Canada Startup Visa Program

Important Update on the Canada Start-Up Visa Program

As of December 31, 2025, the Government of Canada has closed intake for the Start-Up Visa (SUV) Program while it develops a new pilot program expected later in 2026.

Existing applications submitted before the deadline will continue to be processed under the existing guidelines. With the recent suspension of the Manitoba Technology Accelerator (MTA) as a designated entity, commitment certificates issued by authorized designated entities such as Empowered Startups are expected to be processed more quickly.

Another option for those interested in Canada

If you are an entrepreneur looking for opportunities to establish your business in Canada, there are still other immigration pathways available. These include provincial nominee programs such as the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP). To learn more about this program, visit our Alberta Foreign Graduate Entrepreneur Stream (FGES) program.

We will update this page with details about the new federal pilot program once they are announced.

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We’re a Government of Canada Designated Organization

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.

Why Entrepreneurs are Choosing the Canada Startup Visa Program

Benefits of our Canada Startup Visa Program

The Canada Startup Visa Program is a premier opportunity for innovative entrepreneurs and investors seeking a pathway to Canadian permanent residency. Delivered in partnership with Empowered Startups — a government-designated business incubator — this program provides a clear and supported route to launching or expanding a high-potential business in Canada. With expert mentorship, access to Canadian markets, and eligibility for permanent residency for both applicants and their families, the program offers a streamlined, proven path to establishing life and business success in Canada.

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

See the Impact. Hear the Stories.

1:51 Learn About The Empowered Startups Experience From Real Canada Startup Visa Applicants

1:24 Hear what entrepreneurs think about the Empowered Startups Canada Startup Visa Program

1:18 What guidance will you get with the Empowered Startups Canada Startup Visa Program?

1:17 Learn More About The Empowered Startups Canada Startup Visa Program

1:20 Hear from the founder of MediBox Solutions on Why He Recommends Working With Empowered Startups

1:29 Why is Canada’s Startup Visa the best? Find Out…

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

Canada Startup Visa Program Requirements

The Canada Startup Visa program has four basic requirements:

1

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.

2

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.

3

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.

4

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.

Not sure if you qualify?

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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.

1

Empowered Startups Intake Process

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.

Time: 1 to 2 weeks
2

Receive Letter of Support

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.

Time: 3 weeks
3

SUV Immigration Application

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

Time: 3 weeks
4

SUV Permanent Residency Processing

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

Time: 24 to 36 months
5

Business Incubation Services

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.

Time: 24 months

Get Started Immediately with the SUV Program

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.

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

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