Canada Start-up Visa: Processing Times and Fees Guide 2025

The Canada Start-up Visa program offers entrepreneurs a pathway to permanent residence, but understanding the true timeline and costs is crucial for planning your venture’s launch. This comprehensive guide breaks down real processing times, complete fee structures, and what actually happens at each stage—information that goes beyond the basic government overview.

Current Processing Times: What to Expect in 2025

Standard Processing Timeline: 31-47 months from letter of support to permanent residence

The startup visa processing time Canada has remained relatively stable through 2025, though individual cases vary significantly based on several factors. Here’s what the current data shows:

Letter of Support Phase: 6-12 months Your designated organization (incubator, angel investor group, or venture capital fund) typically takes 6-12 months to evaluate your business proposal and issue a letter of support. This isn’t technically part of the government processing time, but it’s a critical phase that applicants often underestimate.

Government Application Processing: 25-35 months Once you submit your complete application to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), the official processing begins. Current processing times show most applications completed within 31 months, though complex cases can extend to 47 months.

What this means for you: Plan for a minimum 3-year timeline from initial pitch to landing in Canada. Your business planning should account for this extended timeline, especially regarding funding runway and market entry timing.

Factors Affecting Your Processing Speed

Application Completeness: Complete applications with all supporting documents move 15-20% faster than those requiring additional information requests.

Country of Residence: Applicants from certain countries face additional security screening that can add 6-12 months to processing times.

Family Size: Applications including spouses and dependents require additional processing time for each family member’s background checks and medical examinations.

Business Complexity: Highly technical or regulated business models may require additional review by specialized officers, potentially adding 3-6 months.

Real mistake we’ve seen—and how to avoid it: Many applicants submit incomplete applications thinking they can provide missing documents later. This triggers an automatic delay and restarts portions of the review process. Always ensure 100% documentation completeness before submission.

Complete Fee Structure: Understanding the True Cost

The total investment for a Canada Start-up Visa extends well beyond government fees. Here’s the complete breakdown of costs you’ll encounter:

Government Application Fees (2025 Rates)

Primary Applicant:

• Application fee: CAD $1,365
• Right of Permanent Residence Fee: CAD $515
• Biometric fee: CAD $85

Spouse/Partner:

• Application fee: CAD $1,365
• Right of Permanent Residence Fee: CAD $515
• Biometric fee: CAD $85

Dependent Children (under 22):

• Application fee: CAD $230 per child
• Biometric fee: CAD $85 per child (if applicable)

What this means for you: A family of four (two adults, two children) will pay approximately CAD $4,645 in government fees alone.

Third-Party Costs

Medical Examinations:

• Adults: CAD $300-450 per person
• Children: CAD $150-250 per child
• Varies by country and designated panel physician

Language Testing:

• IELTS: CAD $330-380
• TEF (French): CAD $400-450
• Valid for 2 years from test date

Educational Credential Assessment:

• WES: CAD $200-230
• ICAS: CAD $240-275
• Required for all foreign education credentials

Document Translation and Notarization:

• Professional translation: CAD $25-40 per page
• Notarization: CAD $50-100 per document set
• Apostille/authentication: CAD $75-150 per document

Legal and Consulting Fees (Optional):

• Immigration lawyer: CAD $5,000-15,000
• Business plan development: CAD $2,000-8,000
• Designated organization fees: CAD $2,500-25,000

If you’re applying from India, Nigeria, or Bangladesh: Budget an additional CAD $500-1,000 for document authentication and courier services, as these countries have specific requirements for document verification.

Optional—but strongly recommended by AVID experts: Invest in professional business plan development. Applications with professionally developed business plans show a 40% higher success rate in securing letters of support from designated organizations.

Payment Timing and Currency Considerations

Government fees are paid in Canadian dollars and must be submitted with your application. Most payment methods are accepted, but credit card processing fees may apply.

Payment Schedule Strategy:

1. Designated organization fees: Upon acceptance to program
2. Government application fees: At time of submission
3. Biometric fees: When biometric instruction letter received
4. Medical exam fees: When medical exam request received
5. Right of Permanent Residence Fee: Can be paid upfront or upon approval

Currency Planning: Exchange rate fluctuations can impact your total costs. Consider purchasing Canadian dollars or using currency hedging strategies for large payments.

[🧮 Calculate Total Costs – Use our fee calculator to estimate your complete investment]

Timeline Stages: What Actually Happens Behind the Scenes

Understanding each stage helps you prepare appropriately and identify potential delays before they impact your timeline.

Stage 1: Letter of Support Phase (6-12 months)

What happens: You pitch your business concept to designated organizations and work toward securing a letter of support.

Behind the scenes: Designated organizations conduct thorough due diligence on your business model, market potential, and team capabilities. They’re looking for businesses that can create jobs for Canadians and compete globally.

What this means for you: This phase requires active business development work. You’re not just waiting—you’re building relationships, refining your business model, and demonstrating market traction.

Common delay factors:

• Incomplete business plans
• Insufficient market research
• Weak financial projections
• Team composition issues

Real mistake we’ve seen—and how to avoid it: Many applicants apply to multiple designated organizations simultaneously without customizing their approach. Each organization has specific investment criteria and industry preferences. Research thoroughly and tailor each application.

Stage 2: Application Preparation and Submission (1-3 months)

What happens: You compile all required documents and submit your complete application to IRCC.

Behind the scenes: IRCC conducts an initial completeness check within 30 days. Incomplete applications are returned, forcing applicants to restart the process.

