10 Key Reasons for Application Failures and How to Avoid Them

The Canadian SUV programme offers you the best opportunity to pursue your entrepreneurial dream. But the path from a brilliant idea to execution that works often comes with unanticipated blunders. With our extensive experience in guiding clients through the SUV process, we’ve identified critical points due to which applications fail. Master your start-up visa journey with us, here are the 10 reasons for application failures and how you can avoid them.

1. No engagement with professional and experienced SUV immigration and business consultants

It’s important to understand that obtaining a Letter of Support does not guarantee your PR approval. Many applicants find themselves in the role of ‘passive’ investors. They lack familiarity with their team members, any control over their investments, and insight into the progress of their business projects. This often leads them to place their fate in the hands of their PR, merely hoping for a positive outcome.

Additionally, employing an ‘intermediary agent’ to facilitate the SUV application can result in significantly higher service fees. Such agents merely introduce applicants to other parties who process their applications. This approach is a risk to the applicant, as it often leaves them without control or adequate information throughout the application journey, which can last up to 36 months. Therefore, direct engagement with knowledgeable consultants is essential to navigate this complex process effectively.

2. Team is not created but “matched”

The formation of a team is a critical component that is often not given the attention it deserves. Some agents merely ‘match’ team members from various agents and countries, without considering whether these individuals know each other or have complementary skills. This practice leads to skepticism and inquiries from visa officers during the peer review process.

Conversely, a genuinely effective team is ‘created’ with members who are familiar with each other, where each person has clearly defined roles and responsibilities. This approach ensures that the team not only works cohesively but also possesses a diverse set of skills that complement each other, thereby strengthening the overall application. Understanding the distinction between a ‘matched’ team and a ‘created’ team is essential for a successful SUV application.

3. No genuine intention

• The applicant is deemed to fail if you intend to get PR only!

Your SUV immigration consultant should advise you that your primary intention should be centered on actively creating, owning, and managing your start-up business in Canada. This approach is not just about fulfilling a formality; it’s about genuinely contributing to the Canadian economy by creating new job opportunities and driving economic benefits. A strong emphasis on these objectives demonstrates to the authorities that the applicant is committed to the spirit of the SUV program. This increases your chances of a successful application.

4. No innovative business idea

A crucial element of the SUV program is the requirement for an innovative business idea. Conventional business concepts like opening a café shop or engaging in a trading business in Canada, do not meet the criteria for an innovative SUV business. The program demands that your proposed business idea be both innovative and unique within the marketplace.

To meet this requirement, it’s often beneficial to seek the guidance of an experienced innovation consultant. Firms like John Hu Migration Consulting, known for their proven expertise and experience, can help you develop an innovative SUV business idea. Their role extends beyond just idea formation. They can assist you in preparing a comprehensive pitch deck, a critical tool in presenting your business concept effectively. This expert assistance can make a significant difference in ensuring that your business idea aligns with the innovation standards expected by the SUV program.

5. No viable business idea

Your application is also subject to peer review or rejection if the visa officer is not satisfied the applicant(s) has the relevant qualifications, work experience and skills set to perform the tasks and complete the project.

6. No scalable business idea

If you do not have a sound business model to generate enough sales revenue to grow and sustain your SUV business, then the visa officer will raise concern and questions in his peer review or Procedural Fairness Letter.

Your business plan must show your traction, revenue model, though you are not required to achieve certain sales/profits at the time of your PR decision.

7. Not enough funds available

For the Start-Up Visa program, it’s crucial that each team member or sole proprietor to have sufficient funds, both for capital investment in the business and for family settlement. Recent changes to the program now require proof of these capital investment funds at the time of application. It’s important to note that fixed assets, like property, do not qualify; the funds must be liquid cash in bank accounts.

Additionally, the amount of capital investment funds must be adequate to cover all project expenses, which can vary depending on the nature of the project. This requirement ensures that applicants have the necessary financial resources to successfully establish and maintain their business in Canada.

8. No active involvement

• Applicant is expected to own and manage actively the SUV business based upon his / her role and main duties.

The applicant must be actively involved in owning and managing their SUV business. This active involvement should be reflective of the applicant’s designated role and main duties within the business. It’s not just about being a nominal owner; the program expects genuine engagement and hands-on management from the applicant to ensure the success and growth of the business in Canada. This requirement underscores the importance of commitment and direct participation in the venture.

9. No project progress and no activity tracking

Currently, the visa officer will randomly ask for business progress and activity reports during your visa application process. Your application is deemed to fail if you are not making any progress and/or do not have your updated activities tracking report available at any time.

10. One fails all fail

The team is created not for the sole purpose of reducing investment!

Instead, it’s about genuine collaboration and commitment. Any lack of commitment, inadequate due diligence, or failure in health and police checks by any team member can significantly increase the risk of visa application rejection. Moreover, issues with team composition can also lead to unfavorable outcomes.

Summary

Success in the Start-Up Visa program requires more than just a basic application. It demands a comprehensive and strategic approach. Engaging experienced SUV immigration consultants is essential, as is forming a genuinely collaborative team with a clear understanding of their roles. The applicant must demonstrate a real intention to contribute to the Canadian economy, not just a desire for PR. An innovative and unique business idea is crucial, and sufficient capital investment and settlement funds are mandatory. Active involvement in the business is expected from the applicant. The principle of ‘One fails, all fail’ underscores the importance of each team member’s commitment and reliability. Adhering to these key elements increases the likelihood of a successful application, reflecting the program’s aim to attract dedicated, innovative entrepreneurs to Canada.Top of Form