Canada’s Start-Up Visa (SUV) Program offers permanent residence to immigrant entrepreneurs who have the skills and potential to build innovative businesses in Canada. As a designated business incubator, Spark Centre evaluates and supports high-potential startups throughout their Start-Up Visa journey. Once accepted into the program, founders receive tailored advisory services, mentorship, and access to resources that help them successfully establish and grow their businesses in Canada.
Following Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada’s announcement on December 19, 2025, the Start-Up Visa (SUV) Program is no longer accepting new applications. As a result, Spark Centre is unable to accept new SUV applications at this time, and we will share updates when a new pilot program for entrepreneurs is announced.
Have Start-Up Visa-related enquiries? Please use Spark Centre’s new SUV Portal to submit your questions and requests.
Spark Centre Eligibility Criteria
- Applicants must meet or exceed minimum language requirements in English, specifically achieving at least CLB level 5.
- Applicants must demonstrate the ability to fund family obligations for a one-year period of living in Canada.
- The combined ownership of the applicants must constitute more than 50% of the total voting rights in the business.
- At least one founder must apply for a Work Permit (WP) and arrive in Ontario within two months of approval. The travelling founder must be an active Spark Centre resident, present in the office at least twice a week.
- The team must show financial viability by depositing an initial $75,000 CDN into a Canadian business bank account, to invest in their business. Additional funds will be required, as needed.
- The team must advance the Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of their product or service to level 9 by the time their Permanent Resident (PR) application is reviewed by the IRCC.
- The business must have a validated value proposition addressing a problem for customers in Canada, incorporate innovation or technology, and demonstrate the potential to scale globally while driving economic impact, technology innovation, and job creation within Canada.
- The founder must be willing to reside in Durham Region and be an active resident at Spark Centre for a minimum of 1 year after receiving their PR.
Immigration Canada Criteria
- Each applicant must hold 10% or more of the total voting rights, while all applicants, collectively, must hold more than 50% of the total voting rights.
- Applicant is able to register business within 60 days of arrival to Canada
- Applicant must achieve a minimum of Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 5 in listening, reading, writing, and speaking either in English or French.
- Applicant is able to fund family obligations for a one year period of living in Canada
- Applicant is able to meet business ownership and voting rights requirements
- Applicant is able to pass criminal background check
- Applicant must get a Letter of Support (LOS) from a designated organization, such as Spark Centre.
- Applicant must have enough settlement money to support themselves and their dependants upon their arrival in Canada.
- Applicant must submit an online PR application within 6 months upon receiving Letter of Support issued by their designated organization of choice (ie. Spark Centre).
Start-Up Visa FAQs
Due to the large number of applications Spark Centre receives, our processing times have increased. Once you submit your application, our team will conduct due diligence and if your business is a fit for our programming, we will contact you. We appreciate your patience.
We would be delighted to arrange a tour of our facility, however, business plans are reviewed by staff and any questions will be emailed. All applications and required documents must be submitted through our website portal.
No, there is no charge.
As a business incubator and SUV designate, Spark Centre does not invest or lend money to clients to help them start their project(s).
You can apply for the Start-Up Visa program as an individual or as part of a group of up to 5 founders.
We only support and accept companies with technology and innovation built into their products or services.
At Spark Centre, desks and office space are available at a cost for our clients, upon receiving their Work Permit and/or Permanent Residency.
Spark Center cannot guarantee the success of your PR application, as it is up to the discretion of the IRCC reviewer.
