Canada Startup Visa 2025 | Entrepreneur PR Pathway & Eligibility

Canada Startup Visa Program 2025 Corporate Entry for Global Entrepreneurs The Canada Startup Visa Program offers fast-track permanent residency for innovative entrepreneurs committed to creating jobs and competing globally. Open to individuals or groups of up to 5 owners, this initiative focuses on fostering economic growth and business innovation across Canada.

Eligibility Requirements for the Startup Visa Qualifying Business

Letter of Support

Must have at least 10% voting rights individually, or 50%

Obtain support from a designated venture capital fund,

with a designated organisation

angel investor group, or business incubator

Language Proficiency

Settlement Funds

Meet Canadian Language Benchmark 5 in English or

Demonstrate sufficient funds (e.g., $14,690 CAD for a

French across all four skills

single applicant, 2024 figures)

Application Process & Designated Organisations Pitch Your Idea Present your business concept to designated organisations to secure support

Secure Letter of Support Organisations submit commitment certificates directly to IRCC (limit of 10 applications per year until Dec 2026)

Submit PR Application Apply for permanent residence individually or as a group (maximum 5 owners)

Key 2024-2025 Policy Updates & Changes

Extended Work Permits

Priority Processing

Reduced Quota

Open work permit duration extended

Expedited review for applications

Permanent residency quota reduced

to 3 years from October 3, 2024,

backed by Canadian tech network or

to 3,000 in 2025 (down from 7,000),

allowing entrepreneurs to work

with investments of CAD 75,000 or

with caps on applications per

beyond their own startup

more

designated organisation

Benefits & Work Permit Details Work While Waiting Establish your business operations while your PR application is being processed

Team Coverage Entire entrepreneurial team eligible for work permits, not just essential members

Full Benefits Access healthcare, education, and federal benefits upon receiving permanent residency

Secure your family's future in Canada while building your business

Summary & Next Steps for Global Entrepreneurs Prepare Your Business Case

1

Confirm your business qualifies and secure a Letter of Support from a designated organisation

2

Meet Requirements Complete language testing and gather proof of

Submit Applications

3

sufficient settlement funds

Apply for both the Start-Up Visa and open work permit to begin operations in Canada early

4

Establish Your Business Actively manage your business from within Canada while your PR application processes

Start building your Canadian startup journey in 2025 today!