Vancouver Federal Start Up Visa Lawyers

PLEASE NOTE: THE START-UP VISA PROGRAM IS PAUSED AS OF JANUARY 1, 2026. AT THIS TIME, WE MAY STILL BE ABLE TO HELP APPLICANTS WITH A VALID 2025 COMMITMENT CERTIFICATE. 

The Federal Start-Up Visa Program (SUV) is an immigration program designed for foreign nationals looking to establish and grow their business in Canada. It is meant for entrepreneurs with skills and organizations that:

• Are innovative
• Can create new jobs for Canadians
• Can compete on a global scale
• Can boost economic growth inside the country
• And more

SUVs can also provide pathways to permanent residency (PR) for immigrant entrepreneurs who have a qualifying business idea and meet other eligibility requirements.

If you are an entrepreneur looking to establish your business in Canada, our Canadian immigration lawyers can guide you through the application process. Whether you require assistance compiling your initial application or you are looking for information about next steps, we’re ready to help. To schedule a consultation with our Vancouver Federal Start Up Visa lawyers, contact us today.

What is the Federal Start-Up Visa Program?

The Federal Start-Up Visa Program (SUV) was designed to attract innovative entrepreneurs in Canada. It helps immigrants new to the country build their own businesses while contributing to the Canadian economy. The SUV can be a desirable option as it can provide a clear pathway to permanent residency for those who qualify.

Key benefits of the Start-Up Visa Program include:

• Applicants under the SUV program may receive permanent residency before their business succeeds or fails (although the IRCC will evaluate the viability of the business before granting PR)
• Ability to include up to 5 co-founders per business in each application
• Access to Canada’s strong business ecosystem and network of investors
• And more

In addition, the SUV provides relocation opportunities not only for entrepreneurs themselves but also for their family members. If you’re exploring business immigration options in Canada and have access to capital between CAD $200,000 and CAD $500,000, the SUV program may be right for you.

It is important to note that there is currently a lengthy processing time of multiple years for the SUV program. As a result, you may need to undertake significant financial planning in advance of receiving a decision.

Eligibility Requirements for the Federal Start-Up Visa Program

There are a variety of eligibility requirements involved in the SUV application process. Rules and regulations outlined are stringent as there is limited availability for SUVs in Canada per year.

As of April 2024, key changes to the SUV program involved:

• Cap on Permanent Residence Applications: The SUV program (different from previous years) now limits the number of PR applications that can be processed in relation to it. Each designated organization can submit no greater than 10 start-up applications annually.
• Priority Processing for Select Start-Ups: Applications for start-ups backed by Canadian capital or by members of Canada’s Tech Network are to receive priority processing until the end of 2026. This applies to both new and existing applications that have been submitted.

To qualify for the Federal SUV program, key eligibility requirements include:

Business Requirements

To qualify under the SUV program, your business or business idea must adhere to the following conditions:

• Your business must be innovative, scalable, and capable of creating jobs for people inside Canada.
• At the time of applying for an SUV:
  • You must hold at least 10% of the voting rights attached to all shares in the company.
  • The designated organization backing you and all applicants must jointly control at least 50% of the total voting rights in the business.
• If you receive permanent residence through your SUV:
  • Your business must be incorporated and actively managed in Canada.
  • The majority of your day-to-day and essential business operations must take place in Canada.

Support From a Designated Organization

For your business to qualify, you must secure a Letter of Support from a designated organization that has agreed to invest in or support your business idea within Canada. A designated organization is a government-approved entity intended to support start-ups.

There are three different kinds of designated organizations that you may obtain support from:

• Venture Capital Funds
• Angel Investor Groups
• Business Incubators

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) maintains a list of designated organizations that applicants can approach to seek support or investment from. Securing support from a designated organization can be challenging, as the process is competitive and your business plan must be thorough, innovative, and market-ready. With the help of a start-up visa lawyer in Vancouver, you can adjust your pitch to appeal to investors from a business and legal perspective.

Language Requirements

All applicants or co-founders are expected to meet the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 5 in English or French for speaking, reading, writing, and listening. For your test results to qualify, they must be conducted by an approved agency in Canada.

