One of the most common mistakes in applying for Canada’s Start-Up Visa (SUV) is confusing a good idea with a business ready to operate. Many entrepreneurs believe a strong pitch or visually appealing presentation is enough. But few understand that this program is not designed to reward potential — it supports structured, operating, and scalable businesses ready to grow in Canada.
At Grupo Sineva, we’ve seen how often this misunderstanding results in rejections. The SUV is not a program for “starting something” in Canada. It’s a migration pathway for high-impact, high-growth startups with solid execution. In other words, a compelling pitch and a registered brand aren’t enough. Designated organizations — accelerators, incubators, or venture capital funds — expect a functioning business, defined team, clear tasks, a financial plan, basic market validation, and a path for growth in the Canadian ecosystem.
Grupo Sineva has reviewed numerous applications rejected for lacking these fundamentals. Teams with only a PowerPoint, no legal entity. Founders without a functional division. Business plans with no mention of the Canadian market. These all signal high risk and inexperience.
The good news? It’s avoidable. At Grupo Sineva, we approach the Start-Up Visa with a comprehensive strategy: business first, visa second. If a client only has an idea, we help them build a real business — register the company, develop a viable business plan for Canada, define the ideal team and roles, and prepare the documents a designated organization would take seriously.
