The Canadian government in 2013 unveiled the SUV program Canada which targets global entrepreneurs eyeing to immigrate and do business in the country.
This post will delve into how the residence scheme has changed since its rollout, requirements, costs, and the time taken to process applications.
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What is the SUV program in Canada?
The Canada Start-Up Visa program is an immigration route for entrepreneurs seeking permanent status.
On top of offering a route for immigration, the residency scheme draws innovative business ideas and backs Canada’s economy.
A strong business strategy and support from Canadian investors are essential for entrepreneurs interested in the initiative in order to increase their chances of success.
Canada SUV program news
The Start-up Visa (SUV) program faced a major revamp in the second quarter of 2024 in terms of application limits and priority processing.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada or IRCC is implementing these modifications as part of a larger plan to update the immigration laws, draw in creative businesspeople, and guarantee prompt service delivery.
The key updates include:
Each approved group is only allowed to assist up to 10 new businesses annually. This cap intends to increase applicant competition by streamlining the application process and concentrating on high-potential projects.
Applications backed by accredited business incubators or Canadian funding will be given precedence, which will shorten processing times.
Furthermore, in order to be eligible for a work visa, an applicant must first submit an application for permanent residency and provide proof of submission. Before any work permits are awarded, all of the important team members named on the commitment certificate must apply for permanent residency.
Canada SUV program requirements
Aside from the newly introduced cap, other requirements include:
- Certificate of Commitment:A letter of support is only good for six months, after which it will no longer be valid if a full application for permanent residence is filed before the end of that period.
- Investment Proof: It is now required of applicants to submit evidence of having enough money in addition to settlement payments to start their businesses. This entails providing proof of the funds’ availability, transferability, and source.
Canada SUV processing time
Applications supported by accredited business incubators or with a minimum of 75,000 Canadian dollars in funds will be processed first. Both new and old applications are given priority, which could expedite the evaluation process for eligible candidates.
It is anticipated that the new approaches will result in expedited processing times for applications that are given priority. The objective is to increase efficiency and decrease the backlog of unprocessed applications, while precise time frames may differ.
The majority of SUV applications are projected to take 40 months to process, meaning that there are still a lot of outstanding cases, which causes noticeable delays.
Canada SUV program cost
Many of the 84 approved institutions in Canada that are part of the SUV program charge between $10,000 and $50,000 in administrative fees. This includes:
- angel investor clubs
- venture capital firms
- business incubators
It is important to choose an organization that fits individual requirements and complements your business, as each one operates in a different field and has unique interests.
On another note, the Self-Employed Persons Program Canada completely suspended its acceptance of new applications in Q2 in order to concentrate on reducing the backlog.
Those having a lot of experience in sports, art, culture, or recreation are the target audience for this scheme.
Pros and Cons of SUV Program Canada
Benefits of Canada Startup Visa
- Once granted permanent residency, those selected and their families will have access to benefits of living abroad, particularly in Canada.
- Innovation-driven entrepreneurs can find plenty of opportunities in Canada’s diverse and strong economy.
- Angel investors, venture capital firms, and business incubators in Canada support entrepreneurs by offering crucial financial resources and guidance.
- With the exception of Quebec, applicants are not limited to a particular area while submitting their applications and are free to reside wherever in Canada.
- A single business venture may be applied for by up to five co-founders, who will split the expenses and duties.
Disadvantages of SUV Program Canada
- Candidates need to obtain an endorsement letter from one of the approved organizations.
- The application process for permanent residence can be quite long.
- A business requires a substantial capital outlay to get off the ground, and success is not guaranteed.
- Strict evaluation standards may result in low approval rates, and rejection may occur at any point along the procedure.
- The application could be compromised if a startup group’s key member is rejected.
- The administrative fees paid to designated organizations can be costly.
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