🇨🇦 Canadian Start-up Visa (SUV).Key points on investment immigration/golden visas
The Canadian Start-up Visa (SUV) is managed by the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and leads to permanent residency, requiring support commitments from designated entities (venture capital funds, angel investors, or incubators), rather than a fixed amount from the applicant. Note: According to public information, IRCC will suspend acceptance of new applications starting December 19, 2025; those holding a valid commitment letter from 2025 must submit their applications by June 30, 2026. This is a neutral summary based on public information; please refer to the latest official announcements from IRCC.
| Type | Entrepreneurial immigration (leading to permanent residency). |
|---|---|
| Minimum Investment Threshold | Applicants are not required to invest a fixed amount; designated venture capital must commit at least approximately CAD 200,000, angel investment at least approximately CAD 75,000, and incubators have no funding threshold. |
| Primary investment methods. | Obtain a commitment of support for the entrepreneurial project from a designated institution (venture capital/angel/incubator). |
| Residency Requirements | After obtaining permanent residency, comply with general residency obligations for Canadian permanent residents. |
| Pathways to citizenship. | One may apply for citizenship after becoming a permanent resident and meeting residency requirements. |
| Dependent relatives | Can include spouse and dependent children (as per regulations). |
| Processing Timeline | Public information shows that there has been a backlog in recent years, often requiring several years. |
| Recent Changes | New applications will be suspended starting December 19, 2025; those holding a valid commitment letter from 2025 must submit by June 30, 2026. |
Key considerations
- According to public information, new applications have been temporarily suspended; only those holding a valid commitment letter may submit applications within the deadline, and the current acceptance status should be confirmed beforehand.
- The core requirement is to obtain a commitment from a designated institution and meet conditions such as equity and language (CLB 5), not merely a financial investment.
- Processing times have been longer in recent years and may be subject to delays; please allow for time expectations.
General process
- Submit a proposal to the designated agency and obtain a Commitment Certificate or letter of introduction.
- Meet qualifications related to language, financial sustainability, and equity.
- Submit the permanent residence application to IRCC within the acceptance period.
- Permanent residency is granted upon passing the review.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can one still apply for the Canadian Startup Visa?
According to public information, the IRCC will suspend acceptance of new applications starting December 19, 2025; only those holding valid commitments from 2025 must submit by June 30, 2026. Whether and when to resume acceptance should be based on official announcements from the IRCC.
How much money do I need to invest for an entrepreneurial visa?
According to public regulations, applicants are not required to invest a fixed amount into the program; funds are invested by designated institutions (venture capital/angels) according to their rules, and there is no funding threshold for the incubator pathway. Applicants must still provide proof of funds to sustain living in the country. Actual requirements are subject to official regulations.
Official sources：Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) Start-up Visa. · Data Date：2026-06。This page is a neutral compilation of publicly available information, for reference only, notImmigration/LawAdvice; programs are subject to the latest official announcements.