Canada Start-up Visa (SUV) Immigration Program

The Canada Start-up Visa (SUV) Program creates an ideal opportunity for entrepreneurs with innovative business ideas. This is a special option for individuals with outstanding creativity, aiming not only to build successful start-ups but also to create jobs for Canadians and contribute to the local economy. At the same time, the program targets those with the ability to establish globally competitive businesses, turning the dream of settling in Canada and advancing their careers into reality.

What is the Canada Start-up Visa (SUV) Program?

The Canada Start-up Visa (SUV) Program is a federal business immigration program introduced by the Ministry of Immigration in 2013 as a five-year pilot. In 2018, new legislation officially made the Start-up Visa a permanent immigration program.

The program’s purpose is to attract entrepreneurs with innovative ideas who have the ability to create jobs for Canadians and build companies that are globally competitive. With the slogan “Canada needs more entrepreneurs,” the program has opened significant immigration opportunities for talented individuals, helping them realize their business ideas while bringing economic benefits to Canada.

Importantly, this is the first and only Canadian business immigration program that allows applicants and their families to obtain Permanent Residency (PR) directly from abroad, including from Vietnam.

The program has gained attention from entrepreneurs worldwide. According to Canada’s Immigration Department statistics, from 2015 to May 2024, the Start-up Visa (SUV) Program helped 6,165 people obtain PR, including 890 Vietnamese citizens, representing 15% of all PRs granted under SUV.

Looking ahead, the Canadian government announced the Federal Business Immigration Program (including the SUV and Self-Employed Persons Program) for 2025–2027, published by the Ministry of Immigration on October 24, 2024. Under this plan, Canada will issue 2,000 PRs in 2025, followed by 1,000 PRs in 2026 and 2027.

Canada Start-up Immigration is a golden opportunity to obtain PR for the whole family directly from Vietnam

Eligible Applicants for the Canada Start-up Visa Program

• Applicants must be Vietnamese citizens with an innovative business idea they wish to develop in Canada.
• The applicant’s start-up business must meet the requirements outlined by the program.
• The applicant must have received a Letter of Support from a designated Canadian start-up organization.
• The applicant must demonstrate sufficient financial capacity to cover living expenses for themselves and their family during the initial settlement period.
• The applicant must meet the language requirements (English or French).
• The applicant must pass a medical examination according to Canadian immigration standards.
• The applicant must not be considered a security risk to Canada.
• The applicant must provide a clear police record with no criminal history.
• The applicant must not have violated immigration laws in any country, including Canada.

Benefits of the Canada Start-up Visa Program

The Start-up Visa Program not only offers the opportunity to immigrate to a developed country but also provides significant advantages:

• Permanent Residency (PR) for the entire family directly from Vietnam, including spouse and dependent children under 22 years old.
• Opportunities to work, build professional relationships, and expand your business network in Canada.
• Freedom to live, study, and work in any province across Canada.
• Full access to healthcare, education, and social benefits equal to Canadian citizens.
• Children can attend public schools tuition-free through high school, and pursue post-secondary education at domestic tuition rates (only one-third to one-quarter of international student fees).
• No proof of financial assets required.
• Possibility to maintain dual citizenship, allowing you to hold both Canadian and Vietnamese nationality.

Note: While you are not required to prove the origin of your assets, you must still demonstrate sufficient funds to support yourself and your family during the first year of settlement in Canada.

In addition to the Start-up Visa, if you are interested in business immigration, you may also explore other provincial or federal investment programs to diversify your immigration pathway and maximize economic benefits.

Documents Required for the Canada Start-up Visa Application

To apply for the Canada Start-up Visa (SUV) Program, you must prepare a complete application package including the following documents:

