6 Steps from Business Ideation to Immigration Sucess

1 - Discover if You Qualify for the Startup Visa Program in Canada: Eligibility & Business Ideation Session

Before embarking on the Startup Visa journey, assessing whether you meet the eligibility requirements and ensuring your business idea aligns with the program’s criteria is essential.

✅ Validate Your Business Idea – Ensure your startup concept is innovative, scalable, and aligns with the Canadian market.

✅ Assess Your Team & Cofounders – The Startup Visa Program requires a strong, committed team. We evaluate whether you have the right cofounders with the entrepreneurial mindset needed to succeed.

✅ English Proficiency Check – We assess whether your language skills meet the minimum (CLB 5) requirement for the incubation program and PR application. If needed, we provide guidance on language improvement options.

✅ Understand the Financial Investment – We provide a transparent breakdown of the costs involved in the journey, from business incorporation to incubation fees, immigration processing, and required proof of funds.

In this blog post, you can read more about the investments needed

Understanding the Costs Involved in the Startup Visa Program

✅ Get Familiar with the Next Steps – We walk you through the entire process so you know exactly what to expect in each phase, from incubation to securing PR and scaling your business in Canada.

This session ensures you are fully prepared before moving forward with the next steps in your Startup Visa journey.

Before joining an incubator program under the Startup Visa, we guide you through a Pre-Incubation Process designed to refine your idea, adapt your business model, and navigate the Canadian market effectively.

2 - Phase 1: Curate & Align Your Project for Incubator Readiness

Phase 1 is the foundation of your Startup Visa journey. If your business model is unclear, the founding team is misaligned, or your idea is not tailored to the Canadian market, your application may be rejected. That’s why we dedicate this phase to preparing your business for incubator engagement with strategy, clarity, and structure.

What We Do in Pre-Incubation:

✅ Refine your business model and local adaptation strategy – Shape your concept to align with Canadian expectations and real market needs.

✅ Build a professional, investor-grade Pitch Deck and Business Plan – Collaboratively create the foundational documents for validation and incubation.

✅ Align founder roles and equity structure – Ensure clarity, commitment, and team readiness before incubation.

✅ Validate innovation and positioning – Use Design Thinking to assess your problem-solution fit and market opportunity.

✅Access exclusive checklists and resources – Navigate each stage with practical tools.

✅ Secure interest from a Designated Organization.

Once your pitch and business model are solidified, you're ready to be presented to incubators.

Screening Session with the Incubator

Before entering an incubation program, your startup must undergo a screening session where the incubator evaluates your project’s viability. This step determines whether your startup meets the incubator’s expectations and the Startup Visa Program criteria.

How We Support You in the Screening Process

The incubator will assess:

• Innovation & Market Potential – Does your business offer a unique and scalable solution?

• Business Model & Strategy – Is there a clear roadmap for growth and sustainability?

• Cofounder Team & Execution Capability – Does your team have the right expertise and commitment?

  
  

Since each incubator has different processes and selection criteria, preparation is key—and that’s where Innova ensures you are fully ready.

Incubator Program Matching

We help you identify and connect with the right incubator for your business based on factors like:

✅ Program structure – Online, hybrid, or in-person incubation.

✅ Industry focus – Tech, healthcare, SaaS, manufacturing, etc.

✅ Resources & expectations – Additional mentorship, investment opportunities, and requirements.

Pitch Session Coordination

Once the right incubator is selected, we secure a screening session and guide you through what to expect, ensuring you understand the evaluation process.

Step 3: Pitch Refinement & Storytelling - To maximize your chances of success, we work with you to:

✅ Fine-tune your pitch – Strengthen clarity, persuasiveness, and alignment with incubator expectations.

✅ Incorporate storytelling techniques – Make your pitch compelling and memorable.

✅ Highlight key aspects of your business – Emphasize innovation, scalability, and market opportunity.

With our structured approach, you confidently enter the screening session—fully prepared to secure your spot in the incubation program.

