Americas

Canada Start-Up Visa (SUV)

Merit-based immigration for entrepreneurs with innovative business concepts. No minimum investment with path to Canadian citizenship.

Program overview

Status: Discontinued
Minimum Investment: USD 75K
Established: 2013
Processing Time: 52+ months
Schengen Access: No

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Investment options

Investment Funds

USD 200K

Business Investment

USD 75K

Citizenship requirements

Eligibility

After 3 years

Language

English, French

Test

Required

Key benefits

Travel to Canadian passport grants 90/180 Schengen

Family inclusion

Spouse

Dependent children up to age 22

Tax situation

Income Tax: 14-33%
Foreign Income: Taxed
Capital Gains: 16.5%
Dividends: Taxed
Wealth Tax: None
Inheritance Tax: None

Tax Type	Default Rates
Income Tax	14-33%
Foreign Income	Taxed
Capital Gains	16.5%
Dividends	Taxed
Wealth Tax	None
Inheritance Tax	None

Program details

Program Closed: The Canada Start-Up Visa program was discontinued on December 19, 2025.

The program required venture capital funding, angel investment, or acceptance by an approved business incubator. It offered a direct path to permanent residency for entrepreneurs with innovative business ideas.

Applicants who received commitment certificates before the closure deadline must complete their applications by June 30, 2026. Processing times were extensive, averaging 52 months.

Alternative: The Quebec Investor Program remains available, requiring CAD 1M in investment capital plus a CAD 200K government contribution. Applicants should verify current requirements as the program has limited annual intake.

Interested in Canada's Start-Up Visa (SUV)?

Our advisors can guide you through the application process and help you evaluate if this program fits your goals.

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Other Residency programs