If you dream of starting your own business but have yet to, now’s the time to consider it. The Startup Visa and Self-Employed Persons Program may allow you to run a business and live in Canada permanently.
The Canadian Startup Visa program is aimed at entrepreneurs with innovative ideas who want to relocate to Canada to start a new business venture. The self-employed Persons Program allows individuals already living in Canada to work without the need for employer sponsorship.
This blog will walk you through a detailed overview of the self-employed and SUV programs, eligibility requirements, benefits, and which options you should take into account. Let’s cut to the chase and get to it!
Startup Visa Program
The Startup Visa Program in Canada is a government-run immigration program designed to attract and retain entrepreneurial talent worldwide.
The program offers a fast-track route to permanent residency for eligible foreign entrepreneurs who have a qualified business idea and the support of a designated Canadian organization.
Through the SUV program, 555 foreign nationals had been granted permanent residence in Canada by the end of 2022. An unprecedented 612 new permanent residents were expected to arrive in the country by the end of that same year.
Eligibility Criteria
The eligibility criteria for the Startup Visa Program are as follows:
Business Concept: The entrepreneur must have a qualifying business concept with the potential for high growth and job creation.
- Your share of the company’s voting stock must account for at least 10%.
- Holding at least 50% of the voting power of all shares in the designated organization is required.
Support from a Designated Organization: The entrepreneur must have consent from a designated organization, such as a venture capital firm, angel investor group, or business incubator.
- You must present a business plan and make a convincing case to get the company to invest in you.
- The process of presenting your company’s business idea to a potential investor will vary from organization to organization.
- If your presentation goes well, you’ll be given a letter of recommendation to include with your application for a startup visa.
- A designated angel investor group must attest that it is investing at least $75,000 in the approved business or that the combined investments of two or more such groups equal at least $75,000;
- A designated venture capital firm must confirm that it is investing at least $200,000 in the approved business or the backing of two or more selected venture capital firms totaling $200,000;
- The applicant must receive confirmation from an approved business incubator that they have been accepted into the incubator’s program.
Language Proficiency: The entrepreneur must meet a minimum language proficiency (CLB 5) requirement in either English or French.
Proof of Funds: Applicants must demonstrate that they have enough financial resources to support themselves and their businesses during the startup phase. The amount required for proof of funds varies based on the size of the applicant’s family.
Benefits of the Startup Visa Program
The Startup Visa Program in Canada offers several benefits to eligible foreign entrepreneurs looking to start a business in Canada:
Fast-Track to Permanent Residency: The program provides a fast-track route to permanent residency for qualified entrepreneurs and their families.
Access to Canadian Business Network: The program offers access to Canada’s business network, including mentorship, investment, and support from designated organizations.
Diverse Business Environment: Canada is known for its diverse and inclusive business environment, which provides a supportive environment for entrepreneurs to start and grow their businesses.
Access to Skilled Talent: The country’s highly skilled workforce offers a pool of talented individuals for entrepreneurs to tap into, increasing the potential for success.
Strong Support System: Canada provides a robust support system for entrepreneurs, including business incubation programs, funding, and tax incentives.
High Quality of Life: With a stable political and economic environment, a high standard of living, and vital social services, Canada is a desirable destination for entrepreneurs looking to start a business and raise a family.
In summary, the Startup Visa Program provides a unique opportunity for foreign entrepreneurs to bring their business ideas to Canada, access its business network, and benefit from its supportive environment for entrepreneurship.
Self-Employed Persons Program
The Self-Employed Program in Canada is an immigration program designed for individuals who have relevant experience in cultural activities or athletics and have the intention and ability to establish themselves as self-employed persons in Canada.
The program is intended for individuals who can contribute to Canada’s cultural and athletic life.
Eligibility criteria
Relevant Experience: Applicants must have at least two years of relevant experience in cultural activities or athletics and provide evidence of their expertise.
Intent and Ability to Be Self-Employed: Applicants must demonstrate their intention and ability to establish themselves as self-employed persons in Canada and contribute to the cultural and athletic life of the country.
Language Proficiency: Candidates must demonstrate a command of English or French at a high enough level to be considered.
Financial Self-Sufficiency: Applicants must demonstrate economic self-sufficiency for 36 months after arrival in Canada.
Other Requirements: Applicant and his immediate family members will need to undergo a medical examination and obtain police clearance documents.
| Selection Criteria | Maximum Points |
| Adaptability | 6 |
| Experience | 35 |
| Age | 10 |
| Language Proficiency (French & English) | 24 |
| Education | 25 |
The table displays the maximum number of points awarded for each selection criterion. The total number of points available is 100, and applicants must score a minimum of 35 points to be eligible for the Self-Employed program.
Benefits of the Self-Employed Persons Program
The Self-Employed Program in Canada provides several unique benefits to qualified applicants, including
- The program offers a pathway to permanent residency in Canada for individuals who can demonstrate their ability to establish and manage a successful business or practice in the cultural or athletic sector.
- The program provides opportunities for individuals with experience in the artistic or athletic industry to start businesses or practice in Canada and contribute to the country’s cultural and athletic life.
- The self-employed category allows individuals to be their boss and pursue their entrepreneurial vision without being tied to a specific employer or job offer.
- As permanent residents, self-employed individuals can access various services and benefits, including healthcare, education, and social services.
- The program supports individuals who can positively contribute to Canada’s cultural and athletic life.
To Sum Up,
The Startup Visa and Self-Employed Persons Programs are excellent opportunities for immigrants who want to start their businesses in Canada.
The visa program is aimed at helping immigrant entrepreneurs who have a viable business idea with the potential to grow. It is also an excellent option for self-employed people who wish to start their own business but need more financial resources.
This blog has provided all the information you need about these two programs. If you have any questions or concerns about them, please don’t hesitate to reach out!