Canada’s Start-Up Visa (SUV) Program offers one of the most direct and accessible routes to Canada PR (Permanent Residency) for entrepreneurs and investors worldwide. Whether you're a tech innovator or a business-minded co-founder, this Canada visa immigration program lets you launch or join a startup in Canada and eventually qualify for Canadian citizenship and passport.

This in-depth guide breaks down how the SUV Program works, who it’s for, recent updates, step-by-step instructions, and costs—especially useful for those exploring Hong Kong immigration to Canada or relocating from any part of the world.

What Is the Start-Up Visa Program?

The Start-Up Visa (SUV) Program is a Canada immigration initiative that grants permanent residency (Canada PR) to foreign entrepreneurs who either:

Launch an innovative startup business, or
Join an existing startup as a co-founder or investor.

Your business must be supported by a designated Canadian entity—such as a venture capital fund, angel investor group, or business incubator—all approved by the Government of Canada. The full list of approved organizations is published on the official Immigration Canada website.

Importantly, up to 5 co-founders can apply as owners of the same startup business. Each applicant can include their spouse and dependent children under 22, allowing entire families to relocate through one business venture.

This program is ideal for global applicants, including those from Hong Kong considering immigration to Canada, and offers direct Canada visa access from either inside or outside the country.

Business Ideas

Here’s a list of potential startup ideas commonly supported under the SUV program. Note this is not an exhaustive list so if you have an idea that is different, it may still be accepted.

Technology & software

AI-Powered SaaS Tools (e.g. AI for HR management, customer service chatbots, AI-powered document summarization)
Health Tech Platforms (e.g. virtual healthcare platforms, remote patient monitoring, mental health apps.)
Fintech Startups (e.g. budgeting apps, alternative credit scoring, cross-border remittance tools)
EdTech Solutions (e.g. gamified learning platforms, online tutoring using AI, VR for training professionals)
Cybersecurity Software (e.g. small business security tools, privacy compliance automation, blockchain-based ID verification)

Green & Sustainable Tech

Smart Agriculture (e.g. loT-based greenhouse monitoring, drone-assisted precision farming, AI crop prediction tools)
Clean Energy Platforms (e.g. solar energy distribution, smart battery optimization, carbon offset marketplaces)
Recycling & Waste Tech (e.g. AI-based recycling sorters, waste-to-energy tech, plastic reuse innovation)

Smart Cities & Urban Tech

Mobility & Transportation Apps (e.g. electric vehicle fleet management, micromobility tracking systems, traffic optimization AI)
Property Technology (e.g. virtual property tours, automated leasing platforms, co-living apps with loT integration)

E-Commerce and Platforms

Niche Marketplaces (e.g. marketplace for eco-friendly products, specialized art, or ethnic goods)
AI-Personalized Shopping Assistants (e.g. tools that help users find the best items, sizes, or prices through machine learning)
Subscription Box Platforms (e.g. culturally themed food or wellness products with curated personalization)

Other High-Potential Categories

Biotech & Medical Devices (e.g. affordable diagnostic kits, biotech research platforms, AI in radiology)
Language or Translation Tech (e.g. real-time multilingual transcription tools, educational apps for ESL learners)
Climate Risk Analysis Tools (e.g. software predicting flood zones, fire risks, or insurance modeling using climate data)

Key Factors Designated Organizations Look For:

Innovation: Is it new or significantly better than existing solutions?
Scalability: Can it grow within Canada and internationally?
Business Model: Is there a clear plan to monetize the idea?
Team: Are the founders committed, with the right mix of technical and business skills?

Who Is It For?

Founders with innovative, scalable business ideas
Investors seeking entry through co-founding a Canadian start-up
Entrepreneurs (up to 5 co-founders) who want to immigrate to Canada through business
Families (spouses and dependent children under 22) seeking long-term residence, security and citizenship in Canada
Professionals seeking Canada immigration without needing academic degrees

2025 Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for this Canada PR pathway, you must:

1. Secure a Letter of Support from a Designated Organization

You must pitch your business to a Canadian designated entity (incubator, venture capital fund, or angel investor group). If accepted, you will receive an endorsement, this Letter of Support is a mandatory document for your Canada visa immigration application.

2. Have a Qualifying Business

You must own 10%+ of voting shares.
Combined with your designated entity, you must control over 50%.
Up to 5 co-founders can apply under the same business, each securing individual PR applications

3. Language Proficiency

A minimum CLB 5 in English or French.
This is a basic level of communication and one of the lowest thresholds in any Canada immigration program.
View score equivalencies on the official CLB table.

4. Demonstrate Business Compensation

Show that you have earned income from your business (e.g., salary, dividends, bonuses, or draws).
Demonstrates genuine involvement and sustainability

5. Medical Examination

Complete medical exams for yourself and dependents
Ensure no inadmissible health conditions.

