Start-up Visa Program | North Forge Start-up Visa Program

Canada’s Start-up Visa Program targets immigrant entrepreneurs with the skills and potential to build businesses in Canada that are innovative, scalable and can create jobs for Canadians.

As a Government of Canada Designated Organization, North Forge facilitates getting successful Start-up Visa candidates into the program.

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Start-up Visa Program Partner - Government of Canada

Start-up Visa Program Partner - Canada's Tech Network

APPLICATION PROCESS

Ready to apply? Follow the map below, we’re ready for you!

APPLICATION PROCESS

Ready to apply? Follow the map below, we’re ready for you!

APPLICATION AND SUBMITTALS

Applicant need to fill out the online application and submit phase one documents.

NORTH FORGE APPLICATION REVIEW

North Forge will review the application and respond within two weeks.

INTERVIEW AND DUE DILIGENCE

North Foge will meet with pre-approved applicants – Committee interview.

FINANCIAL SESSION + SUBMITTALS

Applicants will receive a FREE 1:1 financial session and submit phase two documents.

APPROVAL – NORTH FORGE START-UP VISA PROGRAM

Following payment and signed agreement, North Forge will issue the letter of support.

PROGRAM DETAILS

Requirements & Documentation

Minimum Requirements

To be eligible to apply for the Start-up Visa Program, you must be able to answer YES to ALL of the following questions. In such cases where you cannot, we encourage you to review the eligibility criteria again and consider applying in the future when you meet all the requirements.

☐ Is your business idea innovative and in the TECH industry?

☐ Will your business create jobs for Canadians?

☐ Is your business scalable globally?

☐ Does the business have 1-5 founders?

☐ Do all applying founders have a minimum Canadian Language Benchmark score of 5 in listening, reading, writing, and speaking as per IRCC?

☐ Are you planning to start your business in any province other than Quebec?

☐ Are you able to provide to the IRCC proof of settlement funds for each applying founder?

☐ Are you able to provide proof of funds to fully support your business in Canada?

☐ Do all applying founders together own at least 51% of the company’s shares?

☐ Does each applying founder own at least 10% of the company’s shares individually?

☐ Are all applying founders able to provide criminality checks to the IRCC from countries that they have lived in?

☐ Are all applying founders able to declare any previous immigration refusals?

☐ For all applicants who are applying from inside Canada, do you have a valid immigration Status?

CHECK YOUR ELIGIBILITY

Documentation

In order for North Forge to process your application and issue the Letter of Support, we require certain documents from you.

Please note that the required documents need to be submitted in two phases. The first phase is at the time of application, and the second phase is before issuing the Letter of Support. We highly recommend that you start preparing these documents as soon as possible to avoid any delays in the application process.

Phase One – Provided during the Application Process

Financial Forecast
Private link to a recorded pitch (maximum of 3 minutes)
10–15-page pitch deck
Business plan (if available)

Phase Two – Before the Letter of Support:

Proof of language test results for each applying founder as per IRCC
Proof of settlement funds for each applying founder as per IRCC
Proof of funds to support your business in Canada
If you are applying from inside Canada, provide proof of immigration status. [If you are applying from outside Canada, there is no need for proof]

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PROGRAM DETAILS

SUV Program Process

Global Entrepreneurship Initiative Course

International entrepreneurs looking to start a business in Canada can benefit from 24+ expert-led workshops and a strong professional support network.

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Pathfinder

Gain a deep understanding of the market and necessary support for success with a focused business proposition.

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Base Camp

Develop a Minimum Viable Product (MVP), find market fit, and refine your proposition.

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GEI – TECH Edition

Navigate tech complexities effectively with comprehensive knowledge and skills.

On-Demand Resources for Additional Support

FabLab™

24/7 keycard access to $4M+ prototyping equipment in Winnipeg, with the purchase of a membership.

WiLab™

Premier resources and expert mentors for women entrepreneurs.

ElevateIP

Up to $100,000 financial support for IP strategy.

AMLab™

Guidance from concept to commercialization.

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JOIN THE TEAMS WHO DARE

From the very far east to the very far west, North Forge is proud to be part of your Canadian entrepreneurial journey.

Saudi Arabia

IOT – HealthTECH - Advanced Manufacturing

Seattle/US

SaaS – Food industry

Thailand

SaaS – Clean Energy – Advanced Manufacturing

AgriTech

AI + ML

EduTech

FinTech

GreenTech

SaaS

HealthTech

IoT

FAST PROCESSING

If all required documents are available, our processes are less than one month.

Why North Forge?

As a member of Canada’s Tech Network, we offer a faster, seamless, and reliable process giving you the ability to establish your business anywhere in Canada.

ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS ALL YEAR

North Forge offers unparalleled flexibility with year-round intakes, eliminating the necessity to await application batches!

