Question 1

What is the difference between Canada's Start-Up Visa (SUV) and the US EB-5 Investor Visa?

Accepted Answer

Canada SUV (IRPR Section 98.1) grants direct Permanent Residency (PR) to innovative tech founders supported by a designated VC fund ($200k), Angel network ($75k), or Incubator, requiring no mandatory personal investment. The US EB-5 visa (INA 203(b)(5)) requires a minimum $800,000 USD investment in a US enterprise.

Question 2

How many co-founders can be included in a Canada Start-Up Visa application?

Accepted Answer

Up to 5 co-founders (and their immediate family members) can obtain Canadian Permanent Residence under a single Commitment Certificate issued by a designated organization.

Question 3

Is Canadian Permanent Residence guaranteed if the startup business fails?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Canadian Permanent Residency granted under the SUV program is unconditional. Even if the startup business later fails, your PR status is NOT revoked.

Feature	Canada Start-Up Visa (SUV)	US EB-5 Investor Visa
Statutory Code	IRPR Section 98.1	INA Section 203(b)(5)
Minimum Investment	$0 personal (Designated Entity support)	$800,000 USD (TEA) / $1.05M USD
PR / Green Card Status	Direct Unconditional PR	2-Year Conditional Green Card (I-829)
Co-Founders Allowed	Up to 5 Founders per Venture	1 Investor per Petition

Canada SUV vs US EB-5 Investor Visa

Investor & Founder Program Matcher

Statutory Program Comparison

Immigration Pathways