If your project is accepted by the incubator, you will officially advance to Phase 2: Incubator Onboarding & Letter of Support Requirements.

⏱ Duration: 1–3 months

4 - Phase Two: Requesting the Letter of Support

The Letter of Support is a crucial document in your Startup Visa journey. It assures immigration authorities that your business meets the Startup Visa Program criteria and that a designated incubator supports your venture.

You cannot apply for your Work Permit or Permanent Residency without the Letter of Support. That’s why Phase One is essential—and why having Innova by your side makes all the difference.

Once accepted by an incubator, your startup enters Phase One, where you finalize your Business Plan and fulfill the requirements set by the incubator before receiving the Letter of Support.

Incubator's Role & Commitment as a Designated Institution

Since incubators are designated institutions under the Startup Visa program, they commit the Canadian government to ensure that entrepreneurs receive the minimum required content before issuing the Letter of Support.

This means that in Phase Two, the incubator must deliver essential content covering:

• Educational resources – Workshops, mentorship, and insights to help you understand the Canadian market.

• Business validation and review – Ensuring your startup meets its program requirements.

• Hands-on support in business development – Helping you strengthen your strategy, refine your business model, and prepare for growth.

• Pitch preparation and assessment – Some incubators require an additional evaluation of your startup’s viability.

How Innova Supports You in Phase Two

While incubators provide valuable guidance and structured support, navigating this phase can still be challenging for foreign entrepreneurs, especially when adapting to the Canadian market, business culture, and legal processes. That’s where Innova steps in as your dedicated advisor, ensuring you meet every requirement smoothly.

✅ We guide you in completing a solid Business Plan – A weak or incomplete business plan can lead to rejection. We work closely with you to ensure your Business Plan aligns with incubator expectations and immigration requirements.

✅ We handle the company incorporation for you – Incorporating a business in Canada can be complex. We take care of everything, ensuring your company is legally structured and meets all regulatory requirements.

✅ We support you in meeting all requirements to request the Letter of Support – Each incubator has its process, and some may ask for additional steps such as building a landing page, financial model, or market validation report. We anticipate these requirements and help you stay fully prepared.

✅ We are your bridge between the incubator and your Startup Visa goals – We facilitate communication, help you stay on track with incubator expectations, and make sure you don’t miss any steps.

✅ We make the process easier, more efficient, and stress-free. Instead of spending months figuring things out independently, you get a structured, proven system with expert guidance at every step.

Structure of Phase Two

This phase is mostly 100% online since Startup Visa participants are foreign entrepreneurs who will likely travel to Canada after obtaining their Work Permit or Permanent Residency, both happening after the Letter of Support is issued.

By the end of Phase Two, you will have:

✅ A finalized Business Plan

✅ A legally incorporated company in Canada

✅ Completed the minimum content required by the incubator

✅ A Letter of Support allowing you to apply for your PR and Work Permit

Once the Letter of Support is issued, you will be ready to apply for your Work Permit and Permanent Residency, officially moving into Phase Three: Immigration, Execution & Growth.

5 - Phase Three: Begin the Immigration Process and Secure Your Future in Canada

Once you receive your Letter of Support (valid for 6 months) from a designated incubator, you officially enter Phase Three, where the focus shifts from preparation to execution, immigration, and business growth.

While the incubator continues to offer mentorship, networking, and strategic support, Innova remains by your side to help you get fully prepared for the immigration process and ensure your business is properly structured for Canadian compliance.

We do not file immigration applications on your behalf, but we guide you in organizing your documentation, timelines, and strategy so you can confidently hand everything over to your licensed immigration consultant to proceed with the official process.

At this stage, you can begin your immigration application. You have two primary paths:

✅ Option 1: Permanent Residence.

Ideal for founders who prefer to wait until their PR is fully approved before relocating. This option offers long-term stability and a clear path to settlement.

