You can find guidance on the IRCC visa application process, including eligibility for the Start-up Visa Program, required documents for permanent residence, and optional work permit information.
We clarify ISM's role in supporting Commitment Certificates and Letters of Support while outlining steps for a complete application.
We are responsible for Commitment Certificates, Letters of Support, and Incubator programs.
Note: We do not provide immigration consulting services or advise on Permanent Residence and Work Permit applications.
To apply for the Start-up Visa Program, ensure you:
To qualify, each applicant must own 10%+ of voting rights. Together with the designated organization, they must control over 50%.
Designated organizations are approved groups that invest in startups. You'll need a support letter from one of them to qualify.
To qualify, you need a Canadian Language Benchmark 5 in all skills (English or French) from an approved test.
The Government of Canada won’t provide financial support. You must prove you have enough funds to settle.
Guidance on how to apply for permanent residence can be found here. Applicants should follow the instructions in the application guide.
Required Documents
To avoid delays, ensure your application is complete by including:
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All requested information and forms
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Documents listed on the checklist
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Supporting documents for missing items with a written explanation
View The Document Checklist
Important Tips
If you cannot provide a required document:
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Submit a written explanation for each missing document.
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Include any available evidence or alternative documents.
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Upload them as specified and include proof of your attempts to obtain them (e.g., payment receipts)
Permanent Residence
As this policy was recently announced, there is no additional information available at this time other than what is included in the news release and background document.
Ministerial Announcements
Incomplete applications will be returned. Re-submit after fixing errors.
What happens if my application is incomplete?
Yes! Complete the IMM5475 form to give ISM permission.
Can I authorize ISM to discuss my application with IRCC?
You can find answers to a wide range of questions here. It's designed to assist individual applicants with various issues.
Where can I find answers to common application questions?
FAQs
Work Permit
To apply for the Work Permit, ensure you:
To qualify, you should have already submitted your permanent residence application for the Start-up Visa (SUV) program.
To qualify, you must plan to live outside Quebec and demonstrate your business’s economic contribution to the local area.
Reside Outside Quebec
To qualify, you need to show that your work or business will provide a significant economic benefit to Canada.
Economic Benefit
To qualify for a work permit, you must have enough money to meet the minimum income requirement (for your family size) for 52 weeks.