General Documents	All photocopies must be notarized within the last 6 months. If documents are not in English or French, a certified translation by a translation company or the Department of Justice is required.
Required Forms	Document Checklist (Form IMM 5760). Generic Application Form for Canada (Form IMM 0008). Additional Dependants/Declaration (if applicable) (Form IMM 0008DEP). Schedule A – Background/Declaration (Form IMM 5669). Additional Information – Your Travels (Form IMM 5562). Schedule 13 – Business Immigration Program – Start-up Business (Form IMM 0008 SCHEDULE 13). Additional Family Information (Form IMM 5406). Use of a Representative (if applicable) (Form IMM 5476).
Personal Documents	Passport (copy of all pages with information). Visa of the country/territory of residence (if residing outside your country of citizenship). Two photos (5 x 7 cm, taken within the last 6 months, meeting photo standards). Birth certificate. Legal documents showing any changes in name/date of birth (if applicable). Marriage certificate (if applicable). Divorce certificate (if applicable). IMM 5409 Statutory Declaration of Common-law Union and proof of at least 12 months of cohabitation, including: Joint bank account statements. Joint lease agreement. Bills or documents showing both names. Death certificate of spouse (if widowed). National ID card. Household registration book (copy of all pages with information). Police certificate.
Proof of Language Ability	English test results: CELPIP, IELTS. French test results: TEF, TCF.
Documents from a Designated Canadian Start-up Organization	Original Letter of Support.
Documents for Children (if applicable)	Child’s birth certificate (showing parents’ names). Adoption certificate (if applicable). Proof of legal custody for children under 18 (if applicable). IMM 5604 Declaration of Non-Accompanying Parent/Guardian for minors traveling to Canada (if one parent is not accompanying). Proof of financial dependency for children over 19 due to physical/mental condition (if applicable).
Financial Documents	Bank balance confirmation letter. Savings book with balance confirmation. Bank statements for fixed or non-fixed deposits..

Eligibility for the Canada Start-up Visa (SUV) Program

The Start-up Visa Program applies to two main aspects: the applicant(s) and the business establishment. To qualify for the Canada Start-up Visa (SUV), you must meet the following requirements:

For the Applicant(s)

To be eligible to submit an application under the Start-up Visa Program, the principal applicant or each member of a start-up team must satisfy the following conditions:

• Language Proficiency: Achieve at least Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 5 in all four skills (listening, speaking, reading, and writing) in either English or French.
• Letter of Support from a Designated Organization: Obtain a Letter of Support from one of the organizations designated by the Canadian government, including venture capital funds, angel investor groups, or business incubators.
• Proof of Funds: Demonstrate sufficient financial resources to support yourself and your family members upon arrival in Canada. The required amounts vary by family size and are updated annually.
• Business Idea: Your business concept must be innovative, viable, and scalable, and accepted by a designated start-up organization.
• Background and Health Requirements: Provide a clean police record and meet the health standards as required by the Government of Canada.

Proof of Funds Requirement

Family Size	Required Funds (CAD)
1	14,690 CAD
2	18,288 CAD
3	22,483 CAD
4	27,297 CAD
5	30,690 CAD
6	34,917 CAD
7	38,875 CAD
For each additional family member, add 3,958 CAD to the required settlement funds.

Business Establishment Requirements under the Canada Start-up Visa (SUV) Program

To qualify for the Start-up Visa Program through business establishment, the following conditions must be met:

Eligible Business

• Each applicant must hold at least 10% of the voting rights in the business.
• The combined voting rights of the applicants and the designated organization must account for more than 50% of the total voting rights in the business.

Business Incorporation in Canada

• The business must be incorporated and actively operating in Canada.
• The applicant must play an active and ongoing role in managing the business from within Canada.
• A significant portion of the business’s operations must take place in Canada.

Application Process for the Canada Start-up Visa (SUV)

The application process for the Canada Start-up Visa (SUV) involves participation and support from designated organizations recognized by the Canadian government. Below are the 8 basic steps, from developing your business idea to obtaining permanent residency (PR) for the entire family:

1. Consultation and File Assessment with Phan Immigration.
2. Develop a start-up idea with the client based on their profile.
3. Attend interviews and training sessions with a designated business incubator or venture capital fund.
4. Receive a Commitment Certificate and Letter of Support from the designated organization.
5. Submit an application for a Work Permit or Permanent Residency (PR) to IRCC.
6. Incorporate the business and operate the project in Canada.
7. Obtain permanent residency for the applicant and their family to settle in Canada.
8. Connect with the start-up and business community upon arrival in Canada.

