Canada Residency By Investment Visas, Startup Visa, Golden Visa, & Investor Visa
Canada’s Startup Visa (SUV) program offers foreign entrepreneurs a unique opportunity to obtain permanent residence through business immigration. Sometimes referred to as a “Canada Golden Visa,” this increasingly popular program attracts entrepreneurs from around the world, allowing them to invest in Canadian businesses and secure a path to permanent residence and potential citizenship.
In this guide, I will share detailed insights into obtaining the Canada Golden Visa, including strategies to avoid common pitfalls. The process of applying for the Canada residence by investment program can be complex, involving extensive paperwork and numerous challenges.
My journey into this field began years ago, helping clients navigate this intricate process.
Thanks to several years of experience and numerous success stories, my team and I have developed an effective method to streamline the Canada SUV residence application process.
I have written this guide based on our extensive experience and insights, aiming to provide valuable information and practical advice to those interested in moving to Canada via the country’s investment visa programs. Keep reading to discover how you can successfully navigate the path to Canadian residency through investment.
Eligibility for the Canada Investment Visa and SUV
The North American and Commonwealth Realm country enjoys a global reputation as a highly desirable place to reside, offering its citizens a host of exceptional advantages that set it apart from many other nations.
Moreover, Canada has emerged as an appealing hub for aspiring founders and entrepreneurs, courtesy of the alluring Canada Startup Visa (SUV) Program implemented by the Federal government.
Below is the list of requirements as set by the Canadian immigration authorities for entrepreneurs who wish to apply for permanent residence in Canada under the SUV program:
Foreign nationals must get a Letter of Support or investment commitment from one of the Designated Organizations in Canada;
Each foreign national must own at least 10% of the shares in the startup. Foreign nationals and their Designated Organization must jointly have more than 50% of the total shares (voting rights) in the startup venture;
Each applicant must meet the minimum English or French language skill at CLB level five and
Each applicant must have sufficient funds to settle in Canada (CAD$12,960 – $34,300, depending on the size of the applicant’s family).
In addition to the above, to be successful in this program, entrepreneurs should be prepared to meet the following essential criteria:
Ownership of an innovative or successful business that is generating scalable and sustainable revenue or has strong market validation;
Access to capital fund the entrepreneur, investor startup venture, between CAD$75,000 to CAD$200,000 at a minimum per applicant;
Have highly specialized knowledge or unique experience in a field or have solid managerial experience; and
Have an upper-intermediate level of English or French language skill(s).
Costs for the Canada Investor Visa and SUV
There are fees involved, and it will cost around CAD$50,000 for a family of four for legal, administrative, government services, and residence requirements. As described above, the cost to participate in the program will be around CAD$200,000.
Sometimes, clients do not pursue the business and classify their investment as a sunk cost to obtain Permanent Residence (PR) with citizenship, which is very attainable for themselves and their families.
If the applicant opts for the designated organizations for the Canada residency by investment, the cost to obtain residence will be around CAD$250,000. It is important to note that the program is not a classic passive investment Golden Visa. The costs can be non-recoverable depending on the success of the business.
Moreover, Canada has emerged as an appealing hub for aspiring founders and entrepreneurs, courtesy of the alluring Canada Startup Visa (SUV) Program implemented by the Federal government.
Below is the list of requirements as set by the Canadian immigration authorities for entrepreneurs who wish to apply for permanent residence in Canada under the SUV program:
Foreign nationals must get a Letter of Support or investment commitment from one of the Designated Organizations in Canada;
Each foreign national must own at least 10% of the shares in the startup. Foreign nationals and their Designated Organization must jointly have more than 50% of the total shares (voting rights) in the startup venture;
Each applicant must meet the minimum English or French language skill at CLB level five and
Each applicant must have sufficient funds to settle in Canada (CAD$12,960 – $34,300, depending on the size of the applicant’s family).
In addition to the above, to be successful in this program, entrepreneurs should be prepared to meet the following essential criteria:
Ownership of an innovative or successful business that is generating scalable and sustainable revenue or has strong market validation;
Access to capital fund the entrepreneur, investor startup venture, between CAD$75,000 to CAD$200,000 at a minimum per applicant;
Have highly specialized knowledge or unique experience in a field or have solid managerial experience; and
Have an upper-intermediate level of English or French language skill(s).
Seeking expert immigration guidance?
Navigating through immigration programs can be complex and overwhelming, regardless of the country or program you’re interested in. If you’re struggling to find clear, accurate information, you’re not alone. Our team is here to offer you clarity and reliable advice across a wide range of immigration programs.
