Closed
Source verified July 4, 2026
Innovate Niagara — Start-up Visa
Support for immigrant entrepreneurs
Latest source updateLast Update: June 30, 2026Latest change: IRCC Start-up Visa guidance now shows expanded eligibility and process details, including designated-organization requirements and deadline dates for paused intake.View change
Latest source update
Last Update: June 30, 2026
Latest change: IRCC Start-up Visa guidance now shows expanded eligibility and process details, including designated-organization requirements and deadline dates for paused intake.
Start-up Visa guidance updated
IRCC’s Start-up Visa guidance now includes expanded eligibility definitions and application instructions, including details for qualifying business, commitment, essential person, and Quebec ineligibility. The designated-organizations page also shows the program pause and the current timing rules: commitment certificates stop being accepted after December 31, 2025, and applicants with a valid 2025 commitment certificate must apply by June 30, 2026. The support-organization list has also changed, with one incubator removed and one organization name updated, which can affect who applicants can rely on for start-up visa support. The FAQ/topic page now shows a newer modified date of 2026-05-27, and the IMM 5759 guide reflects a revised version with streamlined top-of-page guidance.
Funding available
Varies by project
Deadline
December 31, 2025
Location
St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada
Who can apply
Up to 5 people can apply through the Start-up Visa Program as owners of a single business.
See full eligibility
Overview
The Start-up Visa Program helps entrepreneurs immigrate to Canada with support from a designated organization. Applicants must have a qualifying business, a letter of support, meet the language requirements, and show enough money to settle and live in Canada.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
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
The Start-Up Visa Program facilitated by Innovate Niagara is tailored to support innovative tech start-ups seeking to establish themselves in Canada. This program is geared towards companies that aim to scale their business while leveraging Canadian market opportunities.
- Participation in weekly educational webinars on the Start-Up Visa ecosystem.
- Development of a business for technology-based products or services.
- Engagement in mentorship and training programs provided by Innovate Niagara.
- Creation of progress reports and monthly updates to document business development.
- Application for permanent residency and work permit as part of business integration in Canada.
Documents Needed
- Letter of support
- Commitment certificate
- Results of a third-party language test
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Up to 5 people can apply through the Start-up Visa Program as owners of a single business.
Who is not eligible
- Applicants intending to reside in Quebec.
Eligible geographic areas
- Canada, outside Quebec.
Selection criteria
The evaluation and selection of projects for the Start-Up Visa Program at Innovate Niagara focus on assessing the potential of the business to succeed in the Canadian market.
- Presentation quality and clarity during first and second interviews.
- Demonstration of innovative technology or service in the tech industry.
- Growth potential and scalability of the business model.
- Capability and expertise of the founding team.
- Alignment with Innovate Niagara's goals and Canadian market needs.
- Soundness of financial projections and revenue model.
- Overall potential to attract investment and create jobs in Canada.
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
- First, the designated organization(s) that you seek support from will review the viability of your business proposal.
- Next, 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.
- Finally, your application may also be subject to an independent peer review process.
- If you reach an agreement with a designated organization, it will send you a letter of support.
- The organization will also send a commitment certificate directly to IRCC.
Additional information
Here are additional relevant details for the Start-Up Visa Program at Innovate Niagara:
- The total minimum cost for two founders is CAD $60,000, with an additional CAD $5,000 charged for each additional founder, up to a maximum of five founders.
- Immigration consulting fees with Adapt Immigration Inc. are not included in the minimum cost and will be extra.
- Applicants will receive pre-arrival online training covering Canadian business practices and settling in Niagara before their arrival.
- After arriving on a temporary work visa, participants will have access to desk space at Innovate Niagara, market intelligence, coaching, and concierge services for 12 months.
- The program offers multiple support stages including pre-training, cohort field trips, and post-landing business integration services.
- Key deadlines for 2024 include application deadlines by September 30th and October 15th for Cohorts 1 and 2, respectively, and acceptance notifications by November 15th.
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 helps entrepreneurs immigrate to Canada with support from a designated organization. Applicants must have a qualifying business, a letter of support, meet the language requirements, and show enough money to settle and live in Canada.
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?
The Start-Up Visa Program facilitated by Innovate Niagara is tailored to support innovative tech start-ups seeking to establish themselves in Canada. This program is geared towards companies that aim to scale their business while leveraging Canadian market opportunities. Participation in weekly educational webinars on the Start-Up Visa ecosystem.
Development of a business for technology-based products or services.
Engagement in mentorship and training programs provided by Innovate Niagara.
Creation of progress reports and monthly updates to document business development.
Application for permanent residency and work permit as part of business integration in Canada.
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 9056853460.
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 Grant and Funding
Who are the financial supporters of the Innovate Niagara — Start-up Visa?
Innovate Niagara — Start-up Visa is funded by Innovate Niagara