Here is how the cost of the Canada Start Up Visa breaks down, and why the route is paused to new applicants.
Information, not advice. Figures are indicative and current as of June 2026. Always confirm the present rules with the official program authority and a licensed professional before you act.
The Start Up Visa does not ask you to invest a set sum yourself. Instead you need support from a designated Canadian organisation. If the support comes from a designated venture capital fund it must invest at least CAD 200,000 in your business. A designated angel investor group must invest at least CAD 75,000. A designated business incubator requires acceptance into its programme rather than a set investment.
Note that the programme is paused to new applicants from 1 January 2026.
Applicants must show settlement funds, at least CAD 15,263 for a single applicant, rising with family size, to support themselves on arrival. Permanent residence application fees apply and are set by the government. Confirm the current fee schedule with the official authority.
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Because the programme is paused, treat any budget as planning only. The main costs have been the support threshold from a designated organisation, settlement funds of at least CAD 15,263 for a single applicant, and government application fees. Confirm the current position and any reopening with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada.
| Item | Indicative amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Designated venture capital investment | CAD 200,000 | Minimum if support is from a VC fund |
| Designated angel investor investment | CAD 75,000 | Minimum if support is from an angel group |
| Business incubator | No set investment | Acceptance into the programme required |
| Settlement funds, single applicant | CAD 15,263 | Rises with family size |
Figures are indicative and current as of June 2026. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) publishes the binding detail. Verify before you act.
No. It is paused to new applicants from 1 January 2026. Holders of a valid 2025 commitment certificate must apply by 30 June 2026.
The programme relies on support from a designated organisation rather than a set personal investment, though you must show settlement funds.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Information, not advice. Figures are indicative and current as of June 2026. Always confirm the present rules with the official program authority and a licensed professional before you act.
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