Canada
General visa requirements for travelling to Canada. These policies apply to all nationalities unless a country-specific policy exists.
Have a specific passport country? Check your specific route.
Business visa (Start-up Visa Program)
Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026
Embassy required
- Processing time
- 12-36 months
- Fee
- CAD $2,385 (business immigration processing) + $575 (RPRF) = CAD $2,960
- Validity
- Permanent residence
- Entry
- Single entry
Permanent residence for innovative entrepreneurs with a qualifying business supported by a designated organization. As of January 1, 2026, the program is paused and no longer accepting new applications. Applicants with a valid 2025 commitment certificate must apply by June 30, 2026. Up to 5 applicants can be included per qualifying business. Applicants and designated organization must collectively hold more than 50% of voting rights.
Eligibility
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Financial
Must have letter of support from a designated organization: venture capital fund (minimum $200,000 investment), angel investor group (minimum $75,000), or business incubator (no minimum). Must have sufficient settlement funds.
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Employment
Must have a qualifying business that is innovative, can create jobs for Canadians, and can compete globally. Applicants must hold more than 50% of voting rights collectively with the designated organization.
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Criminal record
Must be admissible to Canada.
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Health
Must pass immigration medical examination.
Documents you need
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Passport
Blank pages required: 1; Validity months: 0
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Proof of funds
Accepted forms: Bank statements, investment certificates; Minimum amount: Varies by family size per IRCC settlement funds table
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Police clearance
Countries required: All countries where applicant lived 6+ months since age 18; Validity months: 12
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Business plan
Provide a business plan showing the activity, funding, market and expected costs.
Minimum investment: No minimum personal investment, but must have commitment from designated organization; Must include financials: Yes
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Health exam
Panel physician required: Yes; Validity months: 12
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Language test score
Accepted tests: IELTS General Training, CELPIP General (English); TEF Canada, TCF Canada (French); Minimum score: CLB 5 in all four abilities
How to apply
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Document gathering
Obtain letter of support and commitment certificate from designated organization. Prepare business plan, take language tests, and gather proof of settlement funds.
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Online application
Submit permanent residence application online with commitment certificate, language test results, and all supporting documents.
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Fee payment
Pay CAD $2,385 business immigration processing fee plus CAD $575 RPRF per adult. Spouse: $1,525 + $575. Dependent children: $260 each.
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Biometrics
Provide biometrics at designated collection point.
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Processing wait
Processing times are lengthy, typically 12-36 months. IRCC has implemented measures to reduce backlogs.
Business visa (Business Visitor (No Work Permit Required))
Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026
e-Visa
- Maximum stay
- 180 days
- Processing time
- Same as eTA or TRV processing
- Fee
- CAD $7 (eTA) or CAD $100 (TRV) depending on nationality
- Validity
- Per eTA (5 years) or TRV (up to 10 years) validity
- Entry
- Multiple entry
Business visitors do not need a separate work permit and enter using their eTA or visitor visa. Permitted activities include attending meetings, conferences, trade fairs, buying Canadian goods/services, or after-sales service. Must not enter the Canadian labour market. Activities must be international in scope. Source of income and principal place of business must remain outside Canada.
Eligibility
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Purpose of visit
Must be conducting international business activities that do not directly enter the Canadian labour market. Permitted: meetings, conferences, trade fairs, buying goods/services, after-sales service. Not permitted: hands-on work for Canadian entity.
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Financial
Must demonstrate financial ties outside Canada. Primary income source and place of business must remain outside Canada.
Documents you need
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Passport
Blank pages required: 1; Validity months: 6
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Proof of funds
Accepted forms: Bank statements, company letter confirming expense coverage; Minimum amount: Sufficient funds for duration of stay
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Invitation letter
Host requirements: Letter from Canadian business contact or conference organizer detailing purpose, duration, and nature of business activities
How to apply
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Document gathering
Gather invitation letter from Canadian business, proof of business activities, return ticket, and proof of funds. Prepare explanation of business purpose.
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Online application
Apply for eTA (if visa-exempt) or visitor visa (if visa-required). Indicate purpose as business.
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Fee payment
Pay CAD $7 for eTA or CAD $100 for visitor visa plus applicable biometrics fees.
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Processing wait
Same processing time as eTA or visitor visa application.