Proof of Settlement Funds

To apply for an SUV, you must be able to demonstrate that you have sufficient funds to support yourself and all family members during your time in Canada. This is because the government may not provide financial assistance to entrepreneurs who immigrate through the SUV program.

The amount of funds you will be required to show will depend on the number of family members you have. The amounts are subject to change. As of July 29, 2025:

• With 1 family member, $15,263 is required
• With 2 family members, $19,001 is required
• With 3 family members, $23,360 is required
• With 4 family members, $28,362 is required

You can find a full, up-to-date list of required settlement funds here

How Can Our Vancouver Federal Start-Up Visa Lawyers Help You?

Applying for the Federal Start-Up Visa program can be a complex process due to multifaceted eligibility requirements and business regulations in Canada. With the help of our Vancouver federal start-up visa program lawyers at Border Solutions Law Group, you can navigate the process with confidence as you prepare to get your business started.

When you work with our team, you can expect assistance with:

• Application Strategy & Business Viability: We will ensure that your business idea meets Canadian immigration standards outlined under the SUV program. In addition, our experience working with entrepreneurs in the past may allow us to connect you with relevant designated organizations.
• Business Plan Development & Investor Pitching: When you’re seeking Letters of Support from a designated organization, we can help you create a detailed business proposal while providing you with legal guidance on any partnership or investment agreements you undertake.
• Full Immigration Support: If you require a work permit while awaiting a decision on your SUV or need assistance preparing your PR application, our federal start-up visa lawyers in Vancouver can assist.
• Appeals & Refusals: If your application for an SUV is denied, we can help you appeal the decision or seek alternative options. We have extensive experience assisting clients with:
  • Express Entry programs
  • Open work permits
  • Spousal Open Work Permits
  • Intra-Company Transfer Visas
  • Free-Trade Agreement (FTA) Work Permits
  • And more

Federal Start Up Visa Program in Canada: Frequently Asked Questions

Is Canada Still Accepting New Start-Up Visa Applications In 2026?

As of 2026, applicants must be especially careful before relying on the Federal Start-Up Visa Program. IRCC states that the program is paused as of January 1, 2026, and that it stopped accepting new commitment certificates from designated organizations after December 31, 2025. Applicants with a valid 2025 commitment certificate must apply by June 30, 2026, according to current IRCC Start-Up Visa guidance. Because program rules and intake limits can change, entrepreneurs should confirm the latest requirements before investing time or money into an application strategy.

Can I Get A Work Permit While Waiting For A Start-Up Visa Decision?

In some cases, yes. Entrepreneurs may be able to apply for a short-term work permit while their permanent residence application is being processed, but they generally need a Letter of Support and must be identified as an essential applicant by the designated organization. IRCC’s guidance for designated organizations and applicant processing confirms that an entrepreneur may apply for a work permit before or after applying for permanent residence, depending on the circumstances.

Can A Start-Up Visa Application Be Refused Even With A Letter Of Support?

Yes. A Letter of Support is required, but it does not guarantee approval. The designated organization first reviews the business proposal, then IRCC reviews the immigration application, and the application may also be subject to peer review. IRCC confirms this layered review process in its answer to who reviews a Start-Up Visa application. Entrepreneurs should treat the Letter of Support as one important part of the application, not as a final approval of permanent residence.

Applying for an SUV? Speak With Our Federal Startup Visa Lawyers in Vancouver Today

At Border Solutions Law Group, we are committed to helping entrepreneurs live and work in Canada when they have eligible business ideas. We offer end-to-end support throughout your application process so we can help you identify your qualifications and help connect you with designated organizations, when necessary.

For custom legal strategies tailored to your business needs, schedule a consultation with our Vancouver federal start-up visa lawyers today. You can call our Vancouver office toll-free at 604-684-4211 or fill out our online contact form today.

Border Solutions Law Group proudly serves individuals, families, and businesses in Vancouver and across North America.

We provide straightforward guidance and practical next steps for cross-border matters, with a focus on clear communication and efficient planning from start to finish.

Let us help you with your legal needs. Our legal team will be pleased to assist.

Vancouver, BC Office:
Suite 408 – 837 West Hastings St.
Vancouver, BC V6C 3N6