The Startup Visa (SUV) program is a Canadian immigration pathway targeting immigrant entrepreneurs. It is designed for those who can build innovative businesses in Canada that can create jobs for Canadians and compete on a global scale, ultimately providing a path to permanent residence.

A priority incubator is a designated business incubator whose applications receive priority processing by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). This means applications supported by organizations like Genesis are handled more quickly, helping entrepreneurs move to Canada and launch their businesses faster.

Yes. Companies applying through Genesis for the Startup Visa program must establish and actively operate their business in Newfoundland and Labrador. Applicants are required to relocate to the province, set up their headquarters here, and manage the business on-site to ensure it contributes to local economic development.

The program is open to eligible entrepreneurs from any country, provided they meet all requirements of both Genesis and IRCC. Genesis will only consider applications from eligible technology companies. There are no nationality-based exclusions for the SUV program.

If you are applying from within Canada, you must be legally entitled to be in the country throughout our selection process.

‍Why is this important? Maintaining legal status is a key requirement of Canadian immigration law. Being "out of status" (e.g., overstaying a visa) can make you inadmissible to Canada and will likely lead to IRCC refusing your application.

‍Our Policy: Due to these strict regulations, you must resolve any status issues with IRCC before applying to the Genesis SUV Program.

You and your co-founders must apply together as a team. The Startup Visa program allows up to five founders per business, provided each applicant meets these key conditions:
‍
• Each founder holds at least 10% of the voting rights in the company.

• Collectively, the founders and the designated organization (Genesis) own more than 50% of the company’s voting rights.

​​No. In order to be accepted in the Startup Visa Program, the startup and headquartered in Canada.

Interested candidates must apply for the Genesis SUV program directly through the Genesis website. There, you will find a detailed checklist of required documents and program fee information. Please note that all applications are subject to an initial review period.

No. Candidates can only apply for our SUV program directly through Genesis.

We have a rolling application process with two main intakes each year: Fall and Winter.

‍Rolling Intakes: Applications are reviewed as they are received.
‍Next Cohort Consideration: If you apply after a cohort has started, your application will automatically be considered for the next intake.
‍Waitlist: We may use a waitlist if cohorts are full or all Letters of Support for the year have been allocated.

Please monitor our website for announcements on specific cohort start dates.

We are committed to a transparent review process. After you submit your application, here is what you can expect:

1. Comprehensive Review: We will conduct a thorough review of your application.

2. Status Notification for All Applicants: We will notify every applicant of their status via email within three weeks of the submission deadline.

3. Application Outcome: The email will either be an invitation to schedule an interview (if shortlisted) or a notification that you were not selected to move forward for the current cohort.

The program fees are structured in phases and are per company:

‍Initial Application: $0
‍Phase 1 (Diligence Cohort): $5,000
‍Phase 2 (SUV Program Selection): $50,000

These fees are separate from IRCC government fees, police clearance certificates, medical exams, and other third-party expenses.

SUV Program fees are non-refundable. In the event the startup withdraws from the SUV program or discontinues participation in Genesis's services, no refunds will be issued, regardless of the stage of services rendered.

Startups selected for Phase 2 and Phase 3 of the Genesis SUV process will have access to the SUV Expert Fund and may be approved for a specific funding amount. Genesis does not provide any independent funding for operational or scaling purposes beyond this.

Once you have been selected to receive a Letter of Support, you must:

1. Submit final payment to Genesis.
‍
2. Prepare and submit your applications for both a temporary work permit and permanent residence to IRCC.
‍
3. Prepare to immigrate to Canada and operate your business from Newfoundland and Labrador.

No. Genesis provides business development services in connection with the SUV program but does not guarantee any specific outcome in the immigration process. Approval of permanent residency or work permits is at the discretion of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and is subject to their evaluation of the startup’s eligibility.

You do not need a work permit for the initial virtual programming, however all individuals on the Letter of Support considered essential will require a work permit to conduct business operations in Canada.

No. Once a company successfully completes the Genesis SUV Program and receives a Letter of Support, essential founders must apply for a temporary work permit and immigrate to Newfoundland and Labrador to work on their startup with Genesis through our 12-month membership program.

Yes. Your Letter of Support is valid for six months from the date it is issued. You must submit your complete permanent residence application to IRCC before this letter expires.

Genesis provides expert mentorship and guidance on the incorporation process. However, you are responsible for completing and submitting the necessary paperwork yourself. We will support and advise you as needed.