Success story: Over 3 years with the Start-up Visa – a family of 4 receives Canadian PR
Starting during the COVID-19 pandemic, after more than 3 years of preparing documentation and monitoring work and study permits for the entire family, a Vietnamese entrepreneur, along with his wife and two children, finally received confirmation of Canadian permanent residence in July 2024.
This is a memorable success story for KeyApply, not only because of the final outcome but also due to the client's perseverance throughout a multi-year journey.
Starting with the Start-up Visa program during the COVID-19 pandemic
In 2021, a Vietnamese entrepreneur and other co-founders began the process of completing their Canadian permanent residence application under the Start-up Visa (SUV) program. This was a period when Canada and many other countries were still heavily affected by COVID-19. Travel restrictions, business disruptions, and changes in administrative operations made coordinating document preparation more difficult.
According to communication history, since June 2021, the immigration lawyer worked with the founding team to finalize forms and documents. Because the application involved multiple founders, coordinating the completion of individual documents was necessary before proceeding with joint steps.
Over 3 years of waiting during a volatile period
From 2021 to mid-2024, the family went through a long journey that began when the pandemic was still significantly affecting economic activity and Canadian immigration. However, the entire three-year processing time cannot be attributed solely to COVID-19; the Start-up Visa application also involved the assessment of immigration eligibility, founding team documentation, and update requests from IRCC.
While waiting for permanent residence results, the husband both coordinated with the founding team to monitor business records and had to manage the residency status of his wife and two children. Submitting a PR application does not mean Work Permits or Study Permits are automatically extended.
Late 2023: Preparing to extend Work Permits and Study Permits for the whole family
As the husband's Work Permit was set to expire in early January 2024, the family continued to work with their immigration lawyer to prepare the necessary extension applications.
1. Husband's Work Permit
The husband prepared his work permit extension application, reviewing current permit information, travel history, and expected work duration on form IMM 5710.
2. Wife's Work Permit
The wife also had her own work permit extension application, which required updating information regarding her job, employer, and work history on form IMM 5710.
3. First child's Study Permit
The child studying in Canada needed to apply for a study permit extension. The application was prepared using form IMM 5709 along with relevant supporting documents.
4. Second child's Study Permit
The other child also had a separate Study Permit extension application prepared, according to their specific status and permit expiry date.
In addition to the extension applications, the family needed to complete forms designating an immigration representative and provide supporting documentation. In early January 2024, the legal team confirmed that one child's biometric information had been updated in the IRCC system. These exchanges confirmed the preparation and processing of the applications, not proof that all extension applications had been approved.
May 2024: Updating startup project information
After years of pursuing the application, the founding team continued to fulfill update requests related to business operations. The members coordinated to prepare business updates, sign confirmations, and provide additional documentation. KeyApply participated by coordinating the transfer of documents between the founding team and the partner immigration lawyer. Update requests needed to be handled on time and required close coordination among members.
June 2024: Family receives instructions for PR Portal
At the end of June 2024, the application reached the stage of confirming permanent residence via the IRCC Permanent Residence Confirmation Portal. As notifications were sent to different email addresses, the family communicated with their lawyer to determine how to respond for each individual. The husband coordinated the completion of responses for all four family members and continued to check the steps taken.
July 10, 2024: Family of four receives eCOPR
On July 10, 2024, the partner immigration lawyer sent a congratulatory notice: the system had recorded that the Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) had been issued for the family. On the same day, the client confirmed receipt of the eCOPR documents and sent copies for all four members to the lawyer.
From an entrepreneur who started preparing a Start-up Visa application during the COVID-19 period to monitoring residency permits, updating business information, and completing IRCC requirements with his wife and two children, the entire family finally received confirmation of Canadian permanent residence.
Lessons from a journey of over three years
Prepare for a long-term journey: PR processing times can vary depending on the program, the application, and the timing. Disruptions like COVID-19 can make coordination and preparation more difficult.
Do not overlook family residency status: While waiting for PR, the husband and wife must still monitor their Work Permit conditions; the two children need to monitor their Study Permits based on their enrollment status. A PR application does not automatically extend these permits.
Coordination among founding members: Each person must proactively complete their documents and respond to requests from the legal team. Business updates and confirmations on the PR Portal must be handled carefully.
KeyApply accompanies entrepreneurs and their families
KeyApply focuses on supporting entrepreneurs and investors in exploring opportunities for business development, investment, and immigration to Canada. Throughout this journey, KeyApply participates in coordinating with the founding team, clients, and partner immigration lawyers during the preparation, updating, and monitoring of application-related requests. Consulting and legal representation services regarding immigration are within the scope of licensed practice conducted by partner lawyers or RCICs.
ARE YOU AN ENTREPRENEUR LOOKING FOR BUSINESS, INVESTMENT, AND IMMIGRATION OPPORTUNITIES IN CANADA? Please contact KeyApply to explore options that fit your business plan, financial capacity, and family situation. You can call, email, or message us via KeyApply.com.
This article is based on communication history and actual application results. Client names, project names, and identifying data have been omitted to protect privacy. The COVID-19 pandemic is the context of the journey, not the confirmed cause of the entire processing time. Each application result depends on specific circumstances and the decision of the relevant authorities. The poster is for illustrative purposes only.