New Canadian Immigration Entrepreneur Start-Up Visa to Launch April 1, 2013

Citizenship and Immigration Canada announced a new Canadian Immigration Entrepreneur program to attract innovative, talented foreign entrepreneurs to Canada. The Start-Up Visa Program will launch on April 1, 2013 and will link immigrant entrepreneurs with Canadian private sector organizations that are experienced in working with start-up companies. These entrepreneurs will be eligible for permanent residency.

Canadian Immigrant Entrepreneurs must have the support of a Canadian angel investor group or venture capital fund before they can apply to the Start-Up Visa Program. The initial umbrella groups that Citizenship and Immigration Canada will work with to get this program running are Canada’s Venture Capital & Private Equity Association, National Angel Capital Organization and Canadian Association of Business Incubation. These associations’ members will have the opportunity to participate in the Start-Up Program.

This is one more step the Government of Canada is taking to transform Canada’s Immigration System.  By providing immigrant entrepreneurs with permanent residency and support and resources from Canada business associations experienced in start-ups, Canada  hopes to attract the best talent and make Canada a top destination for start-ups.

The program will open for Applications on April 1, 2013. For the news release, visit: Citizenship and Immigration Canada