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Want to Apply for Work Permit under the Start-up Visa Program?

Start-up Visa Program

Introduction to Start-up Visa Program

The Start-Up Visa program is a fantastic way for entrepreneurs from around the world to immigrate to Canada and start their own businesses. This program is designed to help innovative individuals bring their ideas to life while creating jobs and contributing to the Canadian economy. One important part of the process is obtaining the SUV work permit, which allows entrepreneurs to start working on their business in Canada while their permanent residence application is being processed. 

Documents Required for Work Permit under Start-Up Visa (SUV) Program

If you’re thinking about applying for the start-up visa program, it’s important to understand the documents you’ll need. This guide will walk you through the key documents required and give you some tips to ensure your application process goes smoothly. The Documents required are:

Proof of Permanent Residence Application

What is it? This document shows that you’ve submitted your permanent residence application through the start-up visa program. It’s one of the first things you’ll need for your SUV work permit application.

Accepted Proofs:

  • Letter of Acknowledgment: This is a confirmation from Canadian immigration authorities that your permanent residence application has been received.
  • Courier Receipt: If you mailed your application, this receipt shows that it was sent.
  • Online Submission Confirmation: If you submitted your application online, this will show that it was successfully submitted and that you’ve paid the necessary fees.

Letter of Support from a Designated Organization

What is it? This letter is from a Canadian organization that supports entrepreneurs, such as a venture capital fund, an angel investor group, or a business incubator. It shows that a recognized organization believes in your business idea and has chosen to support it.

Why is it important? This letter is crucial because it proves that your business idea is solid and that you meet the eligibility requirements for the start-up visa program. Without it, your application won’t move forward.

Offer of Employment Number

What is it? This is a special number linked to your job offer.

Where to find it? If your employer submitted the offer online, you can find the number in the Employer Portal. If they sent it by email, you’ll need to fill out form IMM 5802 and include the receipt for the employer compliance fee.

Proof of Sufficient Funds

You need to show that you have enough money to support yourself and your family while you’re living in Canada. The required amount depends on how many people are in your family.

Minimum funds required (as of now):

  • For one person: CAD 29,380
  • For two people: CAD 36,576
  • For three people: CAD 44,966
  • For four people: CAD 54,594
  • For five people: CAD 61,920
  • For six people: CAD 69,834
  • For seven people: CAD 77,750
  • Add CAD 7,916 for each additional family member beyond seven people.

These amounts are there to make sure you won’t face financial issues during your stay in Canada.

Investment Funds

Besides your personal support funds, you also need to show that your business has enough investment to grow and succeed.

Minimum investment requirements:

  • If you’re supported by a venture capital fund: CAD 200,000
  • If you’re supported by an angel investor group: CAD 75,000

Other Important Documents

Depending on your situation, you may need to provide some additional documents:

  • Medical Examination Results: To prove you meet the health requirements for living in Canada.
  • Valid Police Certificate: To show that you have a clean criminal record.
  • Business Plan: A detailed plan outlining how you will run and grow your business in Canada.
  • Staffing Plan: Information about how many people you will hire and how you plan to manage your team.
  • Proof of Exploratory Research: This could include documents like discussions with suppliers or research on potential locations for your business.
  • Resume: A document showcasing your skills and experience that will help you run your business.

Necessary Forms

You will also need to fill out several forms when applying for the SUV work permit. These forms may include:

  • Application to Change Conditions, Extend Your Stay or Remain in Canada as a Worker (IMM 5710): If you need to extend or change your current status in Canada, use this form.
  • Family Information (IMM 5707): If you are 18 years or older, or a minor traveling alone, you’ll need this form.
  • Statutory Declaration of Common-law Union (IMM 5409): If you are in a common-law relationship, this notarized form must be included.
  • Use of a Representative (IMM 5476): If you’re working with an authorized representative, complete this form.
  • Authority to Release Personal Information to a Designated Individual (IMM 5475): Use this form if you allow someone other than yourself to receive information about your application.

Proof of Business Establishment in Canada

In addition to your application documents, you must prove that your business is already up and running in Canada. This is important because it shows you’re serious about your business and that you’re contributing to Canada’s economy.

Acceptable Proofs of Business Establishment:

  • Business Registration: This includes documents that show your business is registered either federally or provincially.
  • Business Number (BN): A 9-digit number assigned by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) when your business is set up.
  • Financial Reports: Recent financial statements, tax returns, or bank statements.
  • Business Licenses and Permits: Municipal or industry-specific permits that allow your business to operate legally in Canada.
  • Commercial Lease Agreement: If you’re renting a space for your business, include a copy of your lease agreement.
  • Proof of Business Activities: This could be contracts, invoices, or marketing materials that show your business is operating.
  • Letter from a Designated Organization: If you have support from a designated organization, make sure to include this.

Best Practices for Presenting Proof of Business Establishment

  • Organize Documents Chronologically: Arrange your documents in the order they were created. This helps show how your business has grown over time.
  • Include a Cover Letter: Write a short summary explaining the documents you’re submitting and how they prove that your business is established in Canada.
  • Ensure Clarity and Legibility: Make sure all documents are easy to read, clear, and translated into English or French if necessary.
  • Be Comprehensive: You don’t need to include every single document, but make sure you provide a good range of proof that shows your business is legitimate.
  • Stay Updated: Use only the most recent documents to ensure that they reflect your business’s current situation.

Conclusion

The start-up visa program offers a fantastic opportunity for entrepreneurs to build their businesses in Canada. By securing the SUV work permit, you can begin working on your business in Canada while your permanent residence application is being processed. Make sure to gather all the necessary documents and follow the best practices outlined here to strengthen your application.

Navigating the complexities of immigration can be challenging, especially when applying for the Work Permit under the Start-Up Visa program in Canada. That’s where professional advice becomes invaluable. Khanna Immigration Services, a licensed expert and Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant, leads a team of seasoned professionals dedicated to guiding you through every step of the process.