Entrepreneur Start-Up Visa Launched April 1st

Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) has launched an exciting new pilot, the Entrepreneur Start-Up Visa program, on April 1, 2013. The program, which will connect promising foreign entrepreneurs to Canadian organizations that will assist in start-up operations, is the first of its kind in the world.

“Canada is open for business to the world’s start-up entrepreneurs,” said Citizenship and Immigration Minister Jason Kenney. “Innovation and entrepreneurship are essential drivers of the Canadian economy. That is why we are actively recruiting foreign entrepreneurs – those who can build companies here in Canada that will create new jobs, spur economic growth and compete on a global scale – with our new start-up visa.”

The program will grant Canadian permanent residency to successful applicants. In addition to being granted residency, they will be linked to Canadian business partners with expertise in the realm of entrepreneurship in Canada. Two umbrella organizations have been designated to identify Canadian partner groups. They are Canada’s Venture Capital and Private Equity Association (CVCA) and the National Angel Capital Organization (NACO).