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Immigrate with a start-up visa

How to apply

1. Create an account or sign in

You must apply online using the Permanent Residence (PR) Portal. In the portal, we call the start-up visa program the Start-Up Business Class.

Apply using the PR Portal

If you can’t apply online and need accommodations

If you (or your representative) can’t apply online and need accommodations, including for a disability, you may ask for an alternate format.

After we review your request, we’ll send you the application package in one of these formats:

  • paper
  • braille
  • large print
How to request another format
  1. Open a new email.
  2. In the subject line of your email, include
    • the format you need (paper, braille, or large print)
    • the application package you want
  3. In the body of your email, include
    • your full name as shown on your passport
    • the full name of your anchor person in Canada
    • a statement explaining that you’re asking for an alternate format
    • if you want the application in English or French
    • how we should send it to you (by email or regular mail)
      • Include your email address if you want us to send it electronically so you can print it yourself. This will save you the time it would take to mail it.
      • Include your mailing address if you want it mailed to you.
  4. Send your email to IRCC.PRPortalALTRequest-DemandeALTPortailRP.IRCC@cic.gc.ca.

We will only reply to requests for alternate formats. We won’t reply to any other emails.

After we get your request, we’ll reply with instructions and tell you where to send your application.

How to submit your application
  • Fill out and sign any paper forms.
  • Return the application by mail or courier to the mailing address provided in our instructions.

For more information about applying with an alternate format, call 1-888-242-2100 (from inside Canada only).

If you’re getting help with your application from someone else

You can ask someone to help you with your immigration application.

There are special requirements depending on what kind of help you’re getting:

If you’re using a paid immigration representative

Paid immigration representatives need to be authorized (opens in a new tab).

If you want to use a paid representative, you must

A paid representative can fill out forms and communicate with us for you through their own account. They can also

  • help you prepare the documents you need to upload
  • answer questions about the forms

They can’t

  • open a portal account on your behalf
  • electronically sign the application for you
  • sign in to the portal using your username and password

After you read the declaration, you must be the one to type your name. This is the legal requirement for your application to be considered “signed” according to Canada’s immigration law.

You don’t need to hire a representative. Using one will not draw special attention to your application and doesn’t mean we’ll approve it.

If you’re using an unpaid representative

Unpaid representatives don’t need to be authorized or certified. They can be

  • family members
  • friends
  • anyone else who doesn’t charge you a fee

If you want to use an unpaid representative, you must

An unpaid representative can

  • open an account for you
  • fill out forms for you
  • communicate with us for you
  • help you prepare the documents you need to upload
  • answer questions about immigration forms

They can’t electronically sign the application for you.

After you read the declaration, you must be the one to type your name. This is the legal requirement for your application to be considered “signed” according to Canada’s immigration law.

If you’re getting help from someone who isn’t a representative

You don’t need to tell us that you’re getting help from someone as long as they don’t

  • advise you on which program to apply for
  • complete or update your application as you
  • act as you when dealing with us

They can help you

  • use our website to find information
  • access a computer, scanner or printer
  • navigate our portals and accounts
  • view and open electronic forms
  • download/upload documents
  • get your documents translated
  • make travel plans
If you want us to release information from your application to someone else

If you want us to give information from your application to someone else (not a representative)

  1. Download the Authority to Release Personal Information to a Designated Individual (IMM 5475) form.
  2. Complete and sign it (digitally or by hand).
  3. Get the person who needs your information to sign it too.
  4. Upload it with your application.
If you’re having technical issues

If you’re having technical issues applying, contact us using the web form (opens in a new tab).

  1. Select your problem.
  2. Under Tell us about yourself:
    • If you don’t have a unique client identifier number, enter 1111111111.
    • If you haven’t submitted an application yet, and don’t have an application number, enter 0000000.
  3. Under Tell us about your technical issue:
    • Specify the program you’re trying to apply under.
    • Explain any problems that you’re having.
    • Upload screenshots from your account that show us both
      • the page and fields where you’re having problems, and
      • any error messages you’re getting.

Read the application guide (IMM 5759) for more detailed instructions on

  • filling out forms
  • getting documents you need
  • completing your application

2. Get your forms and documents ready

You must use the document checklist to make sure you include all the forms and documents you need.

Get your documents translated if they’re not in English or French

Each supporting document that isn’t in English or French must have 4 parts:

  1. a copy of the original document
  2. a certified copy of the original
    1. This means it’s been signed or stamped by the translator.
  3. a translation of the original
  4. an affidavit stating that the translation is true and accurate
    1. You don’t need an affidavit if your translator is certified.
Who can translate documents?
    • A translator certified by a professional association: Option 1 of 2
      • Their certification must be confirmed by a seal or stamp that shows the translator’s membership number.
    • A person who is fluent in both languages (English or French and the language of the document): Option 2 of 2
      • These translators need to sign an affidavit in front of an authorized person swearing their translation is true and accurate.
Who can’t translate documents?
  • Your family members
  • Your immigration representative or consultant

Forms you’ll fill out in the portal

You’ll fill out these digital forms in the PR portal (for yourself, and any family members 18 or older)

PDF forms you’ll upload

PDF forms you’ll sign and upload, if they apply to you

Supporting documents you need to upload

  • travel document or passport
  • language proficiency test results
  • letter of support
  • birth certificates
  • identity and civil status documents
  • children’s information
  • police certificates
  • photos of you and each family member in Canada
  • fee payment receipt
  • proof of funds 

Your document checklist has more detail on each supporting document. 

3. Pay your application fees

Fees: from Error loading date. Try again.

You must pay your fees online(opens in a new tab) .

Processing fees You need to pay processing fees for yourself and any of your dependants.
Right of permanent residence fee In most cases, you need to pay the right of permanent residence fee when your application is approved.
Biometrics fee Pay your biometrics (fingerprints and photo) fee when you submit your application to avoid delays.
Other fees You likely need to pay fees to other organizations for

4. Submit your online application

Check processing times

If you’re part of an entrepreneurial team

If you’re applying for permanent residence (PR) with partners from your qualifying business, we won’t process any of your applications until we receive them all.

Each business partner must submit their own application.

If a team member won’t be submitting a PR application anymore, you must use the web form to tell us as soon as possible.

Before you submit your application, make sure you

  • answer all questions
  • include your fee receipt
  • upload all the supporting documents

If your application is incomplete, we’ll send you an email letting you know what’s missing. You’ll have to fix any errors and then re-submit it.

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