Successful applicants and their families receive permanent resident status in Canada.
Each founder must meet IRCC’s criteria and file their own PR application.
Successful applicants receive PR status immediately
Open to entrepreneurs at any stage of their career.
PR holders enjoy access to public health care, education, and social services.
Principal applicant, spouse, and dependent children gain PR, with the right to live and work anywhere in Canada (except Québec).
Unlike many investor programs, the SUV has no age cap—allowing experienced executives and older entrepreneurs to qualify easily.
Founders can locate in major hubs like Toronto, Vancouver, or Waterloo, or benefit from lower costs and subsidies in Atlantic provinces.
After three years of PR and meeting residency and language rules, applicants can gain Canadian citizenship while retaining dual nationality.
Only Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 5 is needed, making the program accessible for intermediate English or French speakers.
Eligible founders can secure a three-year open work permit, offering flexibility, income stability, and Canadian work experience while awaiting PR.
Access leading universities, research institutes, accelerators, and generous government R&D tax credits and funding programs like IRAP for non-dilutive capital.
Benefit from trade agreements with the U.S., Mexico, Europe, and Asia, plus expedited hiring of international talent via Global Skills Strategy.
Canada ranks highly in healthcare, education, and safety, making it attractive for entrepreneurs and families seeking both opportunity and wellbeing.
Canada’s merit-based immigration system, combined with the SUV’s strong approval track record, boosts program credibility and long-term security for applicants.
Founders who have built and scaled companies before. Their proven track record gives confidence to investors and designated organizations.
Specialists with deep industry knowledge in areas such as healthcare, education technology, agricultural technology, construction, or generative AI. They recognize market gaps and can translate expertise into innovation.
Senior managers with at least five years of leadership experience. Many transition from corporate roles to co-founding start-ups, where their ability to build teams and execute strategy is invaluable.
Engineers, data scientists, or product architects who can design and deliver the core technology behind a venture.
Professionals with strong sales, marketing, and fundraising skills. They are essential for attracting early customers and securing capital.
Angel investors or entrepreneurial backers who are comfortable playing a hands-on role. They may invest beyond the minimum required capital and collaborate with designated organizations.
| Requirement | Key Points | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Qualifying business | Each applicant must hold at least 10% of the voting rights in the start-up, and collectively the applicants and the designated organization must control more than 50% of voting rights. After PR approval, the business must be incorporated in Canada and actively managed from within Canada. | IRCC – Who can apply |
| Letter of support | Applicants need a letter of support from a designated organization (venture capital fund, angel investor group, or business incubator approved by IRCC). Venture capital funds must commit at least CAD 200,000; angel investors must invest CAD 75,000; incubators must admit the start-up into a program. | IRCC – Designated organizations list |
| Language proficiency | Applicants must score at least CLB 5 in English or French in all four abilities (reading, writing, listening, speaking). Language test results (IELTS General, CELPIP, or TEF/TCF) must be submitted with the application. | IRCC – Who can apply |
| Settlement funds |
Applicants must demonstrate sufficient funds to support themselves and their families after landing.
As of 29 July 2025:
|
IRCC – Proof of funds table |
IRCC limits each designated organization to ten complete group applications per year. Incomplete applications count toward the cap. If the cap is reached, applications submitted later will be returned and processing fees refunded.
Up to five co‑owners can be associated with a qualifying business. If one partner withdraws, the others must notify IRCC; otherwise, the entire application may be refused.
While there is no formal education requirement, many designated organizations prefer founders with relevant degrees or professional certifications.
Applicants must present a credible business plan, pitch deck and financial projections. Designated organizations perform due diligence to ensure the idea is innovative and scalable.
| Fee Type | Description | Amount (CAD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Application processing fee | Principal applicant: CAD 1,540 (includes biometrics). Spouse: CAD 1,040. Dependent child: CAD 155 each. | Varies by family size | 2025 fee schedule. Biometrics included for principal applicant. |
| Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF) | Payable upon approval; refundable if refused. Recommended to pay upfront. | 515 per adult | Refundable if application is refused. |
| Biometrics fee | Fingerprints + photo. Family cap applies. | 85 per person / 170 per family | Included in main application fee for principal. |
| Medical exams | Conducted by IRCC-approved physicians. Valid for 12 months. | 300–500 per person | Must be redone if expired before landing. |
| Police certificates | Issued by police authorities in each country lived in for 6+ months. | 50–100 per country | Cost varies by jurisdiction. |
| Language tests | IELTS/CELPIP (English) or TEF/TCF (French). | 200–350 per person | IELTS General or CELPIP; TEF/TCF for French. |
| Settlement funds | Proof of unencumbered, liquid funds required. | 28,362 minimum (family of 4) | Amount increases with family size. |
| Work permit (optional) | For early entry to Canada while PR is processed. | 255 per applicant | Optional bridging option. |
| Study permit (optional) | For dependent children under 18. | 150 per child | Required if children plan to study in Canada. |
| Commitment Type | Requirement | Typical Amount (CAD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Venture Capital Fund | Minimum investment required into the start-up’s operations. | ≥ 200,000 | Paid directly by investor into the venture. |
| Angel Investor Group | Minimum investment threshold. | ≥ 75,000 | Often higher in practice. |
| Business Incubator | No fixed investment; program fees apply, sometimes with equity. | ~5,000 – 50,000 | Fees depend on incubator program. |
| Designated Organization Investment | As per IRCC rules; applicant secures LOI. | 75,000 – 200,000+ | Provided by investor, not applicant personally. |
| Service | Description | Typical Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Immigration consulting & legal | Full support including consulting, due diligence, introductions, representation, Letter of Support from a reputed Designated Organization, assistance with scaling the start-up business, and end-to-end immigration support (PR + work permits + permits for accompanying dependents). | $150,000 - $200,000 USD per founder | May cover legal, consulting, and designated entity fees. |
| Accounting & tax services | Annual filings, statements, compliance. | 2,000 – 5,000 CAD per year | Required for compliance. |
Don’t leave your application to chance.