6. Police Clearance and Background Check

Get police certificates from every country where you have lived 6 consecutive months or longer since turning 18.

7. Proof of Settlement Funds

Meet the minimum financial requirements based on family size.
Amount varies by family size. Must show unencumbered funds to support initial settlement.
The updated 2025 amounts are available on the official IRCC funds table.

How to Apply for Canada PR via SUV

1. Launch or Join a Startup

Either start your own business or join an existing one as a co-founder/investor under the SUV program.
Ensure it meets innovation and scalability criteria which is determined by the designated organization.

2. Secure Designated Entity Support

Submit a pitch or proposal to a Canadian designated organization
Upon acceptance, you receive a Letter of Support and commitment certificate.

3. Prepare Application Documents

Language test results, financial proof, police certificates, medical exams, business evidence.

4. Apply for Permanent Residency

Submit your SUV application through the IRCC portal, a critical step in your Canada immigration journey.
Can be done from inside or outside Canada

5. Apply for a Work Permit (Optional)

New 2024 policy allows a 3-year open work permit for SUV applicants, replacing the older 1-year closed permit.
Allows work anywhere in Canada, not just for your start-up; however, it is important to remember your PR application is based on you working towards the start-up business

What Are the Costs?

This cost structure is typical for business immigration to Canada and competitive compared to other global investor programs.

Ongoing Costs (Optional but Recommended)

Travel & Relocation Costs: $3,000 - $10,000+ (for flight, shipping, initial rent)
Work Permit Fees (if applying) $255 + $100 open permit holder fee

Important Notes

The $150,000 fee is not a government charge, but a business fee paid to the designated organization (incubator/VC/angel group) that supports and endorses your startup.
These funds are not refunded if the PR application is rejected, so choosing the right team and advisors is critical.
Costs can be reduced if you're building the startup on your own (bootstrapping) and not paying high third-party fees, but this is rare and risky.

What’s New in 2024–2025?

1. Three-Year Open Work Permit

Gives flexibility to work anywhere while waiting for Canada PR approval.

2. Cap on Applications

Each designated entity is limited to 10 applications/year until the end of 2026.

3. Priority Processing

For start-ups backed by Canada’s Tech Network or committed capital.

4. Annual Intake Limits

2,000 new permanent residents in 2025
1,000 in 2026 and 2027

These updates help maintain the program’s efficiency and quality of applicants, supporting long-term economic goals of immigration Canada.

Can I Bring My Family?

Yes. You can include your:

Spouse or common-law partner
Children under 22 who are single and financially dependent

This makes the SUV an excellent option for families pursuing Canada PR together.

No Education Requirement

Unlike many other Canada immigration programs, the SUV does not require a university degree or formal education. It values entrepreneurial vision, innovation, and business experience over academic credentials.

From Canada PR to Canadian Citizenship

Once you become a permanent resident, you can apply for Canadian citizenship and passport after spending 3 years (non-consecutively) within a 5-year period.

This makes the Start-Up Visa Program one of the fastest and most flexible ways to secure a Canada visa, achieve Canada PR, and eventually become a citizen.

Final Thoughts: Why Choose Canada’s Start-Up Visa?

Direct route to Canada PR and eventual citizenship
No education requirement
Minimal language proficiency needed (CLB 5)
Open to founders and investors
Full family inclusion
Ideal for Hong Kong immigration to Canada, U.S.-based out-of-status applicants, and global entrepreneurs

Whether you’re launching your own business or partnering with an existing startup, the Canada Start-Up Visa Program is a powerful gateway to Canada immigration success.

Ready to get started? Learn more and apply through the official Government of Canada Start-Up Visa portal.

Do I need to hire an immigration consultant if I apply for permanent residence?

You’re not required to hire an immigration consultant to apply for permanent residence, but having one can offer some key benefits.

Whether you complete and submit the application on your own or with help from an immigration professional, your chances of success remain the same—assuming the application is equally strong.

That said, an experienced and trustworthy Canadian immigration consultant can assist you in creating the strongest possible permanent residence (PR) application. They can also offer strategic advice to help you navigate the immigration journey with ease.

A qualified immigration consultant can also:

Recommend the most suitable immigration program within the immigration system;
Assist in gathering and organizing the necessary documents and information for a solid PR application;
Make sure your application is accurate and avoids errors or misrepresentation; and
Help address any unexpected issues that may come up during the process.

Ultimately, the real value in hiring an immigration consultant lies not in having them fill out forms, but in the tailored guidance and expertise they provide throughout your immigration journey.

Ready to Launch Your Business in Canada?

Find out if you're eligible for Canada's Start-up Visa Program with a complimentary consultation from Caerus Immigration Consulting Ltd.

Our team will guide you through the requirements and help you understand your options.

Email us today at mark@caerusimmigration.com to book your free consultation and take the first step toward your Canadian start-up journey.

Canada’s Start-Up Visa Program (SUV): Guide to Canada PR through Business Immigration