Own an innovative business
It is vital to have a business that qualifies for support assurance from a designated organization. The applicant(s) must hold a minimum of 10% of each of the company’s voting rights. In addition, the applicants and designated organization(s) must jointly have more than 50% of the company’s voting rights.
Receive a letter of support from a designated organization
Applicants do not need to have their own capital, but they must acquire a commitment of investment from a recognized organization. These organizations fall under three categories:
a) Angel Investor Groups (a minimum investment of CAD 75K is required)
b) Venture Capital Funds (minimum investment of CAD 200K is required)
c) Business Incubators (no investment capital is required)
You can see the List of Designated Organizations here.
Language requirements
Applicants must prove they can communicate effectively in English or French by taking one of the IRCC approved language tests. Elboniel consultants can provide preparation (coaching and registration) for language proficiency.
Sufficient settlement funds
Applicants must show they have enough money to support themselves and their accompanying family members for a minimum of two years. You can check the stipulated amounts here to cover living expenses according to your family circumstances – Proof of funds – Start-up Business Class
Under the Start-up Visa Program, applicants may apply as a single entrepreneur or an entrepreneurial team of up to five members.
Relevant experience
You have a minimum of two years of relevant experience as a self-employed person or international recognition for your participation in cultural activities during the period beginning five years before the date of the application for permanent residency.
Having the intent and ability to be self-employed in Canada
You can show the intention and ability to create your own employment in Canada through artistic/cultural activities or athletics. The program has no minimum investment level. However, one must have the ability to support themselves and their family. Therefore, the higher a person’s financial assets, the better they can demonstrate their intent to remain self-employed and create jobs for Canadians.
Capability to make a significant contribution to specific economic activities
You can show an immigration official that you can significantly contribute to the lives of Canadians and positively impact their communities as a self-employed person. Your application has a high chance of being assessed further if it is thoughtfully presented and you are applying in good faith.
Meeting other primary selection criteria
If an immigration officer is convinced that you are self-employed, they will most likely proceed to assess further eligibility using selection criteria that include age, education, experience, language ability, and adaptability. A prospective applicant needs only 35 points out of 100 to pass the selection factor.
For further information and a list of eligible occupations, Check here to see if your employment is within the self-employed category
• Foreign Graduate Start-Up Visa Stream
• Self-Employed Farmer Stream
• The Entrepreneur Immigration (EI) Regional Pilot
• Entrepreneur Immigration – Base category
• Entrepreneur – SINP
• Farm Owner and Operator
• Farm Investor Pathway
• Postgraduate Entrepreneur Stream
• Investor Program (temporarily paused)
Northwest Territories : Business Stream
Nova Scotia : Entrepreneur Stream
Ontario : OINP Entrepreneur Stream
Prince Edward Island : Work Permit Stream
Yukon : Foreign entrepreneurs