Canada Start-Up Visa (SUV) Program

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 The Basics

The Canada Start-Up Visa (SUV) Program, launched in 2013 and made permanent in 2018, is your ticket to permanent residency in Canada by building an innovative business. It’s not about dumping cash like a traditional investment visa—think St. Kitts’ $250k donation—but about pitching a game-changing idea to Canadian investors. If they bite, you’re in, no matter where you settle (outside Quebec). It’s fast, flexible, and perfect if you’ve got entrepreneurial chops and a dream to scale globally—all while snagging a top-tier Canadian passport down the line.Investment Amounts & CostsNo set minimum investment from your pocket—instead, you need backing from a designated Canadian organization. 

Here’s how it breaks down:

Designated Organization Support 

• Cost: Varies by org—$75k+ in equity or fees:  
  • Venture Capital Funds: Minimum $200,000 investment from them (e.g., BDC Capital).  
  • Angel Investor Groups: Minimum $75,000 (e.g., Golden Triangle Angels).  
  • Business Incubators: No cash required—just acceptance into their program (e.g., Techstars Canada)—but some charge fees ($5k-$20k).
• What It Is: Pitch your idea to one of 70+ designated groups—they fund or mentor you and issue a Letter of Support for your visa. You don’t pay upfront; they invest in you.  
• Extras:  
  • Processing fees: $2,140 CAD ($1,600 USD) per adult, $575 CAD ($430 USD) Right of Permanent Residence Fee.  
  • Due diligence/language tests: $1k-$2k.  
  • Legal help: $5k-$10k (optional but smart).  
  • Total Upfront: $10k-$20k in fees alone—your $15k-$20k range fits here, assuming incubator route + costs.

Settlement Funds (No Investment Needed) 

• Cost: Proof of funds—no borrowing allowed:  
  • Solo: $14,690 CAD (~$11,000 USD).  
  • Family of 4: $27,297 CAD (~$20,400 USD).
• What It Is: Cash to support yourself post-arrival—government ensures you won’t flop

Why It’s Worth It

• Permanent Residency Fast: 12-18 months to PR—faster than U.S. EB-5 (2-3 years), slower than St. Kitts (3-6). Work permit option in 3-6 months (post-October 2024 tweak) lets you start sooner. Passport (#6 globally, 190 visa-free) after 3 years’ presence.  
• Tax Flexibility: No tax on foreign income pre-citizenship—rebels pair with U.S. exit plans. Post-PR, Canada’s 15%-38% income tax applies, but lower than U.S. for many.  
• No Residency Mandate: Live anywhere in Canada (except Quebec)—no “stay X days” rule like Costa Rica’s 1 day/year. Nomads roam free.  
• Family Deal: Spouse, kids under 22 get PR—spouse works legally, kids study free.  
• Global Edge: Canada’s tech hubs (Toronto, Vancouver) + healthcare/education—retirees and entrepreneurs thrive.

Who It's For

• Digital Nomads: Pitch a tech startup, work remotely during PR wait—Schengen + Canada access.  
• Tax Rebels: No upfront cash, foreign income untaxed ‘til PR—save vs. U.S. 37%.  
• Retirees: Low entry (incubator route), stable Canada—$20k-$30k total beats $150k Costa Rica for PR vibe.  
• Political Discontents: PR in 18 months, citizenship in 5—exit U.S. chaos, keep dual status.  
• Small Business Owners: Scale globally with VC backing—$75k-$200k from investors, not you.

The Catch

• Pitch Power: No support letter, no visa—convincing a VC or incubator’s the hurdle (75% success rate, IRCC stats).  
• Time: 12-18 months PR wait—faster work permit helps, but not instant like St. Kitts.  
• Funds Proof: $11k-$20k liquid cash needed—can’t fake it.  
• Cap: Annual limit ~1,000-2,000 PR slots (down from 5,000 in 2025)—competition’s tighter.

How It Works

1. Pitch Your Idea: Craft a scalable, innovative business plan—tech, green energy, anything big.  
2. Secure Support: Pitch to our designated org (VC, angel, incubator)—get their Letter of Support. Takes 4-10 months.  
3. Apply: Submit to IRCC with letter, language test (CLB 5 English/French), funds proof—$10k-$20k fees.  
4. Move In: Optional 3-year work permit (post-2024) to start your biz; PR in 12-18 months.  
5. Citizenship: Live 3/5 years, get a Canadian passport.

 Why SUV Stands Out

• Vs. St. Kitts ($250k-$325k): More than a passport—PR in a global powerhouse, not just a tax haven.  
• Vs. Antigua ($230k-$325k): Family’s cheaper there, but SUV’s PR + growth potential wins for entrepreneurs.  
• Vs. Costa Rica ($12k-$150k): Faster PR, better passport—$20k outlay rivals Pensionado/Rentista.  
• Vs. Portugal D2 ($11k): Permanent status vs. temporary, Canada’s economy vs. EU residency wait.

The SUV’s your entrepreneurial ace—low cash, high reward, Canada’s doors wide open. No fat wallet needed—just a bold idea. Take our 60-second quiz to see if it’s your fit—let’s unlock your world!

Disclaimer: We’re not financial advisers—consult one. Rules evolve; check Canada’s IRCC site.