Canada Startup Visa Program

Empowered Startups provides one of the only direct pathways to Canadian permanent residency through the Startup Visa Program. Designed for entrepreneurs, innovators, subject matter experts, and their families looking to immigrate to Canada, our program helps you build and scale a venture in Canada. The Canada Startup Visa Program allows ventures to bring up to five co-founders, enabling businesses to assemble the expertise needed for success while also lowering the cost of the program.

Apply to the program

Canada Startup Visa - Canadian Rocky Mountains and a lake

Government of Canada Designated Organization for the Canada Startup Visa Program

Empowered Startups has worked closely with the Government of Canada since the inception of the Canada Startup Visa program in 2014 to ensure we bring highly skilled and successful international entrepreneurs to the country. Empowered Startups, headquartered in Vancouver, British Columbia, plays a crucial role in fostering innovation and supporting entrepreneurs in the diverse Canadian business market.

Empowered Startups has facilitated more successful Canada Startup Visa candidates than any other program in Canada. Empowered Startups currently supports entrepreneurs in various countries, emphasizing their role in training and mentoring innovators to launch businesses that positively impact local economies.

Empowered has credibility they know what they are doing. We are well informed with what is happening in the market, and there’s a lot of resources being provided by Empowered including productive resources at discount, sometimes free of cost. Empowered has been there as an incubator. You get provided space. You can come over, you work, you have people to interact with. It’s a journey nobody can walk with for you, but somebody can show you a path. In that way, Empowered is doing good. They are there with you when you need them, and they guide you.

Vaneet Talwar

Canada SUV Participant
I believe that network is very important because if you are an immigrant coming in from a different country, and you’re coming into the Canadian ecosystem, you are not aware of what is good, what is bad out here. You need somebody to help you and mentor you. By Empowered having the mentorship program, I think it provides a stimulus to the individual in the beginning stages of his startup because it helps him grow and guide him where he needs to go. I feel that you need to have this ecosystem to support you because as a new immigrant into a country, if you don’t have a supporting ecosystem, you could fail drastically.

B.K. Cariappa

Canada SUV Participant
My experience with Empowered Startups is wonderful. They actually give me the roadmap. They give me the guidance. They actually educate me or teach me how my startup can fit in this ecosystem. Wherever you go, if you are professional and you have been working with professionals, the first thing you are looking for is professional behavior. And Empowered is tremendous in this; they are very professional, they make you feel comfortable. I will definitely recommend Empowered.

Sheetal Issar

Canada SUV Participant

Benefits of our Canada Startup Visa Program

Fast processing – you can enter our incubator and begin working immediately
Flexible work environment – you can incubate anywhere in Canada and manage your other business demands using our online platform
Proven Expertise – you will have access to our network of proven global migration experts and proven startup growth experts
Mentorship – you will receive flexible, custom mentorship from established professionals who provide personal attention to you and your startup
Multiple opportunities – you can bring up to 5 co-founders to start your venture in Canada

Canada Startup Visa Program Requirements

The Canada Startup Visa program has four basic requirements:

You must have a qualifying venture – it needs to be innovative and scalable, and you must prove you have valuable skills to fulfill a critical role in the venture. Innovation is crucial in qualifying ventures as it demonstrates the potential to impact local economies and capitalize on global opportunities.
You must show you have enough money to support yourself and any dependents once you arrive in Canada and also prove your ability to pay the associated incubation fees.
You must meet the language requirements – you must meet the minimum level of the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) in either English or French in speaking, reading, listening, and writing. You will need to demonstrate your language proficiency within three months of being accepted into our program.
You must have a letter of support from a designated organization (that’s us!). Collaboration with universities and R&D facilities can also be essential to support startups, providing access to critical resources and fostering research and commercialization opportunities.

Get Started Immediately

We have a dynamic team of experts waiting to learn more about your startup ideas, business, and immigration goals. Our programs offer immediate enrolment for the right people and startup ideas. Empowered Startups has a notable portfolio of successful startups, showcasing diverse and internationally recognized business ideas.

If you still have questions, feel free to contact us or download this program brochure.

Inquiries Brochure

Canada Startup Visa Program Brochure

Canada Startup Visa Processing Times

Empowered Startups helps talented entrepreneurs launch their business in Canada and access Canadian permanent residency through the Canada Startup Visa Program. Below are the key steps in your path to success. With expert guidance at every stage, Empowered Startups helps you with extensive business incubation services and mentorship to realize your goals of launching in Canada.

Empowered Startups Intake Process

Time: 1 to 2 weeks

Submit SUV Program documents, we will review them. We will contact you to set up a meeting to talk about the program and your professional qualifications.

Receive Letter of Support

Time: 3 weeks

You’ll receive your Letter of Support from Empowered Startups for immigration purposes. Further documentation is also sent directly to the Government of Canada to further verify our support.

SUV Immigration Application

Time: 3 weeks

You will begin working on your immigration application. The time to submit the application can vary based on your selected immigration counsel.

SUV Permanent Residency Processing

Time: 24 to 36 months

An optional Work Permit is available while waiting for PR and is typically received in 6-12 months.

Business Incubation Services

Time: 24 months

Once you begin working with Empowered Startups, we will work with you to mentor and develop your venture in our business incubation program. This incubation lasts for 24 months.

Canada Startup Visa Video Library

Learn About The Empowered Startups Experience From Real Canada Startup Visa Applicants

Hear what entrepreneurs think about the Empowered Startups Canada Startup Visa Program

What guidance will you get with the Empowered Startups Canada Startup Visa Program?

Learn More About The Empowered Startups Canada Startup Visa Program

Hear from the founder of MediBox Solutions on Why He Recommends Working With Empowered Startups

Why is Canada’s Startup Visa the best? Find Out…

COMING SOON