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Updated 28 Dec, 2023 11:01pm

The Canada start-up visa program you didn’t know about

The number of people from developing countries migrating to developed countries has increased in the recent past, owing to the different pathways available. Canada’s start-up visa program is one of those about which many few people know.

It is for immigrant entrepreneurs with the skills and potential to build businesses in Canada (outside Quebec). Their idea should be innovative, can create jobs for Canadians, and can compete on a global scale.

There is neither any age restriction nor any educational requirement for the visa. Those who have acquired the visa describe it as a route that requires less amount of money.

At a time when the Canadian government revised its laws related to employment, some experts have called it a “golden opportunity”.

People who are aspiring to apply for this visa should “have a qualifying business, letter of support from a designated organisation, meet the language requirements, and bring enough money to settle.”

The amount you need depends on the size of your family. The government has updated it on their website.

“The start-up visa is quite different from work permit. Its aim is only to attract businessmen and entrepreneurs to Canada,” immigration expert Julie Desai told BBC Urdu.

“The most important requirement is that the candidate’s business must be innovative enough to create new jobs in Canada. This visa is not for general business people. Such startup plans are needed that can compete on a global level,” she added.

Immigration lawyer Prashant Ajmera told the British news outlet that it was important that the startup plans were supported by Canadian organisations. “You should have a detailed business plan and you should have knowledge of the Canadian market.”

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