More flexible options for those wishing to immigrate to Canada.
The Canadian Start-Up Visa (SUV) program will be significantly expanded thanks to recent reforms.
Former Canadian Immigration Minister Sean Fraser has expressed strong support for the Canada Start-Up Visa Program and has announced possible reforms to make it a top choice for professionals wishing to immigrate to Canada.
Reforms for the Startup Visa program
Previously, an individual could enter Canada before their permanent residency application under the Start-Up Visa Program was processed by simultaneously applying for a work permit solely for the start-up company. However, with the new changes to the program, individuals can enter Canada sooner with an open work permit, allowing investors and their spouses to work in Canada anywhere while awaiting permanent residency processing. Although only recently announced and not yet officially implemented, this news is already exciting for Start-Up Visa entrepreneurs.

The second important announcement regarding the Canada Entrepreneur Visa Program is the commitment to increase the annual immigration quota for the Federal Business Program by 250% due to high demand for the Entrepreneur Visa Program. Immigration to the program will reach over 14,000 by 2026, speeding up processing and making the program more accessible.
Canada Entrepreneur Visa Program
The Canada Startup Visa Program is a unique program that allows direct permanent residency through entrepreneurial investment, established by the Canadian government to encourage foreign entry into the Canadian economy and foster innovation and employment in Canada. To achieve this goal, the Canadian government is seeking both founders with innovative business ideas and highly qualified investors to integrate their skills and capital into a startup founder's business.
The most distinctive feature of this program is that it allows applicants to retain their permanent resident status regardless of whether the business succeeds or fails. If the Canadian business fails, those granted permanent residency through this program can still retain their status and may even eventually obtain Canadian citizenship.
How much does a Canadian Start-Up Visa cost?
The Canadian SUV program has become one of the most affordable investment-based residency programs in the world for individuals and their families seeking a second citizenship. The total cost of the program ranges from approximately 135,000 to 260,000 Canadian dollars (approximately 2.4 to 4.7 billion VND), including the initial business investment and legal fees, while other popular investment-based residency programs are significantly more expensive.
Who is eligible?
A start-up founder might be:
- An experienced entrepreneur, who has successfully established innovative startups overseas, now wants to enter the Canadian market with a similar business plan.
- Candidates may also be individuals who don't have their own innovative start-up ideas but possess skills and experience in their field that can contribute to the success of another co-founder's business idea. In this case, the individual could become a participating member or co-founder of a start-up.
Through this Start-Up Visa pathway, the principal applicant, spouse, and children under 22 years of age can be included in the application for permanent residency.
Benefits of Canadian permanent residency
Unsponsored employment - Canadian permanent residents can legally live and work in Canada. They are not tied to a particular employer, job, or even province. Canadian permanent residents can also start their own businesses. Furthermore, they have the ability to leave and re-enter Canada using their permanent resident card.
Free healthcare
Many immigrants choose Canada for a benefit not available in many other countries – comprehensive healthcare. This is a healthcare system funded by the federal government through taxes, ensuring the provision of quality healthcare to every citizen. For those considering retirement in Canada, or later supporting elderly parents, Canada's healthcare system is very attractive.
Free education and tuition fee benefits
Canada is known for having one of the most prestigious education systems in the world. Therefore, many immigrants choose the Canada Start-Up Visa program as a pathway for their children's future plans. For permanent residents, primary and secondary (high school) education is free through the Canadian public school system. Post-secondary students are considered domestic students and are therefore not subject to international enrollment quotas in competitive Canadian universities or graduate programs. Furthermore, tuition fees for Canadian students are sometimes only one-fifth of those for international students.
For a student pursuing a four-year bachelor's degree, the family can save up to C$200,000. This benefit is particularly helpful for families who choose to send multiple children to Canada for post-secondary education or for multiple degrees. Those with Canadian permanent residency can also utilize a range of government financial aid programs not available to international students.
A fast track to a Canadian passport
The Canadian Start-Up Visa program is also popular among those seeking Canadian citizenship and a passport. Permanent residents are eligible for Canadian citizenship and a passport if they have lived in the country for three years within a five-year period. What's unique about Canada is that as soon as this requirement is met, permanent residents can apply for citizenship, without needing to hold their permanent resident card for the full five years.
