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Secure Permanent Residency by Building a Real Business in Canada
Canada’s Start-Up Visa (SUV) is the most founder-friendly path to PR, offering upfront residency for entrepreneurs backed by a government-approved Designated Organization.
Enabling Global Mobility for Visionary Founders, Family Offices, and Business Leaders in these iconic companies
The Canada Start-Up Visa is designed for innovative entrepreneurs who want to build real businesses while securing permanent residency.
Founders may apply solo or in teams of up to five, provided all members are essential and independently eligible for the program.
Unlike investment immigration, the SUV focuses on your entrepreneurial ability, not just capital
Secure permanent residency for yourself, spouse, and dependent children in one application
Your PR isn't at risk if your business pivots, pauses, or fails - as long as genuine effort is shown
Access to Canada's thriving startup ecosystem, government support, and global market reach
Live and work anywhere in Canada once you receive your permanent residency
Secure your permanent residency commitment before launching, not after years of operation
Understanding the specific criteria for Canada's Start-Up Visa program to ensure your application success.
Business must be innovative and scale-ready. Founders must be active, not passive. Operations must be rooted in Canada.
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Innovative entrepreneur with global ambition and scalable business
concept
Technology-driven or innovation-based business
Scalable business model with job creation potential
Clear competitive advantage and market opportunity
Demonstrated execution capability
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Minimum 10% voting shares with majority control alongside team and DO
Hold at least 10% of company voting shares
Together with team and DO, hold >50% voting rights
Proper corporate structure in Canada
Clear equity distribution among founders
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Letter of Support from government-approved incubator, VC, or angel group
Approved by one of 3 types: Incubator, VC, or Angel Group
Successful due diligence and interview process
Business plan validation and market assessment
Ongoing mentorship and support commitment
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CLB 5 proficiency and sufficient settlement funds for family
CLB 5 in English or French (all 4 skills)
Adequate settlement funds for family size
Clean criminal and medical background
Commitment to manage business from Canada
2-4 weeks
Assess concept, team, innovation quotient & execution credibility
Prepare pitch deck, business plan, financial projections
Incorporate Canadian entity and align voting structure
Compile validation material and market research
6-12 weeks
Identify best-fit DOs aligned to your industry and stage
Complete interviews and financial review process
Submit formal application and undergo due diligence
Secure Letter of Support once approved
4-8 weeks
File permanent residency application under SUV
Include spouse and dependent children in PR process
Apply for 3-year open work permit (if needed)
Handle biometrics, medicals, and admissibility documentation
Ongoing
IRCC expects tangible progress — not paper compliance
Submit structured progress reports every 6 months
Define quarterly milestones: MVP, team hires, client traction
Demonstrate genuine business operation and development
12-31 months
IRCC grants PR after reviewing progress and compliance
Business can pivot, pause, or fail — PR not at risk
Entire family receives Canadian permanent residence
Continued effort and good faith operation required
Priority Processing:
6-12 weeks
4-8 weeks
2-4 weeks
Ongoing
12-31 months
Canada's SUV program supports a diverse range of sectors, beyond just tech. The business must be
innovative, scalable, and job-creating.
High Growth
Software, AI, blockchain, and digital platforms
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High Growth
Digital health, medical devices, and diagnostics
Growing
Industrial automation and smart manufacturing
Growing
Precision farming, food tech, and sustainability
Stable
Innovative products and direct-to-consumer brands
High Growth
Last-mile delivery and supply chain optimization
High Growth
Clean energy solutions and carbon compliance
Growing
InsurTech platforms and property management
Growing
Food automation and specialty manufacturing
High Growth
Cybersecurity and data management platforms
Traditional retail, hospitality, and lifestyle services (e.g., restaurants, salons) typically do not qualify. The business must demonstrate innovation, scalability, and significant job creation potential.
Entrepreneurs under the SUV program increasingly target high-growth and high-margin sectors. Canada's startup ecosystem is
actively welcoming newcomers in these industries:
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We are not agents. We are an execution platform built for global founders.
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Direct access to high-performing Designated Organizations
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AI-powered DO matching based on sector, stage, and alignment
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End-to-end legal, immigration, and business structuring
Advisory on entity setup, IP transfer, and Canadian operations
Compliance, reporting, and risk mitigation for the full PR cycle
Tier-1 legal counsel, all white-labeled and backed by real-time tracking
Founders must be active, not passive
Business must be innovative and scalable
Milestones must show steady progress
Documentation must be clear, complete, and IRCC-ready
Operations must be rooted in Canada during and after the process
Important: Founders who treat SUV as a shortcut — without real intent — face rejection, even with a Letter of Support.
For Founders, Families & Emerging Fund ManagersAt Goldwater, we treat global mobility, capital flows & business expansion as a single integrated stack — not siloed services. Our SUV strategy is designed to optimize all three.
Whether you qualify for the Canada SUV founder-led model (vs. team-based pathways)
Which Designated Organizations (DOs) align with your venture’s maturity & sector
How to structure the equity, IP & capital flows to meet IRCC & RBI-LRS compliance
What documentation will you need to prep for LOI, Commitment Certificate & Net Worth validation
Talk about whether you can qualify for Concurrent filing & EAD
Company
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