✅ Option 2: Permanent Residence & Work Permit

Best for those who want to move to Canada sooner. The Work Permit allows you to live and work in Canada while your PR application is being processed.

We help you decide the best path based on your business goals, personal context, and relocation timeline, ensuring you make informed decisions every step of the way.

Requirements for Permanent Residency Application

To apply for permanent residency (PR), you and your co-founders must meet specific requirements and submit key documents, including:

📌 Letter of Support – Proof of acceptance into a designated incubator.

📌 Valid Passport – Ensuring all applicants meet international travel requirements.

📌 Biometrics Submission – Required for identity verification.

📌 Medical Examination – Ensuring health eligibility.

📌 Proof of Funds – Demonstrating financial capacity to support yourself in Canada.

📌 Criminal Background Check – Clearance from previous countries of residence.

📌 English or French Proficiency (CLB 5 Minimum) – Demonstrating language skills.

🚨 Important: Your PR application will be on hold until all co-founders submit the required documents. Processing time for PR is typically between two to three years.

🚀 Want to come to Canada sooner?

If waiting for PR is not ideal, you can apply for a three-year Open Work Permit (OWP) to be physically in Canada while your PR application is being processed.

Even though your business will already be incorporated and operational from Phase One, being in Canada offers significant advantages:

✅ Access to Local Business Ecosystems – Build in-person relationships with investors, mentors, and potential clients.

✅ Stronger Market Presence – Being in Canada allows for better networking, business development, and scaling opportunities.

✅ Immersive Experience – Enjoy the full benefits of Canada’s entrepreneurial environment, government support programs, and high quality of life.

✅ Team Relocation Flexibility – Some or all co-founders can choose to relocate, depending on business needs and personal preferences.

Applying for a Work Permit can accelerate your integration into the Canadian market, giving your startup the best chance to thrive while you wait for PR approval.

With your immigration process underway and your business legally established, this phase is all about execution, market traction, and long-term growth.

This is when your startup begins operating in the Canadian market while you continue leveraging incubator resources and local networks.

During this period, you will:

✅ Launch & Scale Your Business – Start operating in Canada, refining your product, and gaining market traction.

✅ Develop Key Partnerships – Network within the incubator’s ecosystem to secure strategic collaborations.

✅ Seek Funding Opportunities – Connect with angel investors and venture capital firms and explore government grants.

✅ Leverage Incubator Resources – Continue accessing mentorship, training sessions, and accelerator programs.

6 - Phase 4: Post-LOS Support & Startup Counsellor Service

After your Letter of Support is issued and the incubation program is underway, we offer continued support through our Startup Counsellor service — ideal for founders who want strategic guidance beyond the scope of the initial contract.

This includes:

✅ Quarterly Business Progress Report – Structuring and preparing reports to meet incubator and IRCC expectations

✅ Strategic Business Guidance – Ongoing advisory sessions to refine your Canadian expansion and operations

✅ Funding & Investor Roadmap – Identifying grant programs and private capital options aligned with your business stage

✅ Compliance & Bookkeeping Guidance – Keeping your Canadian company compliant and investment-ready

✅ Create a Personalized Relocation Plan – Map out all key milestones, from PR application filing to business launch in Canada.

✅ Plan Your Move – Get insights on housing, schools, healthcare, and essential services to help you and your family easily transition.

✅ Organize Necessary Arrangements – We guide you on travel logistics, setting up a local presence, and other essential preparations before arriving in Canada.

✅Connect with Our Directory of Trusted Partners – We introduce you to service providers, schools for English or French language learning, relocation experts, and business service providers to ensure you have the correct support network.

✅Bookkeeping & Financial Planning Support – Ensuring your business meets compliance requirements, stays financially organized, and is ready for funding opportunities.

If you'd like to continue with personalized advisory after Phase 3, let us know and we’ll share the scope and terms for the Startup Counsellor service.

Otherwise, you will continue attending your incubator program, which can last one to two years, depending on the incubator.