Bring Your Start-Up to Canada

With the Start-Up Visa Program at Innovate Niagara

Innovate Niagara's Start-Up Visa (SUV) Program offers a gateway for innovative companies to establish themselves in Canada. If your business meets the program's requirements, this could be your opportunity to gain access to the Canadian market and grow your venture.

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How Innovate Niagara Supports Your Journey

Innovate Niagara is dedicated to supporting innovative companies in Ontario’s Niagara region. We offer expert guidance, mentorship, training, workshops, and access to resources, funding, and partnerships. Our services enable companies to bring groundbreaking technologies to market, maximize intellectual property, attract investment, and create jobs.

As a designated organization for the Start-Up Visa Program, Innovate Niagara evaluates submitted proposals to determine their potential for success. If your business meets our criteria, we’ll provide a Letter of Support, a crucial component of your Start-Up Visa application.

Start-Up Visa Eligibility

To be eligible for the Start-Up Visa Program, you must:

1. Ensure your business aligns with the eligibility criteria set by the Canadian Government.
2. Your product or service must be in the tech industry.
3. Secure a Letter of Support from Innovate Niagara or another designated organization.
4. Demonstrate proficiency in English or French.
5. Your business should be in the growth stage with a minimum of $CAD 150,000 in revenue over the past two years.
6. Show that you have enough funds to support yourself and your dependents after arriving in Canada.
7. You must own the intellectual property for your product.

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Becoming a client with Innovate Niagara does not automatically start your application for Canada’s Start-Up Visa Program. You must apply for the visa separately.

What to Expect: Step-by-Step Process

1. Screening Interview

Initial screening and immigration eligibility check.
Meet with our start-up visa specialist and an RCIC to determine eligibility and fit for the program.

2. First Interview

Present your start-up idea to Innovate Niagara.
Conduct the first interview and present your pitch.

3. Second Interview

Provide a detailed presentation and demonstration.
Conduct the second interview  with a more in-depth presentation.

4. Weekly Webinars

Education on the Start-Up Visa ecosystem.
Attend weekly webinars via Zoom, participate in Q&A sessions.

5. In-Principle Approval & Due Diligence

Finalize due diligence and obtain preliminary approval.
Receive a letter of approval indicating acceptance into the program.

6. Commitment Certificate & Letter of Support

Confirm acceptance into the Start-Up Visa Program.
Issuance of the Commitment Certificate and Letter of Support.

7. Permanent Residency & Work Permit

Apply for permanent residency and/or a work permit.
Work with Adapt Immigration Inc. to submit the application.

8. Progress Reporting

Document and report the progress of your start-up.
Create progress reports, monthly check-ins, and official reporting services.

9. Post-Landing Support

Assistance with settlement and business integration.
Provide settlement services, help with business setup, and integrate into the Canadian ecosystem.

Total Minimum Costs

For two founders, the total minimum cost is $60,000 CAD, with an additional $5,000 CAD for each additional founder (up to five founders). Immigration consulting fees are extra.

Additional Information

Pre-Arrival Training: After payment, you’ll begin training online from your home country, covering topics such as doing business in Canada, living in Niagara, one-on-one coaching, IP advice, and more.

Arrival in Canada: Upon arriving on a temporary work visa, you’ll receive a cohort-based field trip around the Niagara region, a desk space at Innovate Niagara for 12 months, one-on-one coaching, market intelligence, and concierge services for settling in Canada.

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Adapt Immigration Inc.

At Innovate Niagara, we're dedicated to making your journey to Canada smooth and successful. That's why we've partnered with Adapt Immigration Inc., a leading immigration consulting firm, to guide you through every step of the process. From securing work permits to navigating the permanent residency application, Adapt Immigration Inc. provides expert support tailored to entrepreneurs moving their businesses to Canada, specifically the Niagara Region.

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Learn More

Important Dates: 2024 Cohort Timeline

September 30th: Application deadline

October 15th: Complete Innovate Niagara Zoom interviews

November 15th: Program acceptance and pay invoices

November 30th: Begin pre-training

December 7th: Receive Letter of Support

January - March: Continue training from home country

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