The Startup Visa Canada Success Rate can vary based on various factors. These factors encompass the qualifications of individual applicants, the excellence of their business concepts and strategies, and the prevailing business activity criteria.
To obtain the most current and precise information, we sought approval and refusal rates directly from Canadian immigration authorities. They furnished us with comprehensive statistics, including success rates. Additionally, for insights and details from recent applicants and entrepreneurs who have navigated the startup visa process, consider exploring online forums and communities or reaching out to relevant organizations that support startups in Canada.
In this article, in addition to approval and refusal rates in the Canadian Startup Visa program. Alongside approval and refusal rates, we explore Canada start up visa processing times, statistics, advantages and disadvantages, costs, and provide some facts about the SUV program.
What is Canada Startup Visa Success ?
The objective of the Canadian Startup Visa program is to assist immigrant entrepreneurs from around the world in establishing innovative and globally competitive businesses that contribute to Canadian employment.
This business immigration route aids immigrant entrepreneurs in entering Canada, offering them Permanent Residency upon fulfilling all program conditions. Candidates can enter Canada and commence business growth with a temporary work permit while awaiting their permanent residency. Additionally, under this program, the first five partners of a startup have the opportunity to attain Canadian citizenship.
What are the Canada startup visa requirements?
The Start–up Visa Program in Canada is designed to attract innovative entrepreneurs to establish their business there. The main eligibility criteria include:
1. Letter of Support from a Designated Organization Requirements:
To be eligible for the Start-Up Visa Program, you must secure an endorsement from a recognized Canadian venture capital fund, a Canadian angel investor group, or a Canada Startup Visa incubator. These groups are required to obtain approval from the Canadian government to participate in the initiative. Each type of Designated Organization has specific minimum investment requirements for the Canada startup Visa minimum investment.
2. Qualifying Business Requirements
Your company must exhibit innovation, scalability, and the potential to generate employment in Canada. It should be established and operated within Canada, with a focus on creating, manufacturing, and marketing cutting-edge goods and services.
3. Ownership Requirements
No one or group of people may own more than 50% of the voting rights in the business; the applicant must control at least 10% of those rights.
4. Language Proficiency Requirements
To demonstrate proficiency in either French or English, a language test is required. Accepted assessments include IELTS, CELPIP-G, TEF Canada, or TCF Canada, with a minimum score of CLB 5 in Speaking, Reading, Listening, and Writing. Specifically for the IELTS, a score of 5 is necessary for all skills except Reading, where a score of 4 is acceptable. Failure to meet this requirement will lead to the automatic refusal of your application.
It’s important to note that program details and qualifying restrictions are subject to change. For the most current information, consider consulting with immigration specialists or visiting the official website of the IRCC Canadian government.
Canada Startup Visa Advantages and Disadvantages
Before taking any further steps, it is crucial to weigh the benefits and disadvantages of the program. Fully understanding what the SUV program in Canada offers and determining if it aligns with your goals is essential. Entrepreneurs considering the Start-Up Visa route should carefully evaluate the program’s advantages and drawbacks. Keep in mind that program details may change, so it’s necessary to verify the latest information on the IRCC website or consult with an RCIC. Here are some general advantages and disadvantages:
Advantages of the Start-Up Program
Below are some of start up Visa Canada benefits:
- Permanent Residency direct pathway: Successful applicants, along with their families, can obtain permanent residency in Canada, providing long-term peace and access to various benefits.
- Support for entrepreneurs: The program is designed to support and attract innovative entrepreneurs who can contribute to the Canadian economy.
- No Investment requirement or verification: Unlike some other immigration programs, the Start-up Visa program doesn’t require applicants to make a financial investment. Instead, they need to secure funding from designated Canadian investors.
- No limitations on types of businesses: Almost all companies are acceptable in the SUV program in Canada.
- Business partnership opportunities: Allows for a partnership of 5 individuals in the same startup (a minimum of 10% of ownership for each partner is required). Up to five of a startup’s original partners may become Canadian residents under this scheme.
- Quick relocation opportunity: Getting an optional Start-up Visa work permit while IRCC processes the permanent residence application is possible in this program.
Disadvantages of the Start-Up Program
Below are some of the risks of the start up visa Canada program:
- Competitive Selection: The program can be competitive, as limited spots are available. Meeting the program’s criteria and demonstrating the potential for a high success rate.
- Time-Consuming Process: The startup visa Canada processing time can be time-consuming (3+ years) and may take a while to get approval due to peer reviews. This can be a disadvantage for those looking for a quick relocation.
- Investment requirement: Although the SUV program doesn’t require applicants to make a financial investment to secure funding from designated Canadian investors, High capital investments by the founding partners are often required to secure support from venture capital or angel investors, which has a high chance of success rate in this program.
- Business Idea: An extremely well-developed, feasible and scalable business model with a demonstrated track record of success is needed to minimize the risk of rejection.
- Startup visa canada success rate: There is a high risk of refusals at the permanent residence stage if the application stops business activities before issuing a PR visa to Canada.
How to get a Start-up Visa in Canada?
Starting from October 14, 2022, It helps IRCC serve a faster startup visa Canada processing time. This shift aids in expediting the processing time for the startup visa in Canada by facilitating efficient service from the IRCC. To acquire a Start-Up Visa in Canada, follow a series of steps. Here are the steps to apply for the SUV program:
1. Meet Eligibility Requirements
Ensure that you meet the eligibility requirements, typically involving the demonstration of language skills, ownership of a qualifying firm with at least 10% of the startup’s voting rights, and securing a letter of support from a recognized group.
2. Secure a Commitment from a Designated Organization
Reach out to a recognized angel investor group, venture capital fund, or company incubator in Canada. These firms must receive approval from the Canadian government to be eligible for the Program. Convince them to contribute to or support your startup and provide you with a letter of recommendation.
3. Complete the Application Package
Once you have the letter of support, you can compile your application package. This involves completing the required paperwork and providing supporting documentation, including education transcripts, language proficiency certificates, and other relevant information. The Instruction Guide (IMM 5759) can assist you in accurately filling out the forms.
4. Pay the SUV Application fee
Fees for biometrics, the Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF), processing fees for both yourself and any applicants included in your application, as well as third-party payments, are typically applicable. Your –
Canada Startup visa cost must be paid online. The current application fee for the Start-Up Visa Program set by the IRCC is $2,075 (Subject to Change).
5. Submit SUV Application
Send Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) your completed application. At this point, pay the necessary application fees.
6. Wait for Processing
Your application will undergo a review by the government, and the processing periods for this procedure can vary, potentially taking some time. For the most recent details on processing timelines, refer to the official IRCC website. Canada startup visa processing time can be changed based on the IRCC workload. As per the IRCC, the present processing time for a Start-Up Visa is estimated to be between 12 and 17 months from the date of submitting the application form.
7. Medical and Security Checks
If your application is being processed, you may have to go through security checks and medical exams for you and your family.
8. Receive a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR)
Upon the acceptance of your application, you will receive a permanent resident visa for your passport, along with a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR). Once you possess your COPR, you are allowed to enter Canada. Upon arrival, you can commence the development and operation of your startup as you become a permanent resident.
Startup Visa Canada refusal reasons
There are various phases to applying for a Start-up Visa in Canada. Any of these stages could face setbacks if errors occur, potentially leading to the rejection of your application in the end. According to IRCC statistics, the following are common reasons for a refusal in the SUV Program.
As Immigration Canada evaluates these cases on an individual basis, we cannot furnish specific details regarding the reasons for individual refusals in the Startup Visa Canada program or the exact grounds for denials. However, we can provide a few common explanations for visa rejections. Keep in mind that the specific reasons may vary based on the particulars of your application. Several frequent explanations for Permanent Resident Refusal Grounds under the Start-Up Visa include:
- Ability to become economically established in Canada.
- Lack of accomplishments and progress completed in the business venture.
- The Designated Organization did not make a proper assessment.
- Improper Purpose under start up visa Canada requirements.
- Multiple Applicant under the same commitment
- Improper Commitment from Designated Organization
- Not Qualifying Business
- Improper application fee for the Start-Up Visa Program
- Insufficient proof of cooperation with possible partners.
Startup Visa Canada Success Rate
The IRCC has published specific statistics on the success rate of the Start-Up Visa program in Canada from 2014 to 2020. These statistics are readily available upon request from any individual. The Canada start-up visa success rate can vary from year to year and depends on various factors, including the quality of applicants’ business plans, their ability to secure investment, and the overall demand for the program.