Those holding a Canadian passport can then enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 185 countries and do not need a minimum number of days in Canada to maintain citizenship.
The Entrepreneur Visa Program versus Canada's Express Entry Professional Worker Immigration Program
The Canadian Entrepreneur Visa Program has now replaced the Canadian Express Entry Program as the fastest direct immigration program. The Express Entry program was promoted globally as one of the most accessible professional worker programs in the world.
This large number of applications has made the program extremely competitive, making it nearly impossible for those over 30 with little or no work or study experience in Canada to be selected, even if they have high-scoring profiles.
The Express Entry program, which selects only the highest-scoring applicants, has made it an unpredictable path for those seeking immigration opportunities to Canada. Without a specific timeline or guarantee of selection for permanent residency through Express Entry, families cannot properly plan for relocation or their children's education. Even highly skilled individuals with high English proficiency scores and years of work experience abroad are not guaranteed selection.
Choosing the right immigration consulting company
When choosing an immigration consulting firm to handle your Canadian Start-Up Visa application, thorough research is crucial. Examine the firm and its consulting methods. It's important to remember that not all immigration consulting firms are created equal in terms of experience, ethical practices, knowledge, and industry connections. If a firm advertises a program that "guarantees" permanent residency or a Canadian passport with a seemingly small investment, applicants are advised to be wary of offers that sound too good to be true.
It's always best to secure your immigration status in Canada through legal means and with reputable consulting firms and legal teams. This will ensure the success of your application now and your ability to retain your status in Canada in the future.
The first and only company to own a Start-Up Studio that incubates Vietnamese startups in Canada.
Start-up studios play a crucial role in supporting and guiding start-up visa projects, helping them optimize opportunities and minimize risks during the migration and business development process.
As the first start-up studio in Canada specializing in incubating Vietnamese startups, KeyApply Start-up Studio offers many outstanding advantages:
-
Pioneering and Unique : As the first start-up studio in Canada dedicated exclusively to Vietnamese startups, KeyApply has affirmed its pioneering and unique position in this field, setting it apart from other services.
-
Extensive Understanding of Both Markets : KeyApply not only has a deep understanding of the Canadian market but also possesses extensive knowledge of the Vietnamese market and business culture. This enables them to create effective strategies for connecting the two markets.
-
Diverse and Multilingual Expert Team : KeyApply's team consists of experienced experts who speak both Vietnamese and English, providing effective and comprehensive support for Vietnamese startups.
-
Extensive Network : KeyApply has strong relationships with investors, experts, and potential partners in Canada, opening up opportunities for collaboration and investment for Vietnamese startups.
-
Quality Training and Mentorship Programs : KeyApply provides quality training programs, workshops, and mentoring to help startups quickly acquire the necessary knowledge and skills.
-
Comprehensive Support : KeyApply accompanies startups from the idea stage to implementation and scaling, helping them minimize risks and maximize opportunities.
-
Commitment to Quality and Success : With a commitment to service quality and the success of startups, KeyApply has built trust and credibility among investors and businesses.
-
Legal and Regulatory Support in Canada : KeyApply helps startups understand and comply with Canadian legal regulations, particularly those related to the start-up visa program.
In summary, with these outstanding advantages, KeyApply Start-up studio has become a reliable partner and a top choice for Vietnamese startups looking to expand and grow in the Canadian market.
Begin your immigration journey.
KeyApply is a leading immigration consulting company for Vietnamese clients, with a team of experts boasting over 9 years of experience in the Start-Up Visa program. KeyApply acts as a single point of contact between all stakeholders to ensure the highest possible approval rate for your immigration application. This is why KeyApply has one of the highest approval rates currently available. With the help of our team of lawyers in Canada, hundreds of families from Vietnam have successfully obtained Canadian Permanent Resident Cards and passports.
An important part of KeyApply's policy is the understanding that we have a responsibility to the future of you and your family. Our experienced team will always provide you with excellent standard service and reliable advice.
Schedule a free consultation with KeyApply
KeyApply invites all those interested in the Canada Entrepreneur Visa program to participate in a free consultation session, either in person or online.
To schedule an appointment, you can scan the QR code on this page or book an appointment at: