Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (“IRCC”) administers the Start-up Visa program by designating leading angel groups, incubators/accelerators, and venture capital funds across the country to participate.
Angel groups, incubators and accelerators designated to participate under the program provide supported immigrant entrepreneurs with access to an expedited immigration process. The process is intended to allow for the expedited migration of foreign-owned businesses looking to operate in Canada by providing up to five (5) founders or core team members with a permanent residency, provided that they meet the criteria established under the program and IRCC's requirements for immigration.
Please consult the Government of Canada’s official website for the Start-up Visa Program here.
Success Story
Study Abroad EdTech ApplyBoard Triples Valuation To $3.2 Billion With $300 Million Fundraise
ApplyBoard
This Ontario, Canada-based company has raised a $300 million Series D at a $3.2 billion post-money valuation. The round was led by the Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan Board and existing investors Fidelity Management & Research, Harmonic, Index Ventures, Garage Capital and Blue Cloud Ventures, and brings the company’s total funding to $475 million.
Additional details on how NACO supports members involved in the Start-up Visa program can be found here.