Dreaming of launching your business in Canada? The Canada Start-Up Visa eligibility requirements are your first step toward turning that dream into reality. To qualify, you must meet several key criteria: demonstrate proficiency in English or French with a minimum CLB 5 level, present a viable business plan, and most importantly, secure a Letter of Support from a designated Canadian organization.
Whether you’re an innovator, a tech founder, or an ambitious entrepreneur, knowing these essentials will help you build a strong application from the start.
key points of Canada Start-Up Visa eligibility in 2025
Based on the latest updates, Applicants must meet the following requirements to be eligible for the Canada Start-Up Visa Program:
1. Qualifying Business
a. Business idea: Canada SUV requirements are primarily for business ideas:
- Innovative
- Job creation for Canadians
- Global scale potential
b. Business ownership: Applicants must hold:
- At least 10% of the voting rights for each applicant; or,
- More than 50% of the voting rights along with the designated organization
c. Business operation: after approval, applicants must:
- Register your business in Canada
- Actively manage and operate the business from inside Canada
- Ensure that a crucial aspect of business operations takes place in Canada.
2. Letter of Support from a Designated Organization
The designated organizations are investor groups that have been qualified for investment and/or support in startups. They are divided into three groups:
- Venture Capital Funds
- Angel Investor Groups
- Business Incubators
Before applying, applicants must contact at least one of the designated organizations and get a Letter of Support. Also, these organizations send a commitment certificate directly to IRCC.
3. Language Proficiency
The minimum language requirement for a Canada Start-Up Visa is Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 5 in either English or French. Applicant must demonstrate their proficiency through the results of a qualifying test, such as IELTS for English or TEF for French.
4. Settlement Funds
Here is the minimum amount of settlement funds required based on family size:
| Number of family members | Settlement funds (CAD) |
| 1 | $14,690 |
| 2 | $18,288 |
| 3 | $22,483 |
| 4 | $27,297 |
| 5 | $30,690 |
| 6 | $34,917 |
| 7 | $38,875 |
| For more than 7 members, for each additional member | $3,958 |
5. Admissibility
Applicants must meet general requirements for immigration to Canada. Applicants must show that they don’t pose any threat to Canada’s society via documents such as medical and police certificates.
Latest Changes to the Canada SUV Program in 2025
- Capping PR Application: From April 30, 2024, to December 31, 2026, each designated organization can support up to 10 start-ups per year.
- Priority Processing: Applications capital-backed or supported by Canada’s Tech Network incubator receive priority processing.
- Peer Review Process Abolished: As of August 1, 2024, all peer review requests have been suspended, and any ongoing assessments have been discontinued. Additionally, IRCC has taken direct control of managing the designated organizations under the Start-Up Visa (SUV) program, replacing the role previously held by the National Angel Capital Organization.
- Open Work Permit Now Available for Main Applicants: Effective October 3, 2024, Start-Up Visa (SUV) applicants can apply for a three-year open work permit, replacing the previous one-year closed permit
Tips for Success in the Canada SUV Application
1. Choose the Right Business Idea: Focus on an innovative, scalable business concept that addresses a genuine problem and has the potential for global market expansion.
2. Make a strong, solid business plan: Create a clear and comprehensive business plan that highlights your market strategy, financial model, and competitive advantages.
3. Show Personal Involvement and Active Management: Active participation in developing their business is a key requirement for the Canada SUV program. Be actively involved in managing the business from inside Canada.
4. Demonstrate Language Proficiency: Meet the minimum language requirements (CLB 5 in English or French) through an approved language test.
5. Have Sufficient Settlement Funds: Demonstrate that you have enough funds to support yourself and your family for arrival and stay in Canada.
6. Present Accurate Information and Documents: Submit a complete application by uploading all required documents and entering the right information. Even unintentional misrepresentations can lead to serious consequences, such as application refusal, future application bans, and potential legal action.
Why Canada Startup Visa is a Unique Opportunity
- Direct pathway to permanent residency for main applicants and their families
- Access to resources, the startup ecosystem, and business networks in Canada
- Be able to get an open work permit with a 3-year validity
- The strong connection of Canada with international markets
- Multicultural and friendly Canadian society
Understanding the eligibility criteria for the Canada Start-Up Visa in 2025 is crucial for any entrepreneur aiming to build a future in Canada. To find out whether you qualify, we recommend completing CanadaPass’s free eligibility assessment — a quick and reliable way to evaluate your chances and get expert guidance tailored to your profile.