Document Assembly Timeline:

• Week 1-2: Request police certificates (can take 2-12 weeks depending on country)
• Week 3-4: Complete language testing
• Week 5-6: Gather employment and education documents
• Week 7-8: Final review and submission

If you’re applying from countries with high refusal rates: Allow extra time for document authentication. Countries like Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Nigeria require additional verification steps that can add 2-4 weeks to preparation time.

Stage 3: Initial Review and Acknowledgment (2-4 months)

What happens: IRCC reviews your application for completeness and issues an Acknowledgment of Receipt (AOR) with your application number.

Behind the scenes: Your application enters the queue and undergoes preliminary eligibility screening. Officers verify that you meet basic program requirements.

What this means for you: You can now track your application status online. No action required from you during this phase unless IRCC requests additional documents.

Stage 4: Detailed Assessment (12-18 months)

What happens: Immigration officers conduct thorough review of your business plan, background, and supporting documents.

Behind the scenes: Your application may be assigned to multiple officers for different assessments:

• Business plan viability
• Financial capacity
• Language ability verification
• Background security screening

Potential requests during this phase:

• Additional business documentation
• Updated financial statements
• Clarification on business model
• Schedule A background declaration form

Real mistake we’ve seen—and how to avoid it: Applicants often provide minimal responses to document requests. Officers appreciate thorough, well-organized responses that demonstrate transparency and preparedness.

Stage 5: Medical Examinations and Biometrics (1-3 months)

What happens: You receive requests for medical examinations and biometric data collection.

Behind the scenes: Medical results are reviewed by IRCC medical officers. Certain medical conditions may require additional testing or specialist consultations.

Timeline considerations:

• Medical exams valid for 12 months
• Biometrics valid for 10 years
• Some countries have limited designated medical facilities

If you’re applying from remote locations: Plan for travel to designated medical facilities and biometric collection centers. This can add significant time and cost to your application.

Stage 6: Background and Security Screening (3-12 months)

What happens: Comprehensive background checks are conducted on all applicants over 18 years old.

Behind the scenes: Multiple agencies may be involved in security screening, including CSIS, RCMP, and international partners. The timeline varies significantly based on your travel history and countries of residence.

Factors affecting screening duration:

• Extensive travel history
• Residence in certain countries
• Military or government service
• Business activities in regulated industries

Stage 7: Final Decision and Confirmation of Permanent Residence (1-2 months)

What happens: You receive final decision on your application and, if approved, instructions for landing in Canada.

Behind the scenes: Officers conduct final review to ensure all requirements remain met and issue Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) documents.

What this means for you: You have 12 months from medical exam or passport expiry (whichever comes first) to land in Canada and activate your permanent residence.

[📊 Track Your Application Timeline – Monitor your progress through each stage]

Expediting Options: Can You Speed Up the Process?

Unlike some other immigration programs, the Start-up Visa program has limited options for expedited processing. However, certain strategies can help avoid delays:

Priority Processing Availability

Express Entry Integration: Some Start-up Visa candidates may be eligible for Express Entry, which offers faster processing (6-8 months). This requires meeting Federal Skilled Worker program requirements in addition to Start-up Visa criteria.

What this means for you: If you qualify for both programs, consider the Express Entry pathway for faster processing, though you’ll still need your letter of support from a designated organization.

Complete Application Benefits

Applications submitted with 100% complete documentation consistently process faster than those requiring additional information.

Complete Application Checklist:

• All forms signed and dated
• All supporting documents included
• Correct fees paid
• Photos meeting specification
• All family members included (even if not accompanying)

Real mistake we’ve seen—and how to avoid it: Many applicants rush to submit applications as soon as they receive their letter of support. Take time to ensure absolute completeness—it’s faster than dealing with document requests later.

Common Delay Factors to Avoid

Incomplete Business Documentation: Ensure your business plan clearly addresses all program requirements and demonstrates job creation potential for Canadians.

Inadequate Financial Proof: Settlement funds must be readily available and clearly documented. Bank statements should show consistent balances over 6 months.

Language Test Issues: Ensure your language test results are valid and meet minimum requirements. Tests expire after 2 years.

Medical Delays: Some medical conditions require additional testing. Complete medical exams promptly when requested.

If you’re applying from countries with complex documentation requirements: Start gathering documents early. Some countries require extensive authentication processes that can take months to complete.

Cost Planning: Budgeting for Success

Total Investment Range: CAD $15,000-75,000+ depending on family size and third-party service requirements.

Minimum Budget (single applicant):

• Government fees: CAD $1,965
• Medical/biometrics: CAD $385
• Language testing: CAD $330
• Documents: CAD $500
• Total minimum: CAD $3,180

Realistic Budget (family of four with professional services):

• Government fees: CAD $4,645
• Third-party costs: CAD $2,000
• Professional services: CAD $8,000-15,000
• Designated organization fees: CAD $5,000-15,000
• Total realistic range: CAD $19,645-36,645

Premium Budget (complex case with extensive support):

• All above costs plus additional legal, business development, and settlement services
• Total range: CAD $40,000-75,000+

Payment Scheduling Strategy

Phase 1 (Months 1-12): Designated organization and business development costs Phase 2 (Months 13-15): Application submission and government fees Phase 3 (Months 16-30): Medical, biometric, and document costs Phase 4 (Months 31-40): Settlement preparation and additional services

Optional—but strongly recommended by AVID experts: Maintain a 20% contingency fund for unexpected costs such as additional document requests, extended medical testing, or currency fluctuations.