FabLab™

Enjoy the largest Fabrication Lab in North America with over 18,500 square feet, open 24/7/365. The FabLab™ offers over $4M in prototyping equipment and has delivered more than 7500 prototypes since its inception.

MENTOR NETWORK

Access to 56+ mentors with expertise in all industries.

ANGEL NETWORK

Access to a growing network of angel investors in both Canada and the United States.

LICENSED SOFTWARE

Access to data from Pitchbook (a private market data platform, with data on over 3.6M companies, 2M deals, 481,000 investors and 118,000 funds) and PatSnap (188.4M on global patent data, 131.9M journal articles and 2.7B legal data points)

COWORKING SPACE

Access to two distinctive and well-structured locations.

COUNTRY-WIDE ACCESS

Live anywhere in Canada, and still, we will support you.

WOMEN FOCUSED

We are proud to offer women-led and focused programs.

TESTIMONIALS

What the Community Has to Say About North Forge

“Working with The North Forge has been a transformative experience for my startup. They’re far more than a typical incubator; they’re like business doctors, offering a level of support and knowledge that’s unparalleled. From the very first steps to reaching maturity, they’ve been there for us.”

Hadi Oradi

“I’ve attended many of their roundtables and am always inspired by the warmth, enthusiasm, and excellence that’s offered by the staff and the speakers. North Forge is truly a supportive environment and training ground for innovative tech companies and entrepreneurs, and I wholeheartedly recommend their team.”

Linda Drosdowech

“Participating in the founder programs as Pathfinder and Basecamp was a game-changer for us. The personalized mentorship and support we received were invaluable as we navigated the complexities of building a startup. The guidance of experienced mentors helped us overcome challenges, avoid pitfalls, and capitalize on opportunities, accelerating our growth trajectory significantly.“

Dr. Abdelrahman Mossad, Co-Founder & President

“Through the sharing of their valuable experiences, they pave a smoother path for us and fellow aspirants to achieve our dreams and aspirations in the entrepreneurial world. Without their unwavering support and enlightening experiences, navigating through this arduous journey would have been significantly more challenging.”

Tarane Hashemi

“The team at The North Forge doesn’t just provide a space for growth; they ensure that growth is nurtured with the right resources, guidance, and unwavering support. Every member of their group has offered positive, encouraging assistance whenever we needed it, making our journey smoother and more assured.”

Hadi Oradi

“We contacted a bunch of different incubators in Canada and North Forge turned out to be the best incubator by far in terms of the willingness to help build our local business network and connections in Canada.”

Alexey Kravetz

“North Forge Technology Exchange has been an invaluable partner in helping our business thrive. Their expertise, resources, and support have played a pivotal role in our success. The North Forge team is knowledgeable and incredibly dedicated to helping entrepreneurs navigate the complexities of the tech industry.”

Mohammadreza Nosraty

“My experience with North Forge Start-up Visa Program has been excellent. they have a great start-up package, everything you need for manufacturing is there, roundtables to ask everything you need to know. There are many details for you to discover.”

Eslam Anwar

“It’s clear to me that The North Forge isn’t just functioning as an incubator. They’re a fully equipped partner, dedicated to helping startups grow and succeed. Their commitment to not just sustaining, but actively enriching our business, sets them apart. In a sea of incubators, The North Forge stands out as a beacon of support, knowledge, and genuine care for startups.”

Hadi Oradi

From day 1, we’ve received a friendship welcome and have always been advised properly. We’ve been through different sessions such as Global Entrepreneurship Courses or recent round table being held by Mr. Hameed, Mr. Pushkar and Mr. Alif, which were very useful for us mainly by Q&A session at the end.

Esmaeil Sanaei

“Overall, North Forge has been instrumental in our journey as entrepreneurs. We are grateful for the guidance and mentorship we received from the North Forge team, and we look forward to continuing our partnership as we work towards building a successful and sustainable venture.”

Dr. Ahmed Elalfi, Co-Founder & Vice-President

“Communicating with North Forge is great, everyone is quick in responding and always available to support with my application.”

Alexey Kravetz

For questions and support please contact:

Nermin Sa’d

Director of Global Entrepreneurship | Start-up Visa Program

suv@northforge.ca

1-204-262-6400

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Frequently Asked Questions

North Forge has provided a set of frequently asked questions to help you along your journey. These FAQs are related to the application for the Startup Visa application itself, any inquires related to the immigration process should be directed to Immigration Refugees, and Canadian Citizenship (IRCC).

I am outside Canada, and I would like to learn more about starting a business in Canada, will North Forge help me?

Yes, North Forge can help you. North Forge created the Global Entrepreneurship Initiative to educate and support foreign entrepreneurs who are interested in relocating their startup to Canada. You can join this program here.

I am already in Canada; can I apply to the program?

If you are a non-Canadian entrepreneur who is currently in Canada and interested in building a startup then you are more than welcome to apply to the Startup Visa Program.

