More immigrant entrepreneurs are coming to Canada through the Start-up Visa Programme, new Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) data shows.
As of 2nd May, 51 entrepreneurs had become permanent residents of Canada through the programme, representing 26 start-ups that have launched or will be launching in communities across Canada, including Sydney, Halifax, Fredericton, Toronto, Mississauga, Waterloo, Thunder Bay, Calgary, Whistler, Vancouver and Victoria.
“The start-up visa started slowly but has steadily picked up steam,” Arif Virani, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of the IRCC, said today. “Every start-up that is established here has the potential to provide jobs and economic opportunity for Canadians, contributing to our country’s growth and diversity.”
The Start-up Visa Programme has drawn successful applicants from a diverse range of countries, including Australia, China, Costa Rica, Egypt, India, Iran, South Africa and Uruguay, and across a number of industries, including technology, food product manufacturing, education, medical research, banking, human resources, and advertising.
This five-year pilot programme allows entrepreneurs who have the support of a designated Canadian entity to apply for permanent residence as they establish their company in Canada.
Demand for the programme is growing, with more than 50 additional permanent resident applications still in process from entrepreneurs from around the world who have the support of a designated Canadian venture capital fund, angel investor group or business incubator to launch their start-ups in Canada.
Article by David Fuller