Canada’s Start-Up Visa Program Expands: Open Work Permits

The Canadian government has made an important change to the Start-Up Visa Program (SUV). On October 3, 2024, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced that entrepreneurs who are applying through this program can now apply for an open work permit. This new permit allows business owners to work for any employer in Canada for up to three years while they grow their business.

What Has Changed?

Before this update, entrepreneurs could only get a closed work permit, meaning they could only work for their own business which posed limitations on their ability to earn additional money. However, with the new open work permit option, entrepreneurs can take on other jobs, which can help them earn extra income and in turn, support their business.

Who is Eligible for the Open Work Permit?

To be eligible for the new open work permit, applicants must have applied for permanent residence through the Start-Up Visa program and received their Acknowledgement of Receipt (AOR) letter from IRCC. Once the applicant has received an AOR from the IRCC, they must then prove and provide documentation for various eligibility guidelines and criteria listed on the Government of Canada’s website.

Among the eligibility criteria, it is important to note that in order to qualify for an open-work permit through the SUV program the candidate must intend to live outside of Quebec, as the Start-Up Visa program does not exist in Quebec.

What If You Already Applied Before October 3, 2024?

If you applied to the SUV program before October 3, 2024, and received a closed work permit, you can still apply for the new open work permit. You will need to reapply online and provide all required documentation such as your AOR letter, proof of funds, and a medical exam.

Once your open work permit application is submitted, you will need to withdraw your previous closed work permit application. IRCC will refund the $155 processing fee if the old application has not been processed.

It is critical to apply for the open work permit before withdrawing your old application or before your old application expires to avoid losing your authorization to work.

How Much Money Do You Need?

To qualify for the open work permit, you must show that you have enough money to support yourself and your family for 52 weeks while living in Canada. This money is separate from what you will use to support your business. The Government of Canada lists the minimum amounts you need for living expenses, depending on your family size:

1 family member: $29,380

2 family members: $36,576

3 family members: $44,966

4 family members: $54,594

5 family members: $61,920

6 family members: $69,834

For each additional family member after 6: +$7,916

IRCC accepts a variety of documents to prove that you have the required funds such as cash available to you, documents showing property or capital payable to you, and documents that guarantee payment of a set amount of money to you.

Family Members of SUV Candidates

If you are a SUV candidate, your spouse or common-law partner can apply for their own open work permit to work in Canada. Additionally, your dependent child(s) can apply for study permits to attend school in Canada.

How to Apply

You will need to submit your open work permit application online, including all relevant documentation, along with payment for the applicable fees. It is important to include and accurately complete all the necessary documents to avoid potential delays in your application. Whether you need guidance on preparing your application, advice on how to meet eligibility requirements, or support in gathering the necessary documentation, please do not hesitate to contact us at Canadim today.