Canada Halts Start-Up Visa Intake Ahead of New Entrepreneur Immigration Pilot
Canada is reshaping its business immigration landscape as Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) moves to shut down key intake streams under the Start-Up Visa (SUV) Program, paving the way for a new entrepreneur-focused permanent residence pathway.
In an announcement made on December 19, IRCC confirmed that it is ending acceptance of new Start-Up Visa applications, while preparing for the launch of a new, more targeted pilot program for immigrant entrepreneurs.
End of Optional Work Permits for SUV Applicants
Effective immediately, IRCC will no longer accept applications for the optional work permit associated with the Start-Up Visa Program.
The only exception applies to individuals who:
- Are already inside Canada, and
- Are applying to extend an existing SUV work permit
New applicants outside Canada will no longer be eligible for this work permit option.
Final Deadline for Start-Up Visa Applications
IRCC has set a firm cut-off date for new SUV applications.
- New Start-Up Visa applications will stop being accepted after December 31 at 11:59 pm
- Applicants who already secured a valid commitment certificate from a designated organization issued in 2025 will still be allowed to apply
- These eligible applicants must submit their complete application no later than June 30, 2026
No new commitment certificates issued after 2025 will be considered under the current SUV framework.
Continued Pause on Self-Employed Persons Program
In addition to closing the SUV intake, IRCC confirmed that the Self-Employed Persons Program will remain paused until further notice.
This program has not accepted applications since April 30, 2024, and no timeline has been provided for its reopening.
Together, these closures signal a broader reset of Canada’s business and entrepreneur immigration programs.
Why Canada Is Making These Changes
The federal government cited several reasons for suspending these programs:
- A significant backlog of applications across business immigration streams
- Excessively long processing times, particularly under the Start-Up Visa Program
- The need for a more focused and efficient system to attract high-impact entrepreneurs
In 2025, government data revealed that some SUV applicants were facing processing timelines approaching ten years, raising serious concerns about the program’s viability and effectiveness.
New Entrepreneur Pilot Program Coming in 2026
IRCC confirmed that the current measures are part of a transition toward a new, targeted pilot program for immigrant entrepreneurs, expected to be announced sometime in 2026.
While specific eligibility criteria and program structure have not yet been released, the government has indicated that the new pilot will:
- Better align with Canada’s economic priorities
- Reduce application backlogs
- Support the country’s long-term Talent Attraction Strategy
This shift is also consistent with Canada’s latest Immigration Levels Plan, which places a stronger emphasis on strategic, skills-based immigration.
What This Means for Entrepreneurs
For prospective immigrant entrepreneurs, the changes mean:
- No new Start-Up Visa applications can be submitted after December 31
- Only applicants with valid 2025 commitment certificates have a limited window to apply
- Alternative immigration pathways should be explored while awaiting details of the new pilot
Entrepreneurs are advised to stay informed and prepare early for the upcoming program launch.
For a consultation about Immigration options, reach out to the CAD IMMIGRATION today!
