fast track investor visa

Are you an entrepreneur who would like to come to Canada and start a business?

Then Canada's Start-up Visa program is the way to do it.

The new program, which started April 1st, 2013, is designed to attract dynamic entrepreneurs around the world, get them in to Canada, and give them the support they need (including funding) to build businesses that can compete on a global scale.

Entrepreneurs who qualify for the program will be fast-tracked; the goal is to clear successful applicants for entry in to Canada within weeks. And the Canadian Start-up Visa grants permanent resident status which can then lead to citizenship.

While it's thought that entrepreneurs in the high-tech sector such as Silicon Valley entrepreneurs that haven’t been able to get resident status in the U.S. may be especially interested in Canada's Start-up Visa program, would-be entrepreneurs from anywhere in the world are encouraged to apply.

HOW THE PROGRAM WORKS

If you want to immigrate to Canada through this program, you need the support of a Canadian venture capital fund or angel investor group that is willing to invest in your new business.

The Canadian venture capital fund or angel investor group must be one that is designated by the Canadian government to participate in the Start-Up Visa program. Find designated angel investor groups and/or venture capital funds here.

So step one is to convince one of these designated groups or funds that your business idea is worth investing in. The catch is that different groups or funds have different application processes for doing this, so you will have to contact whatever venture capital fund or angel investor group you choose to present your idea to directly to find out what documents they need and what you need to do to present your business idea to them. For instance, some groups will require a fully developed written business plan while others won't.

Once you have your letter of support, you will be ready to apply for a Start-up Visa, assuming you meet the other qualifications.