North Forge is proud to be part of your Canadian entrepreneurial journey.
The Start-up Visa Program in Canada is a government initiative designed to attract innovative entrepreneurs from around the world who have the potential to create jobs and contribute to the Canadian economy. The program offers a pathway to permanent residency for foreign entrepreneurs who have a viable business idea, secure funding or support from a designated Canadian organization, and meet specific language and financial requirements.
Designed 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.
Key aspects include:
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must have a qualifying business, secure a commitment from a designated organization (such as a venture capital fund, angel investor group, or business incubator like North Forge), meet language proficiency in English or French, and demonstrate that they have sufficient funds to settle in Canada.
Designated Organizations
To be eligible, entrepreneurs must obtain a letter of support from one or more designated organizations. These organizations are approved by the Canadian government and include venture capital funds, angel investor groups, and business incubators like North Forge that have experience in supporting startups.
Permanent Residency
Successful applicants and their families can receive Canadian permanent residency, allowing them to live and work anywhere in Canada. The program is particularly attractive because it offers a direct route to permanent residency, unlike many other countries that only offer temporary visas to entrepreneurs.
Focus on Innovation
The program targets entrepreneurs with innovative business ideas that have the potential for global growth. The Canadian government is particularly interested in businesses that can contribute to the innovation economy, including those in tech, life sciences, and other cutting-edge industries.
Commitment and Investment
Depending on the type of designated organization supporting the startup, the level of commitment can vary. If supported by a business incubator like North Forge, the entrepreneur must be accepted into their incubation program such as the North Forge Founders Program.
Supportive Enviroment
The Startup Visa Program is a key part of Canada’s strategy to attract global talent and drive innovation within the country. It provides entrepreneurs with the opportunity to build and grow their businesses in one of the world’s most supportive environments for startups.
Program details
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?
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
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Financial Forecast
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Private link to a recorded pitch (maximum of 3 minutes)
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10–15-page pitch deck
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Business plan (if available)
Phase Two – Before the Letter of Support:
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Proof of language test results for each applying founder as per IRCC
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Proof of settlement funds for each applying founder as per IRCC
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Proof of funds to support your business in Canada
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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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Application process:
Application submittals
Applicants need to fill out the online application and submit phase one documents.
1
Application review
North Forge will review the application and respond within two weeks
2
Interview & due diligence
The North Forge SUV committee will meet with pre-approved applicants for interviews.
3
Financial submission & submittals
Applicants will receive free 1-on-1 financial sessions with a certified accountant and submit phase 2 documents.
4
Approval
Following payment and a signed agreement, North Forge will issue the letter of support.
5
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, with a focus on Manitoba.
Geographical centre of North America
Winnipeg is considered the geographical center of North America due to its central location on the continent, equidistant from the Atlantic, Pacific, and Arctic Oceans, making it a key hub for transportation and trade.
Fast processing & Applications accepted year-round
If all required documents are available, our processes are less than one month. North Forge offers unparalleled flexibility with year-round intakes, eliminating the necessity to await application batches!
Enjoy one of the largest publicly accessible Fabrication Labs in North America. The FabLab™ offers over $4M in state-of-the-art rapid prototyping equipment and has delivered more than 7,500 prototypes since its inception.
Women focused
We are proud to offer programs specifically designed for women leaders and innovators, including the Women in Innovation Lab (WiLab), which provides targeted support and resources to empower women within the startup ecosystem.
Access to NF Angel Network & EIR's
The NF Angel Network is a new group of accredited investors from Canada and the U.S. who are eager to invest in and mentor founders in the North Forge Founders Program. You’ll also have access to our Entrepreneurs-in-Residence (EIR) and growth coaches—seasoned entrepreneurs and business leaders who provide valuable mentorship and guidance to startups within the North Forge ecosystem.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)
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).
No. North Forge will not mandate any startup to settle in Manitoba; however, accepted applicants have to join North Forge’s Founders Program.
No, North Forge accepts applications all around the year.
There is no cost to apply to the Start-up Visa Program.
North Forge will get back to you within 2 weeks after submitting the application form and all required documents.
No. You need to apply through a registered designate for the Start-up Visa Program.
No, the program accepts all non-Canadian applicants.
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.
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 Start-up Visa Program.
The Start-up Visa Program is supporting entrepreneurs inside and outside Canada who wish to relocate their businesses to Canada.
Unfortunately, North Forge only accepts applicants with valid immigration status.
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.
No. In order to be accepted in the Start-up Visa Program, the startup and headquartered in Canada.
No. In order to be accepted in the Start-up Visa Program, the startup and headquartered 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.
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.
North Forge accepts startups in the tech, STEM, or advanced manufacturing sectors.
Satisfying the minimum requirement checklist is a key to proceed with the evaluation process, you can find it here.
No, North Forge only accepts startups in the tech, STEM, or advanced manufacturing industries.
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.
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.
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.
No, participation in the Global Entrepreneurship Initiative does not guarantee a letter of support. All entrepreneurs from all around the world are welcomed to join the course; however, applicants to the Start-up Visa Program, if accepted by North Forge, are mandated to complete the course in order to get the Letter of Support.
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.
Yes. Should you be accepted, startups will receive a conditional acceptance letter. Within these 90 days, the applicant should complete the Global Entrepreneurship Initiatives Course, provide any missing required documents, sign the service agreement, and pay for North Forge’s services.
Yes. The letter of support is valid only for 6 months.
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.
Yes. North Forge will contact you to update you regarding the status of your “Letter of Support” application.
Getting a Letter of Support is required in order to apply for the Start-up visa, but Issuing the Start-up Visa is an IRCC decision and North Forge cannot guarantee it.
For more information, please contact suv@northforge.ca
There is no refund for North Forge services and programs.
