Maple News reports that Canada’s Start-Up Visa program is increasingly attracting immigrant entrepreneurs living in the United States, offering them an alternative pathway to grow their ventures in a more supportive immigration environment.
A recent study conducted by Saerom Lee and Britta Glennon at the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School found that following the launch of Canada’s Start-Up Visa in 2013, the probability of U.S.-based immigrants founding a start-up in Canada surged by 69%. The researchers analyzed data comprising 1.2 million individuals who started companies either in the U.S. or Canada between 2006 and 2021.
The Start-Up Visa program is designed to bring innovative foreign entrepreneurs to Canada to launch businesses that create jobs and contribute to economic growth. It offers permanent residency to qualified individuals who secure support from designated Canadian organizations, including venture capital funds, angel investors, or business incubators.
The findings show that immigrants hailing from Asian countries were particularly responsive to the opportunity presented by Canada’s program. Interestingly, responsiveness declined in areas with large existing Asian immigrant communities—suggesting that social networks and local ethnic ties play a role in the decision to relocate.
This data aligns with a broader trend: Canada’s active efforts to attract global tech and entrepreneurial talent. In July 2023, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) launched a program specifically targeting U.S. H-1B visa holders, which reached its cap of 10,000 applications in under 48 hours—indicating strong demand for Canadian pathways among skilled immigrants.
Lee and Glennon’s study underscores that immigration policies don’t just shape the flow of people, but also influence where and how businesses are built. Factors such as visa availability, supportive ecosystems, and community integration significantly impact location decisions for immigrant entrepreneurs.
As global competition for talent intensifies, Canada’s immigration initiatives like the Start-Up Visa are setting it apart as a premier destination for innovation-driven newcomers looking to launch and scale their businesses.
For those interested, eligibility for the Start-Up Visa requires proving business viability through support from a designated organization, meeting language requirements, and holding sufficient settlement funds. The program continues to be an attractive option for founders looking beyond traditional U.S. immigration channels.
Maple News will continue to monitor developments in global immigration trends affecting entrepreneurs and skilled professionals.