Startup Visa Program

The Startup Visa (SUV) is designed to draw international entrepreneurs who wish to develop innovative, modern, and scalable companies in Canada

Our Startup Incubator Program provides additional support to international entrepreneurs through our partnership with a designated organization, the Canadian International Angel Investors. We simplify the transition between incubation and the Startup Visa Program. 

Are you Eligible?

To be eligible for the Start-up Visa Program, you must have:

Qualifying Business

This program targets individuals that have the ability to launch startups in Canada that are innovative, generate Canadian jobs, and can compete globally.

During the application process, VDI will qualify your business in order to ascertain if it is eligible for both the Startup Incubator and Startup Visa Programs.

Letter of Support

For your application to the Startup Visa Program, you must receive a letter of support from a designated organization that is approved to invest in startups.

After completing the VDI Startup Incubator Program, you are provided the opportunity to pitch to the CIAI to obtain your Letter of Support.   

Language

The ability to communicate and work in English, French or both languages will help your business succeed in Canada. You must meet the minimum level of the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 5 in either English or French in all these four areas:
  • Speaking
  • Reading
  • Listening
  • Writing

Monetary

The Government of Canada does not give financial support to new Startup Visa immigrants. When you apply, you will need to give proof that you have the money to support yourself and your dependents after you arrive in Canada. You cannot borrow this money from another person.

To find out exactly how much money you should bring along, please refer to the IRCC (Canadian Immigration) website. The amount you need depends on the size of your family and is updated every year.

We partner with CIAI

CIAI (Canadian International Angel Investors) is a designated Government of Canada Startup Visa organization and a member of NACO, the National Angel Capital Organization.

41
Networks represented
2800 +
Angel investors
across Canada
680 M+
Direct financing has been
provided to Canadian companies
995
Investments provided

Join our Community of Entrepreneurs

APPLY NOW

Apply to join the Startup Incubator Program

Pitch for a Letter Of Support from CIAI

We will submit your application to IRCC (Canadian Immigration Department)

To learn more about Startup Visa Program and its eligibility requirements, click here