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Start-up Visa Program Ends as Canada Plans New Entrepreneur Route to PR
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced a major shift in its business immigration strategy as it prepares to introduce a new pilot program for immigrant entrepreneurs.
In an update released on December 19, IRCC confirmed that it will no longer accept applications for the optional work permit linked to the Start-Up Visa (SUV) Program. The only exception will be for applicants who are already in Canada and are applying to extend their existing SUV work permit.
In addition, IRCC stated that it will stop accepting new Start-Up Visa applications effective December 31 at 11:59 pm. This decision marks a significant pause in one of Canada’s most well-known entrepreneur immigration pathways.
However, certain applicants will still be allowed to apply under limited conditions. Individuals who have already received a valid commitment from a designated organization in 2025 but have not yet submitted their application will be exempt from the cutoff. These applicants must submit their Start-Up Visa application no later than June 30, 2026.
IRCC also announced that the pause on the Self-Employed Persons Program will continue until further notice. This program has remained closed to new applications since April 30, 2024, and no timeline has been provided for its reopening.
Transition to a New Entrepreneur Pilot
According to the federal government, these changes are part of a broader transition toward a “new, targeted pilot program for immigrant entrepreneurs.” While IRCC has confirmed that a replacement pathway is in development, detailed information about the new pilot is expected to be released in 2026.
The Start-Up Visa Program has faced growing criticism over the past year, particularly due to lengthy processing times. Data from a processing-time calculation tool introduced earlier this year revealed that some SUV applicants were facing wait times of up to ten years to obtain permanent residence.
IRCC acknowledged that the recent measures are intended, in part, to reduce the growing inventory of applications across Canada’s business immigration programs. By pausing intake, the department aims to manage backlogs more effectively and redesign the entrepreneur immigration framework.
The government also noted that these decisions align with Canada’s broader Talent Attraction Strategy, which was outlined in the most recent Immigration Levels Plan. The strategy focuses on attracting high-impact talent while ensuring immigration programs remain efficient and responsive to economic needs.
CIN will continue to monitor developments and share updates as more details about Canada’s upcoming entrepreneur pilot program are released.