Start-Up Visa

Through MDSVISA, you can apply to this program if you are eligible according to the following criteria:

•  Have A Qualifying Business
•  Letter Of Support From A Designated Organization
•  Meet The Language Requirements
•  Bring Enough Money To Settle

Have A Qualifying Business

Up to five people can apply for a Start-up Visa as owners of a single business with support from a designated organization. To have a qualifying business, the following conditions must be met:

• At the time of receiving commitment from a designated organization
• Each Applicant Holds At Minimum 10% Of The Voting Rights Attached To The Shares Of The Business.
• The Applicants And Designated Organization Jointly Hold More Than 50% Of Total Voting Rights Attached To The Shares Of The Business. At the time of receiving your permanent residence
•  The Active And Ongoing Management Is Being Provided By The Applicants From Within Canada.
• An Essential Part Of The Operations Of The Business Occurs In Canada.
• The Business Has Been Incorporated In Canada.

Proof Of Business Supported By A Designated Organization

Prior to applying for a Start-up visa, the applicant must have a letter of support from a designated organization which needs to be included with the application. The IRCC has a list of designated organizations, which include venture capital funds, angel investor groups, and business incubator programs.

Language Requirements

Each applicant must meet the minimum level of the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 5 in either English or French in all four areas of testing: Speaking, Reading, Listening and Writing. Results used to apply must be from within the last two years, and from an IRCC-approved agency.

•  Accepted English Language Tests: CELPIP-General, IELTS General Training
•  Accepted French Language Tests: TEF Canada, TCF Canada