Canada closes its Start-Up Visa Program, i.e., Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced major changes to its business immigration programs. The government is pausing some existing programs to prepare for a new pilot aimed at immigrant entrepreneurs.
On December 19, IRCC said it will stop accepting applications for the optional work permit linked to the Start-Up Visa (SUV) Program. The only exception is for applicants who are already in Canada and are applying to extend their current SUV work permit.
IRCC also confirmed that it will stop accepting new Start-Up Visa applications after December 31 at 11:59 pm.
However, there is one exception. Applicants who received a valid commitment from a designated organization in 2025 but have not yet applied will still be allowed to submit their application. These applicants must apply no later than June 30, 2026.
At the same time, IRCC said it will continue the pause on the Self-Employed Persons Program. This program has been on hold since April 30, 2024, and will remain closed until further notice.
Plans For A New Entrepreneur Pilot
The federal government said these changes are part of a move toward a new and more focused pilot program for immigrant entrepreneurs.
IRCC said it will share details of the new pilot in 2026 and has not released any eligibility rules or timelines yet.
It is important to note that the Start-Up Visa Program faced strong criticism in 2025 due to very long processing times. A new government tool showed that some applicants could wait up to ten years to become permanent residents through the SUV Program.
According to IRCC, stopping new applications will help reduce the large backlog of business immigration files.
The government also said these steps support Canada’s Talent Attraction Strategy, which was outlined in the most recent Immigration Levels Plan. This strategy aims to bring skilled and innovative workers to Canada through better-designed programs.
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