List of Designated Organizations Supporting Canada Start-up Visa Projects

To participate in the Canada Start-up Visa Program, your business idea must be approved by a Designated Organization (DO) authorized by the Government of Canada and accepted by a business incubator. Below are the three categories of designated organizations that entrepreneurs may contact for support and guidance throughout the visa application process:

• Venture Capital Funds: Must invest at least CAD 200,000 (~3,565,932,445 VND) in the project.
• Angel Investor Groups: Must invest at least CAD 75,000 (~1,318,815,750 VND) in the project.
• Business Incubators: Do not require financial investment into the project.

Latest Updates on the Start-up Visa (SUV) Program – Effective April 30, 2024

The Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced important changes regarding Designated Organizations (DOs) under the Canada SUV Program:

• Project quota limit: As of April 2024, each DO is permitted to support a maximum of 10 start-up projects. In addition, IRCC has paused the approval of new DOs.
• Changes in oversight: Starting August 1, 2024, IRCC will directly supervise DOs, instead of relying on industry associations such as NACO and NVCA.
• Suspension of Peer Review: The peer review process for the Start-up Visa is suspended as of August 1, 2024, until further notice. Existing peer review requirements have been canceled, and no new requests will be accepted.
• Priority review for certain DOs: IRCC has updated the list of organizations prioritized for Start-up Visa applications, including:
  • Venture Capital Funds
  • Angel Investor Groups
  • Business Incubators with funding commitments
  • Members of Canada’s Tech Network

Why Choose Phan Immigration for Your Canada Start-up Visa Journey?

If you are nurturing a start-up idea in Canada and seeking a long-term immigration pathway for yourself and your family, Phan Immigration is your ideal partner. As a licensed immigration consulting firm authorized by the Government of Canada, we specialize in providing personalized immigration solutions tailored to each client’s needs.

We are not only a strong bridge between Vietnam and Canada, but also a trusted partner offering safe, efficient, and cost-effective Start-up Visa solutions. Beyond helping clients achieve their immigration goals, we accompany them in settling down, building careers, and creating successful businesses in Canada.

When working with Phan Immigration, you can be assured of:

• Highly Experienced Team: With over 15 years of experience in Canadian immigration consulting, our experts are licensed by the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC) and provide professional, high-quality services.
• Comprehensive and Personalized Services: We offer a wide range of services including travel visas, study permits, temporary work permits, and permanent residency programs such as Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Programs, and the Start-up Visa.
• Extensive Partner Network: We have established close connections with immigration lawyers, economic advisors, and businesses in Canada, ensuring smooth integration for our clients.
• Transparency and Accountability: We put clients’ interests and experience first, delivering accurate and clear information while taking full responsibility at every stage of consultation and application processing.

With Phan Immigration, your journey to establish a start-up and settle in Canada will be easier and more seamless than ever. Contact us today for professional guidance and timely support.

In addition to the Start-up Visa program, Phan Immigration also provides support for the Canada Business Immigration Program under CPTPP – T50, an attractive investment option for entrepreneurs seeking to leverage opportunities from the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about the Canada Start-up Visa (SUV) Program

Unlike traditional business immigration programs, the Canada Start-up Visa (SUV) offers a unique pathway for innovative entrepreneurs who want to launch and grow their start-up in Canada. Below are some frequently asked questions to help you better understand the process, requirements, and key factors when applying for this program.

Q1. What makes the Canada Start-up Visa (SUV) different from other immigration programs?

Unlike Federal or Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP) that grant permanent residency based on points, investment capital, job creation, or business performance, the Start-up Visa focuses primarily on the credibility of the entrepreneur and the viability of the business idea throughout the application process.

Criteria	Start-up Visa (SUV)	Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) – Business Stream
Jurisdiction	Federal program	Provincial program
Residency pathway	Permanent Residency (PR) for the entire family directly from Vietnam	Work Permit first, then transition to PR after operating the business
Place of residence	Can live in any province across Canada	Must live and operate in the chosen province
Education	Minimum Grade 12	College diploma / vocational training (depending on province)
Language	IELTS 5.0 (CLB 5)	IELTS 4.0+ (varies by province)
Proof of assets	Not required	Minimum CAD 300,000+ (varies by province)
Points system	Not based on points	Evaluated under province-specific point systems
Work opportunities	Open Work Permit – can work for any employer	Must operate the nominated business in the province

In addition to start-up and business investment streams, applicants may also consider the Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) program, designed for employees or executives of multinational companies who wish to transfer to a Canadian branch.

