Administered by Government of Canada · Last verified: July 2026
A federal immigration pathway that gives immigrant entrepreneurs permanent residence and a work permit if a designated Canadian investor or incubator backs their business. A designated venture capital fund must invest at least $200,000, a designated angel group at least $75,000, or a designated business incubator must accept the founder into its program. As of late 2025 the program is closed to new applicants; only founders holding a valid 2025 commitment certificate can still apply, with a final deadline of June 30, 2026.
2026-06-30 We keep this page for reference, but we will not recommend it as a current match.
Review times vary by program, from a few weeks to a few months, so check the official page for its timeline. Grant money is usually paid after you sign a funding agreement, and cost-shared programs often reimburse you once you send proof of what you spent.
Take the 3-minute quiz to find out, and see every other Canadian program you qualify for at the same time.
Check my eligibilityStart-Up Visa Program (2025 commitment holders) is generally open to incorporated businesses, in any province or territory. Confirm the full criteria on the official program page before applying.
The estimated value is Investor backing of $75,000 to $200,000 plus permanent residence. The actual amount depends on your eligible costs, the program's budget, and approval.
No. Start-Up Visa Program (2025 commitment holders) has closed to new applicants (2026-06-30). This page is kept for reference.