The Start-Up Visa program is designed to help foreign entrepreneurs gain permanent residence in Canada. Initially introduced as a five-year pilot project in 2013, it was created to replace the longstanding Federal Entrepreneur Program that had been in operation since the 1970s.

Canada’s Start-up Visa Program targets immigrant entrepreneurs with the skills and potential to build businesses in Canada that:

• are innovative
• can create jobs for Canadians
• can compete on a global scale

As active members of Canada's Tech Network, the select international entrepreneurs we endorse receive priority processing from Immigration Canada. We're proud of how we have approached this opportunity by putting what is best for our community first and avoiding the trap of trying to turn an easy profit by charging higher fees and endorsing ventures that may not be prepared to truly establish a long-term venture in our region.

How the Startup Visa Program Strengthens Victoria's Tech Ecosystem

At VIATEC, we’re always looking for ways to help the local tech sector thrive by attracting and supporting innovative talent. One of the most impactful initiatives we’ve been involved in is the Startup Visa Program, which has been running since 2013. VIATEC became approved as a Designated Organization in 2019. The program is designed to streamline the immigration process for international entrepreneurs with high-potential businesses, bringing new ideas, energy, and investment to our community.

As of today, we’ve seen nearly 1,000 applications, with 450 detailed business plans submitted and 38 commitment certificates issued—each one representing a potential new success story for Victoria’s tech scene. By supporting these entrepreneurs, we’re not just helping individual companies grow; we’re contributing to the overall health and diversity of our sector.

What This Means for Our Members

For VIATEC members, the benefits of the Startup Visa Program are clear. By bringing in talented entrepreneurs from around the world, we’re helping to create a more dynamic, innovative environment. These founders bring fresh perspectives, new technologies, and, in many cases, access to international talent, markets and investment opportunities that strengthen our collective impact.

More Than Just a Visa

One of the unique aspects of VIATEC’s Startup Visa Program is that we don’t stop at offering business endorsements. We work closely with these entrepreneurs, offering support that covers everything from securing housing to understanding Canada’s business culture. We help them navigate challenges like building credit histories and adjusting to the unique dynamics of running a business in Victoria. This comprehensive support ensures that when these founders arrive, they have the tools and knowledge they need to succeed and contribute fully to our local ecosystem.

What’s Next for the Program?

Recent changes by Immigration Canada to the program have introduced a cap on the number of endorsements, limiting them to 10 per year. Despite this, we’re confident that Victoria’s reputation as a welcoming, cost-effective, and authentic tech hub will continue to attract top-tier talent. The focus on quality over quantity aligns well with our goals of fostering meaningful growth for the sector.

Moving forward, we’re looking to enhance the standards and expectations around the program, ensuring every participant is set up for long-term success. As members of VIATEC, you can expect to see more international entrepreneurs joining our community, bringing with them new opportunities for collaboration, investment, and shared growth.

Why It Matters

At its core, the Startup Visa Program is about more than just boosting numbers—it’s about building a tech community that reflects the diversity and innovation we want to see in Victoria. By supporting this program, VIATEC members contribute to a larger mission: making our tech sector a global player while strengthening our local ecosystem.

We’re excited about the future, and we look forward to continuing to work with all of you as we build an even stronger, more inclusive tech community.