Startup Questionnaire

From the moment you first contact us to receiving your Permanent Residence - the average time is about 2 to 2 ½ years. This time can vary according to the designated entity (such as a Business Incubator) that we match your project with, their program, your readiness to prepare the necessary documents and other factors. We’ve had cases where the team received their PR within a year, and cases that are still ongoing past the 2-year mark due to the slowdown in processing after the Pandemic. We expect that the PR processing times will only improve in the near future.

Yes, a startup at the idea stage can participate in the program. Most designated entities prefer projects that already have a commercial product, especially in the case of angel investors and venture capital funds – your project must have demonstrable revenue. Incubators are also increasingly asking for commercial stage projects, or at least projects with a strong Minimum Viable Product (MVP). An idea stage project should be prepared to show viable planned investments for the first year of operations. We work with some incubators that accept projects in the idea stage and we can help you find the right fit for your idea stage project. 

Yes, you can come to Canada on a special Work Permit and bring your family as well. After receiving the Letter of Support from a Designated Entity you can apply for a Work Permit at the same time as your PR. Depending on the Designated Entity you do the program with – the Work Permit could be a requirement. The Work Permit allows the founder to come to Canada much faster (within 6 months of applying) to start working on their startup, and family members can receive an Open Work Permit for the spouse and Study Permits for the children. However, the Work Permit requires higher initial funds and very active participation in the project during the first year in Canada. We will consult you on the best course of action for your needs.

Yes! Family members such as spouses and dependent children (up to and inclusive of 22 years old at the time of PR application submission) will be eligible to receive Permanent Residence in Canada. 

Angel Investors and Venture Capital Funds are a great opportunity for projects to undergo the program, but they require the startup to demonstrate significant revenue (500K per year for Angel Investors and 500K per month for Venture Capital Funds). These entities often take a percentage of the ownership of the business in the process, while most Incubators do not. 

Most incubators do not take any market share from the startup, and we only work with incubators that don’t take any shares. Your startup ownership structure will remain unchanged.  

There are 2 main costs associated with the startup visa process – direct and indirect. Direct costs include Incubator program fees (anywhere from 10K USD to 40K USD or more), startup visa consulting fees (our fees for working with your project, from 15K USD per project (one founder) + 5K USD for each additional project founder), immigration process fees (using immigration lawyers to submit your paperwork – from 4K USD, costs of applying for the program with Immigration Canada - from 2K USD), and business fees (registering a company in Canada, patenting, etc. from 1K USD.) Indirect costs include the proof of funds from personal accounts to make sure you and your family have enough money to stay in Canada for one year and specific funds on your personal or corporate accounts for financing your project in Canada (investment capital). We can help you keep your costs down by selecting the right incubator program and partners and consulting on the creation of a logical financial plan to minimize the required startup investment funds and maximize the potential of your available funds.

You can open the company at any time, and based on your personal needs and project, we will consult you on the best time to open your company to ensure a successful relocation.

With over 5 years of experience with the Start-Up Visa Program and dozens of successful projects, we take a personal approach to guiding your startup through the entire process. We simplify the process and explain each step of the way for you and we are always present to answer your questions and consult on any topic related to your startup and the program in Canada. Our network of partners, that includes Incubators, investors, Canadian businesses, and others helps us ensure that the process is successful for you. Our team of experts has a wide range of areas of expertise, so we can always find someone who matches your project. See the "Our Service" section for more information on what we do for our clients.