Canada welcomes entrepreneurs with innovative new business ideas. One might argue that the country is in dire need of those who can fuel future economic growth, especially during an uncertain economy with deteriorating international relations. How can you benefit from this as a foreign entrepreneur who wants to bring your startup to Canada? Are there any immigration programs that target foreign entrepreneurs and startup owners? These are common questions for new immigrants, and an experienced immigration lawyer in Canada may be able to answer them.
Canada’s Startup Visa Explained
Perhaps the most obvious solution for startup entrepreneurs is Canada’s Start-Up Visa Program. This program specifically targets foreign people with innovative business ideas that fulfil two roles: Creating jobs for average Canadians and allowing the country to “compete on a global scale.”
It is important to understand that Canada does not actually define what “innovative” means in this context. However, it is safe to say that the more innovative your business is, the better your chances will be.
In order to achieve success as you apply for the Start-Up Visa Program, you will need to satisfy various eligibility requirements. First, each applicant must hold at least 10% of the voting rights for the new startup. Together with the other applicants and the designated organization, you must also hold at least 51% of the total voting rights for the company. In other words, you cannot be a minor shareholder of a startup.
Speaking of designated organizations, it is important to understand this concept before moving forward with your application. A designated organization is a “business group” with special approval from the Canadian government to assess new foreign startups coming into the country. You’ll need to gain the support of at least one of these organizations if you want to get a Start-Up Visa in Canada.
While the Canadian government may have no clear definition for “innovation” in the context of visa programs, each designated organization probably does. These organizations are responsible for assessing whether your company is sufficiently innovative to warrant a Start-Up Visa. This means that you might struggle with your application if your company is not truly innovative.
Some sectors are inherently more innovative than others. For example, the tech sector is famous for its innovation. In the modern era, businesses involved in robotics and artificial intelligence are responsible for particularly high levels of innovation. Life sciences represent another major focus for the Canadian economy, which means that medical startups could also stand a strong chance of approval.
Once you have gained approval from a designated organization, you must obtain a letter of support from them. Note that the designated organization must also send a “commitment certificate” directly to the Canadian government.
Note that there is strong competition within each designated organization in Canada. This is because the Canadian government only considers 10 complete applications from each designated organization per year. Note that although the Canadian government might “consider” 10 applications, it might approve a far lower number. In other words, each designated organization may only support a handful of successful startups per year.
Aside from these steps, entrepreneurs pursuing Start-Up Visas must meet other basic requirements that apply to all new Canadian immigrants. First, you must meet the language requirements of Canada. This means you’ll need to demonstrate fluency in either English or French, as Canada is a country with two official languages.
Finally, you will need to bring enough money to support yourself financially once you arrive. Canada requires proof of financial stability before you relocate to the True North, and the required amount depends on the number of people in your family. As of 2025, this ranges from $15,263 for a single person to $40,392 for a family of seven. For each additional family member beyond seven people, you must add $4,112.
Note that Canada is a country with relatively high living costs. It may be somewhat surprising for many immigrants when they experience this cost of living, especially in regard to groceries, rent, insurance, and other basic necessities. That being said, some areas and provinces have lower living costs than others.
Consider Provincial Startup Visa Programs
Speaking of choosing a place to live in Canada, you might also want to consider the Start-Up Visa Programs specific to each province. These are called “Provincial Nominee Programs” or “PNPs.” For example, the Province of British Columbia has an “Entrepreneur Immigration” program.
Within this program, there are three “streams.” The base stream requires a net worth of at least $600,000, business experience, and French or English skills. You may start a new business, but you must invest at least $200,000 into that business and create at least one full-time job for a Canadian citizen or permanent resident. Along with other fees, this means that the base stream will cost at least a few hundred thousand dollars.
BC also has a regional stream, which focuses on startups in more rural, smaller communities. This requires a lower net worth of $300,000 and a $100,000 investment in your startup. Finally, there is a “strategic projects” stream for foreign corporations that want to invest in opportunities within BC. This requires a $500,000 investment and the creation of at least three new full-time jobs for Canadians.
There are many other PNPs to consider outside of BC, and you may be able to discuss them with an experienced immigration lawyer in Canada.
Can a Canadian Immigration Lawyer Help Me Bring My Startup to Canada?
The good news is that Canada welcomes immigrants who want to bring their startups to the True North. Various immigration programs in Canada streamline the overall process as you start your new life and business career in Canada. That being said, choosing the right startup visa can be challenging for new immigrants. Making the right choice could help you ensure your startup hits the ground running when you reach Canadian soil. Consider a legal strategy session with Ackah Business Immigration Law to discuss your visa options in more detail.
