Brazilian applicants · Canada
Start-Up Visa (Canada) for Brazilian citizens
Permanent residence for entrepreneurs with endorsement from a designated Canadian venture capital fund, angel investor group, or business incubator.
- Processing time
- Currently 37+ months as of mid-decade; verify IRCC service standard.
- Government fees
- CAD 2,140 principal applicant plus family.
- Typical duration
- Permanent residence.
- Sponsor required
- No
- Leads to settlement
- Yes
Bilateral context
No nationality-specific treaty frameworks apply to this combination.
Consular processing: Applicable consular post in origin country
Tourist entry vs. this route
Brazilian nationals require a visa for any entry into Canada. The Start-Up Visa (Canada) is one of the routes available; tourist entry is a separate application.
Visa overview
The Start-Up Visa grants permanent residence to founders whose business is supported by a designated venture capital fund, angel investor group, or business incubator. Up to 5 founders per business, each receiving PR. Processing has lengthened considerably in recent years.
Eligibility
Typical criteria
- ✓Letter of Support from a designated organisation.
- ✓Qualifying business (innovative, scalable, incorporated in Canada).
- ✓CLB 5 in English or French.
- ✓Settlement funds sufficient for family size.
Common blockers
- !Organisation not on the designated list.
- !Processing backlog may push timelines past 3 years.
Typical evidence
- ·Letter of Support.
- ·Business incorporation documents.
- ·Proof of funds.
Application pathway
Develop business and secure Letter of Support
Pitch to designated VC, angel group, or incubator.
Submit PR application
With Letter of Support.
Obtain work permit while waiting (optional)
Many applicants take a 3-year open work permit to build the business during processing.
Land as PR after approval
Plan for extended timelines.
Other Canada routes covered for Brazilian applicants
Comparable routes in other destinations
Frequently asked questions
Are Brazilian citizens eligible for the Start-Up Visa (Canada)?+
Eligibility for the Start-Up Visa (Canada) is set by IRCC and is not nationality-restricted. See the criteria below for the published requirements.
Where do Brazilian applicants typically file the Start-Up Visa (Canada)?+
Applicable consular post in origin country. Specific intake (online portal, biometrics centre, or in-country lodgement) is determined by IRCC — confirm the current intake channel on the primary source linked above before filing.
Do Brazilian applicants need a tourist visa for Canada as well?+
Brazilian nationals require a visa for any entry into Canada. The Start-Up Visa (Canada) is one of the routes available; tourist entry is a separate application.
How long does the Canadian Start-Up Visa take now?+
Processing times have lengthened to 37+ months as of mid-decade as intake caps were introduced. Most applicants take a supporting work permit while waiting. Confirm current service standards on the IRCC website.