The “Start-up Visa” program is a pathway to permanent residency in various countries, designed to attract entrepreneurial talent from around the world. However, it’s important to understand that the Start-up Visa is not a typical visa that simply allows you to enter and stay in a country for a limited period. Instead, it serves as a direct route to obtaining permanent residency for eligible applicants.
Here are the key points to elaborate on:

1- Direct Path to Permanent Residency:

Unlike traditional visas that offer temporary stay with the possibility of renewal, the Start-up Visa program is structured to grant permanent residency from the outset. This means that successful applicants and their families can settle permanently in the country without the need for transitioning through temporary visa stages.

2- Eligibility for Co-founders and Families:

The program is inclusive not only of the principal applicant but also extends to all co-founders of the start-up. Moreover, the immediate family members (spouse and dependent children) of the co-founders are also eligible for permanent residency. This collective approach ensures that the entire founding team and their families can move and establish their lives in the new country together.

3- Qualifications and Requirements:

For Individuals: Each individual applicant (including co-founders) must meet certain criteria, which may include proving their role and involvement in the start-up, demonstrating relevant skills and experience, and passing background and medical checks.

For the Company: The start-up itself must also fulfill specific requirements. Typically, this involves securing a commitment from a designated organization such as a venture capital fund, angel investor group, or business incubator to support the business. The start-up must demonstrate innovation, the potential for high growth, and the ability to create jobs in the host country.

4- Application Process:

The process usually begins with the start-up securing a letter of support from one of the designated organizations. This support letter is crucial as it validates the business’s potential and the seriousness of the entrepreneurial venture.
Once the letter of support is obtained, the applicants can submit their application for permanent residency, providing all necessary documentation and evidence to meet the program’s criteria.

5- Benefits:

Successful applicants benefit from the stability and security of permanent residency. They gain the right to live, work, and study in the country indefinitely. Additionally, permanent residents often have access to social benefits such as healthcare and education, which significantly enhances the quality of life for the founders and their families.

What we do

At Visage Immigration, Unlike many other immigration consultancy firms, we distinguish ourselves by having an in-house team comprised of experienced start-up coaches and entrepreneurs-in-residence who possess extensive knowledge of the start-up ecosystem in Canada. This specialized team is a cornerstone of our service, providing a level of support and expertise that goes beyond mere immigration advice.

Unique Advantages

Expert Guidance from Start-up Coaches and Entrepreneurs-in-Residence:
Our start-up coaches and entrepreneurs-in-residence have firsthand experience in launching and scaling businesses within the Canadian market. Their deep understanding of the local start-up landscape, including market trends, regulatory requirements, and business practices, ensures that our clients receive the most relevant and practical advice.
End-to-End Support:
Our mission extends well beyond assisting eligible start-ups in obtaining visas and relocating to Canada. We are committed to supporting our clients throughout their entrepreneurial journey. This includes helping them to thrive in the competitive Canadian market, positioning their business strategically, and preparing them for long-term success.

Comprehensive Services

Market Positioning and Strategic Growth:
Once the start-ups are established in Canada, our team works closely with them to refine their business strategies, optimize their market positioning, and develop scalable business models. This involves conducting market research, identifying target audiences, and tailoring products or services to meet local demand.
Pitch Preparation and Investor Readiness:
One of the critical stages for any start-up is securing funding. We prepare our clients to confidently present their business ideas to potential investors. This involves crafting compelling pitches, honing presentation skills, and creating robust business plans that showcase their venture’s potential for growth and profitability.
Support Across Different Fundraising Stages:
Our assistance doesn’t stop at the initial pitch. We provide ongoing support throughout various stages of fundraising. This includes connecting start-ups with venture capitalists, angel investors, and other funding sources, as well as advising on negotiation tactics and investment terms.
Mentorship and Networking:
In addition to practical business advice, we offer mentorship from seasoned entrepreneurs who have successfully navigated the start-up journey in Canada. We also facilitate networking opportunities, connecting our clients with key players in the Canadian start-up ecosystem, including industry leaders, potential partners, and other entrepreneurs.
Resource Access and Continuous Learning:
We ensure that our clients have access to essential resources, such as co-working spaces, incubator programs, and workshops. We also provide continuous learning opportunities through seminars, webinars, and training sessions focused on various aspects of running a successful start-up.

Our Commitment
Our commitment to our clients goes far beyond the initial immigration process. We are dedicated to ensuring that the start-ups we assist not only gain a foothold in the Canadian market but also grow, innovate, and achieve their full potential. By providing comprehensive, hands-on support, we help them navigate the complexities of the start-up world, overcome challenges, and ultimately succeed in their entrepreneurial endeavors.
In summary, our holistic approach and the unique combination of immigration expertise and start-up support distinguish us from other consultancy firms. We are not just facilitating the entry of start-ups into Canada; we are partners in their journey towards sustainable success and market leadership.