Start-Up Visa Program: The Top Five Countries of Applications

December 9, 2019 – Canada aims to attract smart, creative and ambitious entrepreneurs by granting permanent resident status to those who are willing to develop their innovative and globally competitive businesses in the country.  The Canadian Start-Up Visa Program already attracted hundreds of entrepreneurs since its inception in 2013.

According to the official information regarding the period between 2016 and 2018, China and India are the two main countries of origin of the applicants to the Start-Up Visa Program.  Vietnam, Iran and Brazil are closely behind. It is to be expected that applicants from jurisdictions such as Hong Kong SAR, Taiwan and Bangladesh may increase as their entrepreneurs learn more about the numerous advantages of developing innovative ideas in Canada

Countries Percentage of total applications
from 2016 to 2018
China 18%
India 18%
Vietnam 11%
Iran 6%
Brazil 5%
Other countries 42%