Indian applicants · Canada
Start-Up Visa (Canada) for Indian 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
- Commonwealth
Consular processing: New Delhi / Chandigarh
Tourist entry vs. this route
Indian nationals enter Canada visa-free for short tourism but must hold a current Electronic Travel Authorisation. The Start-Up Visa (Canada) is required separately for the activity it covers.
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 Indian applicants
Express Entry — Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
Federal permanent-residence stream for applicants with qualifying Canadian work experience.
Express Entry — Federal Skilled Worker (FSW)
Federal points-based permanent residence for skilled workers without prior Canadian experience.
Express Entry — Federal Skilled Trades (FST)
Permanent residence for qualified tradespeople with a Canadian job offer or provincial certification.
Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
Province-led permanent residence streams giving a 600 CRS boost when aligned with Express Entry.
Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)
Open work permit for graduates of eligible Canadian Designated Learning Institutions.
Spousal / common-law sponsorship (Canada)
Permanent residence sponsorship of spouses, common-law partners, or conjugal partners by Canadian citizens or permanent residents.
Comparable routes in other destinations
Frequently asked questions
Are Indian citizens eligible for the Start-Up Visa (Canada)?+
Eligibility for the Start-Up Visa (Canada) is set by IRCC and is not nationality-restricted beyond the general criteria, though Indian applicants may also have access to the following bilateral or treaty frameworks: Commonwealth. See the criteria below for the published requirements.
Where do Indian applicants typically file the Start-Up Visa (Canada)?+
New Delhi / Chandigarh. 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 Indian applicants need a tourist visa for Canada as well?+
Indian nationals enter Canada visa-free for short tourism but must hold a current Electronic Travel Authorisation. The Start-Up Visa (Canada) is required separately for the activity it covers.
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.