May 22, 2020 – To qualify for the Start-Up Visa Program and immigrate to Canada, the applicant is required to start a business in Canada. The concept of qualifying business can be defined as follows:

• At the time a designated organization grants a SUV commitment certificate:
  • each applicant holds at least 10% of the voting rights of the corporation (up to 5 people can apply as owners) and
  • all the applicants and the designated organization jointly hold more than 50% of the total voting rights of the corporation

• At the time of issuance of the Canadian permanent resident visa:
  • The applicant provides active and ongoing management of this business from within Canada
  • An essential part of the operations of the business happens in Canada
  • This business is incorporated in Canada

*It should be noted that the Start-Up Visa Program provides an exception allowing the applicant to qualify for the program and to recognize that he has a qualifying business even if his business does not meet all the conditions at the time he receives permanent residence. In such situation, the applicant who intends to have his business meet those requirements after obtaining permanent residence may exceptionally qualify for the Canadian Start-Up Visa Program.