By scheduling a consultation, you’ll receive personalized guidance tailored to your unique situation. We’re dedicated to helping you understand the details of various immigration programs, making them more straightforward so you can proceed with confidence.
During our call, we will:
Address any specific questions: We’ll answer your questions about the program and the application process, providing you with the clarity you need.
Detail every step: We’ll break down each stage of the immigration process, ensuring you know exactly what to expect.
Evaluate program suitability: We’ll help you determine if the chosen program is the right fit for you or suggest alternatives that may better align with your goals.
Connect you with local professionals: Gain access to our network of recommended local lawyers in the respective country, as well as trusted providers of eligible investment options.
Step-by-Step Process
There are several crucial steps to apply for the Canadian Startup Visa program. First, appointing an authorized representative to submit the application on the applicant’s behalf is essential, ensuring the process is well-managed and organized. The initial process starts with an initial screening and basic KYC.
Provide proof of language proficiency and gather other required personal documentation, which is vital for the application. Language must be in English or French at a CLB level five.
Another critical step is obtaining a commitment certificate or letter of support from an angel investor group, venture capital fund, or business incubator, as this endorsement is a fundamental aspect of the program. These groups are known as designated organizations.
To obtain a letter of support from a Designated Organization, one can follow the key steps below:
Prepare a Pitch Deck (business concept) or a Business Plan;
Submit the application to a designated organization for review and evaluation;
Undergo an interview with a designated organization;
Sign an agreement with the designated organization;
Pay the fees for the designated organization;
Obtain a Letter of Support from the designated organization; and
Submit the final application for permanent residency and work permit residence.
Finally, submitting the application form, supporting documents, and the necessary fees is the last critical step in the investor’s journey to pursuing the Canada Startup Visa. When followed meticulously, these steps pave the way for aspiring entrepreneurs to explore business opportunities in Canada.
The typical processing time for the work permit application is eight to twelve weeks, and
The current processing time for the permanent residency application is 33 months.
The applicant can grow their startup and business in Canada if all requirements are satisfied and the necessary documentation is provided. IRCC states that the SUV program has a general success rate above 75%.
The rate of approval varies depending on the type of designated organization:
78% – for startups that are supported by business incubators;
80% – for startups that are supported by angel investor networks;
43% – for startups that venture capital funds support.
It is essential to have experts in Canada with an incredibly high success rate of approvals for clients who apply for the SUV residence program.
By scheduling a consultation, you’ll receive personalized guidance tailored to your unique situation. We’re dedicated to helping you understand the details of various immigration programs, making them more straightforward so you can proceed with confidence.
During our call, we will:
Address any specific questions: We’ll answer your questions about the program and the application process, providing you with the clarity you need.
Detail every step: We’ll break down each stage of the immigration process, ensuring you know exactly what to expect.
Evaluate program suitability: We’ll help you determine if the chosen program is the right fit for you or suggest alternatives that may better align with your goals.
Connect you with local professionals: Gain access to our network of recommended local lawyers in the respective country, as well as trusted providers of eligible investment options.
Benefits of the Canada Startup Visa Program
Below are some of the pros of the SUV program:
A direct pathway for permanent residence in Canada;
Open to all nationalities;
There are no limitations on business activities in Canada;
No net worth requirement or verification;
Allows for a partnership of 5 individuals in the same startup (min. 10% of ownership for each partner is required); and
Opportunity to relocate to Canada by obtaining a work permit while the permanent residence application is processed.
Dependents may join the primary applicant. The applicant’s spouse and children may qualify as dependent family members in the SUV application.
Note that children of the applicant may qualify as dependants if they:
are under 22 years old; and
don’t have a spouse or partner.
There is no residence requirement under the Canada SUV program. However, since the program requires that the applicant provides active and ongoing management, it would make sense that the applicant may be required to stay in Canada to satisfy these requirements and allow their capital to work for them.
Investors who wish to become citizens of Canada must meet the naturalization requirements described further below.
Brief History on Canada’s Golden Visa Equivalent
The Canada Start-up Visa program, launched in 2013, aims to attract global entrepreneurial talent to Canada to boost innovation, create jobs, and drive economic growth. This program provides a pathway to permanent residence for qualified immigrant entrepreneurs seeking to launch high-potential startups in Canada. Through this program, immigrant founders can obtain Permanent Resident (PR) status by having their start-up business proposal validated by a designated Canadian organization.
Once approved, Start-up Visa recipients benefit from mentorship, funding opportunities and a network of business accelerator programs to help establish and scale their ventures in Canada. With faster processing times and flexible eligibility requirements, the Start-up Visa offers a streamlined route for ambitious entrepreneurs to gain PR status while building innovative companies and contributing to the Canadian economy.
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