The Startup Visa Program is supporting entrepreneurs inside and outside Canada who wish to relocate their businesses to Canada.

I am in Canada and I don’t have a valid immigration status, can I apply to the program?

Unfortunately, North Forge only accepts applicants with valid immigration status.

My startup is already established and incorporated outside of Canada; can I apply to the program?

Whether your company is incorporated inside or outside Canada, you are more than welcome to apply but once accepted you have to incorporate your startup in Canada.

My startup is headquartered outside of Canada, can I apply by registering a subsidiary?

No. In order to be accepted in the Startup Visa Program, the startup and headquartered in Canada.

My startup is running outside Canada and not incorporated in Canada yet. Am I eligible to apply?

Yes, but you will need to incorporate your startup in Canada once accepted. The headquarters of your startup should be in Canada too.

Will North Forge help me in incorporating my startup in Canada?

North Forge will provide you with the basic education and support related to incorporating your business in Canada through its Global Entrepreneurship Initiative. North Forge will also provide you with additional resources to help you in the process and connect you with specialists to help you but at your own cost.

My startup needs funding to run and scale, will North Forge provide funding?

No, North Forge does not provide any direct funding or loans to startups. If you are unable to fund your business at the start-up stage, North Forge will not accept you. Please check the minimum requirement checklist here.

What types of startups are eligible to apply? What sectors are eligible to apply?

North Forge accepts startups in the tech, STEM, or advanced manufacturing sectors.

I have an amazing startup, but it is not in the tech field, am I eligible to apply?

No, North Forge only accepts startups in the tech, STEM, or advanced manufacturing industries.

We are a team of founders, should we apply as a team, or each founder applies alone?

You need to apply as a team. Our application form is designed for one startup and a team of founders. The maximum number of founders per startup is five(5). Each applying founder should own at least 10% of the startup shares and all applying founders together should own at least 51% of the total shares. Please check the minimum requirements checklist here.

When applying, how will North Forge protect my idea?

North Forge staff and founders all sign a Code of Conduct (which includes a non-disclosure agreement). Further to that, protecting your idea is your own responsibility. By joining our Global Entrepreneurship Initiative course you will learn more about protecting your intellectual property. North Forge can connect you with specialists who can help you through the process but at your own cost.

My startup is in its early stages, Am I eligible to apply?

North Forge accepts applicants that have, at minimum, a minimal viable product (MVP). North Forge may consider early-stage startups if the founders have strong background in business and/or the idea is unique and has a potential in the Canadian market adding that the founders are able to fund their idea.

If we are accepted in the program, do we have to move to Manitoba?

No. North Forge will not mandate any startup to settle in Manitoba; however, accepted applicants have to join North Forge’s Founders Program.

Is there a deadline to apply?

No, North Forge accepts applications all around the year.

How much is the cost of the application?

There is no cost to apply to the Startup Visa Program.

What is the time frame for my application?

North Forge will get back to you within 2 weeks after submitting the application form and all required documents.

Are there any restrictions to certain nationalities?

No, the program accepts all non-Canadian applicants.

Can I apply through an immigration consultant or lawyer?

No. You need to apply through a registered designate for the Startup Visa Program.

What are the evaluation criteria for my application?

Satisfying the minimum requirement checklist is a key to proceed with the evaluation process, you can find it here.

Does participation in the North Forge Global Entrepreneurship Initiative guarantee a letter of support?

No. All entrepreneurs from all around the world are welcomed to join the course; however, applicants to the Startup Visa Program, if accepted by North Forge, are mandated to complete the course in order to get the Letter of Support.

If accepted by North Forge, what are my commitments?

All accepted applicants will fully complete the Global Entrepreneurship Initiative before receiving their Letter of Support. After the Letter of Support is provided, startups will join the North Forge Founders Program for 18 months which provides the applicants with all the knowledge and support they need to launch and run their business in Canada. You can learn more about our incubation program here.

Is there an expiry date for my acceptance in the program?

Yes. Should you be accepted, startups will receive a conditional acceptance letter. Within these 90 days, the applicant should complete the Global Entrepreneurship Course, provide any missing required documents, sign the service agreement, and pay for North Forge’s services.

Is there an expiry date for my Letter of Support?

Yes. The letter of support is valid only for 6 months

While waiting for the Startup visa, can I remain in my country?

Yes! At North Forge we offer our applicants online help and support all through the process including a full package of soft-landing resources to prepare for their coming to Canada.

If my “Letter of Support” application was rejected, will North Forge contact me?

Yes. North Forge will contact you to update you regarding the status of your “Letter of Support” application.

Will having the Letter of Support guarantee my approval for the Startup Visa?

Getting a Letter of Support is required in order to apply for the Startup visa, but Issuing the Startup Visa is an IRCC decision and North Forge cannot guarantee it.

How much is the cost of the program?

For more information, please contact suv@northforge.ca

What is the refund policy?

There is no refund for North Forge services and programs.