3-Year Open Work Permit for Start-Up Visa Applicants – Code A77

Effective October 3, 2024, individuals who have applied for permanent residency (PR) under the Start-Up Visa (SUV) stream and have been identified as "essential persons" in the start-up team may apply for an open work permit to work for any employer in Canada while awaiting PR processing.

✅ Conditions for obtaining an Open Work Permit:

1. There is a Letter of Support issued by the Designated Organization (DO), which includes:
   • Clearly state that the applicant is an essential member of the startup project.
   • Effective at the time the PR application is submitted.
   • Note : Applicants may apply for a work permit after the support letter expires , provided that the letter is still valid at the time of submitting the PR application.
2. I have submitted my PR application under the Start-Up Visa category , and it is currently being processed (pending).
3. If you are a member of a startup co-founding team , then:
   • All essential members of the team must have filed for PR .
     → If one person has not yet submitted their PR application, the remaining members will not be granted an Open Work Permit.
4. Not residing in the province of Quebec .
5. Proof of sufficient cash (liquid funds) :
   • Sufficient to live comfortably for at least 52 weeks for yourself and your family according to the minimum income standard (LICO).
   • Sufficient funds to fulfill the investment commitment in the startup project as stated in the application.
6. Language proficiency sufficient to perform the job :
   • Typically, it's a Level 5 Club (English or French) covering all four skills (Listening, Speaking, Reading, Writing).
   • However, IRCC officials can flexibly assess language proficiency to match the actual job role.
7. Applications for work permits must be submitted online .
   • Not to be submitted at the port of entry (not to be submitted directly upon entering Canada).

📁 Required documents:

• Original Letter of Support from the designated organization (used to submit the PR application).
• Proof that you have filed for PR , for example:
  • Acknowledgement of Receipt (AOR).
  • Express delivery receipt (tracking) along with proof of payment (if submitted before September 23, 2022).
  • An email confirming receipt of your application has been sent to IRCC.

🔢 Application limits vary by organization:

From April 30, 2024 , each designated organization will be limited to supporting a maximum of 10 Start-Up Visa projects per year .

→ A project is only considered "complete" if all essential members have submitted their PR applications.