Start-up Visa Program (Canada)
Historically, a direct path to Canadian permanent residence for founders backed by a desig…
Record checked Oct 21, 2026 · official source confirmed 14 Nov, 06:02 UTC
Summary
Canada's permanent-residence route for founders backed by a designated VC fund, angel group or incubator - currently paused.
Dream spread
Historically, a direct path to Canadian permanent residence for founders backed by a designated organization.
Relocation reality check
Paused: only holders of a valid 2025 commitment certificate could apply, and only until 30 June 2026; work-permit extensions are closed to new applicants and designated organizations are paused.
Your fit signals
The real program is below — the 0–100 scoring is a paid feature.
Full match score — Solo / Household
The 0–100 move-match score, quality score, and would-stay breakdown — with confidence and full reasoning — unlock on Solo and Household.
See Solo & Household plansCheck: Citizens or residents of Canada only
This program is not open to people moving from abroad: it is limited to citizens or existing residents of Canada.
Reality engine
Four lenses on whether this move fits you — tap a panel to see the logic behind each signal.
Eligibility
Was: innovative business outside Quebec with a commitment from a designated organization, plus language and settlement-fund requirements. Now closed to new applicants.
Conditions
The program's rules on record, blockers first. Confirm each on the official source.
Citizens or residents of Canada only
BlockerThis program is not open to people moving from abroad: it is limited to citizens or existing residents of Canada.
Costs & money
The amounts & terms on record from the official source. USD figures are estimates.
- Application deadline
- 30 June 2026Passed — check the official source for the next round.
- Property purchase
- Not required
No amounts on record. Check the official source.
True cost to move
Upfront cash, reimbursements, and net position after approval — not headline incentive amounts.
- Flights & logistics$1,200
- Temporary housing (90 days)$2,400
- Deposit / first month rent$2,000
- Visa & consular fees$500
- Health insurance
Application roadmap
A practical sequence — adjust for your consulate and timeline.
1. Confirm official eligibility
Read the primary government source.
2. Gather income & employment proof
Bank statements, contracts, or tax records.
3. Book consulate / immigration appointment
Slots vary by country and season.
4. Prepare health coverage
Meet minimum coverage rules before arrival.
Meet people before you go
We are still curating 🇨🇦 Canada-specific communities. Meanwhile, these global boards answer relocation questions every day.
Communities being curated — start with r/expats meanwhile
- r/expats100k+ members
Life abroad, country comparisons, honest post-move retrospectives.
Source trail
We could not fully confirm the key figures against the official source. Check it yourself before relying on them.
“Program listed as "Paused"; applicants need a "valid 2025 commitment certificate" and must apply by June 30, 2026.”
Primary official sourceLast checked Oct 21, 2026
Rule changes
CasaSedora last checked the official source on 14 Nov 2026. Changes appear here once two independent automated checks agree on them, or a person confirms them.
No rule changes recorded since monitoring began.
Our summaries point you to what moved — always confirm details on the official source.