Canada Start Up Visa (SUV)

The Canadian Start-up Visa Program (SUV Program) was launched in 2013. It is designed to attract entrepreneurs with the skills and potential to build businesses in Canada that are innovative, can create jobs for Canadians, and that can compete on a global scale. The SUV Program aims to connect these entrepreneurs with designated organizations in Canada that can support and assist them in realizing their project.

Program requirements

The applicant must:

• Have a qualifying business; The applicant must hold at least 10% of the shares, and the combined shareholding of the group of applicants and the designated organization must be greater than 50%.
• Get a letter of support from an authorized designated organization; 1) Venture capital fund 2) Angel investor group, or 3) Business incubator.
• Meet the minimum language requirements of at least CLB 5 in speaking, listening, reading and writing in either English or French.
• Bring enough money to settle in Canada with their family (under $50,000 in most cases).