Canada ranks as a leading nation for entrepreneurs who wish to expand their business internationally, given its unmatched business climate and leniency towards start-ups. In 2013, Canada launched the Startup Visa Program that permits creative thinkers, business persons, and entrepreneurs to set up their new start-up company in Canada. For every entrepreneur that benefits from the startup visa program, the country gets access to innovative technologies and ideas that assist in creating jobs and growing the Canadian economy. In this article, we provide a comprehensive outline of the Canada startup visa program; its requirements and how entrepreneurs can apply.
Eligibility Criteria:
The Canada Startup Visa program has five basic requirements that applicants must meet. Firstly, the entrepreneur must have a qualifying up-front commitment from a Canadian business entity- angel investor, venture capital firm, or business incubator. Secondly, the entrepreneur has to prove functional competence in either English or French. Thirdly, the start-up must be a new business venture with the potential for growth and job creation. Fourthly, the entrepreneur having a minimum of 10% voting stake in the company, alongside other shareholders in the start-up’s ownership structure. Lastly, the entrepreneur needs to undergo a security check and admissibility test conducted by Canadian authorities.
Financial Requirements:
The program requires the applicant to demonstrate that they have enough funds to support their startup and their livelihood in Canada. The minimum amount needed to apply under the startup visa program is CAD 200,000 for a single applicant. However, this amount increases for every additional family member who is coming along with the applicant to Canada.
Application Process:
The application process of the Canada Startup Visa program is straightforward. After getting a letter of guarantee from a Canadian organization, the entrepreneur can then commence his/her application process. The entrepreneur can then apply for the visa immediately via the Canadian immigration website after being invited to do so. The application is then processed by the Citizenship and Immigration Canada department, and then a decision is reached within weeks.
Business Incubator Requirements:
Business incubators play a significant role in the Canada Startup Visa program. They provide start-ups with resources, mentorship, equipment, and contacts that would otherwise be expensive for a new business. Currently, Canada has more than 100 business incubation centers. However, not all business incubators participate in the program. When choosing a business incubator, entrepreneurs need to do a bit of research to make sure they join the right incubator that meets the Canada Startup master agreement template. This way, they can make sure that their incorporation documentation and business plan comply with the right legal requirements and conform to the startup master agreement.
Conclusion:
Canada Startup Visa has been revolutionary in providing entrepreneurs with the opportunity to launch their business in Canada. The program offers an array of benefits to entrepreneurs, businesses and the country’s economy too. Entrepreneurs from across the world have the chance to work in a business-friendly environment that is already attuned to start-up business ventures such as this. If Canada’s economy continues to grow and thrive, the country will continue to be a hub for innovation and entrepreneurship, making this a place where new businesses can thrive. If you are an entrepreneur looking for an easier way to expand your business in Canada, look no further than the Canada Startup Visa Program.