Canada Offers Open Work Permits To Start-Up Visa Candidates

Canada Start-Up Visa candidates can now apply for an open work permit under a major development announced by immigration authorities.

As of October 3, those who wish to supplement their income by taking other jobs while building their business can do so, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada says.

Previously, Canada Start-Up Visa candidates were only entitled to a closed work permit that allowed them to work for the business that was part of their application.

Now, IRCC has recognized that candidates may need to do other work while starting their business to help them thrive in Canada.

The permit is valid for three years, allows candidates to work to build their business and work for almost any employer in Canada.

Candidates who applied before the change came into effect on October 3 can still apply for the new open work permit. However, they will need to submit a new application.

They may also be able to bring immediate family members with them, provided they meet the requirements for temporary residence.

Spouses or partners can apply for their own open work permit, while children will need a study permit to attend school in Canada.

Start-Up Visa Open Work Permit: Key Information

Eligibility Criteria for the Work Permit:

• You must have applied for permanent residence through the Start-Up Visa (SUV) program.
• You need to have received your Acknowledgement of Receipt (AOR) letter.
• If you are part of an entrepreneurial team:
  • You must be an essential member of the team.
  • You must plan to live in a province or territory outside Quebec.
  • You must demonstrate that your work or business will provide a significant economic benefit to Canada.

Understanding Significant Economic Benefits:

• You must bring enough funds to settle in Canada.
• You must have separate funds to start your business, distinct from the money supporting yourself and your family.

Bringing Cash to Canada:

• If you are bringing more than $10,000 in cash across the Canadian border, you must declare this to a border agent upon arrival. Failure to do so could result in fines or confiscation of your funds.

Family Members Who Can Accompany You:

• You may be able to bring your spouse or common-law partner.
• Dependent children, including those too young to attend school, can also come with you, provided they meet the requirements for temporary residence.

Work and Study Permits for Family Members:

• Family members accompanying you can apply for:
  • An open work permit, if eligible.
  • A study permit for dependent children.
• Each family member must complete a separate application form for a:
  • Visitor visa or eTA.
  • Work permit.
  • Study permit.
• All applications for your family members can be submitted together with your work permit application.

How to Apply for the Start-Up Visa Optional Open Work Permit

Requirements to Apply Online:

• You will need:
  • A scanner or camera to create electronic copies of your documents.
  • A valid credit or debit card for payment.

Documents You Need to Prepare:

• Acknowledgement of Receipt: The letter you and any team members received when you submitted your permanent residence application.
• Letter of Support: A letter from a designated entity supporting your application.
• Proof of Funds for Personal Support: Evidence that you have enough money to support yourself and your family.
• Medical Examination Results: A valid medical exam report.
• Police Certificate: If required, provide a valid police clearance.
• Proof of Business Funds: Demonstrate that you have enough money to start your business, separate from your personal support funds.

Recommended Additional Documents:

• Business Plan: Show what steps you’ve taken to start business operations after receiving your commitment certificate.
• Detailed Staffing Plan: Outline your plan for hiring staff for your business.
• Proof of Exploratory Research: Include details like:
  • Supplier discussions.
  • Site selection.
  • Records of exploratory visits and meetings.
• Resume: Provide your professional résumé.
• Proof of Competency: Highlight your ability to perform the duties related to your role within the business, such as:
  • Documents that show your transferable skills.
  • Proof that you have the investment funds available for transfer to Canada (separate from your personal support funds).

Applying for Your Work Permit:

• The application must be submitted online.
• Answer the required questions to receive specific instructions for your work permit application.

What Happens After You Apply?

If You’re Outside Canada

Your Fingerprints and Photo (Biometrics):

• Book your biometrics collection appointment as soon as possible to avoid processing delays. Find out how to provide your biometrics.

How IRCC Processes Your Application:

• IRCC will check your application to ensure all required documents, including biometrics, are included.
  • If your application is incomplete, IRCC will return it without processing.
• An immigration officer will review:
  • The list of employers who failed to comply with conditions to ensure your employer is eligible to hire you.
  • Your eligibility for a work permit.
• IRCC may also request that you:
  • Attend an interview with officials in your country, or
  • Submit additional information or documents.

Document Submission Deadlines:

• The online application system operates in Coordinated Universal Time (UTC). If asked to upload documents, you must do so before midnight UTC on the deadline given by the officer. Be aware of the time difference between your local time and UTC.

Medical Exam:

• You might be required to undergo a medical exam to enter Canada. If needed, an officer will provide instructions. A medical exam can add over three months to the processing time of your application.

Checking Your Application Status:

• Use the application status tracker to receive updates on your application. To create an account, you will need:
  • Your unique client identifier (UCI).
  • Your application number.

Processing Time:

• Processing times vary by country.

If Your Work Permit Application is Approved:

• You will receive an approval letter, known as the Port of Entry Letter of Introduction, which confirms you are allowed to work in Canada.
  • Bring this letter with you when you travel and present it at the port of entry. This is not your work permit.
  • Your actual work permit will be issued at the port of entry upon your arrival in Canada.

Your Work Permit Will Specify:

• The type of work you can do.
• The employer you can work for.
• Where you can work.
• How long you can work.

If You’re In Canada

How IRCC Processes Your Application:

• IRCC will check your application to ensure all necessary documents are provided, including biometrics if required.
  • Incomplete applications will be returned without processing.
• An immigration officer will review:
  • The list of employers who failed to comply with conditions to ensure your employer is eligible to hire you.
  • Your eligibility for a work permit.

Medical Exam:

• Depending on the type of work you’ll be doing, you may need to undergo a medical exam. If required, an officer will provide instructions. A medical exam can add over three months to the processing time.

Additional Information Requests:

• IRCC may ask you to provide additional information or documents during the processing of your application.

Canada Start-Up Visa Growing

In 2024, the Start-Up Visa (SUV) program experienced a significant surge in immigration, with 3,745 new permanent residents arriving in the first seven months of the year. Projections suggest that by the end of 2024, Canada could welcome over 6,400 new immigrants through the SUV program, marking a 340% increase compared to 2023.

This sharp rise follows a strong recovery in 2022, when the number of SUV immigrants more than doubled from the previous year. In 2021, the program welcomed 385 entrepreneurs, a 48% increase from the pandemic-driven drop in 2020, when only 260 immigrant entrepreneurs came to Canada.

Before the pandemic, the program was steadily growing. In 2019, 515 new permanent residents arrived through the SUV, but the number fell dramatically due to COVID-19-related restrictions. The program, which started with just 55 immigrant entrepreneurs in 2015, had already gained momentum, with numbers doubling in 2016 and steadily rising in the years that followed. By 2018, the SUV had more than quadrupled its intake, bringing 240 new permanent residents to Canada.

Start-Up Visa Open Work Permit FAQ