Canada has become one of the most attractive destinations in the world for entrepreneurs who wish to build innovative businesses with global potential. The Canada Start-Up Visa (SUV) Program is designed to welcome founders whose ideas can create jobs for Canadians, compete internationally, and contribute to the nation’s economy. Unlike traditional immigration programs that focus on work experience or job offers, the Start-Up Visa recognises innovation and entrepreneurship as pathways to permanent residency.
Can an Indian Citizen Start a New Business in Canada through the SUV Program?
Yes. The program is open to applicants of all nationalities, and Indian entrepreneurs are fully eligible. If an Indian citizen presents an innovative start-up idea and receives backing from a recognised Canadian organisation, they can move to Canada with their family and eventually obtain permanent residency.
What Makes a Business Eligible?
To qualify under the Start-Up Visa, the business must be:
🔹 Innovative
It should offer a unique technology, business model, product, or service — not a traditional or common type of business.
🔹 Job-creating
The business should be capable of creating employment opportunities for Canadians.
🔹 Globally scalable
It must have realistic potential to grow beyond the Canadian market.
Key Requirements for Applicants
To apply successfully for the Start-Up Visa, the entrepreneur must:
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Hold at least 10% of the voting rights in the business.
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Ensure that the entrepreneur + supporting organisation together hold over 50% voting rights.
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Be actively involved in managing the business within Canada.
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Operate a significant part of the business inside Canada.
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Obtain a Letter of Support from a designated incubator, angel investor group, or venture capital fund.
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Meet English or French language proficiency at CLB 5 in all four skills (reading, writing, speaking, listening).
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Show sufficient settlement funds to support themselves and their dependents upon arrival in Canada.
A Major Advantage
After applying for permanent residency under the Start-Up Visa, the entrepreneur may also apply for a temporary work permit to move to Canada earlier and begin developing the business.
Benefits of the Start-Up Visa Program
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Permanent residency for the entrepreneur, spouse/partner, and dependent children.
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Freedom to live and operate the business anywhere in Canada (except Quebec).
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No mandatory personal investment requirement when applying through incubators.
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Access to global investors, mentors, and innovation ecosystems.
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Potential pathway to Canadian citizenship after meeting residency criteria.
Designated Organisations Supporting Start-Up Visa Founders
To apply for the program, applicants must secure support from one of Canada’s designated organisations. Below are some well-recognised incubators and angel networks that foreign entrepreneurs can approach:
| Organisation | Type | Suitable For |
|---|---|---|
| Alacrity Foundation | Incubator | Technology and scalable digital innovations |
| Bhive | Incubator | Early-stage start-ups seeking mentoring and acceleration |
| TiE Toronto | Angel Network / Incubator | Start-ups looking for strong networking and seed-stage support |
| Toronto Business Development Centre (TBDC) | Incubator | Fast-scaling start-ups targeting Canada’s largest business ecosystem |
| North Forge Technology Exchange | Incubator | Engineering-focused or advanced tech products |
| Foresight Cleantech Accelerator | Incubator | Clean-tech, industrial, or sustainability-based innovations |
| Highline BETA | Incubator | Health-tech, biotech, and software-driven business solutions |
| Empowered Startups Ltd. | Incubator | High-growth tech start-ups targeting western Canada |
Tip for Success
Every designated organisation evaluates applications differently. Entrepreneurs must submit a well-structured pitch deck and business plan that clearly explains:
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The innovative nature of the solution
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The market need and target audience
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Financial projections and scalability
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Job-creation potential in Canada
Final Thoughts
The Canada Start-Up Visa Program is one of the most entrepreneur-friendly immigration pathways in the world. For Indian founders who dream of building a global business, the program offers a rare combination of innovation funding, permanent residency, world-class business networks, and family migration support.
A strong idea, a clear business plan, and the right designated organisation can transform a concept into a Canadian success story.
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