Canserves has filed a data request with a relevant department to obtain detailed statistics on the Canada startup visa success rate. We have compiled the acquired data in the table below to enhance our understanding of the SUV program approval rate.
The table indicates that applications, on average, had a success rate of 77.7% across all designated organizations. This average rate is calculated by Total Processed/Approved100. When considering Total Intake/Approved100, the average approval rate changes to 36%.
| Number of Permanent Resident Applications under the Start-Up Program, Processed by year from 2013 to October 2020 | ||||||
| Year of Final Decision | Approved | Refused | Total Intake | Total Processed | The approval rate for the Total processed | The approval rate for the Total Intake |
| 2014 | 10 | 11 | 76 | 21 | 47.6 | 13.2 |
| 2015 | 98 | 17 | 160 | 115 | 85.2 | 61.3 |
| 2016 | 103 | 0 | 205 | 103 | 100.0 | 50.2 |
| 2017 | 229 | 56 | 347 | 285 | 80.4 | 66.0 |
| 2018 | 231 | 131 | 891 | 362 | 63.8 | 25.9 |
| 2019 | 625 | 161 | 1,184 | 786 | 79.5 | 52.8 |
| 2020 (Jan-Oct) | 148 | 38 | 1,147 | 186 | 79.6 | 12.9 |
| Grand Total | 1,444 | 414 | 4,010 | 1,858 | 77.7 | 36.0 |
How to prevent the possible delay for your Start-Up Visa Application?
At times, if the Immigration Officer doubts about the validity or feasibility of the business, a peer review may be initiated. The peer review panel is tasked with confirming the chosen SUV business’s compliance with industry standards through inspections and investigations.
Experts in the relevant field conduct a comprehensive evaluation of the business idea as part of the peer review process for SUV applications in Canada. This review assesses the proposed startup’s viability, inattentiveness, and likelihood of success. The following are crucial factors that could be considered in a peer evaluation for a Canadian start-up visa:
- Business Idea and Innovation: Peer assessors evaluate the company idea’s originality and inventiveness. They seek proof that the suggested start-up offers something novel or distinctive to the market.
- Market Research and Analysis: It is essential to comprehend the target market deeply. Peer reviewers assess the applicant’s quality of market research to show potential for growth, competition, and demand.
- Business Plan: An essential part of the business plan. Peer reviewers assess the plan’s practicality, coherence, and completeness. This covers operational planning, marketing strategies, and financial estimates.
- Management Team: The management team’s qualifications and background are crucial. Peer assessors evaluate the team’s competence to effectively carry out the business strategy.
- Financial Viability: The proposal’s financial components are carefully examined. Peer reviewers assess the business’s sustainability, funding sources, and financial prospects.
- Job Creation Potential: Encouraging job creation in Canada is one of the objectives of the Startup Visa initiative. Peer reviewers can evaluate if the suggested startup can generate jobs.
- Letters of Support: An application may be strengthened by receiving letters of support from approved entities such as business incubators, venture capital funds, or Canadian angel investor groups. Peer reviewers might take these organizations’ reputations and trustworthiness into account.
To address these concerns, applicants must incorporate comprehensive and well-documented information in their applications. The aim of the peer assessment process is to ensure that the selected businesses can contribute positively to Canada’s innovation and economy. Applicants should closely adhere to the instructions provided by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and any other designated organizations assisting in the assessment process.
Canada Startup Visa Success Stories
In recent years, Canada has set a goal of welcoming approximately 500 new permanent residents annually through the Start-Up Visa Program, as outlined in the IRCC Immigration Levels Plan. The table below presents the Start-Up Visa Canada statistics for the past years, indicating the admissions of permanent residents by province under the program. Notably, the highest number of approved start-up visa applications resulted in admissions to Ontario and British Columbia.
Admissions of Permanent Residents under the Canada Start-up Visa Program |
||||||
| Province/Territory | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 |
| Ontario | 40 | 45 | 55 | 60 | 245 | 125 |
| British Columbia | 10 | 45 | 65 | 140 | 160 | 85 |
| Alberta | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 40 | 20 |
| New Brunswick | 0 | 0 | 5 | 15 | 0 | 10 |
| Prince Edward Iceland | 0 | 10 | 10 | 25 | 60 | 5 |
| Nova Scotia | 0 | 10 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 10 |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 5 |
| Manitoba | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 5 |
| Total (Canada) | 55 | 110 | 135 | 240 | 410 | 265 |