Canada Introduces “Start-Up” Visa for Immigrant Entrepreneurs
On Thursday, Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism Minister Jason Kenney announced that Canada’s new start-up visa program will officially launch on April 1st.
Unlike similar programs running in the U.K. and Australia, immigrants under this new, historic visa class will receive immediate, non-conditional, permanent resident status.
Our new Start-Up Visa will help make Canada the destination of choice for the world’s best and brightest to launch their companies,
said Minister Kenney. Recruiting dynamic entrepreneurs from around the world will help Canada remain competitive in the global economy.
The Program has received widespread support from many in Canada’s start-up and venture capital communities. In fact, venture capital investors will be involved in selecting and issuing visas to qualified candidates. This Program will also link entrepreneurs with private sector organizations in Canada that have experience working with start-ups and who can provide essential resources.
Although the full criteria have yet to be published, basic requirements include proficiency in English or French and at least one year of post-secondary education.
