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Canadian Startup Visa Myths - MythBusters

Welcome to SUV MythBusters, in today’s article we will provide you with comprehensive resources dedicated to debunking common myths surrounding the Start-Up Visa (SUV) program. Are you an aspiring entrepreneur with dreams of obtaining permanent residency in Canada, but keep hearing contradicting information from friends, consultants and the Canadian government? Let's take a look at those myths, and provide you with the professional insights you need for a successful SUV journey.


At INGWE we are EXPERTS in the Canada Startup Visa. We will guide and support you throughout the endorsement letter or Letter of Support process and the entire immigration process including work visas and permanent residencies. Get a FREE email assessment, click here.



The Canada Startup Visa Guarantees PR

In reality, applying for an SUV visa is of course an essential step, but it's not a guaranteed pathway to PR. Success in the SUV program demands a meticulously structured approach. This includes:


  1. A comprehensive business plan
  2. Financial viability
  3. Tangible progress after company incorporation
  4. Funding of the startup accounts, and 
  5. Achieving crucial milestones with your business progress.

The program is an excellent pathway to PR, provided a single entrepreneur or a group meets these requirements. For instance, the business plan can't be just a mere document; it should be a strategic roadmap illustrating how your startup will significantly contribute to the Canadian economy. Financial viability extends beyond having funds; it's about demonstrating the sustainability and growth potential of your venture.


Consider an SUV applicant whose business plan details innovative strategies, market research, and a clear path to economic contribution. This applicant not only increases their chances of success but also sets a new standard for what is expected within the SUV ecosystem.


At INGWE we are EXPERTS in the Canada Startup Visa. We will guide and support you throughout the endorsement letter or Letter of Support process and the entire immigration process including work visas and permanent residencies. Get a FREE email assessment, click here.


Canada Startup Visa - Family members cannot be co-founders

Contrary to this belief, the SUV program allows any 2-5 individuals, whether strangers or family, to become co-founders. However, the crucial aspect is understanding your co-founders well, as collaborative decisions can significantly impact the success of PR applications for everyone involved. Building a startup is not just about skills; it's about navigating challenges together. Whether you're family or not, a cohesive team with a shared vision is crucial for success. After all, ideally your journey is not just about obtaining PR; it's about building a thriving business in Canada.


Imagine a family of three founding a startup under the SUV program. Their shared commitment, complementary skills, and familial support strengthen their application, showcasing a united front committed to business success in Canada.


At INGWE we are EXPERTS in the Canada Startup Visa. We will guide and support you throughout the endorsement letter or Letter of Support process and the entire immigration process including work visas and permanent residencies. Get a FREE email assessment, click here.


Canada Startup Visa - Applicants must have educational qualifications 

The truth is, educational degrees aren't the sole determining factor. Relevant experience holds an important weight in assessing eligibility for the SUV program. The emphasis is on the skills and expertise that applicants bring to the entrepreneurial table.

Take, for example, an entrepreneur with a successful track record in a related industry. Their expertise and achievements may outweigh the need for specific educational qualifications. The SUV program values real-world experience that can contribute to the Canadian economy.


For example, an entrepreneur with a decade of experience in the tech industry, a proven track record of successful ventures, and industry recognition may find their application strengthened, even without a formal degree.


At INGWE we are EXPERTS in the Canada Startup Visa. We will guide and support you throughout the endorsement letter or Letter of Support process and the entire immigration process including work visas and permanent residencies. Get a FREE email assessment, click here.


To apply for the Canada Startup Visa program, you need to have accessible liquid assets for investment

IRCC may consider your current business equity instead of requiring liquid funds. This flexibility has been successfully utilized by us for clients already in Canada on an SUV Work Permit.


When it comes to investment, it's not just about the form it takes. Whether it's liquid cash or business equity, what matters is the impact it can have on your startup and the Canadian economy. Successful cases have shown that a well-justified equity investment can be a game-changer.


At INGWE we are EXPERTS in the Canada Startup Visa. We will guide and support you throughout the endorsement letter or Letter of Support process and the entire immigration process including work visas and permanent residencies. Get a FREE email assessment, click here.


All essential members must apply for a Canada Startup Visa work permit

The letter of support or commitment certificate of the designated organization states whether the essential members want to apply for a work permit or not - there is a specific box for that. If they choose ‘yes’ then an explanation needs to be provided of why it’s urgent for the essential founder to arrive in Canada before the PR. Therefore, this means a commitment certificate can have essential members who are not seeking a work permit, or ones who do. This is completely up to the cofounders. Recently, just during 2023, there are now hundreds of groups which have obtained PR, are essential, and have not stepped one foot in Canada. However, having said that, we do advise 1 co-founder of any startup group to enter Canada to start operations, even if they won’t stay long. This is something that can help the group and the business progress. 


The decision to apply for a work permit is a strategic one. While having a co-founder on-site can facilitate certain operations, it's not a mandatory requirement. Our success stories from 2023 show that remote collaboration is not just possible; it can lead to PR success as well. 



You can open any business to apply for the Canada Startup Visa 

The reality is your business must showcase innovation. The SUV program favors businesses that bring creativity and uniqueness to the Canadian market. Demonstrating the potential to contribute significantly to the Canadian economy is a key criterion for success. Innovation is not just a buzzword; it's a cornerstone of the SUV program. Whether you're in tech, healthcare, or any industry, your business should bring something new to the table. The program seeks ventures that can redefine industries and make a lasting impact.


For example, an innovative health tech startup with a groundbreaking solution addressing a pressing healthcare issue demonstrates the kind of inventive venture that aligns with the SUV program's criteria.


There you have it, six of the biggest myths in the SUV program, debunked for our followers.  Remember that the Start-Up Visa program is not just about paperwork; it's a journey that requires innovation and strategic planning. If you're ready to embark on the entrepreneurial adventure leading to permanent residency in Canada, the SUV program might just be your golden ticket.



Don't miss out on more myth-busting content. Remember, the road to permanent residency might have its twists and turns, but armed with the right information and proper guidance, your journey can be smoother than ever. 


At INGWE we are EXPERTS in the Canada Startup Visa. We will guide and support you throughout the endorsement letter or Letter of Support process and the entire immigration process including work visas and permanent residencies. Get a FREE email assessment, click here.

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