START-UP VISA CANADA PROGRAM

• Have an innovative business idea with the potential to contribute to Canada’s economy.
• English proficiency: IELTS 5.0 (General) or equivalent.
• Proof of sufficient financial resources to support yourself and your family in Canada (e.g., CAD 27.297 for a family of four).
• Must meet security and health background checks.

• Must be supported by a designated organization approved by the Canadian government.
• The team members and the designated organization must own at least 50% of the voting rights in the start-up.
• The applicant must actively participate in the business development process, even while still in Vietnam.
• The business must operate primarily in Canada.

According to the Canadian government, an innovative business must have the potential to scale globally. Examples include companies like Google, Skype, Facebook, and Twitter.

Small businesses like grocery stores, travel agencies, and consultancies do NOT qualify.

Each investor’s business idea will always be reviewed by IMM Group and our partners. From there, we will help shape your business idea to meet the program’s requirements.

The IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) does not restrict business sectors under the SUV. Successful businesses can span various sectors such as IT, food production, and technology. What matters most is the innovation and scalability of the business idea and active participation in the start-up in Canada.

The applicant should have a basic idea related to their experience or areas of interest. IMM Group and our experts will assist in refining or suggesting a new idea. If the applicant has no specific idea, experts can connect them to an existing start-up team with a suitable business plan.

The letter of support will be issued to the applicant by a designated organization after information exchange and finalizing the approach with the organization. The applicant will undergo training sessions as required, and finally, the letter of support will be granted. This process typically takes around 2 to 2.5 months, depending on the case.

The applicant must convince the organization that they have a business idea worth supporting. The process for presenting the applicant’s idea varies between organizations, as each organization has its own requirements. For example, the applicant may be asked to directly present their business concept or submit a detailed business plan.

If the applicant reaches an agreement with a designated organization, that organization will issue a letter of support to the applicant. This serves as proof that a venture capital fund, angel investor group, or business incubator is supporting the applicant’s business idea.

The organization will also send a commitment certificate directly to the immigration department (IRCC). IRCC will use both the letter of support and the commitment certificate to assess the immigration application.

The current processing time for PR under the SUV is around 3 years. Applicants can apply for a work permit to move to Canada while waiting for PR approval, provided they can demonstrate the necessity of relocating early to support their start-up project. The letter of support from the designated organization must clearly state that the investor is an Essential Person (key member) of their project or business.

An Essential Person is someone crucial to the start-up’s success, as identified by the designated organization. If their PR application is rejected, the entire team’s applications will also be denied.

NO, applicants are issued a Closed Work Permit, which only allows them to engage in the business idea submitted with their SUV application. They are not permitted to engage in other business activities. If needed, their spouse can conduct business as they receive an Open Work Permit.

YES, IRCC can deny PR to an applicant even after he/she has a work permit. This may occur if the applicant does not execute the start-up plan as intended, or if he/she does execute it but fails to actively engage and show appropriate progress over time.

NO, business failure does not affect the applicant’s PR rights. IRCC evaluates the activities related to the establishment of the company and the execution of the start-up plan before granting PR. IRCC acknowledges that not every business will succeed, and the program is designed to share the risks with investors.

Yes, IRCC can revoke PR if there is evidence of fraud or misrepresentation in your application.

The program allows the spouse and children under 22 who are financially dependent on the applicant to be included in the application.

The age of dependent children is finalized on the date when IRCC receives the complete PR application from the main applicant.