Start-Up Visa
The Start-Up Visa (SUV) program is a federal permanent residence pathway designed for innovative entrepreneurs who want to build a business in Canada. Unlike traditional self-employment or investor programs, the SUV program requires applicants to secure a formal commitment from a designated Canadian organization — either a venture capital fund, an angel investor group, or a business incubator — before applying.
To be eligible, the applicant must have a qualifying business idea or active startup that meets the criteria of one of these designated organizations. The designated organization reviews the business concept and, if it decides to support the applicant, issues a Letter of Support. That letter is a prerequisite for the IRCC application and is entirely outside the scope of this legal service.
Once the Letter of Support is in hand, the legal application to IRCC involves demonstrating language ability, proof of settlement funds, and submission of the complete SUV application package. Successful applicants and their immediate family members receive Canadian permanent residence.
Because the SUV involves a novel business concept, engagement with a designated organization, and significant due diligence by IRCC, the legal preparation is considerably more intensive than a standard economic immigration application. The flat fee of $20,000 + HST reflects this complexity.
Government fees are paid directly to IRCC and are not included in the legal fee. Fees charged by the designated organization — including any required minimum investment or incubator program fees — are entirely separate.
What Is Included
- Eligibility assessment for the Start-Up Visa program
- Strategic advice on positioning the business concept for a designated organization
- Preparation and review of all IRCC application forms (IMM forms)
- Preparation of the complete SUV application package after a Letter of Support is secured
- Business plan review and guidance on presenting the venture to IRCC standards
- Document checklist and cover letter for IRCC
- Response to any IRCC requests for additional information during processing
- Guidance on language testing, settlement funds, and biometrics requirements
What Is Not Included
- Securing a Letter of Support from a designated organization (this is a business development step outside the scope of legal services)
- Fees charged by the designated organization (investment minimums, incubator program fees, etc.)
- Government fees payable to IRCC (processing fee, RPRF, biometrics — all at cost)
- Language test fees (IELTS, CELPIP, TEF — arranged and paid by the applicant)
- Translation fees for documents not in English or French
- Medical examination fees
- Business incorporation, structuring, or ongoing corporate legal work in Canada
Who This Service Is For
Information Required from You
- 1Letter of Support from a designated Canadian organization (venture capital fund, angel investor group, or business incubator)
- 2Business plan and description of the startup concept
- 3Passports for all applicants
- 4Language test results meeting CLB 5 minimum (IELTS General Training, CELPIP, or TEF Canada for French)
- 5Proof of settlement funds (varies by family size)
- 6Education credentials and employment history
- 7Police certificates from countries of residence for 6+ months since age 18
- 8Birth certificates and relationship documents for all included family members
Common Add-Ons
Frequently Asked Questions
Important Limitations
- •A Letter of Support from a designated organization is a mandatory prerequisite. This service does not assist with securing that commitment — that is a business development step that falls outside the scope of immigration legal services.
- •Fees and requirements of the designated organization (including minimum investment thresholds or incubator program fees) are entirely separate from the legal fee and IRCC government fees.
- •Approval is not guaranteed. IRCC makes the final decision on all permanent residence applications.
- •SUV processing times are among the longest of any economic immigration stream. Applicants should plan for a multi-year process.
- •The Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF) of $575 per adult is refundable if the application is refused. The $1,810 processing fee is not.
Fixed fee
$20,000
Plus HST
Flat legal fee of $20,000 + HST. Government fees payable directly to IRCC: $2,385 per principal applicant ($1,810 processing + $575 Right of Permanent Residence Fee), $1,525 per accompanying spouse or common-law partner, $260 per dependent child, and $85 biometrics per person. The Start-Up Visa program also requires securing a commitment from a designated organization (a venture capital fund, angel investor group, or business incubator) — their fees or investment requirements are entirely separate and are not included in the legal fee.
This service is provided by a third party. By requesting this service, you consent to us sharing your inquiry with one of our partner law firms, and you may be contacted by them, pursuant to our Privacy Policy.
Requesting does not create a lawyer-client relationship. Subject to conflict check and acceptance.
Prices are for the stated scope only. Additional complexity, urgency, disbursements, HST, or government fees may apply.
Fixed fee
$20,000
Plus HST