Q2. How long does it take to process a Canada Start-up Visa (SUV) application?

The total processing time for a Canada Start-up Visa (SUV) application is typically around 40 months. However, applicants can apply for an Open Work Permit (OWP), which is usually processed much faster — in approximately 3 to 4 months.

During this period, the principal applicant and their accompanying family members can live and work in Canada legally, allowing them to earn income and settle into Canadian life while awaiting the final Permanent Residency (PR) decision. The Open Work Permit is valid for up to 3 years.

Q3. How many members can join a Start-up Visa project?

A Start-up Visa (SUV) project in Canada allows a maximum of five members to apply together. However, all members must play a critical role in the development and management of the business. To qualify, each member must be accepted and receive a Letter of Support from a designated organization.

Q4. What is the success rate of the Canada Start-up Visa according to IRCC?

According to IRCC statistics, the success rate for obtaining permanent residency through the Start-up Visa (SUV) has been very high, at around 80%. Most unsuccessful cases are due to issues with designated organizations or applicants failing to comply with the program’s requirements.

Q5. What are the application fees for the Start-up Visa?

The Government processing fees for the Start-up Visa (Entrepreneur Immigration Program) are as follows:

Processing Fees (CAD)	Processing Fees (VND)
Principal applicant (including processing & permanent residence fee)	2,385
Principal applicant (excluding permanent residence fee)	1,810
Spouse (with permanent residence)	1,525
Spouse (without permanent residence)	950
Dependent child	260/child

Biometric fees:

Biometric Fees (CAD)	Biometric Fees (VND)
Per person	85
Family (2 or more persons)	170

Q6. Does receiving a Letter of Support guarantee permanent residency?

The answer is NO. While the Letter of Support is a mandatory requirement in the permanent residence and work permit application process, it does not guarantee permanent residency.

The final decision depends on the accuracy of the applicant’s information and the business activities carried out during the Start-up Visa process, before IRCC makes the ultimate decision on granting permanent residency.

Q7. In which provinces are Canada Start-up Visa (SUV) projects usually granted?

As of the end of May 2024, the number of permanent residencies (PR) granted under Start-up Visa (SUV) projects in Canada are distributed as follows:

• Canada (100%)
• Ontario (51.85%)
• British Columbia (33.98%)
• Manitoba (7.30%)
• Alberta (3.00%)
• Prince Edward Island (1.78%)
• Nova Scotia (1.30%)
• New Brunswick (0.97%)
• Newfoundland and Labrador (0.08%)

Q8. Which sectors are eligible for the Canada Start-up Visa (SUV) program?

The main sectors encouraged to participate in the SUV program include:

• Advanced manufacturing or engineering
• Energy
• Internet
• Big data analytics
• Software development
• Artificial intelligence
• Robotics
• Life sciences
• Financial technology
• Clean technology
• Healthcare
• Health technology
• Biotechnology
• Environmental technology

Q9. What are the challenges of participating in the Canada Start-up Visa (SUV) program?

The Start-up Visa program requires applicants to obtain approval from a designated venture capital fund, angel investor group, or business incubator recognized by the Government of Canada. This requirement can be challenging for applicants from Vietnam due to language barriers, cultural differences, and business environment gaps.

In addition, the visa application process is complex and requires thorough preparation regarding the start-up project, application documents, and immigration requirements. For this reason, many applicants choose to work with licensed immigration consulting firms in Canada. These firms help assess eligibility, act as a bridge between applicants and the government, and increase the likelihood of a successful application.

Q10. Can IRCC revoke an applicant’s PR after it has been granted?

Yes. IRCC may revoke permanent resident (PR) status if there is evidence that the applicant engaged in fraud or misrepresentation, such as providing false information in their PR application. Once such violations are discovered, IRCC has the authority to cancel the applicant’s PR status.

With the above, Phan Immigration has answered all your questions related to the Canada Start-up Visa program. We hope that through these insights, you now have a clearer understanding of the process, requirements, and benefits of participating in the program. If you need further information or support, please don’t hesitate to contact Phan Immigration via hotline 078 208 4466 for the most detailed consultation!