IMPACT Startup Visa Program (Canada)

ATTENTION We are still accepting new applications to the IMPACT Startup Visa Acceleration Program amidst the COVID-19 crisis. Please apply below.

IMPACT Startup Visa Accelerator

Move to Canada to scale your business & maximize your impact through the country’s only impact-first Startup Visa program.

Spring’s IMPACT Startup Visa (ISV) Accelerator is a comprehensive 4-month program that combines a traditional acceleration program with the processes and support to help you settle into a new life in Canada.

Based in Vancouver and operating under the banner of Canada’s Startup-Visa (SUV) – a program that supports innovation and job creation in the country – ISV combines the training, mentorship, opportunities, and connections you need to help unlock growth and crystallize your company’s impact on people and the planet.

The program focuses on five key objectives:

Providing you with pre-program support about moving to Canada and setting up the right foundation for your business and family
Introducing you to the Canadian entrepreneurship ecosystem as well as our consumer and business cultures
Delivering training and mentorship that cover all aspects of doing business
Helping you maximize your impact on the world through better definition & measurement
Teaching you the process and providing the tools you need to successfully raise capital to fuel your efforts

ISV is a great fit if...

Your company is purpose-driven, for-profit, and focused on having a positive impact on people and/or the planet
You want to maximize your market opportunity and impact as a for-profit entity
You can demonstrate that your vision will be best served by moving permanently to Canada
You’re able to clearly articulate the problem you solve and how your unique world-changing approach brings compelling value to the market
You can demonstrate measurable customer validation and progress
You can show that you have the financial capital to support the effort (see criteria for permanent residence or work permit)
You qualify to apply for Canada’s Startup-Visa (SUV) program

"The Spring Startup Visa Program is a stellar incubator for entrepreneurs who want to solve global challenges."

“The program was an opportunity for us to meet other mission-driven entrepreneurs, investors and leaders. The speakers, facilitators and mentors we had access to were a great resource. It was also a great introduction and integration into the startup community in Vancouver! Overall, the experience opened up many doors and opportunities for us.”

Raya Bidhsahri – Founder & CEO, Awecademy

About the Canadian Startup Visa Program

The Canadian Government Startup-Visa (SUV) Program is designed to attract and support foreign entrepreneurs to Permanent Residency. The focus is on founders who wish to move their launched businesses in Canada, which will support innovation and job-creation in the country.

Being a Permanent Resident in Canada is the status you receive prior to full Canadian Citizenship. As a Permanent Resident, you gain most social benefits that Canadian citizens receive, such as health care coverage, and the freedom to live, work, or study anywhere in Canada. You’ll also benefit from easy access to the US market for business and pleasure.

Spring’s Start-up Visa Accelerator provides permanent residency for you, plus your spouse and children within your personal application. Unlike a Green Card or a Working Visa (such as the H1B) from other countries, you will not have your status revoked if you have a job change or card expiration. You can also apply for Canadian Citizenship after 4 years of living in Canada with your PR.

Are you an immigration lawyer looking to learn more about ISV on behalf of your clients? Sign up to receive more information here.

Why Vancouver?

As the Canadian leader for impact entrepreneurship, Vancouver has a lot to offer for founders and their families:

#1 ranked startup ecosystem in Canada
#15 ranked startup ecosystem in the world
Consistently ranked in the top 10 best and most liveable places in the world
Canada’s most temperate climate
One of the most multicultural cities in Canada

As a certified B-Corporation, Spring is a global incubator and accelerator that empowers entrepreneurs and entrepreneur ecosystem organizations to build better businesses and change the world. Through its global advisory services, it has helped more than 70 different incubators, accelerators, foundations, and governments on 5 continents enhance their capacity to maximize impact both in their local communities and globally. With their impact programs, they have helped more than 700 entrepreneurs create 350 companies and raise more than $24M in funding.

Ready to apply? Here’s how it works.

Step 1: Assess Start-up Visa Program eligibility (see requirements here)

Step 2: Apply for the Impact Start-up Visa Accelerator (use this form)

Step 3: Go through initial screening, interviews & a due diligence process with Spring

Step 4: Selected participants receive a Letter of Support for Canada’s Start-up Visa program

Step 5: Submit your Letter of Support and the application package to the Start-up Visa program

The Next Cohort Starts in November 2020

The cohort after that starts on April 2021 | Intake is limited to only 15 companies

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis; the ones received too close to the upcoming

intake will be considered for the next cohort.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the ISV program cost?

The total cost of the ISV program is CAD $25,000 + GST for the first applicant. If the applicant wants to bring in team members as applicants, additional costs are as follows:

$7,000 + GST for additional member which includes PR application support and attendance
$3,000 + GST for additional members for PR application support only.

What is the required time commitment for the program once I land in Canada?

The program runs for a period of 4 months during which you’ll be expected to attend in-person training sessions 2 days per week.

Can I participate if I have yet to establish my business?

We do accept companies that are pre-launched but recognize that admission is competitive. Come prepared with a strong application that justifies your background and experience in the business that you intend to establish.

I'm an immigration lawyer looking for more details for my clients. Where can I go to learn more?

We often work with immigration lawyers who have clients that qualify for the Impact Startup Visa Program. For a more comprehensive understanding of our process, you can download an information pack here.