Canada Start-up Visa with Ease
Canada welcomes talented entrepreneurs interested in starting businesses that will stimulate the economy and create employment opportunities for its residents. The Canada Start-Up Visa program is a pathway for Nigerian entrepreneurs to gain permanent residency in Canada.
Requirements for a Start-Up Visa
Language Proficiency
Nigerian applicants must meet the language requirements of the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 5 in either English or French.
Letter of Support
Obtain a letter of support from a designated organization, which is crucial for your application.
Proof of Funds
Demonstrate that you have sufficient funds to support yourself and any dependents upon arriving in Canada from Nigeria.
Have a Qualifying Business
You must hold at least 10% of the voting rights attached to all shares of the company, ensuring active participation in the business.
Start-Up Visa FAQs
How to apply for a Start-Up Visa?
- Fill out the application form:
Complete the Generic Application Form for Canada, validate it, and ensure all required fields are filled. Print and sign the validated form, including the barcode page.
- Gather all documents in the specified order:
Follow the document checklist and compile all necessary documents, sealing them in an envelope. Sign the checklist and include it as the cover page of your application.
- Pay your application fees:
Fees include processing fees for you and any dependents, right of permanent residence fee, and third-party fees such as medical exams and language testing.
Designated Organizations for Start-Up Visa
The following organizations can provide support:
- Designated Angel Investors
- Designated Venture Investors
- Designated Business Incubators
A designated organization’s investment committee conveys their support via a Letter of Support, which must be included in your official application. This letter is valid for six months from the issue date.
As of January 2025, the IRCC estimates that processing time for a Start-Up Visa application will take approximately 40 months (over 3 years). This estimate is based on historical data and may vary according to application volume and processing capacity.
With over 9,000 applications pending as of February 2024, it could take over two years to clear existing applications. Additionally, each designated organization is to submit no more than 10 start-up applications annually until the end of 2026, which will impact the number of applicants for Canada’s Start-Up Visa.
Nigerian applicants for the Start-Up Visa program should be aware of these wait times and the complexity of the process.
If you are an entrepreneur or investor from Nigeria interested in Canada’s Start-Up Visa from Nigeria, we can assist you with your immigration journey.