Closed
Source verified August 7, 2026
Innovate Niagara — Start-up Visa
Paused pathway for immigrant entrepreneurs
Receipt of requests is now closed
Get notified about updates to this grant.
Latest source updateLast Update: August 7, 2026Latest change: The Start-Up Visa page now says new applications are not being accepted and that only applications received before June 30, 2026 will continue to be processed.View change
Latest source update
Last Update: August 7, 2026
Latest change: The Start-Up Visa page now says new applications are not being accepted and that only applications received before June 30, 2026 will continue to be processed.
Start-Up Visa intake paused
The Start-Up Visa program page now says new applications are not currently being accepted. It also states that the program was paused on June 30, 2026 and that applications accepted before that date will continue to be processed. A new open work permit link was added for eligible applicants while their application is being processed.
Funding available
Varies by project
Deadline
Closed
Location
St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada
Who can apply
You can apply for the Start-up Visa Program as an individual or as part of a group of up to 5 owners.
See full eligibility
Overview
The Start-Up Visa Program is a paused federal pathway for immigrant entrepreneurs with the skills and potential to build businesses in Canada outside Quebec. It supports innovative ventures that can create jobs for Canadians and compete on a global scale.
Receipt of requests is now closed
Get notified about updates to this grant.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase performance through digital transformation
- Develop strategic partnerships
- Develop a new product or service
Eligible Funding
- Varies by project
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- St. Catharines
- Ontario
Legal structures
- For-profit business
Annual revenue
- $ 150,000 maximum revenue
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Newcomers to Canada
- Startups
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Build innovative businesses in Canada outside Quebec that can create jobs for Canadians and compete on a global scale.
Documents Needed
- Letter of support
- Results of a third-party language test
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- You can apply for the Start-up Visa Program as an individual or as part of a group of up to 5 owners.
Who is not eligible
- The program is closed to all other applications.
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- You can’t use the investment money for your start-up business to cover your living expenses.
Eligible geographic areas
- Canada outside Quebec
How to apply
- Contact the designated organization you think may be interested in your start-up business and find out how you can pitch your idea.
- If you reach an agreement with a designated organization, include the letter of support when you submit your application to IRCC.
Processing and Agreement
- The organization will also send a commitment certificate directly to us.
- We’ll use both your letter of support and the organization's commitment certificate to assess your application.
- Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada will review your immigration application, if you have received the necessary support to apply, to make sure you’re eligible to become a permanent resident.
- Your application may also be subject to an independent peer review process.
Additional information
- If your application is successful, you need to incorporate your business in Canada.
- You must provide active and ongoing management of your business from inside Canada.
- An essential part of business operations must happen in Canada.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Innovate Niagara — Start-up Visa Program
What is the Innovate Niagara — Start-up Visa?
The Start-Up Visa Program is a paused federal pathway for immigrant entrepreneurs with the skills and potential to build businesses in Canada outside Quebec. It supports innovative ventures that can create jobs for Canadians and compete on a global scale.
Who is eligible for the Innovate Niagara — Start-up Visa program?
To be eligible for the Innovate Niagara — Start-up Visa program, you must:
You must have a qualifying business.
You must have a letter of support from a designated organization.
You must meet the language requirements.
What expenses are eligible under Innovate Niagara — Start-up Visa?
Build innovative businesses in Canada outside Quebec that can create jobs for Canadians and compete on a global scale.
Who can I contact for more information about the Innovate Niagara — Start-up Visa?
You can contact Innovate Niagara by email at IRCC.PRPortalALTRequest-DemandeALTPortailRP.IRCC@cic.gc.ca or by phone at 1-888-242-2100.
Where is the Innovate Niagara — Start-up Visa available?
The Innovate Niagara — Start-up Visa program is available the province of Ontario.
Is the Innovate Niagara — Start-up Visa a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Innovate Niagara — Start-up Visa is a Loans and Capital investments
Who are the financial supporters of the Innovate Niagara — Start-up Visa?
Innovate Niagara — Start-up Visa is funded by Innovate Niagara