Finding a fund, angel group, or incubator can take time. Pre-approved projects may shorten this step.
Draft business plan, form a company, and gather documents.
No priority beyond caps, though priority designated organizations see faster review, if the business is legitimate.
After approval, land within 12 months; PR card arrives in 1–3 months.
Getting a designated organization's support is difficult due to fierce competition among applicants.
Bluewater refines your business plan and uses its network to secure an endorsement.
Designated organizations have only 10 spots; a full quota can turn away strong projects.
Bluewater finds open slots so you aren’t blocked by caps.
Start-Up Visa processing can take over three years due to IRCC backlogs.
Bluewater ensures your application is error-free and leverages priority channels as much as possible.
Co-founder conflicts or a partner dropping out can jeopardize the application.
Bluewater keeps your founding team aligned so one person’s misstep won’t derail the venture.
If your venture fails, you keep PR status but may lose money and struggle to meet residency obligations.
Bluewater mentors you to improve success odds and continues guiding you after landing to keep your business thriving.
Basic language (CLB 5) isn’t enough – you need strong business communication and to adapt to Canadian culture.
Bluewater coaches you on Canadian business culture and communication to overcome language barriers.
High taxes and living costs can strain start-ups that don’t budget properly.
Bluewater helps you budget and connects you with financial experts for guidance.
Industry regulations can slow development and lead to penalties.
Bluewater identifies relevant requirements and connects you with legal experts to ensure compliance.
The Start-Up Visa process is complex, and a small mistake can cause delays or refusal.
Bluewater handles your paperwork and ensures nothing is missing.
Fake consultants promise shortcuts and scam entrepreneurs, costing you money and jeopardizing PR.
Bluewater is a licensed firm that guides you through the proper process and protects you from scams.
| Program | Core requirement | Investment / Net worth | Residency status | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Start-Up Visa (SUV) | Innovative business idea supported by designated organization (VC/angel/incubator); CLB 5; settlement funds | No personal investment required; designated organization invests CAD 75k–200k | Permanent residence up front | Best for tech and scalable businesses. Longer processing times. |
| Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) Entrepreneur Streams | Establish or purchase a business in a province; create jobs; meet net worth and investment minimums. | Investment amounts vary (e.g., CAD 200k to CAD 600k), plus net worth of CAD 600k–1.5 million. | Usually start with a work permit; PR conditional on meeting milestones | Good for investors who want to operate a traditional business (restaurants, retail). |
| Quebec Immigrant Investor Program (QIIP) | Passive investment of CAD 1.2 million in a government-guaranteed investment for five years (program currently suspended). | High net worth requirement (~CAD 2 million). | Permanent residence after investment | Currently suspended. Not suitable for active entrepreneurs. |
No personal capital is required beyond settlement funds. However, you must secure a commitment from a designated organization: venture capital funds invest at least CAD 200,000, angel investor groups invest CAD 75,000, or business incubators admit your start‑up into their program.
Time to Letter of Support – This is the period it takes to receive a commitment certificate from a designated organization for your innovative business idea, typically 3 to 6 months. But this largely depends on the designated entity. Many of them only issue the Letter of Support after completing phase 1 of their orientation which can last anywhere from 2 – 4 months.
Time To PR: This has a much longer overall processing time to get your permanent residency, which can range from 24 to 52 months after submitting PR application after receiving the letter of support.
No, you can apply from abroad. You may remain in your home country during this time. However, if you obtain an open work permit, you can relocate to Canada and work while waiting for a decision, allowing you to get a head start on growing your start-up in Canada. Remember that once you become a permanent resident, you must spend at least 730 days in Canada within every five-year period to maintain your PR status. To grow your start-up and meet this residency obligation, it’s advisable to spend significant time in Canada on your work permit.
Designated organizations invest in or support your start‑up expecting a return via equity or profit sharing. It is not a loan you repay; rather, you allocate shares or accept investment terms similar to any private funding deal.
No. Once a letter of support is issued and submitted with your PR application, you cannot switch to another designated organization without withdrawing and resubmitting your application. Doing so may risk missing annual caps.
Your next step is to book a consultation with Bluewater Immigration so we can discuss your goals and plan your path to success.
Disclaimer: This guide is an educational resource and does not constitute legal, tax or investment advice. Program regulations, fees and eligibility criteria change frequently. Always consult official sources and licensed professionals before making decisions.
