British Columbia Startup Visa (officially Canada Start-Up Visa Program) offers creative entrepreneurs a powerful gateway to build and scale innovative businesses in one of Canada’s most dynamic provinces.
Known for its vibrant tech sector, inclusive economy, and world-class quality of life, British Columbia attracts ambitious founders ready to make a global impact. This pathway allows you to apply for permanent residency (PR) for you and your family.
What Is the British Columbia Startup Visa?
Based on IRCC, The British Columbia Startup Visa refers to the official Federal Startup Visa program. The Canada Startup Visa (SUV) program, offers permanent residency to entrepreneurs who obtain support from a Canadian designated organization.
Key Features of the Start-Up Visa Program
Permanent Residency
Eligible applicants can apply for Canadian permanent residency, allowing allowing them to settle in British Columbia with their families.
Eligibility Requirements
- Innovative Business Idea: The business idea for the Start-up Visa must be innovative and capable of scaling in international markets.
- Designated Organization Support: To apply for a Startup Visa, applicants must receive a letter of support from at least one designated organization, such as a venture capital fund, angel investor group, or business incubator.
- Qualified Business Ownership: To be eligible, each applicant must hold a minimum of 10% of the voting rights, and collectively with a designated organization, they must control more than 50% of the total voting rights.
- Language Proficiency: Meet a minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level of 5 in English or French.
- Settlement Funds: Applicants must demonstrate they have enough financial resources to support themselves and any accompanying dependents upon arrival in Canada. The required amount depends on the size of the family.
- Clearance on Health and Security Checks: Applicants and their family members are required to have medical examinations and may also need to submit police certificates.
Encouraged Sectors
British Columbia’s economic strategy emphasizes several key sectors, including technology and innovation, agriculture and aggrotech, clean energy, natural resources, and mining.
Why Choose British Columbia for Your Startup?
British Columbia (B.C.) stands out as a premier destination for startups, offering a dynamic ecosystem that fosters innovation and growth.
1. Thriving Innovation Ecosystem:
B.C. boasts a vibrant tech sector, home to over 11,000 companies spanning software, artificial intelligence, clean technology, and life sciences. Cities like Vancouver, Victoria, and Kelowna serve as innovation hubs, attracting global giants such as Microsoft, Amazon, and Slack, alongside a multitude of startups.
2. Access to Skilled Talent:
The province’s top-tier educational institutions, including the University of British Columbia and Simon Fraser University, produce a steady stream of highly skilled graduates. This talent pool supports sectors like information and communications technology, biotechnology, and digital media.
3. Supportive Government Initiatives:
B.C. offers a range of government-backed programs and incentives designed to support startups. Organizations like Innovate BC provide funding, mentorship, and resources to help early-stage companies succeed.
4. Strategic Location and Trade Access:
Situated on Canada’s west coast, B.C. serves as a gateway to the Asia-Pacific region. The Port of Vancouver, Canada’s largest, facilitates trade with over 160 global economies, providing startups with unparalleled access to international markets.
5. Commitment to Sustainability:
With over 98% of its electricity generated from renewable sources, B.C. is a leader in clean energy. This commitment to sustainability not only benefits the environment but also attracts green technology ventures and investors focused on responsible innovation.
Updated Ecosystem Statistics For British Columbia Startup Visa
- Startup Ecosystem Ranking: According to the Startup blink report in 2025, Vancouver is home to 1,141 startups, accounting for approximately 15% of all startups in Canada. It ranks as the second-leading startup ecosystem in the country, 16th in North America, and 39th globally.
- Expanding Tech Workforce: In December 2024, British Columbia added 14,000 new jobs, with the majority coming from the public sector; only 4,300 were in the private sector. Vancouver, as Canada’s third-largest metro area for tech employment, has a tech workforce of approximately 150,000 people, making up about 9% of the region’s total employment.
- Impact of Start-up Visa Program: In 2024, Canada’s Start-Up Visa Program hit a record high by admitting 5,595 new permanent residents. Among them, 2,150 chose to settle in British Columbia, marking an impressive 473% increase.
Inspiring Success Stories from British Columbia Startup Visa
1. Daanaa, Pilot, and Workforce Wellness: Recognized as finalists for the 2024 BC Tech Technology Impact Awards in the “Company of the Year – Startup” category, these companies exemplify innovation and growth in British Columbia’s tech sector.
2. AbCellera and Acuitas Therapeutics:These Vancouver-based biotech firms played pivotal roles in global health advancements during the COVID-19 pandemic. AbCellera’s antibody discovery platform and Acuitas Therapeutics’ lipid nanoparticle delivery technology were instrumental in developing effective vaccines.
3. 4AG Robotics: Operating from British Columbia, 4AG Robotics is revolutionizing agriculture by introducing robotic solutions that address labor-intensive farming challenges, promoting sustainability and efficiency in the sector.
4. Salmon n’ Bannock: As Vancouver’s only Indigenous-owned and operated restaurant, Salmon n’ Bannock has gained national recognition for its authentic Indigenous cuisine. Founded by Inez Cook, the restaurant expanded to Vancouver International Airport in 2022, becoming the first Indigenous restaurant in a Canadian airport.
Tangible Benefits of the British Columbia Startup Visa Pathway
- Supportive Business Environment: BC offers a stable, competitive, and business-friendly climate. With streamlined regulations, a pro-business tax system, and access to two of Canada’s largest seaports, the province provides an efficient gateway for local and international trade.
- Inclusive and Diverse Society: Economic success in BC is rooted in diversity and inclusion. The province actively nurtures talent from various cultural backgrounds, encouraging equal opportunities and fostering innovation through a shared commitment to prosperity.
- Innovation Hotspot: British Columbia leads Canada in innovation, producing more unicorn companies in recent years than any other province. Key emerging sectors include agri-tech, artificial intelligence, AR/VR, hydrogen energy, mass timber, and marine technology.
- High Quality of Life: BC residents enjoy world-class living standards, with reliable public services, excellent healthcare, top-tier education, and extensive recreational facilities. The province is consistently ranked among the best places to live in Canada.
- Abundant Natural Resources: BC is rich in sustainably managed forests, fertile agricultural land, and a robust seafood industry, supporting a strong foundation for green and resource-based startups.
- Skilled Talent Pool: Home to globally recognized researchers and engineers, BC, especially Vancouver, is a top North American tech talent market, ahead of cities like Ottawa and Montreal (CBRE).
Take the Leap with the British Columbia Startup Visa
British Columbia is more than a destination; it’s a launchpad for entrepreneurial success. Through the British Columbia Startup Visa (officially Canada’s Start-Up Visa Program), creative founders gain more than permanent residency.
If you want to get Canada permanent residency under the Start-Up Visa, take the first step today to find your eligibility through a free CanadaPass assessment form. Our experts provide specific and useful services and consultations to help you achieve a successful immigration journey to Canada
