive deeper into this process.
To begin applying for this visa, you will require these documents:
After you have scanned your documents, you will need to fill out your (and your family's) application forms. On the government website, you will receive the necessary forms and a guide. Alternatively, you may opt for the services of a representative who will fill out the application and apply on your behalf.
Once you have filled out your application, you will need to pay these fees online:
| Fee | Cost |
| Main Application Processing | $ 1,320 (1810 CAD) |
| Spouse Processing | $690 (950 CAD) |
| Each Dependent Child | $150 (260 CAD) |
| Right of Permanent Residence per person | $420 (575 CAD) |
| Biometrics Per Person | $60 (85 CAD) |
| Biometrics Per Family | $120 (170 CAD) |
You will need to pay through a credit card, a MasterCard or Visa debit card. Once you have paid the fees, you may register your biometrics.
Now that you have paid the fees, you or your representative will submit clear scans of your documents and forms to the Permanent Residence Online Application.
Lastly, you will wait for up to 6 months for your visa approval. However, the government may return your application and reimburse you if they have met their annual cap. Then, you can reapply next year.
Now that you know all about the start-up visa program, below are the other investor visa programs available in Canada, along with their necessary requirements.
Although currently suspended, the Quebec Immigrant Investor Program is another popular option for investors seeking permanent residency in Canada.
Requirements:
Many Canadian provinces have their own investment immigration programs tailored to attract business owners and investors to their specific regions.
For experienced entrepreneurs who want to establish a business in British Columbia.
For individuals looking to establish or purchase a business in Ontario.
For entrepreneurs intending to start or purchase a business in Manitoba.
For individuals planning to start, purchase, or partner in a business in Saskatchewan.
With a start-up visa, you will receive the following benefits:
As the 10th largest economy, this country offers many economic opportunities. This visa will allow you to freely operate in this country. Most notably, you will be able to invest in the fastest growing sectors: Traveling, tourism, and technology development. In fact, some Tech Network labeled organizations are on the government priority list for start-up visa approval.
Moreover, your visa is not tied to the success of your business. Therefore, if your business fails, you will keep your resident status. Then, you can start a new business and otherwise live as you please.
Once you receive this visa, you and your family including your spouse and unmarried children under 22 will receive a permanent residency. Though there is no direct path to citizenship with this visa, after five years of having this visa and living in the country for at least 3 years you can apply for citizenship.
Lastly, this visa offers the benefit of access to other countries without a visa. With just the permanent residence, you will be able to visit over 25 countries including prime economic destinations such as South Korea and Qatar. Meanwhile, Canadian citizenship will allow you to travel to 152 countries with no visa, further simplifying travel for business and leisure.
Canada's investment visa programs, including the start-up visa, offer a unique opportunity to establish a business in a growing economy. By having clear knowledge about these visa programs and meeting the requirements, you and your family can achieve permanent residency and eventually apply for citizenship. These visas provide access to economic opportunities, travel freedom, and a pathway to Canadian citizenship. To ensure success in migrating to Canada, consider consulting with experts like Vancis Capital to find the best investment and visa options for you and your family.
Get in touch to discuss how we can help you with your citizenship or residency by investment goals. One of our investment migration experts will contact you to discuss your case. With over 16 years of combined experience our team has helped hundreds of families achieve freedom.
